Page 57 of Merry Christmas, Cowboy

“It wasn’t so hard.” Garrett’s voice came from behind the children.

She spotted him by the barn doors and immediately her stomach flip-flopped. Her nerves did a happy dance. She had no control over her emotions once Garrett showed up.

“It seemed like the right thing to do.”

She put her hands on her hips. “What have you done with Mr. Grinch?” she asked, unable to hide the joy in her voice.

“He may still be lurking somewhere and show his face again. No one knows.”

But she knew. Garrett wasn’t fooling her and it warmed her heart. “It’s perfect. Isn’t it, kids?”

The kids nodded and turned his way to thank him.

“You’re all welcome. Have fun decorating,” Garrett told them, and then walked back outside.

Nicole got busy, setting the kids up with garland, tinsel, ornaments, and big throw blankets to make the sleigh cozy for a winter’s ride. The fifth-grade class had made big banners for the sides of the wagon and others had wrapped empty gift boxes to use for display. The sleigh rides started and ended by the barn doors. So, they’d decorated those too and on the day of the fundraiser, the barn would keep the people nice and snug as they waited in line.

The older kids had a handle on decorating, so Nicole walked outside and headed for the corral where the booths were being constructed. Each committee member had a crew, and she counted about twelve men and women working. There was an area designated for food and an area for games. Other booths would sell items, and one table near the Christmas tree would be for the silent auction. Paulette was here working alongside her mother, Louisa Sanchez. They were both constructing the hot cocoa and bake sale booth and Cody was following Paulette around, lending his help.

She walked up to the booth Garrett was working on with Coop for a soda bottle ring-toss game. Relieved to see them together, she sighed. Coop would tell Garrett to back off if he tried to do something too strenuous.

Some creative volunteers had covered the bottles with red felt with white collars around the bottle necks, Santa style, and designed handmade miniature wreaths as the rings to toss. “This looks great, you guys.”

Coop looked up from the booth. “It’s coming along.”

Garrett pounded away with a hammer. Some of the wood from last year was still viable and some was generously donated by the local lumber company. There was little cost involved and, therefore, Nicole had expanded the booth count this year to twelve, so with the snowman contest and the sleigh rides there would be plenty for the participants to do.

“How’s it going on your end?” Coop asked.

“Great, except we’re not having any luck finding tumbleweeds for the snowman contest.”

Garrett stopped pounding and turned to look at her. “Really?”

They locked eyes and she hoped he couldn’t read her thoughts. She liked the way he looked in his tool belt. “I’m afraid so. The snow’s destroyed the tumbleweeds in the area. I hate to cancel the event; it’s always a lot of fun.”

“Yeah, the kids really enjoy it,” Coop said. “Last year, Cassie and I came in second. We were hoping for a chance at first place.”

“Well, I suppose I could take a drive tomorrow. Head south and see if I can find some. It didn’t snow everywhere.”

“That might be a long drive,” Coop said.

“It’s got to be done. I don’t want to give up on having the contest,” she said.

“I’ll take you.” Garrett put his hammer down, as if he was laying down the law. “I’ve got a truck and besides, it’s not as if I can do any real work tomorrow.”

“Garrett, I can’t ask you to do that.”

“Nicole, when are you gonna learn? You didn’t ask. I’m offering.”

She grinned. “I guess I’m a slow learner.”

He chuckled and folded his arms over his middle. “You said that, not me.”

“It may be a wild-goose chase,” she warned.

“Maybe, but I think we’ll find them.”

“Yeah,” Coop added. “And at least you won’t be tempted to work on the house. A good long drive will do you good.”

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