There was about four inches of snow on the ground when I left the highway and made my way into the scenic overlook area, I was on gravel about fifteen feet off the road, far enough off the main road to be safe and close enough to be seen. Before I texted Brook I took a piss writing my name in the snow as I'd done so many times as a young boy, then called Mr. Bremmer, the owner of the feed mill to let him know I was safe and what my plans were. He was glad to hear from me and happy to know that I was not only safe, but that I would remain safe along with the truck. With the engine running and the clearance lights on I settled into the passenger seat to text my soon to be bride.
Me:
Hi, it's 12:44 and I'm stopped for the night, gonna have a sandwich and attempt to sleep. If the snow wasn't so disastrous to drive in it would be beautiful, big nickel size flakes softly floating to earth. Wish you were here in my arms right now."
Brook:
I wish I were in your arms as well, I know ways to keep you warm, we could have quite a make out session in that big seat. Will you wait for the county trucks to go through in the morning before you head home?
Me:
Yup, once they plow and salt I'll be right behind them, it'll be slow but it's better than putting this rig in the ditch. I let Mr. Bremmer know, he's good with everything and told me to take my time getting back, he doesn't have any more feed deliveries scheduled until after the holidays. That means I can spend more time with you. (I sent along a kissing smiley face)
Brook:
Here's three kisses and a hug for you, going to bed now, text me when you leave there in the morning.
I dozed on and off throughout the night, the snow began to let up just after three, I noticed two four wheel drive pickups with plows and yellow lights flashing as they creeped along toward Princeton around four fifteen, more than likely local guys with contracts to plow parking lots and driveways in Princeton. With seven inches on the ground an early start was imperative for them. I'd taken a leak and was standing at the front of the truck as daylight filtered through ever so gently, from my left was a familiar and welcome sound, a plow truck making his way through.
I inched my rig next to the road and as he drove by waving at me I slipped in right behind him, we weren't exceeding twenty- five miles per hour, but we also weren't in the ditch. Going south from Princeton the roads changed dramatically when I crossed over into Buffalo County, they had obviously been plowing much earlier than Green County where I had been parked. I had my phone on Blue Tooth, when Brook called, I was able to keep on driving uninterrupted while we talked.
"Hey how come you didn't text me when you hit the road?" She asked.
"The county truck popped up so fast that I only had enough time to jump in the drivers eat and get in behind him, I wanted to wait a little bit before I called."
"I've been up since five thirty Frank, mom has scolded me twice for pacing the floor. Now that I know you're okay and on the way home I think I'll go back to bed, don't do this to me anymore, it's too stressful."
I laughed, "Sure, like I have something to do with the weather, I'm okay Brook, if the roads stay clear I'll be back in town by one, wanna have lunch with me?"
"Got a better idea, I'm home alone until about four, I'll make lunch and we can eat together. You know, like playing house. Tee heehee."
She had opened the metaphorical door, I was gonna walk through, "Is that all we'll do if we play house? I'm having withdrawal pains after no kisses last night."
She giggled, "I know what you have in mind dirty boy, but my panties are staying on, even if your hand is in them as long as I keep them on I'm okay, because the minute you get them off me I won't be able to say no. So ... panties stay on, alright?"
"Okay hon, panties stay on, for today. I would like to touch you inside them though."
"Stop it Frank, you're making me damp and horny. Call before you come over and I'll have everything ready. Ham, eggs, hash browns and toast sound okay?"
"Perfect babe, perfect."
I had called my folks the night before shortly after Brook and I stopped texting, I figured it was time for an update. While we talked I told mom I was going over to Brooks for lunch, the line was silent for several long agonizing seconds.
"Frank, you be careful, don't be foolish since you're so close to asking for her hand. I know her folks and sister aren't there because we saw them headed out of town this morning. You behave you hear me son, you've held out this long, don't take advantage of an opportunity that might lead to heart break."
"You don't need to worry mom, we aren't having sex, at least not yet anyway. We'll behave, we always do."
When I backed the truck into the heated bay it was covered in salt residue and slush. The kid who took care of washing the trucks was pissing and moaning about how dirty it was when Mr. Bremmer tapped his shoulder from behind.
"Kevin, while you were tucked in your warm fuzzy bed last night Frank was battling a snow storm over ice, while mommy was making you supper Frank was holed up in the cab with lousy convenience store sandwiches and chips, while you waltzed in here this morning all chipper and raring to go Frank was happy to be anywhere but a ditch. Those are but a few of the reasons you're going to clean this truck top to bottom and inside, oh, and if that doesn't suit you don't let the door hit you in the ass. Now shut yer yap and get busy."
After turning in all my paperwork and the receipt for the fuel I was ready to head out, Mr. Bremmer wasn't having it, he wanted to know the cost of everything I'd purchased. I gave him the receipts and turned to go, Mr. Bremmer's voice stopped me where I stood.
"Hold on Frank, I want you to know how much I appreciate everything you did yesterday from making sure everyone got what they ordered to being willing to sacrifice your comfort to get the rig home unscathed. Guys like you need to be rewarded."
Pulling a hundred-dollar bill from his wallet he handed it to me.
"Take that pretty girlfriend of yours out to a nice dinner on me. I'm sure she had as hectic a night as you did worrying about you. There'll also be a little extra in this year's Christmas bonus as well, now get outa here, get some sleep and I don't wanna see your mug until the 27