Page 47 of Merry Christmas, Cowboy

“Of course. Muffy could use a change of scenery and she loves playing with Cody.”

Then Nicole snapped her head up. “Hey, Coop. Can we make a doggy stop at Julie’s? Seems we need to pick up another passenger. One with four paws and a tail.”

“Sounds fine to me.”

“Julie, we’ll be driving right past your place. Be there in five. Thanks a bunch.”

A short time later, Muffy was sitting in Cody’s lap, licking his face. Muffin’s white fluffy tail windshield-wiped the air. The dog inspired Cody’s laughter and the jubilant sound filled her up with goodness inside. Normally, she loved the sound of her students’ laughter, tried her best to keep them laughing when appropriate, but this time it was special. Cody needed a happy distraction, and Muffy was it.

At Coop’s house, Cody disappeared into Cassie’s room with the dog. It gave Nicole a chance to take a good long breath and sit down with her friend.

“It’s been a long day, hasn’t it?” Taylor asked.

“Not gonna deny that, my friend.”

Taylor set a cup of steaming hot coffee in front of her. “I’d drop some chocolate liquor into your cup if you didn’t have Cody with you.”

She chuckled. Wouldn’t that be nice? “Next time.”

“Yeah. So, how’d you feel when you heard that Garrett was hurt?”

“Feel? I, uh, felt bad for him, of course.”

Her friend gave her the stink eye. “Really? That’s your answer?”

Nicole shrugged. “What do you want me to say? It was scary. I don’t like to see anyone hurt. And well, I was worried. For Cody.”

“And for Garrett?”

“Yes, okay, I was worried about him too.” She sipped her coffee and the warm brew soothed as it slid down her throat. “You should’ve seen him. He looked so weak, he must’ve lost a lot of blood, but he tried really hard to keep Cody from worrying. And after Cody left the room, he, uh, said some things. And then we—”

Her cell phone buzzed. “Excuse me, maybe it’s news about Garrett.”

She looked at the phone, read the text and then slumped in her seat. “Oh, no.”

“What’s wrong? Is it Garrett?”

She shook her head. “No, it’s a text from Johnny.”

She slid the phone across the table to show Taylor the text. She read it aloud.“Nic. I really miss you. I’m coming home. I want to see you. Please. Love, Johnny.”

She sat there quietly, too stunned to speak.

Taylor took her hand. “I thought he moved to Houston so he could start fresh and hook up with his ex.”

“That’s what I thought too. I never thought I’d hear from him again.”

“But, clearly, he wants you back. Why else would he be softening you up with flowers and gifts?”

She squeezed her eyes shut. “I don’t know what’s going on.” He’d left her at the altar because he wasn’t sure about his feelings for her. It was more than just cold feet. He didn’t love her enough to resist the temptation of his ex-girlfriend. That should tell her all she needed to know.

“What are you going to say to him?” Taylor’s voice was soft and cautious. She was a good friend, trying to protect her without imposing her will.

“I’m… I’ll have to think about it.”

She put a hand to her tummy. It ached like crazy, the vice-like grip causing cramps. She steadied her breaths several times, willing herself to calm down. She’d deal with her own troubles, later. Today, her first priority was Cody. The boy was relying on her so she straightened up and put a smile on her face. “I’m not going to worry about that right now.”

Taylor smiled back. “Good. I’ll make us a quick dinner.”

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