(sorry to take so long getting chapter 2 posted. I'll be home all next week so I should be able to be more timely with the chapters.)
Chapter 2
A dappled horse with sleigh bells on his harness turned and whinnied softly as we approached. “Meet Bell, she is saying hello to you.” So he was a she and I reached out and caressed that soft nose. Taking my hand Taylor helped me into the sleigh then took a blanket and placed it over my lap. Reaching behind me he produced an umbrella and popped it opened, handed it to me saying, “To keep you from looking like a snowman.”
Climbing in beside me and with a flick of the reins we were off to find my perfect tree. We glided along with only the sounds of the music, the jingle of the bells and the soft whishing sound of the sleigh blades through the snow. Turning to look at me he smiled and said, “May I ask your name pretty lady?”
“Carrie…Carrie Harrison. It’s nice to meet you Taylor.” I replied. He laughed and said, “Taylor is my last name. You can call me Thad.”
“Alright, Thad it is.”
For a few minutes he was quiet and glancing at him he appeared in deep thought. Then without looking at me he spoke softly, “Are you married? Spoken for? Or maybe I shouldn’t be asking…”
“Neither.” I said. “And you may ask as I was wondering the same about you.”
“Neither.” He said in almost a whisper. We lapsed into silence. The pain in his voice was evident and I think neither of us knew how to proceed.
Slowing his horse to a walk we began meandering among the evergreens. Then coming to a stop he said, “I’d like to show you a special tree.” Helping me down he took my hand and we walked into the forest of trees.
Footprints in the snow led in all directions where people had wandered here and there in their searching. But Thad cut off from the main trail and the trees became dense as he held back branches for me to weave through. Pushing back more branches we were facing a small clearing and in the middle of it stood the most perfect Christmas tree I’d ever seen.
“I’ve been saving this tree for someone special.” He said quietly. I didn’t know what to say and besides, a lump formed in my throat that no words could get around.
Finally I could speak again; “Why me? Why would you think I’m special? You don’t even know me.”
“You’re right, I don’t, not who you are anyway. But I know what you are. I knew it the minute I looked in your eyes…the window to the soul. The woman you are shows in your eyes for the right man to see. And as presumptuous as it may sound, I believe I’m that right man.”
It ended more like a question than a statement…a holding your breath kind of question. Yet didn’t I feel the same thing when I looked at him? Yes. But could I trust my judgment, my instincts? Hadn’t I screwed up so royally before when I thought I had read good intentions in a man’s eyes?
To be continued…
Copyright blbadgley
11/30/08
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