Page 6 of Merry Christmas, Cowboy

“I’m Garrett. And your name is?”

“Nicole Russell.”

He led the way and opened the door for her. The minute she stepped inside, she was taken by the changes already made in the house since Rand lived here. Everything seemed open, and lighter, more modern without being contemporary. She could already envision the place when it was done.

“This is… really nice,” she said, almost hating to give him a compliment.

“There’s still more work to do, that’s for sure. But it’s livable and Cody’s been great about whatever inconveniences we have to endure. Isn’t that right, Code?”

Cody nodded. “Sometimes Uncle Garrett lets me help.”

“I bet you both love that.”

“We’re gonna tear down the wallpaper in my room. I get to help with that for sure. Uncle Garrett, can I show Miss Russell my room?”

“Uh, Cody. Why don’t you get your room cleaned up while Miss Russell and I have a little talk? Then we can show her your room. And that means picking up all the toys on the floor so we can walk without tripping.”

“Okay,” the boy said, hanging his head in immediate disappointment.

“It’ll just take a few minutes, Cody,” Nicole said. “I can’t wait to see your room.”

That got the boy’s spirit up. He left the room smiling.

“Have a seat,” Garrett said, showing her to a sofa in the great room. “Care for a drink? I’ve got coffee made, but I can’t guarantee it won’t taste like mud.”

“You make it sound so appetizing.”

He laughed under his breath, as if he didn’t do it often, and never in front of strangers.

“Sorry, the truth hurts sometimes.”

“Would’ve gone good with the cookies I brought over.”

“I guess we’ll never know now. Sorry about that.”

“Me too. They were my best batch this season.”

“So, you bake and teach?”

“I do. I’m multitalented.” She smiled.

“Now, I wish I’d have saved those cookies too.”

“The way you saved me? Thanks for that, by the way. Wouldn’t do to have broken bones with the holidays coming up. Which is exactly what brought me out here today. I take it you received my notes?”

“Yeah, but I didn’t have time to get back to you. As you can see, this place is a work in progress and it’s taking up most of my time. What little I have left, I devote to Cody.”

“I understand. But what I’m asking isn’t really all that much. And it wouldn’t cost you a moment of your own time, unless of course, you’d like to help. You see, for the past five years your uncle Rand has allowed us to hold our annual Honeysuckle school fundraiser on his property. The money raised goes to families in need in Last Stand who wouldn’t otherwise have a good Christmas. And it would see them through into the next year. It’s a valuable thing we do. And well, I was hoping—”

Garrett Brown’s expression didn’t change, it didn’t soften, or look sympathetic and then he began shaking his head.

She went on. “I was hoping that we could use the property again this year. It’s perfect because it’s not so far out of town and, well, it’s worked out so wonderfully every year.”

“I don’t think that’s possible this year, Miss Russell.”

“Nicole, and why not?”

“Because Cody’s been through a tough year. His mom passed, as you probably know, and this is his first Christmas without her. I was going to keep it low-key this year. We’re planning on getting through the holiday quietly. I’m sure there’s another ranch nearby willing to help out.”

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