Page 36 of A Christmas Duet

“Dress warm, the temperature is below freezing.”

Thankfully, Hailey had packed gloves and a purple crocheted hat that Daisy had crafted. Portland’s climate was mild compared to that in the eastern half of the state. Finding what she needed, Hailey returned in short order, eager to be on their way.

Jay studied her, then shook his head. “You’re going to need more than gloves and a hat.” He removed the woolscarf from around his neck and wrapped it around hers. Then, to her surprise, he kissed her. It was a simple peck on her lips, but the way her body responded, it felt like so much more.

“Come on,” he said, taking hold of her hand. “We’ve got a Christmas tree to find.”

With a happy spring to her step, Hailey followed him down the porch. The snowmobile rested on a trailer behind his truck. As if he’d done it a thousand times, he geared up the engine and expertly backed it off the trailer. He motioned for Hailey to get on behind him.

Hailey tossed her leg over the seat and adjusted herself until she was comfortable. It was natural to wrap her arms around Jay’s middle. He was solid and muscular. Unable to resist, she pressed her head against his back. Savoring his closeness, she briefly closed her eyes.

“Ready?” he asked after a moment.

“You bet.”

He gave her hands a pat and the snowmobile shot forward, nearly unseating her. The unexpectedness of the speed caused Hailey to gasp with delight. If she’d ever doubted her decision to accept the invitation to the cabin, it was quelled by this experience alone. The sky was clear blue, the air crisp and clean. As they moved toward the trees behind the house, the scent of the thick forest filled her senses. She breathed deeply, wanting to take it allin.

She felt a twinge in her heart as she realized howtightly wound she’d been with her responsibilities at school, disappointing her parents and stifling her need to be creative. For the first time in as long as she could remember, she felt free. Tossing her head back, she smiled up at the blue sky, grateful for this moment. This man.

They rode for several minutes, weaving among a thick grove of noble fir trees. The evergreens were weighed down with snow, their branches bowing to the forest floor. Jay slowed the speed a few times, pointing out options. Hailey rejected them all, not wanting the fun to end too quickly.

“You’re being so picky,” Jay complained after a while.

Hailey laughed. “Okay, okay. How about that tree?” she said, pointing to a beautifully shaped evergreen.

“You’re joking?”

“No, it’s exactly what I have in mind. Look how perfectly proportioned it is.” To her eyes, it was the best one she’d seen.

“Hailey, that tree is a good ten feet tall. It’ll never fit with ceilings that are seven feet.”

He was right. “Oh…It didn’t look that big.”

“Choose another, something around five or six feet.”

Climbing off the snowmobile, she quickly surveyed the area, jumping from one tree to another, gauging their suitability by her own five-foot-five height. After checking several possibilities, she came upon a noble fir thatwas shorter than her original choice and just as lovely. Having made her decision, she turned to Jay, seeking his approval.

“That’s more like it,” he assured her. He climbed off the snowmobile and removed a handsaw.

“It looks so small,” she said, comparing it to the grand firs that surroundedit.

Jay got down on his knees and instructed Hailey to hold on to the middle of the tree while he cut it down. The house was in sight, which was a good thing, as they would need to haul it back on foot.

Once the tree was clear from its base, Jay bounced it against the ground a couple times to shake off the accumulated snow. The snowflakes cascaded from the limbs so Hailey could give it a better look.

“It’s perfect,” she said, grinning so big her cheeks hurt.

They left the tree behind, as there was no way to get it back to the house while on the snowmobile.

After he parked close to the trailer he said, “Go inside and warm up while I collect the tree.”

No way was she letting him take that walk alone. She was determined to enjoy the full experience, even if that meant carting the tree to kingdom come. “I want to go with you.”

He looked surprised. “You sure? It’s a trek uphill.”

“I’m positive. Isn’t that all part of the fun?” No way was she missing out on a single minute of this adventure.

“All right, if you insist.” He took hold of her hand, and they started back up the hill to claim the tree. By the time they arrived, Hailey was breathless, reminding her it was time to get back into a regular exercise routine. With the two of them each holding one end, they were able to lug it back to the house. Hailey was completely worn out but ecstatic. Jay wasn’t kidding when he mentioned it was a hike.

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