Page 42 of Merry Christmas, Cowboy

He shook his head. “No, it was a gift from you and it should stay that way.”

She scrunched up her nose. “I also brought a few small ornaments to help start him off.”

“Of course, you did.”

Garrett sighed and lifted the tree easily, carrying it into the house for her. He walked to Cody’s room and hid just outside the door, gesturing for Nicole to enter first.

“Hi, guys,” she said to Cody and Coop. They were on the floor apparently racing cars. Coop was at the helm of one controller while Cody was steering the other. “Are you almost through here?” she asked, trying to keep her smile from showing.

“Yep, Cody here beat me three times already.” Coop rose from the floor. “I’d say he’s a pretty good driver.”

“I bet he is. Cody, we have a surprise for you.”

Cody got to his feet fast. “You do?”

“Yes, your uncle and I, well, we figured out a great place to put a tree.”

“A tree?” Cody seemed confused. They’d just set up a tree outside. “What does—”

And then, Garrett stepped into the room, well, the tree came first, so it was the first thing Cody spotted. “Wow. Itisa tree.” Cody rushed over to touch the needles. “Smells good, Uncle Garrett. Do I really get to have it?”

Garrett nodded. “It’s all yours. How about we put it right here?” He set the tree in the corner, just like Nicole suggested. “There, it’s a perfect fit.”

“It is.” Then Cody ran straight into Garrett’s arms. He was only tall enough to reach around his waist, resting his head against Garrett’s torso. But he hugged him so tightly, his little face turned red. Seeing them like that brought a tear to Nicole’s eye.

“The tree was Miss Russell’s idea,” Garrett told him.

“It’s from both of us.” She wasn’t about to take all the credit. It wasn’t about that. And judging by the way Cody had attached himself to Garrett made it all worthwhile.

Cody turned to her. “Thank you, Miss Russell.”

“You are very welcome Cody. Now, I’d better let Coop get home. He was nice enough to drive me out here.”

Garrett snapped his head up gazing into her eyes. For a moment, she thought he’d ask her to stay, but the invitation didn’t come. It was for the best anyway. “Oh, I almost forgot. I left a box of ornaments in the truck to help you get started on decorating.”

“I’ll get it,” Coop said. “Want to come help me, Cody?”

“Sure do.” The boy practically skipped out of the room, following Coop.

Once they were alone, Garrett walked over to her, his eyes focused and gleaming. “That was thoughtful of you.” He reached out to push a strand of hair away from her face and the tender brush of his fingers on her cheek caused her pulse to race.

She stood still, holding her breath waiting for something to come, for something to happen. But then, Cody raced back into the room, the box of ornaments in his arms. They broke apart quickly as if they’d done something wrong, and if Coop noticed, he was a good actor, because his expression never changed.

“I’d better go,” she said, hiding her disappointment.

“You’re not gonna help us decorate?”

“Miss Russell has to get home, Cody,” Garrett said. “You both have school tomorrow.”

“That’s right I do. Enjoy your tree, Cody.”

“I will, Miss Russell.”

“I’ll walk you out,” Garrett said to both of them.

“No, stay with Cody. We know the way out. Ready, Coop?”

“Yep, we sure do,” Coop said. They bundled up into their winter jackets again. “And, Garrett, if you ever need help with the house, let me know.”

---