Page 58 of A Whiskey River Princess

Then, she lifted the mattress and dug out a little money that she had hidden and placed it in her reticule, just in case.

“Are you ready yet?” Dirk called through the door.

Gabriella laughed. “You cannot rush perfection.”

“And Rome wasn’t built in a day, either!” he teased through the door.

A moment later, she was standing in the doorway, and Dirk let out a low whistle.

“I’m not sure I should take you into town after all,” Dirk admitted, taking in her appearance. “Someone is liable to see you and take you away from me.”

Gabriella gave him a small smile, trying not to think about being kidnapped just a few weeks before. She secretly was glad that he knew. She wanted to tell him more about her family, too,that she was a princess, but now that it was Christmas, it didn’t seem as important. Dirk knew enough… for now.

“Ready?” he asked as he held out his arm to her, the perfect gentleman.

She smiled as she took it, making a mental note to tell him about her family right after the holidays were over. Gabriella didn’t want anything to ruin their Christmas together. It was the first one she’d actually looked forward to in a very long time. “I’m ready if you are.”

He smiled, and then led her out the door and to the sleigh waiting out front. It was red and trimmed in gold with a black leather buttoned interior. “I love this sleigh.” Then, she had an idea. “Why don’t you dress up like Santa Claus and ride into town in your sleigh on Christmas Eve? Or maybe a town Christmas festival? The children would love it!”

Dirk chuckled. “I thought about it. Who knows? Maybe next year we can collect toys for the children, and we can hand them out together.”

A pang of guilt grabbed her as he helped her into the sleigh. She didn’t want to make plans, knowing that she would probably be leaving soon.

He must have sensed her thoughts. “But we can think of that some other time.” Dirk looked as if he was about to say something more but stopped himself. Then he reached behind the seat and pulled out the quilt. “Here.”

“Thank you.” She smiled as she slid the quilt across her lap—and Dirk’s, too.

He smiled. Then he made a clicking sound with his tongue, and the horse started trotting. The freshly fallen snow was beautiful, with bare trees and evergreens looming over the landscape, looking as if they had just sprouted up from the snow out of nowhere.

She looked around, her eyes wide.

“Do you like it here?” he asked, skeptical.

“Oui,” she replied without thinking. “Yes, it’s so beautiful.”

A broad smile spread across his lips.

Gabriella looked around her, and snow was everywhere. “Do you think the minister will cancel the service for tomorrow night because of the snow?”

Dirk shook his head. “No, he’ll be there,” he replied as a faraway look came into his eyes.

“What’s the matter?”

“The preacher has had it rough lately.” Dirk held the reins as they trotted at a leisurely pace. “A short time ago, he lost his wife to influenza. It’s been hard on him and the children.”

Gabriella was horrified. “How old are the children?”

“Little,” Dirk answered, frowning. “Shane is only four, and Hailey is two.”

“My goodness!” Gabriella was unable to imagine what it would be like to have children that young and lose your spouse.

Dirk nodded. “The women in Whiskey River have pulled together to help, especially Madison and Ella.”

“I know that Ella is Colton’s wife, and Madison is the saloon owner’s wife?” she asked, trying to remember.

Dirk smiled. “Yes, Madison is Wyatt Nash’s wife.”

Gabriella nodded. “It’s nice to have people when you need them.”

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