Guess I’ll find out tonight.
Not thinking too much about the job offer, I hit my to-do list hard. I check items off one by one, and soon all my clothes are clean and nicely folded, the apartment is clean and shiny, and Powerfluff is worn out from playing and napping.
That means it’s time to get ready. After a quick shower, I search my closet for what to wear. Comfortable, with a change of clothes? What does he have planned?
I put on jeans and a soft sweater. That’s comfy and casual. I also pack a nicer outfit in my backpack just in case I need something a little different. As I’m applying the last touches of mascara, my phone pings. It’s a text from John.
John:I’m outside. Ready for an adventure?
So ready. I shimmy my shoulders and double-check Powerfluff’s water bowl and food. “Be good. I’ll be back later.”
I grab my coat, hat, scarf, and gloves in case we’ll be doing something outside.
“Love you.” I blow her a kiss, grab my bag, and head out of my apartment.
Outside, John is standing by his car, looking handsome in a casual button-down, jeans, and a puffy jacket. His face lights up when he sees me, and butterflies take flight in my stomach.
He opens the passenger door for me, and I slide into the seat, appreciating his manners. “Where are we going?”
John shakes his head. “You’ll see.”
Soon, we’re driving out of the city to the open countryside. The roads are plowed, but snow covers everything else. The tree branches are laden with white, so much it almost looks fake. I’venever been out this way, and I can’t imagine where we’re going. “Are you taking me to Narnia?”
He laughs. “We’d need a wardrobe to go there.”
“True, but the wintry landscape gives off those vibes.”
Just as I’m about to ask about the surprise again, John turns off onto a narrow road that’s not plowed. His SUV easily handles the snow, but we hit a few bumps and divots in the road.
I hold on to the armrests. “You did say this would be an adventure.”
“Yes, though I was told the road had been cleared.”
That surprises me given the amount of snow. “I wonder what it was like before they cleared it.”
We bump along for a few minutes before emerging into a clearing. In a snow-covered field sits a horse-drawn sleigh. The horse is a gorgeous chestnut color with white on its nose.
I gasp. “Are you serious?”
“Surprise.” His grin lights up his face. “I thought this would be fun.”
I’m speechless, overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness of the gesture. He opens my car door and helps me out. The cold air nips at my face, but I don’t care if it starts snowing. I’m so excited to go on a sleigh ride with a real horse in snow. The closest thing I’ve ever done was a hayride drawn by a tractor at a pumpkin farm before Halloween.
As we approach the sleigh, a cheerful man in a thick winter coat greets us with a big smile and a wave. “Evening, folks. Ready for your ride?”
I can’t scramble onto the sled fast enough. Laughing, John sits next to me, placing his arm around me. “I don’t want you to get cold.”
“That’s what these are for.” The man hands us thick wool blankets. “But you’re not the first person to use that excuse to cuddle closer, and I’m sure you won’t be the last.”
I cover our laps and legs, then glance at John. “Leave your arm around me. That way, I’ll stay even warmer. And it’s cozier this way.”
“I’m all for warm and cozy.” He pulls me closer.
We glide through a winter wonderland. Everything is covered in pristine white snow, and I truly think I’ve been transported to Narnia—no wardrobe required. The silence is profound, broken only by the soft jingle of the horse’s bells. Lanterns hang off the sleigh, so as the sky darkens, we can still see around us. The soft light only makes the ride even more romantic.
“Thank you.” The words aren’t enough to express my gratitude. I turn toward John and kiss him. His lips are cold, but so are mine. The contact, however, warms me up.
“I should thank you for that kiss.”
