One Tough Christmas Cookie - Lucy McConnell Page 0,92
work. He snuck out the door while Dad went back to strategizing over how to find Snowflake. At least she was out of Yellowstone now—hopefully, the news coverage would die down without any more sightings.
He wandered into Dunder’s stall. “How do you feel about a real sleigh ride today, old man?”
Dunder perked up, his mouth full of oats that dribbled to the floor in surprise.
Caleb pulled out the ring and showed the reindeer. “I have an important question to ask Faith, and I’d like a smooth ride.”
The reindeer huffed as if all this romance was beneath him. But he sauntered past Caleb, clearly pleased to be chosen to be part of this momentous occasion.
Rudy bellowed from his stall, clearly upset that he wasn’t asked along.
Caleb went over and rubbed his nose. “I’m sorry. But you’re not trained on the sled yet. I promise we’ll start working with it right after New Year.”
Rudy frowned but conceded to Dunder’s abilities.
“We’ll get you to the North Pole yet,” Caleb promised. He had no trouble making the offer, considering Rudy’s progress.
Once he’d pacified Rudy’s ego, Caleb made short work of harnessing Dunder to the flying sleigh, gathering the bricks and blanket, and checking his pocket at least twenty times to make sure he hadn’t dropped the ring. They pulled out of the barn, the sunlight gleaming off the runners. This sleigh was built lighter than the others, made of pine instead of maple or cedar. It was painted light blue to blend in with the sky but had the family crest across the back.
He picked up the reins, threading them through his gloves. “Let’s keep it on the ground so we can cut through town, okay?” Dunder nodded, and Caleb flicked the reins. His heart surged forward as the reindeer leaned into the harness and they sped across the snow; it called for Faith as if she were its missing half. In a way, she was, because he didn’t think his heart truly beat unless she was in his arms.
The urge to fly over town was almost too much to fight. Thankfully, Dunder had a fast clip going and they were able to make good time. Caleb couldn’t wait one more minute to hold Faith.
Chapter 37
Faith
Faith stared at the overstuffed stockings hung by the chimney with care. There was no way Dad had time or the ability to get to the store and purchase all these goodies. Santa had stopped here. She giggled. The real and true Santa. Reaching out, she brushed her fingers over the fur. How crazy was it that she knew Santa was real now, and when she was twelve she’d stopped believing. What a fool she’d been.
Besides the stuffed stockings, there were gifts under the tree and a special note to Dad from Santa. The envelope was sealed, and though she was itching with curiosity, she didn’t dare open it.
She and Caleb had pulled in late last night. Then they’d had a long kiss goodbye before he’d driven back to the ranch and she’d come inside. By then, Dad had been asleep, probably helped by a painkiller, because he’d slept through her banging her suitcase through the door and rolling it down the hallway.
Tiptoeing, she put a box of cereal, a quart of milk, and two bowls and spoons on a cookie tray and headed for his room. It wasn’t a big Christmas breakfast, but the cereal had oats, which were supposed to be heart healthy. Besides, they were going to the Nichollases’ for an early dinner that night, so she didn’t want to load up on breakfast.
Walking into Dad’s room was like walking through a shroud of sadness. He must have been really upset when he’d gone to sleep last night for the feeling to linger this long. She set the tray on his dresser. Wanting to banish the darkness, she threw the curtains open and let the blinding sun bounce off the fresh snow and into the room.
Dad grumbled, throwing his arm over his face. “Gah!”
“Merry Christmas!” Faith bounced on the end of his bed, careful not to jostle him.
“Faith?” His arm fell away, and his eyes filled with tears. “My sweet girl.” He reached for her, and she moved quickly into his welcoming hug. “I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry for everything. I do believe in you. You’re a better veterinarian than I am and—”