Page 14 of Merry Christmas, Cowboy

Cody nodded. “Yes, ma’am.” Muffy ran into the other room, and Cody took off after him, little eight-year-old Cassie not far behind.

She faced Garrett now. “Hello again. I see you and Cody have met Cassie.”

“Yeah, and the kids hit it off right away. Everyone has been very welcoming to both of us.”

“That’s what we’re all about here in Last Stand.”

Garrett frowned. “Thanks for the reinforcements about the dog. I made the mistake of telling Cody we might get one when we settle down, and he thinks it should happen like tomorrow. I put the notion in his head and now he can’t stop talking about it. I should’ve known better.”

“I’m sure many practiced parents make the same mistake.”

Coop walked over, adding, “I know I sure did. I’m still making them with Cassie.”

“Well, you’re doing something right, Cassie’s a great little girl,” Nicole said.

“She is. I’m the one who’s constantly doubting myself.”

“Same here,” Garrett said, scratching his head. “I’ve only been at it a year, but it’s amazing how that little guy’s happiness consumes my life now.”

Coop slapped his back. “That sounds about right.”

Just then, Taylor called them over. “Hey, you guys, come have some wine. The lasagna will be ready in five.”

Nicole and Garrett looked at each other and before they could answer Taylor was right there, putting a glass of red wine in each of their hands. “This’ll keep you warm. It’s gonna be cold out there tonight.”

“I can’t recall a colder winter,” Coop said. “But I gotta admit, I like seeing snow on the ground in Last Stand.”

Everyone agreed, except Coop’s father, known as Grandpa Joe to his friends. “This cold weather makes my bones ache. But it’s sure nice to look out the window and see it on the ground.”

Coop and Taylor, Julie and Miguel, and Grandpa Joe, engaged Garrett in conversation as Nicole sipped her wine. She hadn’t eaten much today and now the alcohol was giving her a slight buzz. She’d be fine once she ate dinner. Right now, she was happy being quiet and listening to her friends converse. She had to admit to being a little sad, a little lonely, even amongst these people who had become so dear to her.

The only one missing was her friend, Lindsey, the music teacher at Honeysuckle. She’d gotten married in July and Nicole had been one of her bridesmaids. They’d planned their weddings at the same time, and Taylor had made quite unique alterations to Lindsey’s beautiful gown. Lindsey had taken the entire month of December off to travel with her husband. They’d headed to Europe, where she planned on doing research for a book she planned to write on the origins of children’s music.

“Nic, would you like a refill on your wine?” Taylor asked, coming over with the bottle.

“No thanks, my head’s already spinning.”

Taylor laughed. “You’re a lightweight.”

“I am, but in my own defense, I haven’t eaten much today.”

“Let’s remedy that.” Taylor gazed at the group seated in the living room. “Dinner is just about ready. How about we all take a seat in the dining room. Follow me.”

The others got up and followed her and she was just about to do the same, when Cody ran into the room chasing the tail-wagging dog. Muffy got tangled up under Nicole’s feet and she had to move fast not to step on the little dog, throwing her completely off-balance.

“Whoa.” She began to stumble forward, and then Garrett took a big step to block her fall.

She met with his chest, which was hard as granite, and was grateful she managed to keep from spilling wine all over his shirt. Surprised, she lifted her gaze to him.

His eyes softened and his voice filled with concern. “Hey, are you okay?”

No, she was not okay, she felt like a clumsy fool. What must he think of her, falling at his feet like this?

“I’m, ah… I didn’t want to squash Muffy.”

She gazed down at the dog, who’d escaped being crushed and was now making a dash for the kitchen.

“Thank you,” she told him, her cheeks burning. “You’re always protecting me.”

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