Chapter Thirteen

Annie

I was sort of hoping Brent would suggest getting a bite to eat, but I really don't want to push anything. After all, we spent most of the day together and we already have plans for tomorrow too. If he's able to get tickets for the Christmas show, that'll be even better. I know I probably went a little overboard with my excitement after seeing the advertisement, but Christmas really is my favorite holiday of the year. While I'm sad this one will be different, it's turned out to be a memorable time—a trip I won't ever forget. In fact, I'll probably remind my sister of it every year from here on out.

I crawl into bed and pull my tablet up beside me. I had every intention of reading on this trip, yet I haven't ready anything since my flight. I pick out a sweet romantic holiday romance and before I make it to the second chapter, I'm fast asleep.

The next morning, I'm startled by a knock on the door. The hotel doesn't provide housekeeping services right now, so I know it's not someone stopping by with fresh towels or toiletries. I'd hate to know someone was at the wrong door, so I jump to my feet—the floor is ice cold—and hurry to look out the peep hole.

Someone dressed as Santa is holding a bag and a cup of coffee.

"Can I help you?" I open the door just slightly, but enough for them to hear me.

"I have an order for Annie," the individual says.

"I'm Annie, but I didn't order anything."

"There's a note with the order. Says it's from," he hesitates right before he reads off the name.

I bite down on my bottom lip, anxiously awaiting his response. Because I know this has got to be some kind of joke. Unless my sister…

But when I hear him say Brent's name, I have to wonder if I'm still asleep. Surely, this isn't real.

Passing the items to me, I confirm the note stapled to the corner of the bag has Brent's name on it. I can't believe this. He is such a gentleman.

I secure the door and hurry over to the sofa to see what he's surprised me with. I'm honestly at a loss for words right now. No one has ever been this thoughtful. What makes it even better—it was delivered by Santa himself.

I remove the lid from my steaming hot cup of coffee and bring it to my lips. It's perfect, with the right amount of sugar and cream. Next, I unwrap a breakfast sandwich that smells so good, I immediately take a bite of it. The croissant is light and flakey, and the combination of bacon, cheese, and eggs is mouthwateringly delicious. Even the seasoned potatoes in a separate container are perfect.

I almost feel like I'm living in a fairy tale. Santa, breakfast, coffee…what more could a girl ask for!

I hurry and take a shower, eager to spend the day together again. I'm actually looking forward to seeing the lake after all the unique things he had to say about it. I put on an extra shirt and double my socks, just in case it's as cold today as it was yesterday. I'm still in disbelief that no one lets the frigid temperatures stop them from doing outdoor activities. In Texas, everyone would be hunkered down inside, wrapped up in electric blankets and huddled around electric heaters.

I find Brent sitting at a slot machine at exactly the time we agreed to meet. "You're too nice," I say and greet him with a smile. "Thank you for breakfast. That was quite a surprise this morning."

"What are you talking about?" he asks in his most serious tone.

I sit down in the chair beside him and spin it around so I'm looking directly at him. "You know what I'm talking about." Then I place my hand on top of his. "Your thoughtfulness means a lot."

I see his lip slowly turn into a smile. "I've always wanted to do something like that and well, I knew you would probably be hungry."

"Where did you find guy in the Santa suit though?"

"Santa suit?" he asks, raising his brow.

"Yeah, the person that showed up at my door was dressed like Santa."

"I have no idea. Maybe he works at the place I ordered the food. I don't know, but I bet that was quite a surprise."

"Are you having any luck?" I look down at the credits on his machine.

"Maybe if I played more than one penny at a time," he laughs.