She put her hand on his arm. “No. I understand now. It’s not safe for her out here.” She paused for emphasis. “I mean … a flying reindeer—the whole world will come looking for her.”
Forest eyed her. “Are you being sarcastic?”
She rubbed her frozen lips together. “I’m choosing to have more magic in my life.” Maybe it was really that simple. Making the choice to believe—to live in a world where Santa smelled like gingersnaps and the reindeer in her barn could fly. “I don’t know how she and Billy survived that fall.” She lifted her shoulders. “I mean, flying is one plausible explanation, isn’t it?”
“Oh, totally.” He put his arm around her and steered her toward his truck. “And what about love—is that plausible too?”
She lightly punched his side. “I think so. You know, if the right guy came along.”
“What if he wasn’t just any guy? What if he was a wrangler?”
She glanced up at him from lowered lashes. “If it’s the kind of wrangler who cooks dinner, then I think he’d have a shot.”
He chuckled, and she leaned in to hear the deep sound.
Sirens filled the night air, and their quiet moment was broken. She gave him a longing look as red and blue lights began to flash.
They needed to finish this conversation, but now was not the time. With a sigh, she turned to face the police and all their questions. She only hoped they believed what happened here tonight. Because it was kind of unbelievable. But in her heart, she knew.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Forest buckled the last strap of Snowflake’s harness. He’d had a talk with his dad, and they’d decided she should stay the night—as long as she promised to get home as fast as possible when the time came. She’d agreed to everything and even looked pleased with herself.
Forest didn’t trust her any further than he could throw a hula hoop in the air. But he wanted to stay, so he didn’t question her motives.
Tonight was a very big night for the girl. He ran his black glove down the front of the classic velvet red suit with the white fur trim. It was a big night for all of them.
Snowflake leaned down and wiggled her shoulders. The leather straps fit a little tighter than they had a year ago, but one look from her was enough to let Forest know he shouldn’t mention it. She closed her eyes for a moment and then opened them again.It’ll do for now, she said.
He glanced at Billy. “You think she’d ready?”
He lifted a mitten. “She did all the exercises.”
“True.” Forest pondered the morning’s workout. Snowflake had flown—her old speed was coming back to her. She managed to weave between trees and under low-hanging branches without trouble. If anything, the year she’d spent on the ground had helped her gain more discipline.
“Do you think Mom is ready?” Billy asked.
Forest stomped his black boots to keep the circulation flowing in his cold feet. He was scheduled to play the part of Old Saint Nick for his hometown parade, bringing up the rear in the annual Christmas Eve parade. If they didn’t get going, one of his brothers would have to fill in.
He put his hand on the boy’s back. “I hope so. I really do.” So much was riding on this Christmas Eve that his hands shook as they approached the back door. Billy did his best to match his stride with Forest’s. Forest pulled open the screen door and then pushed in the wooden one.
Mitzi was at the stove, stirring a pot of hot chocolate. She wore a pair of jeans that had sparkling thread on the pockets. They drew the eye, and he had to remind himself that staring wasn’t the gentlemanly thing to do.
She faced them quickly, her face lighting up in the process. Man, he loved that she did that for him. And he loved even more that he was the reason she brightened. If he could spend every day of his life making her smile like that, he’d be a lucky man.
“Well, look at you!” She grabbed the air in front of her belly. “Ho Ho Ho.”
He chuckled. “Do you like it?” He opened his arms wide and spun around, showing off.
Mitzi shook her head in amazement as she moved to stand closer to him. “I love it. You look so handsome.”
He swatted at a stray piece of white hair that tickled his chin. “The beard itches.”
She nodded. “I’d expect so.” She reached up and smoothed it into place, then pecked him on the lips. “Hopefully that will hold it.”
He wanted to hold her. But there was an honorary elf standing next to him who danced like he needed to visit the restroom. Forest settled for cupping her elbow and giving her a kiss on the cheek. She leaned into him, savoring every last moment. When he pulled back, her eyes were closed and she was smiling.
After a second, she came to herself. “Hey! Did you guys get everything done out there?”
