Page 8 of Sleigh Me Baby

After Celeste told me everything that happened with her and Eull we decided to take a trip to Helen, the town we’re staying in. We needed warmer jackets if we were going to make it the next four days up here. I definitely didn’t think it was going to get down into the low twenties and my measly Florida winter clothes aren’t cutting it. We are able to find some jackets and then find a cute cafe that specializes in German pastries and hot drinks.

Eventually, after more shopping and an authentic German lunch that I’m not sure how to feel about, we make it back to the cabin in enough time for me to change for my sleigh ride. Yep, my sleigh ride. Celeste informed me she wouldn’t be going on the sleigh ride since we needed a Christmas tree for the cabin. I offered to go with her, but she refused and said that I needed to do this. Whatever the hell that means. I really do want to ride on the sleigh, but I don’t know, she’s acting weird.

I change into a warmer pair of jeans, put on two pairs of socks, a camisole, two long sleeve shirts, my scarf, mittens, beanie, and my new coat.

“Aww, you look so cute!” Celeste says when I walk into the living room.

“I feel like a stuffed sausage. I should probably take one of my shirts off.”

She shakes her head at me. “Don’t do that. It’s going to be freezing out there, plus the wind will be blowing. You might feel like a sausage now, but you’ll be thankful for your extra layers once you’re out there.”

“Okay, Mom,” I say and roll my eyes. I know she’s only looking out for me like she’s always done.

As soon as I walk out of the cabin, I’m grateful for the layers. I even think about turning around to grab something else to put on, but I’m five minutes late as it is already. Dark grey clouds hang overhead as I make my way to the barn that isn’t more than a ten-minute walk down the road. The wind whips my hair across my face and my teeth chatter. Maybe a sleigh ride isn’t such a good idea right now. I’m going to ask Klaus if we can reschedule.

The barn comes into view and sitting out front is a bright red sleigh with a horse already saddled up and hooked up to it. Klaus is standing next to the horse brushing its hair.

As I get closer Klaus turns to see me then smiles and waves. “Where’s your other half?”

“She isn’t coming. She said she needed to cut down a Christmas tree for our cabin. She’s acting weird.”

Klaus gets a look in his eye but doesn’t say anything.

“What do you know?”

He shakes his head. “Those aren’t my secrets to tell.”

“Well, now you have to tell me.”

“I guess my brother and Celeste have something going on. I don’t know any details, just that he spent time with her this morning.”

“Yeah, she told me about that already. Do you think she’s skipping the sleigh ride to spend time with him?”

Klaus shrugs and I laugh at myself since I didn’t put two and two together before now. “That little hussy,” I say causing Klaus to snort.

“You ready for your sleigh ride, Ms. Robbins?” Klaus asks, holding out his forearm to help me into the sleigh. How could I tell him no? I’m sure the ride won’t take too long, and we’ll be back inside soon.

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