Swept off her feet

by Diane Shirley – 

The wind howled. The sunlit snow blinded her.  She pushed on, struggling toward the lights of the building ahead.  A patch of ice and she skidded, arms flying.  As she fell backward strong hands caught her.  She was guided firmly to the lighted doorway and led into its warm interior. 

Free of the hands holding her, she tore of her hat and shook off the snow.  Turning around, she saw a tall, dark-haired man doing the same.  Melting snow scattered from their coats.  She smiled at him.  He returned the smile.

“Thank you so much,” she said.

“You’re welcome.” He bowed, an arm across his chest.

“It’s so cold out there, and getting worse.  I could have been badly hurt.”

“But you’re safe now.”  His smile was so warm she almost melted.

She took a step closer, wanting to be in his arms again.

He took a step back and re-buttoned his coat.  It was then she saw the gold band on his finger.

“Well, I gotta go,” he said, turning back to the door. More damsels in distress to rescue.”

And with a wave he was gone.  She watched him disappear into the blowing, swirling snow.  After that day, she never saw him again.