Teacher's Christmas Cowboy (Trinity Falls Sweet Romance - Icicle Christmas #5)

“Yes,” Sylvester said.

“But we’re going to skip a few parts,” Jared told him firmly. “It’s a good movie with a good message, but there are some parts that aren’t really for kids, okay?”

“Okay,” Sylvester agreed.

“Okay,” Ginny said, nodding and looking impressed.

Cora smiled. Jared hadn’t mentioned skipping any parts of the movie the last time he’d suggested watching it. Maybe he would have anyway. But she suspected that she had just seen real evidence that he was learning to think about Sylvester before offering activities.

He’s growing, she thought to herself happily. Just like he promised.

Cora thought about her own promise to let him into her heart and that made her think of their kiss last night. She turned and headed for the kitchen before anyone could notice her cheeks heating.

“Oh no you don’t, young lady,” Ginny laughed. “Sylvester and I are handling dinner. You two should go for a romantic walk while we decide what to make.”

“But,” Cora said, pointing at the window.

“We can bundle up and walk on the porch,” Jared suggested.

“Okay,” she said, smiling at the idea.

Ginny and Sylvester disappeared into the kitchen, with Sylvester talking a mile a minute about the limited list of things he knew how to make.

“I hate to get ahead of myself,” Jared said. “But I think this might be the best first date ever.”

Cora found herself laughing as he held out her coat for her.

When he opened the door they were met with a blast of icy cold air.

“This will be a short romantic walk,” Cora decided.

Jared laughed and the booming sound seemed to warm the cold night air.

They walked around the porch together. Cora kept her hand tucked into the crook of Jared’s arm because even the porch was a little slippery. She had felt a little nervous about having a big conversation, but between the way the view was completely transformed by ice and noise of the wind, it was enough just to take it all in.

When they piled back inside a few minutes later, they both had rosy cheeks and the house felt cozy and warm.

“Hello sir and ma’am,” Sylvester said from the stairs. “Welcome.”

He was wearing his church clothes and had his hair slicked back, probably with water, since Cora didn’t use gel or spray on her own hair. She had to bite the inside of her cheek to stop herself from giggling.

“Thank you,” Jared said, playing along perfectly. “We’d like your best table.”

“It’s ready for you, sir,” Sylvester said, pointing to the dining room table.

The table was beautifully set for two with a fragrant pine scented jar candle for ambiance. A small piece of folded paper in the center declared it Reserved in Sylvester’s handwriting.

“Thank you,” Cora said, impressed.

Jared jogged forward to pull out her chair for her.

“And thank you,” she told him, as he took his own seat opposite her.

Ginny appeared in the threshold and waved to Sylvester, reminding him of something.

“May I tell you about our specials?” Sylvester asked.

“Yes, please,” Jared replied.