A moment for you
Leanne never expected to find love late in life, but when winter arrived one night, a handsome stranger came knocking with a request that captured her heart
Leanne had just finished her mug of hot cocoa when the doorbell chimed. She got up from her cozy spot on the sofa. Who’d be out in this cold? She opened the front door, and her heart leapt at the sight of her handsome visitor. He’d been the first person to welcome her at the community center’s “Senior Singles” group when she moved up north a few months earlier, and he’d quickly become a close friend…and her secret crush. “William! To what do I owe this surprise?”
William flung his arms out wide. “Happy first snowfall!”
Leanne leaned out over the threshold. “Well, would you look at that!” In the soft glow of the street lamps, snowflakes floated down in a mesmerizing dance.
Merriment twinkled in William’s hazel eyes. “Care to take a walk with me?” “Let me just grab my hat and coat.” Moments later, Leanne stepped onto the porch as William handed her a gift bag. “Something to commemorate the occasion,” he said softly.
“First snowfall gifts? I certainly didn’t receive any of these living in Phoenix. Just think how many presents I’ve missed!”
William chuckled. “It’s a tradition I started years ago. Go ahead and open it.”
Leanne reached into the bag and pulled out an emerald-hued scarf. Fingering the plush knit, she wrapped it around her neck. “This is so lovely, William.”
“I’m glad you like it,” he beamed. “The color perfectly matches those beautiful green eyes of yours.”
Butterflies swarmed in Leanne’s stomach. “How thoughtful. Thank you!” William offered her his arm. “Shall we?” Smiling, Leanne slipped her hand into the crook of his arm, and together they stepped out into the gently falling snow. The quiet of the late evening was broken only by the crunch of snow under their boots as they strolled along the deserted street.
“It’s peaceful, isn’t it?” William
asked.
“It’s magical. I feel like I’ve stepped into a scene from The Nutcracker.”
“The Nutcracker, hmm?” William abruptly stopped walking. “A waltz with
“Her heart leapt at the sight of her handsome visitor”
the snowflakes then!” He bowed slightly and held out his hand in invitation.
Laughter bubbled up from Leanne’s chest as she placed her hand in his, and with a myriad of snowflakes drifting serenely down around them, they began to dance. Leanne relished the closeness. William hummed a tune as their feet shuffled through the accumulating powder, and after a couple minutes, he gave her a little dip as a finale.
Leanne giggled like a schoolgirl. He grinned, and they continued their promenade up the lane toward the park.
“It really is a winter wonderland out here.” Leanne breathed in the scent of wood smoke and gazed at the trees’ branches, thickly coated in white.
“To think that I didn’t even know it was snowing! I would have missed all this magic if not for you.”
“Thank you for joining me. The best things in life are better with someone special by your side…don’t you think?”
Leanne’s stomach somersaulted. Could William possibly have feelings for her too?
Soon they reached the park’s gazebo and stepped under the shelter, which glowed with strings of twinkling white lights.
William removed his flat cap and tucked it under his arm. Taking Leanne’s hands in his own, he gazed into her eyes. “I must confess, Leanne, the snow isn’t the only thing that’s falling here. I’ve fallen in love with you a little bit more each day since we met. I’m hoping that tonight is the first of many first snowfalls we celebrate together.”
Despite the chilly temperature outside, Leanne felt her heart melt. She smiled widely. “I’d like that very much, William.”
“It’s probably late in our lives for me to give you my class ring or letter jacket, huh?” he said with a dimpled grin.
Leanne laughed. “I don’t know about that. I might like to wear it, especially if it matched my new scarf.”
William chuckled. “If I ever find it in the attic, it’s all yours.” He reached up to gently cup her cheek in his hand and, with a wink, said, “As for a ring, maybe there will be one of those in the future. But for now, Leanne…will you be my girl?”
She couldn’t keep the blissful smile from her face. “I’d like nothing better.”
William pulled her into his warm embrace, and with her cheek against his chest, Leanne sighed in contentment. Another chance for love in this season of life? It felt as fresh as the fallen snow!