A Winter Adventure

[SAM HOLDER]

The small rustic, yet modern cabin was warm and cozy. It was the perfect place to unwind after a day out on the slopes, skiing and pathetic attempts at snowboarding. The pair had worked hard through the holiday's. While their coworkers had all taken time off to be with family, Dani and Sam both had logged extra hours in order to be able to take this trip now. Mount Hood wasn't terribly far from Scriptor Bay, only a three hour drive, and the entire trip beautiful and scenic. Sam had been glad she agreed to come, and even more thrilled she didn't seem to have any idea what was going to happen while on their trip.

He'd spent months planning the engagement. Sam had known for a long time that he wanted to marry Dani, and when she fit so easily into his family he knew there really wasn't anything to wait for. She loved being with him and he loved being with her. After some long conversations they'd made the jump to cohabitation and though Sam wasn't entirely comfortable living in her childhood home, he liked being there for her. It was seldom she woke in the middle of the night clinging to him anymore, and she'd done everything she could to change the interior enough to make it almost seem like a brand new home. Demons still haunted the old manor, but time would help ease the wounds of the past until those demons couldn't hurt Dani anymore.

Sam frowned at his reflection, his freckled cheeks still rosy from being out in the winter air all day. At least he was warm and dry now, but the cold burn on his face would linger a while. It had been fun playing in the snow with her all day before coming back to their cabin and unwinding in the huge Jacuzzi tub to warm up and wash the day off before heading out to dinner. Sam had gotten them reservations at the Cascade Dining Room, an upscale restaurant in the small tourist town surrounded by mountains and streams. He knew they would need to come back again when the weather warmed back up, especially with their beautiful horse trails.

He finished washing up before heading back to the table, smiling at Dani as he sat back down, pulling the napkin back onto his lap. "Did you decide what you wanted for dessert?" He looked casually down at his watch, seeing they still had plenty of time for the evenings last activity, the moment their entire trip revolved around. Hazel eyes gazed back up at the beautiful girl across from him, almost glad to see the gentle pink in her cheeks as well. It would only get worse tomorrow when they hit the slopes again, unless of course they decided to take a break and spend the day in the hot tub. He didn't care what they did, as long as they did it together.

[DANI DRAKE]

Dani’s eyes watched the snow outside the tall, wide windows of the Cascade Dining Room. Even next to the window, it was warm and cozy inside the upscale restaurant. The sun had long since gone down and most everyone at the resort had come inside for the evening, giving her a chance to truly admire the view of Mt. Hood’s peak from her window. It was the perfect place for a winter vacation. It was probably the perfect place for a summer vacation too, knowing how many horse trails there were around the resort. Silver would love it here and she believed Mahatma would too. But what made the whole trip complete was the man she came here with. Sam had come up with this idea and suggested they work as hard as they could through the holidays so they could take this trip when most of the crowds had died down. It was a brilliant idea.

It was a true delight to have Sam around every day now. Coming to the conclusion of moving in together had taken some serious discussion, but in the end Sam agreed to move into her house. Changes started immediately. While she had worked very hard to restore the house back to its original charm from when it was first built, she now wanted to put her own twist on the place. Actually, she wanted to put their twist on the place. The wood wainscoting and trim were painted white, brightening the entire house. Each room was painted in neutral colors that spoke to the French country. One by one, rooms were given new furniture while the old was sold for a good price. Some of the oldest pieces were spared, Dani’s attachment to them too strong to let them go—like her mother’s china cabinet and other decorative pieces that matched the style she was going for. When she was done with the house, it looked almost completely different. Everything was brighter, airier, and with each change Dani felt she was chasing ghosts from her house. Perhaps the hardest rooms to change were her parents’ and her brother’s. For years she had kept these rooms just as they had been when their occupants died. Even with all of the tragedy and all of the pain caused in those rooms, she clung to the ghosts of the only family she had ever known. She changed them both in one day and the night before she spent time in each room, allowing the waves of dark memory overtake her. Wonderful Sam let her have her time. She hadn’t entered Victor’s room since the night of his funeral, always keeping the door closed lest the beast of her memory escape to terrorize her once more in the night. By the time she left the room, it was in shambles and tears stained her cheeks. She threw his bottles of cologne at the wall, shattering them on the spot. She lost her temper so much that she set fire to the bed, the piece of furniture that had been her only comfort on the worst nights of her life. The flames were quickly doused by the same magic that made them, but the damage was done. She resolved then that she would need to tell Sam soon about her abilities. They had been together long enough. Their trip might be a good time to bring it up.

And what a trip it was. Dani couldn’t remember the last time she had so much fun on a trip! With Sam, though, everything was fun. It had been since day one. Maybe sometime in the future they could do this with his family and Jonah. Poor Jonah had never been separated from Dani for so long and he was worried sick. She promised she would call every evening at five and so far she had kept good on that promise. True, they were only a day into their trip, but she was certain she could keep up with such a simple request. By three that afternoon the pair had been worn out and chilled from skiing and hilarious attempts at skateboarding. They came back rosy cheeked and grinning to the hotel, warming up in the Jacuzzi tub before dinner. Even a few hours later, neither Sam nor Dani had lost the rosiness in their cheeks, though it was admittedly worse for Sam’s fair skin. She thought it was so cute and boyish, though. It was that thought which made her smile at her dim reflection in the window, looking past it to the gently drifting snow.

When she saw the figure in the glass moving beside her, she looked up and found just the man she had been thinking of. Her smile grew as she watched him take his seat and pull the napkin back into his lap. "Did you decide what you wanted for dessert?" With wide, enthusiastic eyes, she nodded and pointed down at her menu. “Yes! I have to try this skillet chocolate chip cookie with ice cream. We can try the other, fancier desserts over the next couple days.” She grinned back up at him. He was quite satisfied with the answer, his hazel eyes adoring as he looked across the table at her. She would never get tired of that look and silently hoped he would always look at her that way. Her own eyes were so loving as she tilted her head slightly to the side to watch his handsome face across the table. “You know what?” she asked softly before reaching across the table to place her hand in his. “I love you.” She giggled at his response, squeezing his hand gently. “So are there any other plans tonight? Or are we just sort of winging it from here?” Since he was the mastermind behind this trip, she had left the planning up to him. It didn’t matter to her what they did as long as they did it together.

[SAM HOLDER]

Every gesture she made warmed him to the core. The way she pointed down to the menu, so innocent and sweet, but he knew the woman she was when around everyone but himself and Jonah. She let him see all of her, and there wasn't a part he didn't absolutely adore. It's how he knew she was the one for him. “Yes! I have to try this skillet chocolate chip cookie with ice cream. We can try the other, fancier desserts over the next couple days.” He gave a firm nod, liking the idea of keeping things simple for tonight and working their way up to the decadent stuff before they had to go back to reality, with any luck as an engaged couple. "I like your style." He teased gently, gazing across the table at her. He could get lost in her face.. she was so delicate, so absolutely perfect in every way. He was sure he didn't deserve her, which was motive enough to keep her close. “You know what?” He smiled a little, humming questioning at her in return as her hand slipped into his. “I love you.” His grin widened as his fingers closer around her small hand. "You know what?" He couldn't stop from smiling wider, chuckling as he shook his head. "I love you too." He brought her hand to his lips, touching her knuckles gently before placing their hands back down on the table. “So are there any other plans tonight? Or are we just sort of winging it from here?” He'd been the official planner so he wasn't surprised she'd asked. He gave a nonchalant shrug in response. "I may have one last trick up my sleeve." The smile he wore grew tender once more, squeezing her hand. He didn't want to show his cards yet, so he had to play it as smooth as possible, lest she catch on. "If not tonight, tomorrow. It's been a long day, are you up for more?" He hoped she was, his heart hammering in his chest. She insisted she was and he breathed a sigh of relief. Waiting another day would kill him, but it would give him more time to prepare himself. Just thinking about it made his entire body tense with anxiety and excitement. He looked down at his watch again, just as their waiter made his way over. He put the order in for the skillet cookie, has hand never leaving his loves. "We have enough time to enjoy dessert. Let's not rush anything. I want to enjoy every second out here with you because it'll be over before we know it." She agreed and he gave a little nod, not able to tear his eyes from her as they sat in the inviting restaurant.

Sam changed the subject to the following days itinerary as they waited for their dessert to arrive. There were shops and of course every winter sport imaginable. They could go snow tubing, or rent snow shoes, or even attempt snowboarding again, though he wasn't sure he wanted to tempt fate again, not after how many times he'd fallen. "It's because I have a bad leg." He reiterated for the dozenth time since that afternoon, though they both knew his leg had nothing to do with how terrible he was at snowboarding. "Besides, not everyone can be graceful on the slopes. Especially with their legs practically tethered together." He was trying not to laugh but was failing miserably. She'd at least slid down the slopes a bit before falling on her rear, rather than her face like Sam had, at least three times. Sam laughed at her response just as their cookie arrived, Sam thanking the gentleman before gazing down at the cookie in front of them. Even with dessert there he was reluctant to let go of her hand, but did so they could eat more comfortably. "This has to be the most decadent cookie I have ever seen." If you could even call it a cookie. The chocolate warm and gooey, a scoop of vanilla ice cream quickly melting over top of it. There was enough for an entire table!

[DANI DRAKE]

Sam gave a nonchalant shrug that made Dani smile a little wider. “I may have one last trick up my sleeve.” She cocked her head to the side curiously, her smile continuing to grow as his did. Had there ever been anyone she doted on so much? “If not tonight, tomorrow. It’s been a long day, are you up for more?” She nodded vigorously, sitting forward a bit. “Absolutely! I’m not tired at all!” In fact, she was feeling very wired. And the night was still so young! She wasn’t going to give up until she passed out from pure exhaustion. Her eyes only tore from Sam’s face when the waiter returned to take their dessert order. She gave the man a bright smile and a soft word of thanks before focusing completely on her love once again. “We have enough time to enjoy dessert. Let’s not rush anything. I want to enjoy every second out here with you because it’ll be over before we know it.” Dani sighed, her smile warm and tender as she sadly accepted the truth. If only this trip could last forever…

Knowing it couldn’t, the couple spent the next several minutes going over their itinerary for the rest of their trip. It was only a few days, but they would be jam-packed with fun! There were shops and all kinds of winter sports to try. As soon as Sam suggested tubing, Dani was on board. She loved tubing! He wasn’t so keen on the idea of trying snowboarding again, though, which made her laugh. “But we had so much fun falling down over and over! You especially!” she protested playfully. “It’s because I have a bad leg.” She gave a mocking sigh to tease him for using that excuse again, but then she laughed. At least he had an excuse! She had no reason other than clumsiness for not succeeding at snowboarding. “Besides, not everyone can be graceful on the slopes. Especially with their legs practically tethered together.” She giggled, sympathizing with his pain at not being able to snowboard. Her butt was probably bruised from how many times she fell on it. That was better than face-planting like Sam had, though. “It’s true. There has to be klutzy people like us to show the world that grace is an art only few can master.” They were both laughing when the waiter arrived with their decadent dessert. Dani’s mouth was watering from the smell and sight alone. It eased the parting of Sam’s hand from hers as they both stared wide-eyed at the deliciousness before them.

“This has to be the most decadent cookie I have ever seen.” Dani shook her head. “It’s beautiful.” Her voice was soft with mock awe and she playfully brought her fingers to the corner of her eye as if she was about to cry. With a soft, humorously composing breath, she grabbed a spoon and attacked the cookie, making sure to get a healthy scoop of ice cream to go with it. Sam followed soon after but Dani was the first to verbally praise the flavor with a hum of appreciation. “This is the best cookie ever!” She didn’t even care how many calories she was taking in with her meal and her dessert. Who counted calories on vacation, anyway? Even with the portion size, Dani felt like she could eat the whole thing! Alas, they made it two-thirds of the way through the cookie before they had to stop for fear of getting sick. She patted her belly and sat back slightly in her chair. “I might go into a food coma. This thing you have in mind doesn’t require a lot of activity, does it? Because you might be carrying me if it does.” A grin slipped across her face to show she was joking. Though finishing her coffee would give her stomach time to adjust to the weight of the food she was stuffed with. She slipped her hand into Sam’s once more as she sipped her coffee. “What is it you had in mind, anyway? Or is it a secret?” At the last part of her question, she lowered her head and spoke in a stage whisper before grinning. She loved that she could just be a normal, silly twenty-something with Sam.

[SAM HOLDER]

“It’s beautiful.” He gave a soft laugh at her adorable playfulness. They each reached for their spoons respectively and dug into the dessert between them. Dani's spoon reached her mouth before Sam had even finished shoveling some of the cookie onto his spoon, and the moan of approval made him smile up at her. “This is the best cookie ever!” He gave a little laugh, bringing the cookie towards his mouth. "That good, huh?" When he tasted it for himself he let out the same little hum, his shoulders going slack as the confection all but melted into his mouth. "This is the best cookie ever." He agreed with a sigh.

The two ate their fill, Sam getting to the point where he thought he might actually turn into a cookie if he didn't stop. It was a lot, but it was almost too good to stop eating. “I might go into a food coma. This thing you have in mind doesn’t require a lot of activity, does it? Because you might be carrying me if it does.” Sam chuckled softly and shook his head. "It doesn't, but I assure you I have no problem carrying you. Though if that's the case we might have to wait another half hour for me to digest a little." His stomach was full and heavy, his body still warm from enjoying their dessert. “What is it you had in mind, anyway? Or is it a secret?” Sam smiled and looked to the window a moment before letting his hazel eyes rest back on his love. "I'm going to let it be a secret. More fun for you that way." He gave a nod just as their waitress came back over. When she confirmed that they were ready for the check, she pulled it out and accepted Sam's card. There was no question about who was treating tonight. If Sam had anything to say, there would never be any question. It didn't matter how much money she had or he had, it had nothing to do with money, or pride even. Sam liked taking care of her and this was one of the ways he showed that. With any luck in the next year or so they would be pooling their money together into one account. It would certainly be easier than writing a check for his share of the utilities and taxes each month. "You can relax through it, though it's a bit of a walk from here. Not far." He assured.

The waitress returned with his card and he signed the receipt, leaving a generous tip before getting up and taking Dani's hand. He helped her dress back up in her outerwear and led her back into the cool night air, an arm wrapped casually around her back to keep her both close and warm. It had begun to flurry a little and Sam couldn't help but feel like nature was simply adding to the magic of the evening. In less than twenty minutes he might be engaged. The thought made him giddy and tense, his eyes locked forward rather than on the girl beside him. "It's beautiful out tonight." He noted, flickering his eyes to the sky. The moon was half full, the stars bright. They were easy to see out there with the lack of light pollution. He found himself unable to keep his eyes off of her, though. Sam gazed down at her, only able to think how nothing could be as beautiful as her. Not even just her looks. He wasn't sure anyone was so captivating as Miss Drake. "As are you. Arguably more so." His lips curled up at the corner gently as he leaned in to press his lips to her forehead. "Almost there."

[DANI DRAKE]

“I’m going to let it be a secret. More fun for you that way.” Sam gave a nod of finality and Dani returned it playfully. She wondered what this secret was! Maybe a sleigh ride or a particularly good view of the resort at night…there were too many possibilities to think of them all. She knew she wouldn’t have to wonder long, but as Sam and the waitress took care of the bill, she let her mind wander. It was better than giving Sam a hard time for treating her again. He was always so insistent, but there were times when she liked to challenge him. Tonight wasn’t one of them. “You can relax through it, though it’s a bit of a walk from here. Not far.” His words snapped her out of her reverie and she gave a sweet smile in return. As long as she wasn’t going for a long hike with her full gut, she was good! She watched him sign his name and briefly wondered how she would sign the last name Holder. Maybe she would have a chance to find out one day. She certainly hoped she would!

Sam rose from the table and she followed suit with her hand in his. Ever the gentleman, Sam helped Dani into her coat and she paused a moment to tie her scarf about her neck. He led her back into the cold night air that nipped at her now warm cheeks, his arm about her waist and keeping her close. She always felt so safe with his arms around her, whether it was one or two at a time. Snow was still falling, though it was a light dusting. Stars and the moon were occasionally peeking through the clouds, brighter and clearer than she’d ever seen them in Scriptor Bay. She smiled contentedly up at the sky, her arm wrapping around Sam’s waist as they went. “It’s beautiful out tonight.” Her smile grew as she turned her eyes up to him. “It certainly is.” But not as beautiful as he was. She would never love anyone or dote on anyone the way she loved and doted on Sam. There had never been a better person to exist, in her opinion. “As are you. Arguably more so.” She giggled as he pulled her in and planted a kiss on her forehead. “Flatterer,” she teased softly though she knew he genuinely meant it. He was so good to her.

“Almost there.” She looked around but couldn’t see anything to clearly indicate where they were headed. It was better to let it remain a mystery anyway. “Well, that’s good. I think I’m getting a cramp.” The grin she gave him showed she was just kidding and she laughed at his response. A cold wind blew and she cringed from the sting of it, curling more into Sam and shoving her free hand into her pocket. If she could, she would form a little fire in her hands to keep them warm. Unfortunately, she had yet to find a good time to tell Sam about her talents. Not to mention she was sort of procrastinating on that measure. She didn’t want to ruin the trip if Sam suddenly decided she was a freak, even though she was fairly certain he wouldn’t think that at all. The possibility held her tongue and she resolved to let Sam treat her to her surprise first before she revealed her own.

[SAM HOLDER]

“Well, that’s good. I think I’m getting a cramp.” He chuckled softly and squeezed her hip. "Brat." He teased with a gentle chuckle, holding back from nuzzling her too much. He'd have loved to stop and just kiss her there on their walk, but he wanted to get where they were going so they could warm up. The sounds of horses snorting could be heard in the near distance, a nicker or two following. He grinned, realizing the horses were giving away his surprise before he could.

"Our first sort of date was with our horses." He mused quietly as they got closer to the small building they were headed to, the light within casting orangey shadows on the snow outside through the windows. "I only thought it was proper to include horses on our vacation since our own had to stay home." He could see the sleigh waiting already, glad that they wouldn't need to wait for their ride. He'd made a reservation, but they seemed pretty relaxed about everything which made him wary. "Surprise.." he nodded in the direction of the sleigh, manned by two large black shires with white, feathered feet. He grinned at her reaction when she saw the sleigh and pulled her further. "I know we've thoroughly stuffed ourselves with chocolate, but they sell hot chocolate inside. Might be nice to have one for our ride to keep warm." She agreed and Sam led her inside.

He went to the counter and let them know he was there for his reservation, then proceeded to pay for their sleigh ride, two hot chocolates and a blanket. If she said yes, he knew the blanket might be a nice keepsake. Plus it would provide extra warmth on the ride. Once everything was settled, he took the cups of hot chocolate and blankets and returned to Dani who was checking out the little knick knacks they had for sale. "Are you ready?" He asked, amazed at how much he loved her. Her smile was radiant as she agreed she was ready, taking her own beverage as Sam lead her back into the cold. He helped her into the sleigh, the two shires in the front pawing at the snowy ground with their large, feathered hooves and snorting white puffs of air. "Careful." Once she was in he climbed in beside her, offering her his cup before wrapping the blanket behind her and over her shoulders. Once she was tucked in, he sidled up beside her, pulling the blanket over his own shoulder and taking his cup back. He slid his free arm behind Dani's head and pulled her close, breathing in her scent before kissing her temple. "I hope your cramp is feeling better." He mused softly into her hair, smiling a little at her.

[DANI DRAKE]

Dani could hear horses nickering inside the small building they were headed towards and her sea-colored eyes widened happily. Sam was taking her to the stables! “Our first sort of date was with our horses.” She grinned up at him, distinctly remembering how he had cared for her when she had taken the tumble off Silver’s back. It was the first time she realized she might actually care for Sam as more than a friend. “I only thought it was proper to include horses on our vacation since our own had to stay at home.” Dani pushed out her bottom lip as a sad little gesture for their horses. “They’re going to be so disappointed they missed our vacation,” she teased with a playful sigh. As she looked forward, though, she let the thought of Silver and Mahatma disappear, more excited at seeing the sleigh waiting for them. A sleigh! How romantic! “Surprise…” She let out a gasp and bounced a little as she clapped her hands excitedly. “Sam, this is amazing! You didn’t have to do all this!” But she was grateful nonetheless! She threw her arms around his waist and hugged him tight while still remaining at his side and letting him guide her to the stables. “I know we’ve thoroughly stuffed ourselves with chocolate, but they sell hot chocolate inside. Might be nice to have one for our ride to keep warm.” Nodding enthusiastically, she followed his lead into the building.

Sam went to the counter to settle the details of their reservation and to order their hot chocolates. She could hear his soft, raspy voice but focused more on perusing the little knickknacks they had for sale. Some of them were really cute! Maybe they would have to stop here before they left to get gifts for friends and coworkers. “Are you ready?” Dani turned to Sam at the sound of his voice so near and she smiled brightly up at him. How could she love someone so much? “Yep!” she piped, taking her drink from him before he led the way back out into the cold of the stables. The two shires at the head of the sleigh drew her attention, but Sam was helping her into the sleigh before she had a chance to go up and make friends. She would make sure at the end of their ride that she got a chance to know them. The driver shouldn’t mind, right? Dani climbed into the sleigh and settled in while carefully maneuvering her hot chocolate. “Careful.” “I am,” she replied reassuringly, smiling as she took Sam’s cup while he climbed in beside her. He slipped the blanket around her shoulders and she watched him with a sweet, loving smile. No one had ever cared for her so tenderly that she could remember. Jonah took excellent care of her, but he’d always been rough around the edges. Sam was never anything but gentle…except maybe in bed.

He settled in next to her, wrapping the blanket around his shoulders too before taking his cup from her small hands. His free arm slid about her shoulders and she snuggled in close with a full heart. The lips at her temple would warm her no matter how cold it was outside. “I hope your cramp is feeling better.” She giggled, turning her face up to him and slightly resting her head back on his arm. “It’s getting there. Maybe a kiss would make it better.” Her smile was kittenish, enticing him to lean in and plant a sweet kiss on her lips. Taking her cup in one hand, she let her free one reach up to rest on his freckled cheek to keep him from going far when he parted their mouths. She leaned back in to press another kiss to those addictive lips. A clearing throat is what pulled her away from Sam, surprised to find they weren’t actually the only two people in the world. The driver smiled at them and tipped his hat in greeting. “Evening, folks! Good thing the snow stopped so you don’t have to worry about it blowing in your face as we ride.” Dani gave a wide smile in return. “It’s probably even better for you.” He chuckled at her musing, nodding his enthusiastic agreement. “My name’s Hank and I’ll be your driver this evening. But don’t mind me! Just enjoy the ride and let me know if you need anything or have any questions.” “We sure will and thank you!” What a nice staff this place had! She snuggled in closer to Sam as Hank readied himself in the driver’s seat. “I’ve never been on a sleigh ride before!” she mused excitedly to her love, her eyes coming to his. “This is one of your best ideas yet!”

[SAM HOLDER]

“It’s getting there. Maybe a kiss would make it better.” Sam couldn't help but grin in return before leaning in and pressing his lips to hers gently, their warmth radiating and making him heat up some. The hand on his cheek relaxed him, though the anxiety in his belly made him uneasy still. There was no turning back now.

A throat clearing pulled their attention away from one another, their lips parting to look up at the kind man climbing into the drivers seat. He teased about the weather and Dani easily laughed with him, bringing a smile to Sam's face. She never stopped amazing him with her kindness. For someone who had been through atrocities he could never imagine, she laughed and smiled easily. “My name’s Hank and I’ll be your driver this evening. But don’t mind me! Just enjoy the ride and let me know if you need anything or have any questions.” “We sure will and thank you!” Sam nodded along. "Yes, thank you, Hank." He said pleasantly, loud enough for the man to hear as he began to get situated on the coach. Dani snuggled in closer and Sam easily wrapped himself around her to keep her warm, the blanket helping greatly. “I’ve never been on a sleigh ride before!” she mused, those gemstone eyes coming to his as a warm smile creased his lips, his stomach churning. “This is one of your best ideas yet!” "I hope so." He offered before leaning down and pressing his lips to hers once more. The kiss was gentle but deepened quickly into something much more adoring.

The horses started and the sleigh jerked forward, pulling the lovers from their kiss. Sam laughed softly, nuzzling the side of Dani's face as their ride began. He sipped his drink a moment, gazing out at the tree covered mountains surrounding them. The moon was nearly full, making the snow around them glow gently in the dark, lighting the path and almost seeming to sparkle like glitter. The horses hooves barely made a sound as they sloshed through the snow, the wind whipping past them one of the loudest parts of the ride, though barely. The bows on the evergreens were heavy with snow and the branches of the naked trees wore the snow like a scarf.

"You know, I never met my mother." He offered randomly a few moments into their ride, looking down at her and then shrugging his shoulders. "Not really. I was barely over a week old when she died." He explained, not sure he had ever really gone into the details of his mother's death. "Still, I feel like I know her. Grandfather talks very fondly of her when he dares to talk about her. Leelee." Sam licked his lips. "That's what he calls her. Her name was Leslie, though." He could see her face in his mind from the pictures he'd seen hanging in his childhood home. "My dad gets a sort of faraway look in his eyes when he talks about her. You can see how much he misses her, how much he must have loved her.. There had been an issue with his paperwork and he missed her funeral, missed my birth.." Sam licked his lips, pausing a moment before shaking his head. He didn't want to think about the injustice of his parents situation while he was so small. The hell he would have raised had he been the man he was now instead of the premature baby he was then.

"She loved to read. Like me.. was interested in history, was quiet but sweet, laughed easily and loved deeply. That's what I've gathered. She wore her heart on her sleeve and was sensitive, stood up for what was right and, from what I understand, a talented dancer." As he spoke he realized the parallels between the woman who birthed him and the woman beside him. "Sometimes.." Sam cleared his throat, looking away almost shyly as he spoke, his voice soft as he murmured his story to Dani. "Sometimes I like to pretend she's with me. I don't talk to her out loud, but in my mind I ask if what I'm doing is what she'd want. I always imagine the answer is yes.. whether it would be or not." He smiled gently, turning to gaze back into the sea colored pools of his love. "There's not a doubt in my mind she would have loved you. She would have encouraged me to make a move sooner. She'd have been proud to show you off to her friends as her son's girlfriend at family functions, and not because of all the petty reasons my grandfather might. But because you're amazing. You're strong, you're smart, you're inspirational.. You've overcome obstacles with nothing short of grace, and though you haven't come out unscathed you work hard to be the person you are. You work even harder for the rights of those who haven't been fortunate enough to be blessed with your talents." His eyes were moist as his voice quivered. "When I tell you how beautiful you are, it's not just the surface I'm complimenting. It's you. It's all of you." Sam gulped, a nervous sort of smile crossing his lips briefly as his eyes continued to turn pink, his stomach tight. "I'm so in love with you, Dani.." He put his hot chocolate down, taking a deep breath before taking her hands and looking down at them. His thumbs brushed over her knuckles before he pulled his right hand away and gazed back up into her eyes. "You are what my mother would want for me. You are my heart.. my life. I can't bear to imagine a life without you." Sam pulled a box between them, taking his other hand from hers only to open it and show her the contents.

"Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

[DANI DRAKE]

“I hope so.” Dani smiled as Sam’s lips came to hers in a gentle, increasingly adoring kiss. She returned it with equal adoration until the sleigh jerked forward and surprised her from kissing Sam. Excited at starting their ride, Dani gave a wide grin and a clap of her hand on her knee. It drew a chuckle from Sam as he nuzzled into the side of her face, warming her to her very soul. As they rode cuddled together, they sipped their hot chocolate and fell into hushed admiration of their surroundings. She couldn’t recall the last time she had been so enchanted. The almost full moon lit their path through the snow and the evergreens draped in it. Glitter was sprinkled over the landscape, only adding to the magic of the night. She couldn’t have hoped for a better night to be cuddled up to her love.

“You know, I never met my mother.” Just as the ambience of the night was carrying her away, Sam called her back with his random statement. She looked up at him with curiosity, watching as he shrugged. “Not really. I was barely over a week old when she died.” Now her brow creased sadly, brushing her hand over his knee in a silence gesture of concern. She didn’t know what made him think of talking about his mother, but she was more than happy to listen. It was a chapter of Sam’s past that she didn’t know very well. “Still, I feel like I know her. Grandfather talks very fondly of her when he dares to talk about her. Leelee. That’s what he calls her. Her name was Leslie, though.” She understood what it meant to only know your mother through others. It was worse for Sam, though—at least she had a couple memories of her mother to cling to. “My dad gets a sort of faraway look in his eyes when he talks about her. You can see how much he misses her, how much he must have loved her…There had been an issue with his paperwork and he missed her funeral, missed my birth…” How hard it must have been on Daniel. She couldn’t imagine not being able to get to Sam if he was dying. It hurt too much to even think about. And to throw a child into the mix…that was a thousand times more difficult to picture. It was such a sad way to come into the world. She resisted the urge to hug Sam and never let go.

“She loved to read. Like me…was interested in history, was quiet but sweet, laughed easily and loved deeply. That’s what I’ve gathered. She wore her heart on her sleeve and was sensitive, stood up for what was right and, from what I understand, a talented dancer.” A smile graced Dani’s lips once more. It sounded like she and Leslie would have gotten along famously. She was sad to know it would never happen. “Sometimes…Sometimes I like to pretend she’s with me. I don’t talk to her out loud, but in my mind I ask if what I’m doing is what she’d want. I always imagine the answer is yes…whether it would be or not.” Dani did the same thing with her own mother. Sometimes she even thought she could remember her mother’s voice. Sam’s eyes met hers again and he smiled at her in such a way that drew her own wider smile. “There’s not a doubt in my mind she would have loved you. She would have encouraged me to make a move sooner.” Dani outright grinned now, her heart warming to think of meeting his mother. Would she really love Dani? “She’d have been proud to show you off to her friends as her son’s girlfriend at family functions, and not because of all the petty reasons my grandfather might. But because you’re amazing. You’re strong, you’re smart, you’re inspirational…You’ve overcome obstacles with nothing short of grace, and though you haven’t come out unscathed you work hard to be the person you are. You work even harder for the rights of those who haven’t been fortunate enough to be blessed with your talents.” There were tears burning in her eyes even as she smiled. It still baffled her that he thought so very highly of her. Then again, he was still surprised that she thought so highly of him. How could two people be so amazed at nothing less than the other’s existence? Sam’s voice was beginning to quiver and it only brought more water to her glistening pools. “When I tell you how beautiful you are, it’s not just the surface I’m complimenting. It’s you. It’s all of you. I’m so in love with you, Dani…” Her heart was pounding as she gave a wide smile, squeezing his knee gently beneath their blanket. “And I’m so in love with you, Sam,” she responded.

To her surprise, Sam set his hot chocolate down in a holder, doing the same to hers. His hands reached for hers and she watched his face with wide-eyed wonder. What was going on? His thumbs brushed over her knuckles, but she didn’t look down like he did. Instead her bewildered eyes stayed on his face. Their eyes met once again and she could suddenly tell that Sam was nervous. “You are what my mother would want for me. You are my heart…my life. I can’t bear to imagine a life with you.” Her heart was slamming against her ribs, shock settling over her as she watched his hand disappear between them. And then he produced a small box and her right hand flew to her mouth with a gasp. The box cracked open softly revealing the most beautiful ring Dani had ever laid eyes on. But even that beautiful ring couldn’t keep her quickly misting eyes from coming to Sam’s wonderfully warm face. “Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

For a long, breathless moment, all Dani could do was stare at Sam in complete and utter amazement. This was the last thing she expected to happen on their trip! Now this trip would officially go down in history as the best trip she had ever taken. A rush of happiness crashed over her in a wave that split her face with the brightest smile imaginable. Her hand fell from her mouth, tears dripping onto her cheeks as she nodded. “Yes…” she sobbed before letting out an ecstatic laugh. “Yes! Yes, yes, yes!” she cried, bouncing in her seat to emphasize every time she accepted again. With shaking fingers, Sam removed the ring from the box and carefully slid it onto Dani’s trembling left ring finger. The sparkle the unique diamond gave off left her breathless in the moonlight, hardly able to believe it was there. This ring proclaimed to the world that she was Sam’s and no one else’s. Soon she would be proclaiming it with words in front of an audience. Laughing again, she looked back to Sam once more and threw her arms around his neck. “I love you so, so much, Sam. I can’t wait to marry you.” Happiness rushed through her head and left her dizzy as their lips met in a deep, passionate kiss. Tears stained both of their cheeks, but they were the happiest tears Dani had ever shed. Her whole life would be full of this happiness now that Sam would be her husband. Their mouths parted and she smoothed her hand over his freckled cheek. “I’ve never been so happy in my whole life. We’re getting married!” With that excited cheer, she leaned in and kissed him again, so swept up in her joy that she forgot all about Hank the driver. What did it matter anyway? She was the future Mrs. Holder!

[SAM HOLDER]

The world stood still. Though he could still here the gentle whisper of wind slide past them and the soft sloshing of hooves in the snow, it was still as if nothing else existed and the world had completely stopped. She was all he could see, suddenly focused on only her. Her reaction made him hopeful and his breath caught in his throat as he watched her misted eyes dance from the ring back to his own orbs, her delicate hand covering lips he longed to feel. It seemed like an eternity waiting for her to answer, but finally her smile broadened, and his did as well. Tears leaked from her eyes and she nodded enthusiastically, his own cheeks dampening with his own tears. “Yes…” she sobbed, a choked laugh leaving his lips. "Yes?" He asked almost unbelieving, his cheeks feeling like they'd pop he was smiling so much. “Yes! Yes, yes, yes!” She all but shouted excitedly beside him. Again he let out a shaky laugh, reaching down and pulling the ring free from its confines, his fingers shaky from nerves. He'd asked and she'd said yes! He slid the ring onto her fingers, admiring how much more magnificent it looked on the digit. It was as though it had been designed only for her.

Sam gazed back up at his loved just in time to see her fling herself at him, her arms coming around his neck. He slid his own around her small frame, drawing her in closer, somehow comforted knowing that her hugs would be his forever. He never had to let go, and he never would. “I love you so, so much, Sam. I can’t wait to marry you.” He tried to hide his sniffle, desperate to get his emotions under control. "And I can't wait to marry you." He offered in his soft, raspy voice. Her lips found his and no kiss had ever been sweeter, so filled with pure, raw emotion. He brought a hand to her cheek, feeling the dampness from tears and not feeling entirely sure they were all hers. Words would never fully express how much he loved her. They simply didn't exist.

When their mouths parted, finally, Dani looked up into his gaze and he did the same down into hers. His forehead rested against her and a content sigh left his mouth, still not able to believe he'd had the nerve to go through with asking her and that she had most certainly accepted. “I’ve never been so happy in my whole life. We’re getting married!” Sam couldn't help but laugh as her kiss met his once more, drawing her near once more. Nothing pleased him more than knowing he'd made her happy. She deserved to be happy, and he was grateful he was able to give that to her. Grateful he was simply enough. "Whatever you want to have, we will. Whatever you want.. As long as you're walking down that aisle I don't care how it's done." He smiled, wiping her flushed, tear stained cheeks. How was one person capable of being so breathtakingly beautiful? How had he managed to make her his? "Dani Holder." He teased softly, his lips turned up at the corners before pressing his mouth gently to hers once more. "I love you." He whispered against her lips, taking her left hand and feeling the diamond there. Dani Holder.. it had a nice ring to it.