Louanne jumped and grabbed at her heart. She gave Mitzi a stern look, but not even her sour expression could sour Mitzi’s mood. The window went down several inches, and Mitzi shoved the red envelope through. “Merry Christmas.”
Louanne felt the envelop to see how thick it was.
Mitzi smiled. “You’re welcome to count it.” She held up the bread, and Louanne lowered the window another inch. “I baked this for you. I hope you have a wonderful holiday.”
The look on Louanne’s face was priceless. “Youbakedfor me?”
Mitzi tugged at the bottom of her scarf. “I did. I hope you like it.”
Louanne sniffed as if she expected to smell rotten apples. “It’s … not … horrible.”
Mitzi laughed. “That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”
Louanne chuckled, and a look of humility came over her. “Thank you. Merry Christmas to you too.”
Mitzi stepped back as the window went up. She watched Louanne navigate the turn to head up the lane. Her heart was warm with kindness—which was a big deal after all that she’d gone through with Ely the night before. He was out on bail, released into Carla’s custody. Carla said she intended having a small family Christmas with lots of Bible time and a possible come-to-Jesus conversation—depending on how humble Ely felt.
Mitzi wished them both luck. Other consequences would come for Ely, but she’d decided to let God and the courts measure out justice. Besides, Christmas was a time for forgiveness and remembering the Savior.
She gave one last wave to Louanne before returning to Forest and Billy, who waited patiently.
Forest welcomed her into his arms. “You okay?” Mitzi had told him about Louanne and the harassment in their long conversation in front of the Christmas tree last night. They’d talked and talked until she’d fallen asleep. It was one of the best nights of her life, and she looked forward to many more of them.
Mitzi smiled up at him. “Everything’s perfect.”
He grinned. “Then if you’ll step this way, your sleigh awaits.” He led her to the edge of the property and then down a trail that had been stomped into the snow. Billy ran ahead, too excited to wait for the old folks.
In a few more steps, she saw the sleigh she and Forest had fixed up—with the board to brace the side panel and the green velvet seat. He’d draped pine swags along the sides and added red bows. It was beautiful in the waning light. At the front, harnessed and pawing the ground, Snowflake urged them to get a move on.I’ve been waiting forever.She stomped her front foot.Can we get going already?
Billy jumped in and scooted to the side. “Come on, Mom. You sit here.” He patted the seat.
Mitzi eyed Snowflake. “You sure she can pull all of us?”
Snowflake snorted.I work out, you know.
“Hey, I’m just asking.”
Forest climbed in after her and took up the leather reins. Thankfully, there was an extra set in the trailer his brothers had brought with them. They’d had the harness too, just no sleigh. So things worked out nicely when they needed them to—almost like someone was looking out for them. That was how things worked for his family, if she remembered right. They always seemed to find a way.
He sat next to Mitzi and lifted the reins. “Okay, we’re off to North Dakota.”
Mitzi smiled. He looked dashing in his Santa suit. She snuggled into his side, and Billy snuggled into hers.
With a flick of the leather, he called, “Giddyup.”
The runners squeaked against the snow. Snowflake dug her hooves in and kept her chin high. The stubborn reindeer wouldn’t so much as groan as she worked to get them started. They quickly began to slide in earnest. Mitzi grabbed on to Forest’s arm, slightly alarmed at the speed at which Snowflake accelerated. The wind whipped through her hair. It was crisp and cold, but she was happy. She laughed with joy. “This is fun.”
“Just wait,” Forest called out, his deep voice ringing through the trees. He flicked the reins again. “On, Snowflake!”
Billy giggled in anticipation.
Snowflake took one giant leap and was off the ground. Mitzi squealed and closed her eyes, grabbing on to Forest.
“Look, Mom!” Billy yelled.
Mitzi opened her eyes and her head spun as trees whipped past them, the sound of boughs scraping the wood loud and crashing in her ears.
Forest laughed.
