A Heartfelt Christmas Promise

by Nancy Naigle

  “I loved having him for the night.”

  “You can come over and visit him anytime you want.”

  “Really?”

  “Sure. You can take him for a walk, or for the night. He obviously likes you.”

  “I’ve never owned my own dog before.”

  “Never?”

  “Nope. My dad didn’t like dogs and then I started working and I guess I forgot how badly I’d wanted one all those years.”

  “I can’t imagine being without a dog in my life. I better take him home real quick.” She lifted his paw and waved in her direction. “Say goodbye, Scooter. I’m going to get you back home. I won’t be long. I promise.”

  “Bye, Scooter.” Vanessa watched them walk out of her office. If she bought that house back in Chicago, maybe they’d let her buy the puppy and take him to Chicago with her. I’d still call him Porter.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  Parked behind the stables, the Fraser Hills Percherons’ semi rig and trailer stretched over fifty feet along the loading-paddock fence. Mike finished winching the show wagon into the back, and locked down the straps to keep it from moving during the trip. He brushed the sweat from his brow and walked down the ramp to close the doors and secure the latches.

  It was an all-day affair getting ready to leave.

  In a few hours, the guys would arrive to help load the horses and start the trip to Pennsylvania for the annual Christmas parade appearance. The parades were one of Mike’s favorite parts of the business, and he was lucky to have a team of men that had been with him for over eight years to help make it all happen. They worked together with barely a word. Quick and precise down to every buckle and bell that went on each horse.

  He knew he couldn’t do this without the generous gift of time and muscle his friends gave him. He was so thankful for them.

  He went inside and packed his suitcase, then had some lunch. As he was putting his plate in the dishwasher, he heard Randy’s truck pass the house toward the barn.

  Mike checked his watch. The morning had flown by. He carried his suitcase out of the house to put it in the trailer. Randy was already moving hay into the front storage area when he got there.

  Mike walked around to the side of the trailer and opened the doors there to get ready to load the horses. Inside, the equipment boxes had already been rolled on and secured for the long ride.

  Mike heard Scooter bark. That puppy was like Houdini. Impossible to restrain.

  He tromped down the ramp to see what Scooter was into now.

  “Look who I found.” Misty walked toward him down the stable alley with Scooter in her arms. “He must have crossed the pasture last night. He was at the front door of the warehouse when Vanessa got home. She took him in.”

  “He’s venturing too far away. He’s going to get himself eaten by a coyote, or hit by a car.”

  Misty rubbed the pup’s head. “Vanessa loved him. She’s never had a dog. Can you believe that?”

  “Her dad could have had allergies. I’m sure he had his reasons.”

  “She said he didn’t like dogs, so even though she’d always wanted one, she never had one.”

  “That’s too bad,” Mike said. “They bring a lot of joy to our lives.” He gave Scooter the stink eye. “Most of the time.”

  “They sure do, and I’ve taken some of that for granted,” she said. “Thanks for being such a great dad.”

  “You make the job easy.”

  “I love you, Dad.” Scooter jumped from her arms and ran into the stables with his feet kicking at an angle behind him until he stopped in front of Big Ben’s stall, raised his nose, and barked. Ben hung his huge head over the door and blew a puff of air in a snort.

  Scooter yipped and pushed his paws into the air as if he were telling the horse a story. Half the size of the Percheron’s head, Scooter didn’t seem to notice the size difference.

  “Can you believe that dog?” Mike marched into the barn and grabbed the puppy before he scurried away.

  Big Ben raised his head with a bounce, his mane tossing.

  “You’ve got to stay with your family,” Mike scolded him, then put him in the stall where Rein was feeding the other puppies. “You’re a dog. Figure it out.”

  “I think he thinks he’s related to Big Ben.” Misty gave the horse a pat on his soft muzzle.

  Big Ben nickered.

  A hello came from the barn doorway. “Anyone here?”

  The silhouette of the woman walking through the shadowy barn with the sun behind her looked like an angel for a moment.

  “Hey.” Mike stepped into the alley, trying to make out who was here.

  “Dad, it’s Vanessa.” Misty ran past him to greet her. “Hi. Are you missing Scooter already?”

  “As silly as it sounds. Yes, kind of.” She lifted the brightly colored socks in front of her. “He loved playing with these so much last night. I thought maybe I’d leave them with you.”

  “That’s so sweet,” Misty said. “Look, Dad.”

  “I see.” He tugged on his ball cap. “How are you?”

  “I’m good.” An awkward silence lasted a beat too long. “This place is amazing. And that tractor trailer out there. Wow. It’s bigger than a moving truck.”

  “Not really. It’s about the same size. I know because it was one before we had it converted for the horses.”

  “Wow,” Vanessa said. “Oh!” She stepped back as Big Ben pushed his head forward over the stall door again. “I don’t know how you get used to being around them. They are so big.”

  “I grew up around them,” Misty said.

  “Don’t you get worried that one will get hurt riding around in that big trailer?”

  Mike shook his head. “No. We’re careful. Believe me, that trailer was built for their comfort. Enhanced air-cushioned suspension and thick rubber flooring. Plus, we have cameras in the trailer so we can watch the horses during transport.”

  “Of course you do.”

  “We just put Scooter back in with his mom, and all the other puppies.” Misty motioned her to come and see them.

  Vanessa walked over. “Aww. They are so cute, and so much bigger than Por-Scooter.”

  “Poor Scooter is a pain in the butt,” Mike said. “He keeps getting out. I don’t want to kennel him, but I might have to just for his safety.”

  “He’d hate that,” Vanessa said.

  “So would I,” said Misty. “I’ll try to work with him more. His obedience training starts in two weeks. That will help too.”

  “You obedience-train all those puppies?”

  “We do,” Mike said. “We’ll train them all and from the best we’ll choose one to keep and train with Rein. She’s getting older, and we need to start preparing her replacement to ride with the hitch.”

  “You’ll sell the rest?” Vanessa looked interested.

  “Yes. We’ve had a couple go on to be assistance dogs for veterans.”

  “That’s wonderful.” Vanessa took a step over to the next stall. “I can’t get over how big the horses are. Look at those feet.”

  “They need big feet to carry all that weight.” He pointed to the horseshoe hanging on the wall next to the stall. It was painted high-gloss black, and a shiny brass plate with the name GUS engraved on it had been tacked at its center. “These guys wear shoes the size of a dinner plate and about five pounds each.”

  “Is that a real horseshoe?”

  “It is. An old one.”

  “Five pounds? I thought my hiking boots were heavy.”

  “Sometimes they are heavier. In principle, the heavier the weight on the end of the leg, the farther it will swing. That inspires that high stepping everyone loves so much.”

  “In people sizes, I guess we’re basically talking Sasquatch … in cement boots.”

  “I never really thought about it that way, but yes. Sort of.” He pushed his hands into his pockets. “You got some time? I’ll show you around.”

  “Sure. You coming too, Misty?”


  “Yeah. Hang on.” A moment later Misty fell into step with them, with Scooter at her heels.

  “And that…” Mike pointed to the puppy. “… is a big part of why that little guy always wants to get away from the others. You’re spoiling him.”

  “But he’s so cute,” Misty and Vanessa said in unison.

  “You’ve decorated the barn.” Vanessa twirled around, taking in the pine wreaths with the peppermint-striped bows hanging from the stall doors at this end. A Christmas tree reached to the full height of the barn in the middle. “That tree has to be every bit of twenty feet tall.”

  “We have an open house every year. Cookies and punch. Nothing real fancy. A few of the guys bring guitars. They’ll play Christmas carols around the firepit. Kids will roast marshmallows and hot dogs. It’s a really nice gathering. You should plan to come. And bring your cousin, of course.”

  “That sounds like fun.”

  “It will be even more fun if you come.” He wished he could take it back as soon as he’d said it. He knew better than to be so forward. She probably thought he was full of himself.

  “Is it this weekend?”

  “No, I’m heading out tonight. We have an annual parade run up north. The party is the following week.”

  “Then, yeah. Count me in. I wouldn’t miss it.”

  “I’ll pick you up.”

  “I can walk over.”

  “I’d rather pick you up.”

  “Do you always get your way?”

  “I’ve been alone a long time. I usually give myself my way. It works.”

  She laughed. “Okay. This isn’t a date … is it?”

  Mike looked around. Misty was over by the Christmas tree trying to keep Scooter from dragging the garland to the ground. Am I really going to say this? He swallowed hard, and sucked in a breath. “Do you want it to be?”

  She pressed her lips together. “I’m not opposed to that.”

  “I’d like that a lot.” He let out a breath, and pushed his hands into his pockets. “I haven’t done this in a long time.” A horn honked out back. “I’ve got to run. The guys are here and we need to get these horses loaded so we can stop at the feed mill before they close and get on the road.”

  “Sure. Yeah. Do you mind if I watch you load the horses? I’ll stay out of the way.”

  “Not at all. There’s a bench over there.” He pointed toward a long plank with wagon wheels on each end. “Block your calendar for next weekend. I’ll touch base when I get back in town.” He couldn’t contain his smile.

  “Perfect. Thank you.” Her chest heaved, and then she smiled. “I’m looking forward to this. Have a good trip.”

  “Yeah, thanks.” He walked outside, then turned to watch her walk away.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  Vanessa sat on the bench, setting her purse down next to her, which really seemed ridiculous. Why didn’t I just leave it in the car? At least behind the barn the building blocked the cool winter breeze, making the sun almost warm against her cheeks.

  Everyone moved with purpose, getting the horses ready to load.

  She pulled her foot up underneath her on the bench. It was a little intimidating watching the big horses get led by the small lead lines. There was no way they could manhandle the huge animals if one decided to go wild. It would be like a rubber raft trying to pull a cruise ship.

  “Get over here,” Misty yelled. “You are not going.”

  The pup put his nose in the air and sat down next to the horse trailer.

  It appeared to be a standoff to Vanessa.

  Misty picked up the puppy, then raised her hand and petted the nose of the horse waiting for his turn to load onto the trailer. Misty looked so tiny next to that horse. “You’re last to load, Big Ben. You know that.”

  Big Ben leaned forward and sniffed at the pup.

  The puppy lifted a paw to his nose, in a hey buddy, I’m gonna miss you while you’re away expression. Vanessa slid her phone from her purse and took a picture. It was amazing to see animals large and small interact like that.

  The horses’ coats shone like high-gloss lacquer, their muscles rippling like an iron machine but graceful and fluid as they stepped up the ramp into the vast trailer one by one. They were even more beautiful now, up close.

  Mike oversaw the whole thing, jumping in where needed and encouraging the horses. She liked how he thanked and acknowledged the skill of the people working for him. Misty was right in the middle of it all. Completely unafraid, and as skilled as the big guys at handling the giant horses.

  Big Ben and Scooter were standing over by the water trough. From here it looked as if Scooter could be swept into the horse’s nose with one big breath. Part of her wanted to run over and rescue him. The other was just as pleased to sit and watch the dynamics between them.

  They finally loaded Big Ben. Scooter stood at the bottom of the ramp.

  Misty came around the corner of the trailer. “Well, they’re about loaded.” She stood next to Vanessa.

  “Do you usually go with him to the parades?”

  “Sometimes, but not this year. I have too much going on with school. I’m sitting this one out.”

  “You’re going to be home by yourself?”

  “Yeah. No problem.”

  “You’re welcome to come with me. I’m going to help Anna decorate our Christmas tree.”

  “Thank you, but I’m staying home because I have schoolwork. I need to focus on that.”

  Vanessa laid a hand on her shoulder. “You call me if you change your mind or need anything.”

  “Thank you, but I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

  Vanessa almost asked if she could take Scooter with her for the night, then decided against it. Besides, she didn’t know that Buck would appreciate her bringing an untrained puppy into his guesthouse, and he was being so generous.

  “Okay, well, have a good night,” Vanessa said. “Tell your dad I said good luck with the parade.”

  With a slow smile, Misty said, “I definitely will pass that along.”

  Vanessa drove Anna’s car back over to Buck’s house. The new Christmas tree filled the whole space in front of the double windows on the carriage house; white lights twinkled in a flashing sequence. “It looks so pretty.” She wished she’d thought to pick up a wreath today.

  When she walked inside, the aroma of fresh pine hung in the air. The fire crackled and a plate of brightly decorated cookies had been set out on the coffee table near the tree.

  Vanessa heard laughter from the kitchen.

  “Hello?”

  Anna came running out of the kitchen, almost like she’d been caught doing something. “Vanessa. I’m so glad you’re here. Did you see our tree? It’s gorgeous.”

  “It is.” She ran her fingers over the soft, thick needles. “It smells so good.”

  “You should’ve been there.” Anna swung around toward Buck, who was sipping from a mug, leaning casually against the doorway. “Right, Buck?”

  “Yes, ma’am. It was quite a day. I haven’t had that much fun in a long time. Your cousin here insisted on getting her hands dirty too.”

  Anna held up her fingers, barely able to pull them apart from the sap. “So sticky. I know you warned me. It was a labor of love, though. Thank goodness, Buck was there to help decide which tree was the perfect one, because apparently I don’t have much sense of scale when looking at trees in the great outdoors.”

  Anna looked at the ceiling-scraping tree.

  “This was the one I said was too little.”

  Vanessa let out a hearty laugh. “Oh goodness. You’d have had to decorate a tree any bigger than this outside.”

  “That’s what he said.”

  Buck pushed a hand through his hair. “Yeah, they don’t look nearly as big against the mountainside. I’ve got years of experience.”

  “What’s all this stuff,” Vanessa asked, pointing to the two large stacks of boxes.

  “I wasn’t sure what y’all would want t
o decorate with, so I brought a bunch of stuff up. When you’re done decorating, I’ll move the boxes out of here.”

  Vanessa lifted the top from one of the boxes and pulled out a heavy bag of pearl garland. “This will be pretty.”

  “Oh, I really like that. Isn’t it fancy?”

  “Look.” Vanessa raised a shiny ball with a flocked design on it. “I can’t believe it. You never see these anymore. This is exactly like what we had on our tree growing up.”

  “There’s all kinds of stuff in those boxes. Different themes, and colors. My late wife … she loved Christmas.”

  “Thank you for letting us use this. Are you sure you’re okay with it?”

  “Absolutely.” He wagged a finger in Anna and Vanessa’s direction. “Smiles like that. They’re priceless.”

  “Thank you, Buck,” Anna said. “Oh, Vanessa, you won’t believe how we got the tree back to the truck.”

  “Please don’t tell me you carried it.”

  “Heavens, no. It has to weigh a ton. Buck even had someone come help us get it into the house, but they had this sleigh—well, it looked like a sleigh, but it had wheels and this big old mule pulled it with us on the sleigh too.”

  “That sounds fun.”

  “It was, and Buck’s a great singer.” Anna glanced his way with a smile that pushed a dimple in her chin. “He sang ‘O Christmas Tree’ all the way back.”

  “I might’ve been caught up in the moment.” His cheeks flushed. “It was nice.”

  “It sure was,” Anna said. “I want to get a tree exactly like this every year.…” She appeared flustered, as if she hadn’t meant to say that out loud. Switching her attention back to Vanessa: “What did you do all day while we were cutting down the Christmas tree?”

  “I went over and watched them load up the horses to go to a parade up in Pennsylvania. They are even bigger up close. Fraser Hills Percherons,” she mentioned to Buck. “You know them? Well, of course you do. Small town and all.”

  “I do.”

  “Look at this.” Vanessa ran over to Anna with her phone. “This little puppy showed up at the corporate apartment last night. Isn’t he adorable?”