Yes… it had happened. I had fallen in love with Josh. And I was sure he felt more than just friendship for me too. His constant double-meaning remarks, the way he looked at me… I decided to invite him over for a romantic dinner. And if the moment felt right, I would finally confess my feelings. I had to ride to Silverglade to get everything for the evening. Josh was at the outdoor stable.

Gillian: “Hey Josh, tonight there’s going to be a real candlelight dinner. 7 p.m. at my place.”

Josh: “Actually, I’ve got better plans. Just kidding… I’ll be there on time.”

Wesley had told me that Courtney Summers — Marley’s sister — was an excellent cook. Since my own cooking skills were… questionable… I went to her first.

Gillian: “Hi Courtney, you’re an amazing cook. Do you have a recipe for a special dinner? But not too complicated, please.”

Courtney: “Hello Gillian… let me think… something special, you say? Ah! I’ve got just the thing… Well then — have fun shopping.”

At the vegetable stand, I explained to the vendor:

Gillian: “Hi… I’m cooking a special dinner tonight and I need… well… it’s a very simple recipe.”

Vendor: “Oh my goodness! How many people are you feeding?”

Back home, I prepared everything for a romantic evening.

Gillian: “Perfect. Now I’ll just quickly check on the food — and then straight into the shower.”

I had just finished when there was a knock at the door. It was Josh. Way too early.

Gillian: “Wow! You’re early — come in!”

Josh: “Hi Gillian. I know I’m early… but we need to talk.”

We need to talk. Oh no. This was it. My heart was racing. He didn’t even want a drink. He sat down on the couch, looking very serious. He must’ve been just as nervous as I was.

Josh: “Gillian, I received a telegram from my mother. My father had an accident. It doesn’t look good. I’m flying to Wyoming tomorrow.”

Gillian: “Of course. Your family needs you now.”

The ground felt like it was slipping beneath my feet. I had imagined a completely different conversation — one I had played out in my mind a thousand times over the past few days. Josh had to go to Wyoming. That was clear. His family needed him. Their ranch needed him. He left to pack. And I… I was simply heartbroken. Now I was sitting there alone, lost in my emotional chaos. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve. I was sad. Disappointed. The best thing I could do was distract myself with work. There was plenty left undone on the ranch. Then the doorbell rang. When I opened the door, my parents were standing there. Mum + Dad Meadowland: “Surprise!!!”

Gillian: “Mum… Dad! What are you doing here?!”

What a surprise. My parents had come all the way from Canada to spend Christmas with me. It was exactly what I needed. We spent beautiful days together. My father reminisced about his childhood with Uncle George. They were amazed at what George had built from the ranch — and proud that I was continuing his legacy. Sadly, time passed far too quickly… and soon my parents had to leave again.