Page 25 of Daniel
It was brisk, refreshing work, and reminded me that life was just better with my brothers close at hand. We had an unspoken understanding about most things, and often had to barely nod to communicate. In a world that was increasingly frantic, it was grounding.
After showering and getting properly dressed, the three of us grabbed various gift bags and headed over to our parents. The next few hours were filled with presents, French toast, and so much laughter that my sides hurt.
Dad had decided, in his overprotective way, that Mom had been completely overdoing it this season. We employed our “thefloor is lava” technique for keeping her in the large easy chair while we waited on her hand and foot.
Personally, I was sure that she was fine, but since she secretly revelled in all the attention, no matter how much she protested, there was no harm in treating Mom like a queen for the day.
Looking out at the snow that was still falling steadily, all I wanted to do was find a way to visit my own queen. Or should I say, goddess. I couldn’t let Christmas Day go by without holding my Prairie.
After a rowdy lunch of hot turkey sandwiches and far too much pie, I went down to Mom’s new craft nook in the basement to make a call.
“Hi!” Prairie said brightly. “Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas, gorgeous. How’s your day been so far?”
“Amazing. Well, you know. A quiet family Christmas. Mom really loved the bronze necklace I made, and Dad liked the painting I did from a photo of grandpa’s first barn.”
I loved that my girl was more focused on giving than getting. It spoke volumes.
“How is your day going?” she asked.
“Great, except I miss you, my sweet baby.” I wasn’t even surprised at how easily emotional words fell from my lips now. Prairie had already changed me.
“I miss you too,” she said quietly, as I heard a door close.
“Are you hiding in your bedroom so your parents don’t overhear you talking to me?”
“Of course,” she giggled.
“But they know we’re together?”
“Yes. I think that they approve. They’re just very quiet, private people. They keep to themselves.”
“I get that.” It was a trait I’d noticed in many of the farmers in the area.
“Would they be offended if I popped by?” I asked.
“Not in the slightest, but I would.” Before I could say anything, Prairie laughed. “That came out wrong. I meant I would be concerned. It’s snowing like crazy out there.”
“It’s not so bad.”
She made a slight ‘pffft’ sound and I wished I could see her sweet face as she mocked me. “Dad just said there’s been at least ten inches, and there’s another foot on the way. I can’t let you take to the roads when it’s like this.”
“Baby, this is how we live out here. There are indestructible snow tires on our trucks. The secret is to drive slow and steady, to the point of being ridiculously boring.”
Prairie’s merry little laugh was the sweetest thing I’d ever heard. “I really appreciate the sentiment, Daniel. But I’d feel a lot better if you waited until tomorrow when the roads are plowed. They’re probably dangerous right now.”
I didn’t want her to worry about me. Yet I honestly couldn’t stand the thought of not seeing her today.
“How about we make a deal?” I asked. “I really want to see that gorgeous face today. It’s my one Christmas wish. You know, beyond finding you and falling for you completely.”
She was quiet for a moment. “I really want to see you too.”
“Okay. Then if I promise not to take any dangerous roads, may I please see your face?”
“Sure,” she said. “We’ve just had our big lunch, so as soon as I finish cleaning up the kitchen, my parents will probably take a nap in front of a movie for the next several hours. Just let me brush my hair properly before we do a video call.”
“Okay. I’ll call you in about an hour.”
