What kind
of person are you when it comes to Christmas shopping? Are you someone who
collects throughout the year, or are you astonished to find out that Christmas
Eve is only three weeks (or three days??) away?
I’m a
hoarder. I start buying gifts in August, put them in a safe place, and hope to
remember where I put them by December 20th. I always remember that I bought
gifts, but there was one year when I knew for sure that I had bought a gift for
my best friend. However, I couldn't remember where I put it, so I ended up
buying a new one. Maybe it was the same one. I can’t recall because the first
gift never turned up.
As I
reflect on the past year and count my blessings, finishing a new novel is not
among them. I struggled through most of the writing process. I still have about
5,000 words left to write, but I haven't written anything recently. Yes, I have
a lot of work to pay my bills, and I have to ride my horse. The colder it gets,
the more he needs to be ridden, otherwise he'll be completely out of control
next time. So, my time to sit down at the computer is limited.
But back to
the blessings. My friends and I are healthy. My two cats and horse are living
well in their golden years. I still have my job, which is not bad these days
when so many companies are reducing their workforce. So, really, there is
nothing to complain about. I hope all of you who are struggling with work or
personal problems find solutions that will make you happier in 2026. Take care
of yourselves and stay healthy!
See you all
next year!
Since I’ve
never written a Christmas story before, I’ll share an excerpt from Riding
with a Bodyguard, (book five in the series) with you. Have a great time!
Description
The trouble with a vacation is that you never get what you wish for.
Riding and hiking in the New York State national forest—what could be more
recuperative? When Secretary Nolan’s wife decides to have a pleasant week of
riding in the national forest she can’t anticipate the trouble waiting for all
of them, and the snowstorm is just the beginning.
Excerpt
“Sir, aside from protocol—are you kidding me?” Walter Coleman’s voice was
serious, his gaze set on Secretary’s Nolan’s benevolent, amused face. “I mean,
you’re telling me this as a joke at my expense, right?” He arched his brows and
cocked his head, watching the secretary take off his glasses for polishing.
“Sir?”
His voice was gentle. “Walter, I’ve been married to my wife for more than
thirty years by now. That’s a long time. Much longer than the time I spent as a
student, soldier or politician.” He put his glasses back on and looked at the
chief of security. “Diane was born and raised in Lake Placid. While the other
kids were skiing and playing ice hockey, she rode. Her parents kept horses as
long as she lived there. Though she had to move with me to Washington because
of my work, she’s never stopped riding. She simply loves it.”
“I know that, sir.”
“If you know that—you should know better than asking me to change my wife’s
plans on how to spend our few days away from all appointments. I promised to fulfill
a wish. She’s been telling me about a cross-country tour on horseback for half
a year. Virtually since the day she…never mind.” He lowered his chin.
“Honestly, Walter, are you kidding me asking me to change my wife’s mind?”
Walter exhaled loudly, and only because Nolan knew him inside and out did he
dare show impatience. “You’re telling me your wife wants to ride from one lodge
to the next, every day another accommodation? Through the woods of New York
State?”
“That’s the plan, yes.” Nolan turned to the small table at the window
overlooking the garden where he had left his glass. “Away from all streets,
away from all the hassle—just a few people enjoying days in the wilderness.
Hopefully with good weather.” He smiled over the rim. “I know you’re making
calculations, Walter, so let me tell you there’s no other way than for all
bodyguards to accompany us on horseback.”
“No motorcycles?”
“None. Period. Don’t come with helicopters or planes or drones or whatever you
had on your list.” Nolan put down the glass, looking completely at ease. “Aside
from the fact that there’s no driving on motorcycles through a national
forest—who would come and bother us? I’m not the most wanted person in the
United States, am I? I’m also not on the list of endangered celebrities and
such.”
Walter lifted his hands to stress his argument. “I understand that I can’t make
you change your mind—”
“No, you mean I won’t risk my health trying to change my wife’s mind.”
“Yes, sir. At least consider staying at one place. One lodge. One place we can
secure and make sure you’ll be safe when you get there. Take day trips through
the woods, but, please, return to the same house every evening.”
Nolan frowned. “You’re telling me to bargain with Diane?”
“Eventually you’ll have to drive a hard bargain with her, sir, but under the
perspective of securing your stay, I have to admit that the effort seems worth
it. I can send a team with you on every route, but sending one ahead to go
through security routine every afternoon and night is much more difficult. Not
to mention you’d need more men with you to have them deployed in time.”
Nolan sighed but nodded. “I’ll talk to her. I guess she already had a preferred
lodge in mind. As I said, she was born and raised in the area and probably
knows every damn soul worth knowing.” He smoothed his shock of white hair. The
slightly amused glance was back in his eyes. “Tell me, Walter, will you
accompany us?”
Walter pursed his lips. He hated admitting that there were tasks he couldn’t
fulfill. “No, sir,” he replied through clenched teeth. “I’ll have to stay
behind. I’ve never been on horseback, and I don’t want to.”
“Ah! And who’s your choice to head the bodyguards then?”
“I’m quite convinced Ethan Mahoney qualifies for this task.”
Nolan nodded, grinning. “That fits perfectly. Find out who else knows a horse’s
front from its rear.”
“Yes, sir.” Walter turned away, unable to hide his puzzlement about the
secretary’s exuberant mood.
* *
* *
Find my
books at annraina.com
Follow me
on Instagram at ann_raina_author
All my
books are published by extasybooks.com and also available at online bookstores.
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