Page 32 of Merry Christmas, Cowboy

“No, not actually. I moved away to go to school, married, and worked in an office, if you can believe that. I had my eyes set on becoming a partner in a construction firm. Things were going smoothly until… I lost my wife.”

Garrett knew some of this story, and had pieced together things he’d heard since meeting the Coopers, but he wasn’t about to pry. He could relate; he was going through a similar situation, losing his sister like he did. “Sorry, man.”

“Thanks, I figured Cassie needed her family and a more stable environment. We moved back to be closer to Dad, and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. That and asking Taylor to marry me.”

“Man, you sure figured it all out.”

Coop nodded, sipping his beer. “You will too. I mean, I know this year’s been hard on both you and Cody. Are you okay tonight?”

“Yeah, I’m good. Why?”

“I don’t know. Seems your head’s not in the game. Have a lot on your mind?”

“You could say that.” Garrett took another swig of beer, eyeing Coop over the bottle. He liked the guy; they had a lot in common and he could see them becoming good friends one day.

“Wouldn’t be that you’re thinking about Nicole?”

“Nicole?” Garrett had trouble hiding his emotions. Coop took him by complete surprise. “What makes you say that?”

He shrugged. “Just a hunch.”

“She’s… uh, she’s a friend.”

“Okay.”

“Okay? What aren’t you telling me?” Garrett asked.

Coop grinned wide. “Taylor seems to think you and Nicole would be—”

“The truth is,” Garrett said, scratching his head. “Someone sent her flowers today, and it wasn’t me.”

Coop shot him a curious look. “Do I sense jealousy?”

“No. Yes. I don’t know. But under the circumstances, I shouldn’t be.”

“Well, as far as I know, she’s not seeing anyone. The whole town would probably know if she was.”

“Yeah, I get that. But a big bouquet of flowers? She thought I sent them. To thank her for the homemade meal, last night.”

“And you had to tell her you didn’t?”

He nodded.

“Man, that’s rough. I know that Nic deserves to be happy,” Coop said. “It’s not a matter of if, but when. She’s pretty great.”

Garrett agreed but held his tongue. “You want to show me that new wet saw, you’ve been talking about?”

“Sure, it’s right over here,” Coop said. They spoke for a few minutes about the saw designed to cut tile, Garrett taking it all in, appreciating Coop’s advice. “We should probably get back to the game,” Coop said. “The guys aren’t through taking your money yet.”

Garrett shook his head. “Man, no wonder you invited me to play.”

“Keep your mind on poker and not on one attractive kindergarten teacher and you’ll do just fine, my friend.”

“Easier said than done, but if you repeat that, I’ll deny it.”

“I have a feeling, you’re already toast,” Coop said, walking out of the barn, leaving him to wonder if that was even remotely true.

*

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