Once their meals had been served, the two of them talked and laughed all through the meal. As Caitlin finished up her potato, curiosity got the better of her.
"So Daniel," she said, taking a sip of her sparkling cider. "Where are we off to next?"
"Uh-uh," he said, a sly smile on his face. "Not until after the meal. Otherwise it wouldn't be a surprise." He finished up his meal, taking a sip of the bubbly cider. "So Caitlin, Have you got any plans for Thanksgiving next week?"
"No," she said, taking another sip of her cider.
"You don't spend the holiday with Jason and Lacey?"
"Usually I do, but this year she's closing down the shop, and they're going to Jason's side of the family for the holiday. They're spending the whole weekend so they can visit with his family."
Daniel nodded. "So what will you do?"
"I haven't thought about it yet." She finished up her meal. "What about you?"
"I usually spend the holiday with Sam and the others." Daniel glanced at his watch. "It's almost seven pm," he told her. "Are you ready for the next part of your surprise?"
She wiped her mouth with her napkin. "Almost. Just let me go freshen up a little before we leave."
He stood up and helped her with her chair, and he called the host over, who brought them their bill. He pulled out his wallet, and handed him his credit card. In a few minutes, the host came back with his card and receipt.
At the same time, Caitlin returned, and she told him she was ready to go.
"Thank you, Dr. Jackson," the host told them. "And please come again."
"Thank you. We will." Daniel stood up, and smiled at Caitlin. "Shall we?" He offered her his arm, and together they walked out into the coat room, put their coats on, and walked out into the chilly night air. When they got into the limo, he put the blindfold on her again.
"Daniel," she said, a frown on her face. "Is this really necessary?"
"Like I told you before, I don't want to spoil the surprise."
"All right."
Daniel told Sgt. Fenhouse that they were ready, and the limo took off. As they drove to their next destination, they continued to talk and laugh together.
"So Caitlin, is there anything you like to do in the winter months?" Daniel asked her as they drove down the snowy streets.
"I love to downhill ski, but I can't do it anymore because I hurt my right knee in an accident in 1989. But I do like to ride horse."
"I didn't know that," he said, surprised. "Is there a place near here where you can go to do that?"
Caitlin nodded. "Yes. I usually go to Willow Creek Stables out on Sycamore Road. They have some trails up there, and they stay open all year round. I like to go just after it's snows. It's really pretty then. I'll have to take you sometime."
The limo turned down the street and pulled up in front of the Performing Arts Center. Sgt. Fenhouse got out and opened up Daniel's door.
"Caitlin, I'm going to take off the blindfold, but you have to keep your eyes closed. Okay?"
She nodded.
Daniel took her hands, and he led her out of the limo, stopping her a few feet away. "Are you ready?" he asked her.
She nodded again.
"Okay, you can open then now."
Caitlin opened her eyes, and looked around. Suddenly, she noticed the marquee. It read, TONIGHT ONLY! RIVERDANCE. She turned to him, tears in her eyes. "When? How?"
