Page 16 of Sweet Christmas Comeback
Time to pay Leo a visit.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Comet lifted his head, ears twitching, and trotted toward the gate before Leo even saw Jade.
The hinges groaned. Then she stepped into the paddock—Jade Bennett, folder clutched tight, a knit hat with a fuzzy pom-pom sliding toward one eyebrow. Her navy coat was buttoned high, her cheeks flushed from the cold.
He froze, shovel in hand, because she looked like she belonged in the reindeer pen, as if slipping into his day were the most natural thing in the world.
“Leo?” she called, striding forward. “Do you have a few minutes? We need to talk about?—”
She broke off as Comet reached her, nosing her pocket with single-minded curiosity.
“Oh,” Jade said softly, going very still. “Hello there.”
Leo straightened up, watching as more of the herd began to drift over. Vixen approached from the left, while Maple hung back slightly, more cautious than his barn-mates but clearly intrigued by the visitor.
“They’re beautiful,” Jade breathed, her earlier businesslike demeanor melting into something softer. “I mean, I’ve seen them from the bakery window, but up close...”
Comet, apparently deciding she passed inspection, nudged her pocket more insistently. Jade looked at Leo with questioning eyes.
“He’s looking for treats,” Leo explained, finding himself fighting a smile. “Apple slices are his favorite, but he’ll settle for pretty much anything.”
“I don’t have any apples,” Jade said apologetically to Comet. “Sorry, buddy.”
The reindeer seemed to consider this for a moment, then pressed his muzzle gently against her arm. Jade’s eyes went wide with delight.
“Well,” she said, carefully stroking Comet’s neck, “aren’t you the charmer.”
Leo had seen plenty of people meet his reindeer over the years. Most were either nervous—which was understandable, given that reindeer were large, powerful animals—or overly aggressive, treating them like petting zoo attractions. But Jade’s reaction was different. She moved slowly, respectfully, letting the animals come to her rather than forcing interaction.
“This is Comet,” he said, walking over. “He’s our unofficial greeter. Zero sense of personal space, but friendly as they come.”
“And these two?” Jade asked as Vixen and Dasher moved closer.
“Vixen and Dasher. Vixen’s the smartest of the bunch—she figures out how to open gates that should be reindeer-proof. Dasher’s the steadiest. Nothing spooks him.”
As if to prove the point, Dasher stepped forward and allowed Jade to scratch behind his ears, his eyes closing in contentment.
“They’re incredible,” Jade said, her voice full of genuine wonder. “How long have you been doing this?”
“About five years,” Leo replied, surprised by how much he was enjoying showing off his animals to someone who clearlyappreciated them. “Started with just Comet and Vixen when they were calves. Built the herd from there.”
“It must be amazing working with them every day.”
“It is.” Leo paused, studying her face. There was no artifice there, no polite interest masking boredom or impatience. She genuinely cared about his answers. “Most people see them as Christmas decorations with legs. But they’re smart, they’re individuals. Each one has a personality.”
“Like Comet being the greeter?”
“Exactly. And Blitzen over there,” he gestured to a larger reindeer standing somewhat apart from the group, “he’s the dramatic one. Acts like every minor inconvenience is a personal tragedy.”
Jade laughed, the sound bright in the cold air. “Sounds familiar. I know a few people like that.”
They stood there for a moment, surrounded by curious reindeer, the afternoon light filtering through the bare trees. It was peaceful in a way Leo hadn’t expected, sharing this space with someone who understood why he’d chosen this life.
“So,” he said finally, “you mentioned needing to talk about something?”
“Right.” Jade’s business mode clicked back into place, though she continued stroking Vixen’s neck. “The Tree Lighting festivities. I’ve been working on route plans, but I need your input on what’s actually feasible.”
