December 24, 1910

Dear Diary,

John has come to fetch me for an afternoon Christmas Eve ride. Papa told him that I might go for one in his new steamer. You see, John is doing quite well in his fruit canning business. Only the very well-to-do can afford such a luxury as a horseless carriage. And there is an increasing demand for his fruit back east. There has been quite a lot of talk of his expanding business.

Papa told me he thought John was the wealthiest young man in our entire county. And he gave me a queer look as he said it. Just before I was to leave he kissed me on the forehead, told me what a splendid daughter I was, and said that any man who won my hand in marriage would be a lucky one. It was truly most peculiar.

When John finally arrived, both Papa and Mama greeted him warmly, as if they hadn’t seen him in years. And that also was strange. It must be noted that yesterday, when I was out visiting the shops, I had the distinct impression he had paid them a call. For when I came home I saw his favorite wool cap hanging on the umbrella stand. But when I remarked upon it to mother, she gave me this mysterious little smile. It was as if she knew what had transpired between John and I last night.

My cheeks heated under her penetrating gaze. And I pretended that I wasn’t all that keen on seeing him this afternoon. Such foolishness, when in fact I am counting every tick on our grandfather clock until I do!

John was so courteous and correct with me when he helped me into his automobile, very much the gentleman. I had to ask him what was wrong... I had some difficulty reconciling this handsome beau in his long duster and automobile goggles, with the jokester who used to put toads in my lunch pail.

He simply said that he wanted to make certain that I was comfortable and pulled out a heavy tartan blanket to put over my lap. He was ever so thoughtful. And he didn’t crack one joke when I almost tripped getting in.

I pulled the veil of my hat over my face and made certain it was tightly bowed. I did not want it to fly off during the ride. The hat is the new white one I had trimmed with holly and little red berries made out of silk and lace. It has a broad band of red velvet ribbon running around it for trim. The milliner told me it was the most fetching one she’d made this season. And from the wink John gave me when we took off, I’d say he was right pleased by how it looked on me.

He informed me that his steamer could go up to the unheard speed of twenty miles an hour. I must say my heart tripped a little bit at the thought. He promised, however, to keep it down to the more stately speed of five. Apparently my father wouldn’t let him take me out unless he did so. Papa was afraid that it might overheat if John put it at full throttle. Even so, it was thrilling and we had such a merry time! To be truthful, dear diary, we always have such good times together. I just never realized how much we enjoyed each other’s company before.

He took me up into the nearby hills of Los Gatos. It was not a very long drive and I was almost sorry it ended, that is until I saw the view... Breathtaking, we could look out at the entire valley.

Below I could see all of Santa Clara County laid out at our feet. We spotted my father’s orchards and John’s canning sheds, as well as a few of the brick buildings of our town, including Uncle Frederick’s bank. And off in the far distance we could see the salt marshes leading out to the bay and the Pacific Ocean. It all looked so lovely. I was so happy he had brought me.

We sat on the blanket and ate the chicken and potato salad my mother had cooked for us. John brought out a jug of warmed apple cider, which he had strapped to the boiler engine to keep warm. And for dessert, we had some of his housekeeper’s lemon pie. It tasted delicious and I told him so... Taking my hand into his, he gazed into my eyes and replied that it did not taste half as heavenly as me. Drawing me into his arms, he kissed me. It was sweet and tender, and warmed me all over.

As he bid me goodnight, John told me that he was going to bring me a present tomorrow. I asked if it was going to be a very small one? He laughed, and told me that I was a minx, and that if I didn’t behave myself he was going to replace it with one of his famous toads. That made me laugh! He’s such an adorable fool.

Oh, I do so hope his present is the kind that is found in those darling silver heart boxes, the sort Mr. Miller’s jewelry store sells. I must now confess, dear diary, I no longer desire to go to Washington D. C, or any other place. I’d much prefer staying here in this lovely valley with my John. You see, I do believe he is going to ask me to marry him. And as I am very much in love, I will simply will have to answer, "Yes, John". And live happily ever after a princess with her loving knave... All because he daringly kissed me under the mistletoe.

_____________________________

Biographical Profile on Beverly S. Adam

Beverly Adam is a romance author living in northern California's Silicon Valley. She lives with her husband and two children in the home they've dubbed, Eden Cottage, because of its beautiful garden.

"Irish Magic" (ISBN:0-595-26737-8), her first romance novel, was published in 2003. Her newest book, based on the the true life of Burlington Missouri River Railroad's traveling photographer, Mary Jane Wyatt, titled "She Rode the Rails" ( ISBN:0-595-33528-4), has been awarded an Editor's Choice Award by iUniverse.  Check out more information about "She Rode the Rails at Beverly S. Adam.

Also, check out another story by Beverly in Romantic Tales at I Love You Miss #3198

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