Love Finds You in Frost Minnesota by Judy Baer Page A

know God is the one who carried me through those bad years or I probably wouldn’t be here either, but that doesn’t mean I like all the brouhaha and manic glee I see around Christmas. Quite frankly, I despise it.”
    Despise was a pretty heavy word to use for the things Merry loved about the holiday. It hurt her, but at least now she understood why he was so adamant about his feelings.
    She tucked her feet beneath her on the couch and pulled an afghan over her lap. It felt cool in the house despite the fire. Or perhaps it was just the flame of excitement she felt about the holidays being extinguished.
    “Thank you for telling me, Jack. I know it was difficult for you. At least now I understand why . . . you are the way you are.” She pulled on a lock of golden hair that had strayed from behind her ear. “But even though your feelings are real and your story tragic, it doesn’t mean you should keep other people from taking pleasure in the birth of the Savior. Granted, some go too far and forget the real meaning of Christmas, but it’s also a wonderful time to spread the Good Word. Everyone identifies with the baby in the manger.”
    “I just can’t help it, Merry. It’s like a knife in my heart when I see elves and reindeer and hear silly songs about Rudolph or Frosty. Christmas is a matter of life or death for me on so many levels. It’s the beginning of the end for my family and for Christ who also had to die.”
    “It’s not my place to judge you, Jack. I respect your views. You earned them the hard way. You lost so much. You don’t have to agree, but you do have to understand that there is more than one way to approach a subject.”
    He studied her somberly. “Agree to disagree, you mean?”
    “Something like that.”
    “And quit trying to impose my views on Frost?”
    “Please.”
    “I can’t promise you that, Merry. I will say that whatever property doesn’t belong to me can stay as it is. As for my land and property, I don’t want it to be Santa’s runway anymore, okay?”
    She could agree to that. Thankfully her house wasn’t under Jack’s ownership. At least Merry’s Christmas Boutique was safe.

Chapter Eleven
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    “Do you like horses?”
    Jack looked up from his breakfast, startled. “I suppose so. I’ve done some riding but never had the time to keep it up. I had a friend who owned a ranch. We lost touch, and I didn’t continue riding. That was a long time ago.”
    Merry sat down across from him. “I have a friend who has horses too. I’ve been thinking of organizing a sleigh ride. Are you interested?”
    “Sounds a little too Christmassy for me. Thanks for asking though.” He went back to his eggs.
    “I’m asking for a reason. I’ve been trying to think of a way to do something nice for Greta and her family, something that involves others. I know sleigh rides border on having the Christmas spirit, but these people may not have a real Christmas so why not a memorable holiday event?”
    She looked straight into his eyes. “Frankly, I need people who know the situation and will make them feel comfortable. Abby and her husband have agreed to come and so have my pastor and his wife. With Greta’s family, me, and my friend Jeff, who owns the horses, that makes nine people. A full sleigh is ten. So if you’d agree, I wouldn’t have to look for someone else to fill that last spot.”
    Jack squirmed a little so she hurried to add, “Besides, it will be fun. Jeff has beautiful horses, and he’s got a wonderful voice. We can sing carols and—and—” She stammered to a stop, realizing what she’d just suggested. “Or not.”
    Much to her amazement, without any argument whatsoever, Jack said, “I’ll do it. For that little girl. Not because it’s Christmas.”
    “Deal.” Merry extended a hand to shake.
    When his fingers encased hers in a strong grip, she felt fragile and delicate. The handshake seemed as personal as an embrace.