“Dakota, I’m so glad you joined us. Come in, the girls are all here.”
Tegan’s excitement warmed her. She’d always wanted to be part of a group back in high school. But her neighborhood and the private school her mother sent her to only included girls like her mother and sister. Definitely not Dakota’s cup-of-tea as Ethel would say. She loved the old sayings she’d heard over the past week. “I’ve been looking forward to tonight. It’s the highlight of my week.”
Dakota burst into laughter at Tegan’s smirky comment. “Well this is Vinegrove. Not much excitement, but we girls love our evening together.”
A snowflake hit Dakota’s nose before she’d had the chance to step inside. She looked up into the sky in amazement. “It’s snowing! It’s so beautiful.” She glowed in delight and then entered.
Tegan put an arm around Dakota and leaned in. “I’ll ask you in a couple of months if you’re still excited.” She laughed but then admitted she loved one season as much as the next.
“Dakota!” She heard Becca call out as she and Tegan entered the living room. “I’m so happy you’re here. Wine,” she offered.
Dakota nodded, “Of course.” She held up the pink box in her hands. “I hope you all like chocolate. I picked us up something at the delicatessen today. I’m better at taking temperatures than I am at figuring out how to work an oven.”
Everyone joined in with Dakota’s snickering. She’d always used her dry sense of humor in awkward situations. Not that this seemed awkward, she’d just been anxious to meet new friends. With her wine glass in one in hand, she looked around the room at a few unfamiliar faces. One lady moved over to make room on the leather loveseat. Dakota thanked her.
“Hi Dakota, I’m Finn.”
Maisey sat forward in her plush comfy chair and introduced herself.
Within minutes all introductions were done and the ladies settled in to wine, food, and lively conversations. Dakota hadn’t felt this comfortable ever. Until a basket had been placed on Maisey?s lap and Tegan announced it was The Love List pick. She’d heard Becca earlier mention how it had come about. Dakota thought it was a crazy idea, but then decided, what the heck? She reached into the basket when it landed on her lap.
“Maybe the holidays won’t be so lonely if I have the company of a great guy.” She winked at the girls as she opened the little piece of paper. Tegan had explained that she and the original Love List girls thought of eligible bachelors in town and that the new girls had to ask out whoever they picked.
“So? Who did you get?” Finn asked excitedly.
Dakota read the name silently first, Tristan Hart. Her heart beat a little faster. Mr. Stetson hadn’t left her thoughts since they met. She smiled and then announced the name she’d chosen.
“That’s my pick!” Becca jumped up from her seat and cheered. She seemed overjoyed with the name chosen.
Dakota looked at Becca and asked, “You know him?”
Before Becca could answer, a car honked a couple of times outside the shop and Maisey stood. “My taxi is calling.” She quickly grabbed her jacket and headed toward the door as she said her goodbyes. Maisey appeared thankful to leave. She’d been more hesitant than Dakota about the Love List. But Tegan didn’t let her leave without her slip of paper and her chosen pick. The ladies were still chuckling at Maisey’s sudden escape when Dakota’s cell phone rang. She dug it out of her purse and noticed the name on the display.
“Excuse me ladies, its Ethel.”
Dakota worried. She’d become close with the little old lady she’d been staying with and had shared this with the ladies earlier in the evening. She stood as she answered and walked away from the room so she could hear properly.
“Hi Ethel, is everything okay?”
She returned to the room filled with chatter and announced that her dear friend Ethel was coming to pick her up. “Isn’t that sweet of her? She’s worried I’d have to walk in the sudden onslaught of ice pellets. She’s on her way so I will say my goodbyes now as well.” Dakota made her way around the room with hugs and thanks. “I really enjoyed tonight and am definitely looking forward to our next get-together.” She another honk heard from outside and Dakota waved her hand in the air. “Night, ladies”
She heard Becca call from the distance, “Chase and I are away for a couple of days but you and I will chat when I get back.” Dakota called back to answer Becca. She definitely wanted to talk to her about Tristan Hart. She stepped outside and tossed her hood over her head. The ice pellets hit her as she quickly raced to Ethel’s car.
Once back in Ethel’s kitchen, Dakota enjoyed a hot cup of tea. Ethel had the kettle waiting for their return. As she held the warm cup between her cold hands, she thanked the older woman.