“Maybe not, but Lilith will, and I don’t want to disappoint her.”
She was concerned about what my grandmother thought. Good God, I loved her even more for that.
“Okay, so we get married right after graduation.”
“Something small. Just family and friends. I mean, I don’t really have any friends besides Mollie and my other roommates, but I’d like to keep it small anyway.”
“Did you want to talk to Mom about helping to plan it?”
She nodded. “Is there a special place on the ranch you’d like to get married?”
I thought for a moment and smiled. “There is.”
“Will you show it to me?”
“Before we leave, I’ll show you.”
“Why is it special?”
“It’s where my father asked my mother to marry him. They got married there, too, and…well…let me just show you, and I’ll tell you the history of the place.”
“Oh, Ladd, I love that.”
Looking past her, I said, “We’d better go help clean up before my brother says I’m trying to get out of work.”
Vivianne took my hand in hers and we walked over to where my family and neighbors were standing. My mother got everyone’s attention.
“We’re going to let this go for now. I’ve already asked enough of everyone on Christmas, so you should all go and enjoy the rest of your day. Anyone who wants to help tomorrow, we’ll meet back up, let’s say around nine, and begin cleaning up.”
Jason and Mike let out a whoop and were gone before I could take my next breath.
Turning to look at Vivianne, I smiled. “We could go take a look now if you want.”
She bounced on her toes. “Yes!”
“We need our coats, hats, and gloves. Be sure to wear your boots, we have to walk through the snow a bit.”
“Sounds good.”
I told my parents where Vivianne and I were going, and they both grinned. I didn’t even have to tell them why; they seemed to understand. Once in the truck, it was a few-minutes drive.
“It’s so beautiful here. I can’t imagine what it looks like during the other seasons.”
“Fall is my favorite time of year. The red, orange, and yellow leaves seem to make the ranch look like an entirely different place.”
As we drove, she looked out the window. I could tell her mind was spinning, but I decided to leave her be with her thoughts until we got to where I wanted to go.
I parked on the road and turned off the truck. “Are you ready for a walk? It’s not too far, but we’ll have to go uphill a bit. There’s normally a trail here, but obviously the snow has covered it.”
“I don’t mind a hike through the snow—especially on Christmas Day!”
As we got out, I said wryly, “We should have worn snowshoes.”
Vivianne giggled while taking my offered hand. We started up the slope in silence.
“Ladd, do you think your mother and grandmother will let me be part of the Christmas Day event from now on?”
“Of course. Mom already said you were a huge help this week.”
