Page 115 of Slap Shot Surprise
“Is it still snowing?” With any luck, there would be a blizzard to strand him here.
“Just a little. The roads look fine.”
Dammit. I hated the thought of watching him drive away from me. I didn’t want to think about it. “What time is it now?”
“It’s just after nine.”
Less than an hour left with him. “Okay.”
He set his coffee down and squeezed my foot beneath the blanket. “There’s one more gift I have to give you before I go.”
“What is it?”
“It’s a surprise.” His blue eyes glittering, he finished off a piece of toast.
“Joe, you’ve already given me enough for Christmas.”
“This is about more than just Christmas.”
And despite everything I knew to be true, to be real, to be sound and logical, my heart began to pound. “What’s it about?”
“Just get dressed. And then I’ll show you.”
Trying to remain calm, I got out of bed and threw on some jeans and a sweatshirt. While I was pulling a sock on, I asked, “Do I need shoes?”
“Yes. We have to go outside.”
Straightening up, I looked at him over my shoulder. “Outside?”
“Yes.” He grinned, bringing his coffee to his lips.
“Okay.” I tugged on my second sock and stood up. “My boots are by the front door.”
In the hallway, Joe took my puffy coat from the closet and helped me into it. I stepped into my snow boots while he put on his coat and shoes. The whole time, my insides were knotting themselves up until I felt so tightly wound I might snap.
Joe laughed when he saw my face. “You look nervous.”
“I’m just trying to figure out what you’re about to show me.”
He put his hand on the door handle. “Are you ready?”
“Yes. The suspense is killing me.”
His grin grew even wider as he opened the door. “Take a look.”
I stepped onto the front porch, my eyes scanning the front yard.
Then I froze. I gasped. I covered my mouth with both hands.
Parked at the curb in front of my house, topped by a giant red bow, was a shiny black SUV.
“Joe Lupo, tell me I’m seeing things.”
He laughed. “You’re seeing your new ride. Look, the keys are right here in the mailbox. Santa left them for you.”
“No.” I closed my eyes and shook my head. “No. When I open my eyes, there will not be a new car in front of my house.”
“Try it out.”
