Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 27610 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 138(@200wpm)___ 110(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27610 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 138(@200wpm)___ 110(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
“Talk soon.”
“Probably not too soon with the weather. Feel free to call whenever, and I’ll try to do the same.” That’s the end of our call. I find the treat drawer for Nala and Jasmine and place a couple on the counter. While she’s chowing down, I scratch her for a few moments. There are dishes to do, a bed to make, and other things to accomplish today. That way, when Clay has downtime, we can spend our time together instead of both of us tag-teaming the inside of the house. It’s the least I can do, plus who knows how long he’ll be outside with the other animals. I get down to my mental chore list, realizing we’re both going to be here for Christmas, and there isn’t one single item out to celebrate the holiday. Yep, I’m going to have to head outside in the cold sooner rather than later.
---
“Whelp, this is the best I can do with what I’m working with.” I look down on the layers upon layers I found in Clay’s mudroom. I’m wearing one of Clay’s hoodies, which reaches my knees. A jacket that is three sizes too big. Rolling up the sleeves took some time, but I did it. All of this is on top of a pair of long-john pajamas I packed from my van last night. A pair of boots wasn’t on my list, so I have to walk around in Clay’s. I can’t even say it’s walking; it’s more like clodhopping.
I open the door, unprepared for the cold weather. This is putting Nebraska to shame, which is saying something. Maybe it’s because I’ve been inside a cozy warm house with a roaring fire the past twelve hours. Who really knows? I do kind of wish I’d have searched for an extra layer to wrap around my face. There wasn’t a scarf in sight. A long-sleeve shirt could have worked had I been thinking clearly.
“Hey, Nala.” I rub her head for all of a second and then shove my hands back into the pockets. It’s way too cold out here, and I like my digits attached and not to be susceptible to hypothermia. She walks with me to where I last saw Clay. The pathways have snow on either side and what looks like salt on the ground. Apparently, someone has been busy. I head toward the pasture. The cows greet me with their chewing of hay and mooing, but what I don’t see is Clay. I’m never one to ignore an animal, especially one that’s walking toward the fence line. My hand comes out of my pocket again, ready to pet the snout of a brown cow, when Clay’s voice stops me in my tracks.
“Don’t. I’ve got the hot wire on, and the last thing I want is for you to get zapped.” I tuck my hand back into my pocket, lip pouting out at the fact I can’t get closer to the cute cow.
“Can I turn it off and go inside the pasture?” Next time I’m out here, I’ll be better prepared with snacks for them.
“Clementine, what are you doing out here? It’s cold as balls. You don’t have gloves on, and you want to pet the cows?” Clay’s hands go to his hips, and while that’s usually the universal sign for annoyance, the small grin on his face tells me he thinks it’s cute.
“Well, yeah. I came out here to look for you. The weatherman said it’s going to be like this for days. I started thinking about Christmas and noticed you don’t have a tree. Plus, I forgot to tell you there’s a small fridge in my van that has food. I don’t want it to spoil.” I wrinkle my nose. Maybe it hasn’t yet with it being as cold as it is, and I’ve dodged a bullet.
“You want a tree, sweetheart?” he asks.
“Umm, I do if you do.” My head probably looks like a bobble head with how fast I’m shaking it up and down.
“Pick one out. I’ll grab an axe, but find one from the barn where there’s some kind of shelter. And if there’s an animal you want to pet, you can do it inside. The cows will be inside with the horses, chickens, and goats tonight. I’ll bring you back out then,” he states, like there’s nothing to my request.
“Are you sure?” Maybe this is too much.
“Positive. There are decorations and shit in the barn. I’ll bring the side-by-side over, and we’ll load it with everything. The only thing I don’t have is a tree. Hate the fake ones, and there are plenty of spruce trees on the property. I’ll replant some new ones in the spring. Now, about your attire.” Clay has laughter in his tone.
“Well, part of the reason I came out here is because I forgot some things on the list to get from my van, and then I got sidetracked. Your property really is beautiful, Clay.” It’s majestic, the snow-covered trees, the animals, the deep red barns, and the log cabin that’s his home. It’s like something out of a Hallmark movie.