“It wasn’t me. It was Snowflake.” He nodded to the furry face; Snowflake looked quite pleased with herself.
Mitzi grabbed her cheeks and planted a kiss on Snowflake’s face, right between her eyes. Snowflake sneezed, and they all laughed. She reached for Billy and he landed in her arms, hugging her tight.
“How did you …?” she asked Billy.
“We flew, Mom.”
She hugged him tighter and mouthedthank youagain to Forest. He grinned and rubbed Billy’s head.
The sound of rocks and ice and snow falling behind them caused them all to turn around. Dunder was at the bottom of the trail as Ely came through. He looked like he’d been in a schoolyard scuffle with his hat askew and his clothing rumpled. The Nicholas brothers were perfectly put together.
Mitzi walked over and put her hand on Dunder’s back. “Did you rough him up a bit?” she teased.
He snorted.Just enough.
A giggle escaped her—which built into a belly laugh. It was one thing to think Snowflake could talk, but to have another reindeer do so was too much.
Dunder looked at her with understanding. He nudged her gently—toward Forest.Don’t let him get away.
She gave him a look. “Oh, so you’re a matchmaker too?”
He shook his head.I just call ’em like see ’em.
He turned and lowered his head at Ely, using his great big—and sharp—antlers as incentive for him to stay put. Ely hung his head, defeated. Pax called the sheriff.
Billy tugged at her coat. “Are you mad at me?”
Mitzi swept down and wrapped her arms around him. “No. Why do you think that?”
“Because you got mad when I said Snowflake can fly.”
Mitzi looked back and forth between the two reindeer. She shook her head in amazement. “Who am I to say if she can fly or not?” She shrugged.
Billy smiled.
“Hey, Billy,” called Jack. “Come help me, will you?”
Billy scampered off.
Mitzi stood up, brushing her hands off. “I’m going to hurt tomorrow,” she said to Forest.
He was watching her intently. “Why didn’t you correct him?”
She glanced down. “You were right. Childhood is precious. He almost lost his tonight—I, I can’t keep him little forever, but as his mom, I should protect his innocence.” She looked around at the bright lights and video cameras. “Not that this is good for him.”
Forest touched her arm. “You did amazing. Scared the pumpkin pie out of me, but you did amazing.”
She smiled. “I think we can put some of that pumpkin pie back in you—after all, tomorrow is Christmas Eve.”
He smiled. “Yeah? I mean—I won’t say no.”
She laughed. “What about your brothers? Do they need a place to eat dinner?”
His smile faded. “They’re going back tonight. It’s best if we get Dunder back to the ranch before Ely has a chance to tell his story.”
She frowned. “Snowflake too, right?”
He nodded. “I’m so sorry.”
