Page 63 of Unexpected Gifts
She reached across the seat and took his free hand. “You are.”
They rounded a bend, and Murphy’s Farm appeared. Every inch of the farmhouse and barn were covered in lights. A Nativity scene near the barn had lifelike figures and softly glowing lanterns.
“It looks so real. Do they do this every year?” Abby asked.
“Yep. People drive from all over to see it.”
“We should have brought the kids.”
“This isn’t actually our destination,” Luke said. “But yes, we can bring the kids out here sometime before Christmas. Speaking of which, how was Sophie today?”
“She seemed fine. I think she just had a sad day yesterday,” Abby said. “It’s hard to tell with her because she’s so quiet. Yesterday, all I got were one-word answers.”
“That’s tricky, isn’t it?”
“As is so much of parenting, I’m discovering. I just want her to enjoy being a kid, but instead, I’m afraid she’s weighed down with grief.”
“And there’s not much you can do about it other than love her,” Luke said.
He turned right onto a dirt road lined with tall pines. On either side, vast fields of untouched snow glowed in the moonlight. Not long thereafter, he turned onto a narrower lane, its path marked by lanterns hanging from shepherd’s hooks. Ahead, the silhouette of the old barn came into view. He pulled the truck to a stop in a small clearing where strings of lights had been woven through the trees.
“We’re here,” Luke announced, turning off the engine.
Abby looked around, curiosity evident in her expression. “Where exactly is ‘here’?”
He grinned, stepping out of the truck and moving quickly to her side to open the door. “You’ll see.”
She took his offered hand, and they walked down a short path lined with more lanterns toward the sound of jingling bells. Seconds later, they emerged into an open area where a sleigh awaited, hitched to two beautiful horses with coats as dark as midnight. A driver dressed in Victorian attire waited by the horses.
“What is this?” Abby asked. “Something out of a Dickens novel?”
“I thought you might enjoy a sleigh ride. Am I right, madam?” Luke bowed to match his formal tone.
Abby curtsied. “I don’t mind if I do, kind sir.”
The driver tipped his top hat in greeting. “Good evening, Mr. Hayes. Dr. Parker. I’m Samuel, your driver for the evening. Fine night for a ride, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it’s wonderful. Magical,” Abby said under her breath.
“I ordered the full moon just for you,” Samuel said.
“Thank you for that,” Luke said, laughing.
“I hope you’re hungry. Mia’s fixed a feast,” Samuel said.
“Dinner? In a sleigh?” Abby asked.
“Not in the sleigh,” Samuel said. “Dr. Parker, you’re in for a treat. For now, just sit back and relax.”
Luke helped her onto the seat, ensuring she was wrapped snugly in blankets before settling in beside her. Samuel gave a gentle command, and the horses moved forward, the sleigh gliding smoothly over the snow, a rhythmic sound of the bells and the horses' hooves adding to the atmosphere.
The path took them through a grove of evergreen trees, their branches forming a natural canopy overhead. Luke placed an arm around Abby, pulling her a little closer. The steady rhythm of the horses’ hooves soothed any nerves he might have. Their breath misted in the cold air as they trotted down the snow-packed path, leading them deeper into the wintry woods. Snow-laden boughs glistened in the moonlight. An owl hooted. One of the horses whinnied in response.
Abby was a vision, with her hair cascading over her shoulders in loose waves. Before she’d donned her wool coat, he’d caught a glimpse of her in a sweater dress that flattered her tall, slender frame.
“Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?” Luke asked.
“Thank you. I ordered this dress online before I left California. I was pleased to see it fit.”