Part 194 (1/2)

I'm still trying to make up for being such an unwitting idiot

during the past few weeks. Anyway, I worked out the details

for the sleigh with Sam. It seemed like the perfect way to get

a moment alone with you.”

Happily, they rode together with only the sound of bells,

the m.u.f.fled rhythmic thump of hooves, and the metal skids

slicing over the frozen snow. Then after a while, Jed spoke

again. ”I had a reason for planning this little midnight ride,”

he explained, his voice sounding just slightly uncertain. ”It's

probably not going to make a whole lot of sense.. .but I think

you know me well enough.. well, you'll understand that I

don't always do things in a traditional sort of way. Plus, as

you said yourself, I have a lot to learn about women. So, if

I'm doing this all wrong, please feel free to set me straight.”

He looked directly into her eyes with an almost pleading

*expression.

She nodded, trying to encourage him, and at the same

time comprehend what he was talking about. As far as she

was concerned, they were all right now. There was nothing

more to be said about what had transpired between them.

Jed was completely forgiven, and she looked forward to

what was ahead for both of them.

*He cleared his throat. ”You see, there was something that

was supposed to go with your Christmas present last

week...” He reached into his pocket with his free hand. ”I

know this might all seem rather sudden to you, and I don't