A Christmas Dance for Ella by Rachel Skatvold

Author:Rachel Skatvold [Skatvold, Rachel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-07-25T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Ella felt as if she floated on a cloud the entire return journey to Wilde Manor. She’d never met someone like Sam. They had many things in common and shared the same values. Their conversations felt natural, like they’d known each other for years, not a mere two days. Was it possible to fall in love with someone so quickly? The notion warmed her cheeks in spite of the chilly evening.

When the sleigh stopped in front of the manor, Ella wished the evening didn’t have to end. So, as Sam offered his hand to escort her to the door, she determined to treasure every moment that remained with him.

She struggled to catch her breath while walking next to him, so elated at the events of the day. Could Sam really be the man God had planned for her to marry? Ella had been praying she’d find her new family by Christmas, and after the events of the past few days, it seemed as though God had answered just in time.

Sam was more than she’d ever dreamed— a gentleman, humble, funny, and kind. Many of his attributes reminded Ella of her father. They both had a twinkle in their eye, like they didn’t have a worry in the world. She remembered her father’s cheery disposition— how he had a talent to look on the bright side of things. Last, the most important quality they shared was a strong faith in God.

Halfway up the shoveled walkway, Ella’s shoes landed on an invisible patch of ice. She let out a squeal as her legs slid out from underneath her.

“Whoa!” Sam exclaimed and tried to catch Ella. His arms wrapped around her but it was no use. He slipped on the ice as well, sending them both tumbling over. They landed side by side in a snow drift with Sam’s arms still wrapped around her.

Ella drew in a few breaths of freezing air, still trying to process what had gone so amiss. She focused on Sam’s face covered in snow and they both burst into laughter.

He caught his breath and grinned at her. “Well, that was an unorthodox way to end the evening.”

Ella nodded, stifling another round of laughter. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. At least now I know I’m not the only one prone to clumsiness, correct?”

He nodded with another chuckle. “After this evening, you can be certain of that.” He managed to free himself from the snow and struggled into a standing position. After dusting some of the snow off his clothes, he offered his hands. “Allow me to help you up, my lady.”

“Thank you, good sir.” Another round of giggles bubbled from her mouth as he helped her up.

He motioned toward the walkway. “Shall we try this again?”

She grinned and took his proffered arm. “Yes, we shall.”

They continued down the path, more slowly this time and made it to the porch. They paused and faced each other in front of Gayle’s door and Sam reached for her cheek. “You still have some snow on you.

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