This time, when their eyes met, Caleb was the one who answered. “I’ll talk to my dad. If he gives the okay, we’ll make it happen. But don’t expect to be allowed in the barn.”
“Right. The barn is off-limits. Believe me, I know.” She chuckled to show that she wasn’t trying to be as sarcastic as her words sounded. “I mean, it’s well known with the crew.”
A child’s panicked scream pierced the air, sending an icy chill down Natasha’s spine.
All three of them turned at once towards the sound. A flock of birds flew out of the forest, squawking and screeching. The reindeer herd parted, making it possible to see the tree line.
A reindeer harnessed to a sleigh burst into the clearing, going much too fast. The reindeer’s eyes were wide with fright. Dale bellowed, and the running reindeer changed direction, lifting the sleigh onto one runner.
In the back of the sleigh, Raelynn clung to the side and screamed for all she was worth.
“Raelynn!” Natasha yelled in fright. The girl was terrified, her hands frozen in place. She couldn’t have grabbed at the flapping reins if Natasha had been able to tell her what to do.
“Whoa!” Caleb stepped forward, his arm out. He began running toward the crazed animal. His approach spooked the reindeer even more, and she headed back for the trees.
“She’s out of control,” yelled Faith.
They were fifteen feet from the trees when another reindeer swooped out of the sky. On his back was Jack, his cowboy hat low and his face set in determination. He was prominent in the chest, and his antlers were magnificent. His hooves touched the snow, and he charged forward, his mighty back feet chewing up the distance and overtaking the sleigh.
Natasha gasped, hugging her phone to her chest; she prayed for his safety.
He rode as if he and the reindeer were one. Both were part of nature and masters of their movements—entirely in control when the whole world had gone crazy.
Jack leaned precariously to the side and grabbed the reins, pulling back to slow the frightened animal. The giant reindeer snorted what sounded like a command to get it together, and the other reindeer slowed and then stopped. Jack dismounted and was at the sleigh, scooping up the sobbing child and holding her close.
Caleb and Faith took off, running toward them. Not wanting to miss a moment of this, Natasha did the same. She arrived with her breath puffing out of her like a cloud machine.
“Nanny scared Cocoa, and he started running. I told him to stop!” Raelynn wailed. She’d wrapped her arms and her legs around Jack.
“It’s okay. It’s okay.” Jack rubbed her back.
Natasha stared at him in awe at what he’d just done. He rode a reindeer! “Where did you come from?”
Jack glanced at his twin and grimaced. “Dunder and I were just leaving the indoor arena when I heard her scream.”
Natasha spun in the direction of the arena. It was at least a mile away. “But it’s way over there. How…?” She looked at Dunder, who wasn’t even breathing hard while she was in a fog machine.
“He’s fast.” Caleb patted Dunder’s shoulder fondly.
Natasha finally looked at the reindeer, really looked. He was Santa’s bag of toys and a whole lot more. “He’s magnificent,” she whispered. His eyes were all-knowing, and his presence was commanding.
“Don’t tell him that; he’ll get a big head,” Faith nudged Dunder affectionately. He playfully nudged her back with his antler:Like you’re one to talk Miss Vet School.
Jack walked a few feet away and murmured to Raelynn. Her tears had stopped, and she snuggled comfortably into his big, strong arms.
Natasha approached Dunder. He stood still, as ifhedidn’t want to startleher. He was large enough to trample her, and those antlers could take down an airplane, yet he was gentle and kind—but no-nonsense.
She reached out a hand and brushed it down his neck. Warmth spread up her arm and throughout her body. He looked at her out of the corner of his eyes. “May I?” she held a hand up to his antler. He dipped his nose, and she brushed her fingers over the rough surface. So many questions filled her head, but after insulting one reindeer, she’d hold them until they were back at the house. “Dunder?” she asked if that was his name, speaking to a reindeer for the first time.
He leaned into her touch:Yes.
“That’s quite the name. It sounds like Thunder.”
He stomped one back foot, and the ground shivered beneath her feet. “Whoa.” She rubbed his neck a little harder.
He leaned into her affection:That’s the spot.
“I’m going to look for Drake,” Caleb glanced at Faith.
