forehead that looked like a heart. The trio was bundled up against the cold, a riot of color against the snowy backdrop.
“I love riding through the snow. Everything’s so quiet and clean.” Sunshine was wearing a bright orange faux-fur coat with a purple scarf and red gloves. Oh, and her boots were bright yellow. She looked like a rogue cartoon character.
“I hope I get a chance to go riding in England. I can’t thank you enough for teaching me how to ride.” Elizabeth thought her hair was color enough, and had dressed in all black.
Darla patted the white horse. The animal blended into the landscape, making it look like she was floating on air. “Thank David. I didn’t even know I liked horses until I married him.” She shifted in the saddle to look at both of them as she grinned. “When are the two of you going to settle down and get married? I can’t be the only one. Thought we were the three musketeers.”
Sunshine frowned. “But how did you choose? There are so many wonderful men out there waiting for us.”
“Your problem is you love all men.” Darla brushed a clump of snow off her shoulder as Elizabeth laughed.
“Yeah, Sunshine. All shapes and sizes. Every hair color; it doesn’t matter. As long as they make you laugh, you love them.”
“Give me more choices.” Sunshine grinned. “Think about staying in England for good. Then when I’ve dated every eligible guy in the U.S., I’ll come for a visit and work my way through England.”
“And Scotland.” Darla giggled. “Talk about fantastic accents.”
Elizabeth turned in the saddle to look at her friends. “Why stop there? After the United Kingdom, how about Australia and New Zealand?”
“All of Europe, while you’re at it.”
Sunshine stuck her tongue out. “Funny. Very funny, you two.”
It was midmorning when Darla slowed her horse. “Let’s stop here. There’s something I want to show you both.”
They tied the horses to a nearby tree. The path was well traveled: various animal tracks crisscrossed back and forth, making it look like an animal rush hour. Darla led them through the trees into a small clearing.
Elizabeth let the sun warm her face. “How perfect. It’s like someone ripped a page out of a fairytale and brought the scene to life.” The pond was completely iced over except for one end, where a tiny waterfall kept the water flowing. The surrounding branches and shrubbery were encased in ice, turning the entire tableau into a winter wonderland. As the three of them soaked in the beauty of the spot, a family of bunnies hopped by, their brown coats contrasting with the snow. There was a flat rock, clear of snow from the sun. They stretched out, drinking hot chocolate, and Elizabeth knew she’d never forget the magical morning.
The rest of the time passed quickly, and before she knew it, she was behind the wheel of Lulabell, on her way to the airport.
“Are you sure you want me to drive your baby while you’re gone?” Sunshine stretched in the passenger seat, huge rhinestone-encrusted sunglasses obscuring half her face.
“I’m sure. It’s good for her to be driven at least once a week, and since I don’t know how long I’ll be gone, I’d really appreciate it.”
“You’re not booking a return ticket?” Sunshine looked interested. “Are you turning into your parents? Going to start posting pictures from exotic locales? Calling once in a while and making us traipse across the world to visit?”
Elizabeth laughed. “I don’t know about all that, just thought I’d take some time. Decompress and figure out what comes next.”
Sunshine pushed her sunglasses down her nose to peer at Elizabeth. “Then again, maybe you should put that boundless energy into finding Mr. Right. You’ve had a rough patch after Dennis. I swear he made an art of forgetting his wallet. It’s time you met a guy that sees the goodness in you. One that can take care of you for a change.” She brightened and waggled
Etgar Keret, Nathan Englander, Miriam Shlesinger, Sondra Silverston