Nat turned her attention back to the group.
“How’s he do at high altitudes?” Ginger asked while giving Rudy the once over. She picked up one of his hooves and then the other, inspecting them.
“We’ve had him up there alone, and he does fine,” replied Drake.
“We haven’t harnessed him with another reindeer, though. We don’t have one who can match his stride.” Caleb looked nervous.
Rudy glared at him.Play it cool, bro.
“Sorry, bud. I have to be honest. This is the big leagues,” Caleb rubbed Rudy’s back.
I can do it. I’m ready.
“That’s good enough for me.” Ginger retrieved a pretty red purse from the seat. She went inside and found a set of leather reins. “We’ll put him out front tonight. Rudy, will you guide my sleigh tonight?”
Rudy’s jaw dropped. He recovered quickly, puffing his chest out:It would be an honor.
Caleb and Jack made short work of hooking Rudy up to the front of the reindeer. Faith was lifting hooves and checking vitals on the fliers as if this were an impromptu vet clinic. Forest, Mitzi, and Billy sat in the sleigh. Billy stood at the front, pretending to fly it. Pax talked to Joseph as they checked the sleigh for any loose parts.
“Grandpa should be here any minute. And we need to get going.” Ginger climbed into the sleigh, and the family climbed out. Everyone seemed to know their place and what to do. Natasha stepped back, feeling like she was in the way. Between the moving bodies, she saw Ginger handing something to Jack. When the crowd parted, and she saw him again, he wasn’t holding anything. Maybe she’d imagined it.
“Thank you. The Wranglers have saved Christmas once again.” Ginger lifted the reins. Joseph stood next to her, one hand bracing on the rail and the other on the small of her back. “On Rudy!” She snapped the reins.
Rudy lunged forward. The other reindeer moved as one, a second behind him. He tripped as the sleigh moved but quickly recovered.
“His gate is off,” Drake moaned.
Jack cupped his hands around his mouth. “Here comes Santa Claus. Here comes Santa Claus,” he sang loudly. The other wranglers joined in, and soon they were all singing. Rudy’s feet hit the beat, and he fell in sync with the rest of the reindeer.
Natasha cheered, throwing her arms over her head in triumph. “He’s doing it!”
“Merry Christmas!” called Ginger as the sleigh disappeared in the clouds, a red light visible in front, and then it was gone.
Natasha sighed happily.
“Ho Ho Ho!” boomed a Santa voice. They all whipped around in time to see the quintessential Santa land a smaller sleigh with one gray-haired, panting reindeer.
“Clearance.” Jack hurried over. “Glad you could make it.”
Clearance chuckled, his belly bouncing like a bowl full of jelly. “I’m ready for my close-up.” He smiled widely as he struck a pose.
Natasha’s brain did a reset, and she bolted to the side of the sleigh. “You’re here for the movie?”
He hooked his thumb at Jack. “This guy called—said you needed a Santa, the real deal.”
“I do. We do!” She pulled out her cell phone. “Jennifer! Donotsend anyone home. I have a Santa. I repeat, I have a Santa!” She hung up before Jennifer could protest. “Let’s get you on set.”
Faith stepped forward and took the harnesses while Clearance stepped out. He’d have to use Bogart and the sleigh the production company provided. “We’ll stay with Comet.” She looked him over. “When was the last time you had a checkup?”
Comet dropped his chin:It’s been a while.
“Uh-huh. Do I detect arthritis in that hip?” she continued questioning him as she led him over to the truck where her vet supplies waited. Caleb waved, indicating he’d stay with them.
Clearance approached the reindeer at the front of the movie sleigh. “Well, aren’t you a strong fella?” He turned to Sparkle. “And you’re stunning, my dear.”
Sparkle blushed, ducking her head like a teenage girl.
Natasha wanted to laugh. She wanted to dance and laugh and sing.
