Page 67 of The Christmas Dash

He holds out his hand and I step forward, take off my mitten, and shake it. His grip is warm and firm, and my heart swells at the thought that the reclusive Felipe Ferguson may not completely despise me. Mostly I want him to like me because he’s important to Gabe, and vice versa, but a small petty part of me can’t help but think Take that, Xander!

I dig into my purse. “Here’s my phone number at the bookstore. My cell number is on the back. If you ever need anything, please, call me.”

Felipe takes the card and studies it for a minute before giving me a decisive nod. “You two kids be good now. Take care of each other.”

Gabe waves over his shoulder as we walk back to my car.

I start the engine and Gabe fiddles with the dials, getting the heat blasting as I back out and head for downtown Dasher Valley. My gaze flicks to the clock, and I grimace.

“You good?” Gabe asks.

I offer him a half smile. “Yeah, I’ve just gotta check in at the bookstore, and then Ivy and I are helping Jack get set up for tomorrow’s Christmas Market at the high school. I’ve gotta hurry.”

Prancing around the woods and playing with reindeer is all fun and games until real-life responsibilities come knocking.

Gabe nods. He turns the radio dial to a station playing Christmas music and serenades me as I wind us back into town. We go back and forth, coming up with a rhyme for our Christmas Dash clue for Ferguson Farms. I take a quick stock of myself just before I turn onto Rudolph Run. My shoulders are relaxed. My head feels clear. There’s a fuzzy feeling in my stomach. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much. All in all, I’d say Gabe McKenzie is good for my health.

Christmas Dash Rhyme #4

Just outside of the Valley

Sits a magical oasis.

Some say it’s a secret,

But you may know where the place is.

Locals from generations past

Would flock here for their Christmas trees

And stop by the barn to pet the animals,

Who are as charming as can be.

Today, with the farmer’s blessing,

We’re sending you back out to his land.

Walk the trails of Ferguson’s Farm.

You have to admit, they’re mighty grand!

Build a wintery fort and

Go back to a simpler time

Of childhood days spent outside,

Whether the weather was rain, snow, or shine.

If you’re lucky, it’ll be snowing

So fire a snowball, maybe two.

And use your fort to hide from

Other teams trying to launch them at you.