Page 22 of Love for the Holiday

“If I die, I’m going to haunt you and your new boyfriend?” he warned. I leaned back against him, look up at him, and smile.

“You’re the only one for me.”

My cheeks burned from embarrassment. Why on Earth did I say that out loud? It came out so naturally, too. I faced forward and groaned.

“I’m the only one for you?” he asked softly.

“Time to go!” I yelled and signaled to the staff we were ready.

“Love, can’t you answer me first before you —”

He doesn’t get a chance to finish. The guy working the hill pushed the sled and off we went; down the snow-covered hill. Jacob held onto me for dear life. I couldn’t help but giggle.

“Oh! God!” he screams. I look over my shoulder and his eyes are closed.

“Open your eyes! Enjoy this!” I yelled and then faced forward again.

The view was gorgeous. The falling snow added to the perfect moment. I’m with the man I love doing one of my most favorite childhood things. Sledding had always been fun, but this was something much better.

“Are your eyes open?” I shouted.

“No!” The tone in his voice was priceless. Laughter erupted from me and doesn’t stop until we’re at the bottom of the hill.

“You guys okay?” A guy asked helping Jacob up.

“Yes. That’s was fun,” I said reaching for the guys offered hand. Jacob stepped in front of the guy and helped me up instead.

“Yes, we’re good. Thanks.” Jacob put his arm around my waist then lead me away from the guy and toward the ski lodge.

“You okay?” I asked. He replied with a nod. “Are you mad at me for begging you to go sledding?” I asked quietly and stopped walking.

Jacob turned and faced me. He grabbed both of my hands.

“I’m not mad, sweetheart,” he smiled. “Just got a bit jealous. That’s all.”

Jealous? I didn’t think Jacob had it in him. With his good looks, I figured he knew he had no competition.

“What’s there to be jealous about? He was just trying to help me up.” He shook his head at my words.

“Love, sweetheart, you are beautiful. Every man who crosses paths with you drools over you. I’ve been trying to bite my tongue this whole time,” Jacob chuckled. “I think I should keep you locked away.”

“That doesn’t sound so bad,” I grinned and wrapped my arms around him.

“Naughty minx.”

“What are you one-hundred? Who uses that word anymore?” I laughed against his jacket. He wrapped his arms around me and looked down.

“What’s wrong with that word?”

“Nothing.” I stepped away out of his hold and leaned down. I grabbed a handful of snow. “If you’re old!” I shouted and then hit him with a snowball. He stood in shock.

“Did you just…?” He bent down and gathered snow.

I took off running because I know what is coming next. He runs behind me throwing snow at me. I’m defenseless in protecting myself because I can’t stop laughing. The snowballs I try to make don’t form so when I throw them, they scatter out like falling snow.

Jacob grabbed me around my hips and twirled me.

“Jacob!” I squealed with laughter.

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