A nod to Tess Gerritsen and TNT: Thank you for creating these lovely characters that we love to play with at times.
Jane stands looking out the hotel window with a frown on her face. They had awoken to wind and brown.
"Looks like we are going with option B today, Maura. The rain washed away all of the snow." She makes a call on her phone. "Hey, hello. I was wondering if you have any snow up there? You do? Perfect. Can I make a reservation? 2 for 1:00? Yes, for Jane. Thank you."
Maura is waiting. "Do I get to find out what plan B is?"
Jane grins. "Nope. All you get to know is that we are now going to head north after breakfast."
The breakfast is delicious, which makes Jane and Maura think about their Christmas menu.
"What do you want for breakfast?"
"Would you like waffles?"
Jane considers that for a moment. She loves waffles, but maybe not for Christmas, "The morning is going to be busy, so why don't we think of something that is finger foods, like Monkey bread or cinnamon rolls?"
"Those both sound delicious. Should we check to see if your mother is making the scones she testing on us 2 weeks ago?"
"Right, I forgot about those. Do you want to text her?"
Maura pulls out her phone to include Angela on their Christmas food plans.
As the ride progresses, a shopping list is created based on the menu. Yes, there will be monkey bread and scones because you don't know how early guests will show up and you don't want them to be hungry.
Pears with goat cheese and prosciutto.
Shrimp
Cheeses and crackers
Past Fra' Diavolo
Lasagna
Struffoli
Assorted cookies, cakes, pie
"It seems our menu is a little heavy on the desserts, Jane."
"But the leftovers will become breakfast the next day." Jane is grinning at Maura's doubtful expression. Jane turns onto a smaller road. "I think we are almost to our destination." She is looking at a sign that points to a long driveway. "Yup, I think this is it."
Maura is looking at the fields and forests on both sides of the road very curious as to what Jane had planned.
"Jane?"
"Yes, love."
"Do you want to build a snowman?" Maura is looking innocently at Jane. Jane looks over at Maura incredulously.
"Maura! Did you just reference a modern-day movie correctly?"
Maura looks concerned. "Did I do it correctly?"
"That was perfect!" Jane laughs. We can build a snowman if you would like, but I think you are going to be pleasantly surprised." Jane pulls into a parking space in front of a building next to a stable. "Ready, Maura?"
"I believe I'm ready, but until I know for sure what we are doing, I can't tell if I am really ready."
Jane's mouth opens, but then shuts it and shakes her head. As usual, Maura was right even about the simple question as 'are you ready'. Jane grabs a backpack from the backseat and they head inside.
Jane and Maura go to the desk to check-in. "Hi, I'm Jane. I have reservations for 1:00?"
The woman behind the counter is clicking on her computer. "Hi Jane, my name is Kathie, let me find you. Here you are. I have a form for each of you to fill out, a general release form if you could fill out the information." She puts the forms in front of the ladies. "Nothing ever happens on a ride, but just in case. So, let me explain the rides. There is a driver assigned to each sleigh, patrons will not be controlling the horse. The ride is approximately one hour long, there are blankets, you will be starting in the fields and then heading into the woods on an old logging road. I won't spoil the scenery by telling you everything out there, but when you get back, there is complimentary coffee or hot chocolate. There is also an option to buy a glass of wine and we do have cheese trays to purchase. Any questions?"
Jane glances at Maura to gauge if she is pleased with this surprise. She is happy to note a sparkle in Maura's eyes. "I guess not."
"Great. Then exit through that door and that will bring you into a hallway that leads to the barn. I have let Chris know that you are on your way."
As they walk through the hallway, Jane asks, "Is this Ok? Do you like this surprise?"
"Oh, indeed. I am very excited about this adventure. I admit I have never been on a sleigh ride."
Jane and Maura enter the barn and see a man leading a horse outside. "I'll be right back in." A minute later, he was back inside. "Hi, you must be Jane and Maura. I'm Chris, I'll be your driver today."
The three of them venture outside to see a sleigh with two horses attached. Chris helps the ladies into the sleigh and tucks a blanket around their legs. "Do you have hats or scarves? It's a little windy today, I'm hoping once we hit the woods it won't be so bad." Jane pulls out her backpack and hands Maura a hat, heavy mittens, and a scarf.
"I also have hand warmers in here."
"Excellent, I'm happy when our patrons are prepared. We do have spare blankets under the seat in case you do get cold, we want you to enjoy the ride." Chris gets in his seat and clicks to the horses. The ride begins.
Jane makes small talk as they begin. "I thought the song goes, 'on a one-horse open sleigh'."
"It all depends on the snow. If the snow is harder packed and easier to pull the sleigh, it can be a single horse. We had rain, so the snow has the consistency of mashed potatoes right now. We don't want to stress the horses at all, so we have 2 at times."
"Are the horses stressed at all by the rides?" Maura is concerned about the horses' well-being.
"Ma'am, I cannot speak for all sleigh ride establishments, but this one puts it's horses' health first. This is a walk for them. We have enough horses that they have only one a day, maybe two rides on busy days. If they do have two rides, one would be in the morning, and one in the afternoon."
"Thank you for that reassuring explanation. These horses do look beautiful."
The ride continues into the woods. The road curves slightly and the sound of a gurgling stream could be heard. Shortly, the stream comes into view. It is still running but does have ice along the edges.
Jane and Maura's cheeks are nice and rosy and they are comfy and cozy as they enjoy the rest of their sleigh ride.
Hi all! Thank you for the reviews and the DM! Hope everyone had a great weekend!
Hugs to all!