GWP #9
These characters are owned by Western Publishing. I am just borrowing them. Thank you Anna for proofing my first attempt at fanfic.
The Snowy Evening
by snowlionIt had been snowing all day and 15-year-old Mart Belden had been planning this evening for a long time. Actually the snow was going to work just fine with his plan. In fact as Honey and Trixie were so fond of saying it would be "perfectly perfect" (not quite the elongated phrase he usually used but it certainly fit). He hurried up the hill to the Manor House stables.
"Hey Mart, How’s it going?" Regan asked.
"Great Regan, I think I have everything in my backpack. I just hope I haven’t forgotten anything." Mart replied.
"When I saw the weather I pulled that old sleigh of Honey’s out of the back. It’s cleaned up and ready to go for you. We can hitch Starlight up to it right now," Regan said.
"Thanks Regan, that was swell of you" Mart exclaimed.
Soon Mart was on his way, "Good Luck," Regan called after him.
As Starlight trotted along, Mart thought about what a good friend to the Bob-Whites Regan was, and he hardly ever complained. Except of course when one of Trixie’s mysteries kept them too busy to exercise the horses.
Mart was soon slowing Starlight to a halt. He jumped out of the sleigh and ran up the steps. Suddenly nervous, he hesitated before knocking.
After a deep breath, he rapped quickly on the door. The door opened and Harrison said, "May I help you?"
"Y-yes, is Diana home?" Mart stammered.
"One moment please," Harrison stepped away.
In a few minutes, Di came walking down the stairs. Mart felt speechless as he watched her step toward him, then he heard a giggle from above.
Glancing toward the railing he saw four little faces duck behind the corner.
He grinned and said to Di, "Do you have a warm coat? It’s still snowing outside."
Di smile and replied "Yes, and gloves and a hat as well."
They walked to the door and Di stopped and gasped, "Mart Belden, where did you get that!"
"The sleigh? Regan pulled it out of somewhere, shall we go?"
Di sat in the sleigh and Mart scooted in beside her. He tucked in several blankets around them and urged on Starlight.They rode in silence for awhile, enjoying the snow.
"So, Mr Belden," Di asked, "where are we going?"
"Now, now, Ms Lynch, all will be illuminated presently."
Starlight came around the corner of the trail and into the clearing.
There was a crackling fire and next to the fire a bench had been pulled close. Mart looked toward the edge of the clearing and saw Dan. When Dan met his eye Mart grinned, Dan gave a quick wave and melted into the darkness silently.
Mart helped Diana out of the sleigh and led her to the bench. After she was seated he went back to the sleigh and pulled out his backpack. "Do you want a blanket?" he called to Di.
"No, the fire is just right. Mart, how did you do all of this?" she asked.
Mart laughed. "A magician never reveals his secrets, now let’s see what I have here in my bag." He sat down beside her and opened his backpack. He pulled out a small transistor radio and snapped it on. Bing Crosby’s "White Christmas" was playing.
Next he pulled out a thermos of hot chocolate and a bag of Moms’s homemade cookies. He handed the cookies to Di and carefully poured two cups of cocoa. Finally he pulled out a small box. He hesitated now,
"Di, I know we, the Bob-Whites I mean, are going to exchange gifts together next week, but I have something I would like to give to you now."
"I’m not really one for fond looks, as Jim is, but I did want to give you something that would let everyone know that YOU are my special girl."
Mart handed her the box and she slowly pulled the ribbon off, lifting the top she gasped. Nestled in the velvet box was a locket, with both their names engraved on it. "Oh Mart," she exclaimed, "I love it and I would be honored to be your special girl!"