Page 37 of Fire and Ice
They started in that direction. “Why don’t we have dinner in one of the saloon restaurants?”
Her brilliant smile made him feel like he was the luckiest man in the world to have this beautiful, intelligent, sensual woman at his side.
“Sounds terrific.” She leaned against him as he held her close. “Are your hands cold?”
He gave her his best evil look. “Why don’t I put them on your neck, pretty lady, and you can tell me?”
“Nooo.” She laughed and slightly drew away. “Except for my face, I’m nice and toasty, and I want to stay that way.”
They walked down Whiskey Row, imagining what it must have been like in the 1800s. Gunslingers, cowboys, ranchers, miners, gamblers, and outlaws walked down this street when it was hard-packed dirt. Ladies in calico dresses, bonnets, and shawls, not to mention saloon girls, were a part of the hustle and bustle.
They chose the Palace Restaurant and Saloon, the oldest frontier saloon in Arizona, established in 1877. It was hard to imagine, but Doc Holliday, the Earps, and Big Nose Kate were among those who stopped by the saloon to whet their thirst.
Chelsea’s eyes sparkled as she took in the place that probably looked much like the original bar. Grady enjoyed watching her excitement and enthusiasm.
They each enjoyed a steak dinner with the establishment’s popular non-alcoholic cooler made of orange, cranberry, and pineapple with Sprite.
They didn’t talk much during dinner because the place was so loud and noisy. Between the excellent live performance of a local talent and the chattering crowd, they could barely hear each other when they did try to say something.
Chelsea leaned close, her breath warm against his ear. “It’s probably extra noisy due to the holiday festival.”
“I think you’re right.” He brushed a loose strand behind her ear, one of her favorite diamond earrings sparkling on her earlobe. “Are you ready to go?”
“Yes.” She nodded. “I’d like to check out the activities and the craft stalls.”
Grady paid and helped her into her jacket before putting on his own. He liked touching her whenever he could, which wasn’t nearly enough.
They made their way through the crowded saloon and back into the cold night.
* * *
Chelsea enjoyed the light displays as they made their way to the location of the activities and craft stalls. It would be terrific to find a handmade ornament or two for her tree. She added at least one special ornament to her collection every year.
Grady’s grip was comfortable as he held her gloved hand. They walked through the wonderland of lights and displays and soon reached their destination.
They entered the milling crowd as the voices of Christmas carolers added to the lovely feeling of the holiday season. Smells of cinnamon and spice, chocolate, and candy apples filled the air.
Craft stalls and vendors lined each side of a wide pathway. A fudge and hot chocolate vendor had the first stall on the right.
Chelsea pointed. “I know what I want first.”
Grady smiled, and they moved to the fudge display.
“So many choices.” She searched the glass case and looked up at the women who moved to greet her.
“What would you like, sweetie?” The rosy-cheeked, kindly-looking lady with her white hair in a bun and a red apron could have been Mrs. Claus.
Chelsea gestured at fudge sprinkled with pieces of candy cane. “I’d love some peppermint chocolate fudge and a cup of hot cocoa.”
The woman looked over Chelsea’s shoulder to Grady and asked him what he would like.
Chelsea glanced at him. “You can share my fudge if you like peppermint.”
He gave a nod. “I do.” He smiled at the lady. “A cup of hot chocolate, thank you.”
She nodded and, in a few moments, returned with steaming cups and a wrapped piece of peppermint fudge.
Grady paid before Chelsea could and they walked away from the booth. Grady held her hot chocolate while she unwrapped the nice-sized treat.
