High Country Christmas

Chapter Sixteen- Christmas Delights Mmmm

"Close your eyes!" The excitement in Leah's voice clearly evident as she led me down the lawn in front of the homestead. "No peeking."

The last couple of days had sped by, and I had seen little of Ali. I felt that our time in Queenstown was a special memory, but I was realistic enough to realise that what we shared was not going to become a permanent fixture. He had come and gone working around the place without talking with me much at all. Any arrangements for looking after Thea were organised with Leah, and although I was happy to help, and was growing to love this little girl and how spontaneous she was.

I had no idea why Leah was dragging me outside, but I had been working in the kitchen with Thea at my side when Leah had burst in and interrupted.

"I just couldn't wait any longer I am sorry." She giggled with the excitement of her surprise and I had no idea what it could be. We had always exchanged gifts on Christmas morning and I had some lovely things that Leah and Daniel had got me over the years, but this felt different.

"Where is Daniel?" I asked innocently, from behind my hand covering my eyes.

Without waiting for my answer Leah turned her head away,down the lawn towards the woolshed, "Daniel!" she called out, "Hurry up, I am ready."

Oh, I thought to myself, this was all planned out. I could feel little Thea's hand holding tight to mine, and she was obviously enjoying the moment as much as Leah, as I heard her smiling, "Daddy.."

Leaning down with my eyes still shut I whispered, "Do you think I will like the surprise?"

She didn't answer me but instead threw her arms around my neck for a quick hug and said, "Boo." Laughing I said, "Do you want me to open my eyes and look?"

"Not yet, not yet," said Leah with so much excitement in her voice that I was surprised that she wasn't jumping up and down on the spot.

I could hear Daniel and other noises getting closer, "Well, are you going to put her out of her misery anytime soon?" Daniel demanded playfully.

"Open your eyes!" I did. I saw Leah and Daniel standing together and Ali to the side. Obviously Franco and Lucas were in on it Becuase they were looking on with a big grin on their faces.

There in the middle of it all, Daniel was holding onto the bridle of the most beautiful chestnut mare I had ever seen. Her eyes looking at me were intelligent and gentle.

"What? I don't understand." I didn't want to presume anything, but it looked for all the world like this might be the surprise. But it couldn't be, could it?

Leah came over with an excited squeal. "She is for you. Her name is Amber." She ran her hand down the neck of the mare and finished with a solid patting.

"No way!" I couldn't disguise my excitement now that she had confirmed my first thoughts. "This is just too much. I couldn't possibly."

I looked at both of them, and Leah looked up at Daniel with a gentle smile on her face. He took the cue and stepped over to wrap an arm around my shoulders. and hand me the bridle.

"You have been family for a while now, and worked really hard here. We are both really pleased that you have made the decision to stay. This gift may not be as selfless as it first looks. I know that it is always something you've wanted. But if you ever want to you could set up your own business here, offering some trekking and climbing to tourists. Whatever you want, no rush. Just something to think about. We thought this could be an investment in a possible business for you, but no pressure, up to you. Ah.. .there is something else that you should know."

I looked away from the beautiful mare up at Daniel with a slight frown. "Oh nothing to get worried about, it is just that you can ride her now, but only gently, as she is expecting a colt in a month or so."