Page 32 of Christmas Promises

Two majestic Clydesdales stood tall and proud, their chestnut coats gleaming even in the dim light and their feathered hooves dusted with snow. Their harnesses jingled softly as they lifted their heads.

“It’s like a beer commercial,” Laney whispered, making Nolan laugh.

The driver, an older man bundled in a thick wool coat and hat, tipped his cap as Nolan helped Laney into the sleigh. “Good evening, Mr. Hayes. Miss Gray. My name’s Samuel, and I’ll be taking you to the restaurant.”

“How do you know our names?” Laney asked.

“It’s my job to know the names of our esteemed guests,” Samuel said with a deferential bob of his head.

Nolan settled in beside her on the bench while the driver tucked thick blankets over their laps. In addition, he handed them each two hand warmers. “Just to make sure you stay cozy during the ride.”

Seconds later, they were off. The Clydesdales began their steady trot, the rhythmic clop of their massive hooves strangely soothing. The sleigh glided smoothly over packed snow, the bells on the horses’ harnesses adding a cheerful melody. A low cloud cover hinted at coming snow, muting the moonlight. But the light from the lanterns illuminated Laney’s pretty eyes. He couldn’t stop watching her expressive face as they made their way to the cabin.

Laney tilted her head back to gaze up at the trees that loomed overhead, their branches heavy with snow that sparkled in the glow of the sleigh’s lanterns. “This is like a fairy tale,” she said softly.

“And you’re a queen.”

She giggled. “Hardly.”

They arrived at a clearing where the path opened up. Through the trees, a warm light beckoned them.

As they neared the cabin, the driver brought the Clydesdales to a stop in front of the main entrance. Nolan hopped down first, then held out a hand to Laney. For a moment, the two of them stood there, taking in the sight of the quaint cabin and the twinkling lights that decorated the small porch and awning. Smoke curled lazily from the chimney, and the golden light spilling out from the windows seemed to welcome them on this cold, dark night.

“Have a wonderful meal,” Samuel said. “I’ll be back for you when you’re ready.”

“How will you know?” Laney asked.

Nolan smiled, thinking how cute she was when she was curious, which appeared to be most of the time.

“Your host, Remi, will call me,” Samuel said.

“Do you have walkie-talkies?” Laney asked.

Samuel chuckled. “No, ma’am. Just phones.”

“I’m going to pretend it’s walkie-talkies, if you don’t mind?”

“Whatever suits you, Miss Gray, suits me too,” Samuel said.

“This is the best night ever.” Laney adjusted her scarf, glancing up at Nolan. “I can’t wait to see inside.” She turned back to give Samuel and the horses a wave goodbye. “See you soon.”

“Looking forward to it, Miss Gray,” Samuel said.

Nolan leaped ahead, opening the door for her before following her inside.

“Oh goodness, it smells wonderful,” Laney said.

It did indeed, wafting of tomato sauce, garlic, and freshly baked bread. He glanced around the dining area. There were six tables, all draped with red-and-white-checkered cloths, all but one occupied. One by the window, near the stone hearth, was empty, waiting for them.

Black-and-white photographs of Italian villages and landscapes that hung on the wall drew his attention, but not for long. A man with silver hair, dressed in a formal black suit, appeared. “Good evening, Mr. Hayes and Miss Gray. Welcome to Mia’s. I’m Remi, and I’ll be taking care of you this evening.”

Remi took their coats, hanging them on hooks near the front door, then led them over to the empty table by the window. Nolan noted that Remi had perfect posture despite his lanky frame. Did the man ever cut loose, or was he always so formal? No one had ever seen Remi in town, so he had no idea what he was like outside of work. In fact, it had been rumored that Remi had come with Mia from New York.

A young man arrived with glasses of prosecco and a small pastry of some kind, setting them on the table and then bowing before scuttling away. “You must forgive my grandson for bowing,” Remi said quietly, his mouth twitching with what appeared to be repressed humor. “He’s watched too many English movies.”

“He’s perfect,” Laney said enthusiastically.

“Before you enjoy your sparkling wine, allow me to tell you what Mia’s prepared for you this evening.

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