Page 112 of Offside for Christmas
Cole kissed her, deep and sweet. "Nine it is."
Ellie watched him drive away, her hand touching the snowflake necklace at her throat.
She couldn't wait to see what he had planned.
But tonight—tonight had been perfect.
19
COLE
Cole pulled up to Ellie's apartment at exactly 9 AM, two travel mugs of coffee in his cup holders and his stomach doing nervous flips.
He'd been planning this. Coordinating with the cabin owner, setting everything up, making sure every detail was perfect. Because this was their first Christmas together, and Cole wanted it to be something Ellie would remember for the rest of her life.
No pressure.
She opened the door before he could knock, wearing jeans and a cream-colored sweater that made her look soft and perfect and completely his. Her hair was down in loose waves, and she was wearing the snowflake necklace he'd given her yesterday.
"Hi," she said, smiling.
"Hi." He handed her one of the travel mugs. "Ready?"
"For what, exactly?" She took the coffee, eyeing him suspiciously. "Where are we going?"
"Nope."
"Cole—"
"It's a surprise. Just trust me."
Ellie took a sip of her coffee—he'd made it exactly the way she liked it, which he'd memorized weeks ago—and narrowed her eyes. "Is it far?"
"Maybe."
"You're enjoying this too much."
"Absolutely." Cole grinned, unable to help himself. "Come on. We're burning daylight."
The drive out of Evergreen Cove took them through snow-covered countryside, past farms with red barns decorated with wreaths, through small patches of forest where the trees were heavy with fresh snow. Christmas music played softly from the radio—Ellie had taken control of it immediately, switching from his classic rock to a holiday station.
"Cole, seriously, where are we going?" Ellie asked, watching the landscape roll by.
"You'll see." He grinned. "We're almost there."
And they were. Cole turned onto a private drive, trees closing in on both sides, until they emerged into a small clearing where a cabin sat nestled in the snow.
It was smaller than the team cabin they'd stayed at weeks ago—more intimate. Smoke curled from the chimney. Warm light glowed from the windows. It looked like something from a Christmas card, and Cole had worked very hard to make it that way.
"What is this?" Ellie breathed.
Cole put the truck in park and turned to look at her. "Ours. For the day."
He'd arrived at the cabin at six that morning to set everything up.
Now, watching Ellie's face as they walked inside, Cole knew every early morning hour had been worth it.
The fireplace was already going, casting warm light across the main room. A small Christmas tree stood in the corner,decorated with simple white lights and silver ornaments. The breakfast table was set with food he'd cooked and brought in warming containers—French toast, bacon, fresh fruit, the works. Presents wrapped in silver paper sat under the tree. Soft music played from a portable speaker.
