Page 78 of Christmas at the Ranch
She took a bath and fixed her hair and makeup. Then she spritzed her wrists with perfume and went downstairs to join the party.
In the few hours she’d been in her room, the living room had been completely transformed. The sofas were moved against the wall and there was a dance floor and a long bar. The rugs were rolled up and the wood floor was so polished, Samantha could see her reflection. Black and gold balloons hung from the ceiling, and the lights on the Christmas tree sparkled in the low light.
Round tables were scattered around the space. Each table held a floating lily and there were glass bowls of brightly colored jelly beans.
Arthur stood in the corner. He looked handsome in a black tuxedo and white bow tie.
“It looks like a fairy tale,” Samantha said, joining him.
“It came out well, didn’t it?” Arthur beamed. “Drew texted and said he got held up, he’d be here later.” He glanced at Samantha. “You’re not drinking champagne. Can I get you a glass?”
“It’s a little early, I’ll never make it to midnight if I start now.”Samantha shook her head. “I’ll walk around and say hello to the other guests.”
Samantha moved away and stood by the window. Drew had texted his father but he hadn’t tried to contact Samantha. The feeling of desperation washed over her and her heart contracted. He obviously didn’t want to talk to her and she was overwhelmed by how much knowing that hurt her.
“Samantha,” a male voice said. “I need you in the barn.”
Samantha turned around. It was Bruno. He wore his chauffer’s uniform and his forehead was furrowed in a frown.
“Are the horses all right?” she asked anxiously.
“This isn’t the place to discuss it.” Bruno glanced around the room. “It’s better if I show you.”
It was freezing outside and Samantha only wore a thin dress. She grabbed a coat from the downstairs closet and followed Bruno.
The barn was dark when they entered.
“In the tack room,” Bruno said, turning on some lights.
Samantha opened the door to the tack room. A figure stood in the corner. His back was to her.
“Drew,” she said, when he turned around.
Drew wore a navy jacket and corduroy slacks. His boots were dusted with snow and there were snowflakes in his hair.
“Samantha. I wanted to talk to you before I went into the party,” he said uncertainly.
Samantha’s stomach dropped. Drew didn’t want to embarrass her in front of everyone. He brought her out here to say he didn’t think they should continue their relationship.
“I need to say something first,” she blurted out before she could stop herself. “I know what I did was wrong. There’s nothing moreimportant than trust in a relationship; telling the truth comes before anything. I’m sorry and I didn’t mean to hurt you.” She fiddled with her jacket. “I know I said those things before. If I keep saying them, maybe at some point, you’ll hear them.”
Drew looked stone-faced and she was afraid she wasn’t getting through to him. She took a deep breath and started again.
“When Marigold gave me the arrowhead pendant, I believed it kept me safe. I had the confidence to try things I wouldn’t have before. But I was wrong. It wasn’t the arrowhead; it was my feelings for you. When you fall in love, you care about the other person more than yourself. Every morning you wake up, and there’s nothing you can’t accomplish. It’s the most wonderful feeling and it doesn’t go away.” She looked up at him. “Because you know the other person feels the same about you. Love gave me strength. Now that I found it, I won’t let it slip away. It might take weeks or even months, but one day you’ll see it too.”
Drew remained silent. Samantha wrapped her jacket around her.
“I should go,” she said awkwardly. “I’ll tell Arthur I’m not feeling well and go up to my room. You enjoy the rest of the party.”
She walked toward the door, but Drew called out.
“Samantha, wait,” he stopped her. “You didn’t let me say anything.”
She turned around. “I didn’t think you were going to.”
“I was collecting my thoughts,” he said somberly. He walked toward her.
“You’re right, I was upset and angry. I even considered going back to New York today. Bruno found me in the kitchen, eating the crust off my sandwich.” He smiled thinly. “It’s a thing I used to do when I was a kid. He told me I was acting like a five-year-old, and I better snap out of it.”
