Page 38 of The Perfect Blend
“Just you wait, at some point when you are least suspecting it, I will push you and laugh as you windmill your arms,” he joked. Or at least I hoped he was joking, I mean, it would serve me right, but I am not a graceful tumbler.
“I didn’t think it would snow this Christmas, it wasn’t in the forecast, right?” I said, gesturing to the fast falling snow settling around us. “I always say that it’s not truly Christmas without snow, though.”
“No, it wasn’t forecasted, and I haven’t seen a single gritter on the roads at all, let’s hope this doesn’t cause too much carnage if it starts to stick.” Zach said pensively.
“Well, let’s get this packed away before it all gets covered in snow and gets damp.” I started to fold away the stand next to me.
Zach watched the snow flurry around us for another moment before he began to help me disassemble and haul everything that was being snowed on safely into the barn, to join the rest of the stalls.
Ten trips later, we were both breathing hard and sweating slightly, but it had all been put away and finally the entire yard was cleared of all signs of the pop-up event.
I smiled over at Zach, feeling so pleased for us. “That was such a success!” I squealed, not able to keep my happiness in any longer. I gestured my arms at the barn around us.
“You thought it wouldn’t be?” he raised his eyebrow at me. Imighthave been a little insistent all week in reassuring Zach that it would be, about how it was going to be a grand success.
“I mean I knew it would be, the people in this town love a pop-up event, especially a Christmas one, but still, I guess I may have gotten a little in my head this morning and become a tiny bit nervous.” I dipped my head to look at him through lashes tipped with snowflakes.
“Dream team, you and me,” he said, smiling that particular smile of his that always made me melt. “Let's take a look outside.”
We opened the doors and peered out.
“Whiteout,” I stated. Even with the warm lights Zach had strung up we could barely see more than a metre or so in front of us. The ground was already covered in a couple of inches of snow. A mischievous thought struck me and I stepped into the snow, crouching to scoop up a snowball. I turned around swiftly to try and throw it without giving Zach time to duck, but he was too fast.
As I turned he was already there, and gave me a hard shove on the shoulder like I had given him earlier.
My eyes rounded, I lost my footing and my arms did indeed start that initial arc into windmilling before he smoothly caught me, and lowered me into a dip.
“I told you I’d get you back,” he smiled, face close to mine as he held me. Just like the main characters in a black and white holiday classic.
The snow, still falling thick and fast, started to coat his hair and arms but his body leaning over mine kept it from landing on my upturned face.
“I have no regrets,” I said, wanting to keep this moment forever. He brought his face closer to mine. For a split second it felt like we were going to kiss, before he brought us back up face to face. He took my hand and pulled us back a few feet into the refuge of the barn.
“Baby,” he said, and my silly heart leapt a beat. “It's cold outside.”
I let out a laugh. “I really can’t stay.”
“But Baby,” he beseeched, “it’s cold outside.”
“This evening has been, so very nice,'' I admitted, looking at him coquettishly.
“I’ll hold your hands,” he declared, scooping them up, “they’re just like ice!”
“I ought to say, ‘No, no, no, sir’,” I said, then burst into laughter. “Oh, I’ve missed a verse I’m sure!”
“In all seriousness,” he said, still holding my hands. “I do have a fireplace that can roar to life when lit properly, a reasonable selection of drinks and records, and I really do think you’ll freeze out there. It’s a blizzard.”
I felt almost tense with anticipation, “A fireplace sounds perfect right about now.”
“If you stay, you’ll lose your chance to go. This snow is not stopping.”
I’d have to stay the night. I felt thrilled at the thought. “You’re a gentleman farmer, aren’t you?”
A slow smile crossed his face, “Naturally, my lady.”
“With impeccable manners and a sense of honour?”
“Certainly.”
