Page 15 of Merry Christmas, Cowboy

Garrett nodded. “I could think of worse things.”

She tilted her head to meet with his blue eyes. They were all knowing and… kind. Suddenly a shot of warmth entered her heart. “I told you I was clumsy,” she said quietly.

He shook his head. “I think it was Muffy’s fault.”

“Just like it was the ladder’s fault today?”

“That rickety ole thing?” He gave her a rare smile, then gestured toward the dining room. “I imagine Taylor has us sitting together at dinner. Why not just go along with it?”

“Sure, I was thinking the same thing. We’re the odd couple.”

He shot her a curious look.

“I mean, we’re not a couple, and well, they can think what they want, but we know we’re just acquaintances that will be seeing each other from time to time.” She clarified, “While I prepare for the fundraiser.”

“And we do have a pact,” he added, rubbing at the scruff on his face. It wasn’t day-old, but rather well-groomed and quite appealing.

“Which I plan to carry out. A deal is a deal and we start tonight with the tree lighting being the first of many.”

“Many?” He sighed and looked away for a second.

“For Cody’s sake, remember?”

He nodded. “I remember.”

They walked into the dining room and, sure enough, Garrett was seated next to her, while Cody sat beside Cassie, at a lovely white oak table that had seen many a family meal.

But Garrett was quiet through most of the meal sharing little about himself and looking a bit uncomfortable all of a sudden. Was he regretting making the pact with her?

Or was it that this time of year was just so hard on him? And seeing all these happy faces reminded him of what he’d lost?

*

The crowd gatheredaround the Christmas tree in front of the library’s steps. It was massive, so green and tall with branches that jutted out in perfect harmony with each other. Christmas music filled the air, piped in from great big speakers on the library’s steps. Cody stood beside her, holding his uncle’s hand, but as soon as Cassie appeared with Coop and Taylor, he ran over to them. Cody and Cassie were all smiles, giggling and high-fiving each other.

“Hi, Miss Russell.” One of her students walked over to her, smiling wide. In a town this size, students often bumped into their teachers, especially during Christmas festivities.

“Hello, Beth. It’s good to see you here. Are you excited about the tree lighting?”

The little girl nodded.

Her mother wasn’t far behind, curiously eyeing Garrett standing beside her. “Hello, Miss Russell,” Beth’s mom said, then darted another glance at Garrett.

“Hello. We’ve got a big beautiful tree this year, don’t you agree?”

“Uh, yes. It’s lovely.”

Nicole summoned her good manners. Mrs. Bell was waiting for an introduction. “Oh, I’d like you to meet Cody’s uncle. Garrett Brown, this is Mrs. Bell.”

“Ruth,” she said, “and it’s nice to meet you.” She exchanged approving glances at the two of them.

“Same here, ma’am.”

“I suppose you’re here to watch the tree lighting. Together?”

Ruth Bell met her eyes, her expression filled with hope. As if to say, “Good for you, Nicole. You’ve moved on.” At least there was no pity in Mrs. Bell’s eyes, no sympathy for the girl who’d gotten left at the altar.

Some others in the crowd were also peering at her curiously minus the sympathetic looks, minus the sorrowful faces. Those pitying tilts of the head were absent too. So, she did something, she’d never thought she’d do. She fibbed. “Yes, we’re here together to enjoy the tree lighting, since this is Garrett and Cody’s first Christmas here.”

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