Page 13 of Merry Christmas, Cowboy

Nicole looked toward the house and found Coop and Garrett deep in conversation, each one loaded down with equipment, heading their way. “Hey, ladies,” Coop said, loading a ladder into the truck, while Garrett set a toolbox down inside. “Looks like we used every single strand of lights. We didn’t miss a branch or a fence rail.”

“It was a productive day, that’s for sure.” She walked over to give Coop a big hug. “You’re the best. I’m glad Taylor married you.”

He laughed. “So am I.”

“Thanks again.”

After the hug, she glanced at Garrett. She felt like she needed to say something to him too. “I can’t thank you enough for helping today. And for allowing us to take over the ranch for the next few weeks.”

He scrubbed his chin and his eyes narrowed in on her. “Did I agree to that?”

“Well, uh, maybe I didn’t say it right, I—”

“Kidding,” he said and then turned to Coop and Taylor. “If you’re sure it’s no imposition, I’ll see you for dinner, later in the day.”

“None at all. We’re happy to have you come,” Taylor said. “There’ll be a few of us; Nicole will be there too.”

Immediately, his gaze traveled to her with an unreadable expression. She felt a flutter in her tummy, one that put her on edge.

“Okay then,” he said. “I guess we’ll see you all later.”

She lifted her hand to wave, then let it drop just as quickly. “See ya.”

He gave her a crooked smile, then walked back toward the house.

Taylor nudged her arm. “He is pretty darn—”

She put her hands over her ears. “Fa, la, la, la, la. La, la, la, la.”

When she finally uncovered her ears, Taylor smiled. “I was going to say, handy. He’s pretty darn handy.”

She gave up and finally played along. “You should know. You married the handiest man alive.”

“Well, thank you, Nic,” Coop said. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Welcome, Coop.”

Nicole glanced around one last time, making sure they weren’t forgetting anything. And found Garrett on the porch, leaning over the railing, watching her. Once their eyes connected, he spun around quickly and strode into the house. As if he’d been caught red-handed.

She turned to her friends, ignoring their amused expressions. “I think we’re finished here.”

*

The Cooper housewas full of dinner guests by the time Nicole got there. As soon as she walked into the living room, she was met by Muffy, Julie’s little champagne-colored dog, nipping at her heels. Following right behind her was Cody. “Hi, Miss Russell,” he said, bending down to pet the pup. The two were becoming fast friends.

“Hello again, Cody. Are you all rested up after helping with the lights today?”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said. The dog was licking his face and Cody was eating it up.

“Muffy sure is cute. Cassie likes to play with her, so Julie brought her over.”

“Uncle Garrett says once we settle down, we can get a dog.”

Garrett walked up. “I said, maybe,” he explained quietly, rocking back on his heels, his hands in his pockets. “And it won’t be for a little while, Code.”

Garrett gave her a look, like he was in over his head.

“Dogs require lots of attention, Cody. It’s a big commitment, which means you have to give up a lot of your time, to care for them properly. I’m sure your uncle will know when the time is right.”

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