Jillian told herself that her mother was just being overprotective, but even she was having a hard time buying that story. Her mother would be the first one to cheer on this relationship if she thought it would lead to marriage. So was her mother seeing something that Jillian had missed?
*
Dinner was nice.
; Perhaps too nice when he was aiming for an evening with a little more spark.
Avery maneuvered his pickup in the direction of the Crooked S ranch. He chanced a glance over at Jillian. She’d been chatty about the Bake-Off all through dinner at FlintWorks, but now that they were alone in his vehicle, she’d grown quiet and appeared lost in her thoughts.
After all Jillian had done to help him prepare for the Bake-Off, he felt guilty for dragging her away from her work and consuming so much of her time that he’d arranged for a special surprise for her. He’d planned every detail. He just hoped he hadn’t forgotten anything. But most of all, he hoped Jillian enjoyed it.
All around them was a winter wonderland. A blanket of snow covered most everything. Winter had settled in and didn’t look as though it would be leaving anytime soon. Though springtime was his favorite time of the year with the warmer temperatures and everything springing to life, there was something magical about a snowy evening.
When they approached the turnoff for the Crooked S Ranch, he slowed down. He wheeled the pickup into the two ruts in the snow. He’d made arrangements with Blake a couple of days ago to have everything ready when they arrived. To his surprise, Blake was more than willing to help him out.
“Avery, what are we doing here?” Jillian turned to him.
“You’ll find out very soon.” As much as he wanted to speed down the lane, he had to take his time with the snow and ice.
“Why are you being so mysterious?”
He shrugged. “Why not? Don’t you like surprises?”
“Sure. I like them when I know what they are.”
Avery laughed. “You do know that’s a contradiction, right?”
“What is?”
“Enjoying surprises only if you know what they are. If you know what it is, it’s not a surprise.”
“Fine. You win the debate. Just tell me what it is.”
He rounded the big red barn and pulled to a stop. “See for yourself.”
Jillian didn’t say a word for a moment as her gaze took in the sight before them. “We’re going for a sleigh ride?”
“We are.”
“But I thought you needed to get my opinion about something.”
Of course she’d remember that part. “I do. But you have to get in the sleigh before I ask you.”
She turned a suspicious look in his direction.
“What?” And then he thought of something to tempt her. “I even remembered to bring a thermos of hot chocolate.”
“You did?” Her eyes lit up. “Why didn’t you say that first?”
He laughed. “I wonder what else I can get you to agree to in exchange for hot chocolate.”
“You’ll never know.” She opened the door and hopped out. She turned back to him. “Well, come on. The horse is waiting.”
He didn’t have to be invited twice. He cut the truck engine and climbed out. With the keys pocketed, he followed Jillian to the sleigh. Blake was standing there waiting for them. A big grin covered his face as he handed over the reins.
“Thanks,” Avery said. And then softly he added, “I owe you.”