Page 61 of Merry Christmas, Cowboy

Garrett hired twoof Coop’s crew to help him for the next few days. He was working on updating the bathrooms, trying to catch up on the time he’d lost. His injury wasn’t an issue any longer; he’d gotten his stitches out with a warning to take it easy on that arm. He wasn’t a fool, well, when it came to his health at least, and he’d realized he couldn’t keep to his plan without a little extra help.

Toby and Andrew had some time to spare, and Coop was glad Garrett could offer them the work. Business usually slowed down this close to the holiday and Garrett’s job offer had come at a good time for them.

As soon as the bathrooms were completed and the fundraiser was over this weekend, he’d begin work on the exterior of the house. That work should take him close to his February deadline.

Garrett was sipping coffee in the kitchen, mulling over his choice of fixtures for the bathroom. He’d picked nickel, the latest trend, and was second-guessing his decision now. Lately, he’d been second-guessing everything in his life. And wondering if the path he’d chosen was the right one for all concerned. Nicole had hit the nail on the head the other day, reminding him that he had plans outside of Last Stand; plans that didn’t include her.

The thought jabbed him in the gut and made him wonder if he knew what the heck he was doing with her. She’d gotten under his skin. He looked forward to seeing her. Missed her when he didn’t. And now, he was busting his butt to move away from her.

But his decisions about his life couldn’t be based on his love life or lack of. He had Cody’s welfare to think about and his livelihood. He’d already made an investment and planned a life in California, the house was literally waiting for him to remodel, yet every half an hour or so, he was checking his phone to see if Nicole needed to come by Cottonwood. If she had a new holiday event for them to attend, to see if she needed his help in any way.

His phone rang, almost on cue, and he smiled, until he saw Blake Charles’s photo pop up. He scratched his head, and couldn’t deny his deep disappointment when it wasn’t Nicole. “Hey, Blake. How are you?”

“I’m doing well and I think I have some really good news for you. I have a client here, who’d like to come by and see the work you’ve done so far. He’s very motivated to buy a ranch in Last Stand, and he’s well, shall I say, he more than meets the bank’s eligibility requirements.”

Garrett’s heart began to pound. “But the place isn’t done yet. I’ll need at least another four to five weeks here.”

“I understand. And so does he. Like I said, he’s very motivated. He just wants to see the place while he’s in town and I was hoping to bring him by in a day or two to see the progress you’ve made.”

“Well, if you think it’s a wise business move. But, remember, the place is all decked out for the Honeysuckle fundraiser this weekend. He may not get the real feel for Cottonwood Ranch.”

“Oh, right, right. How about I bring him by one day next week, once the fundraiser is over? Like I said, he’s motivated and has a great credit rating.”

Garrett squeezed his eyes closed and hesitated.

“Garrett? Are you there?”

“Yeah, sure. Bring him by next week sometime. After the fundraiser.”

“Great, then. I’ll be calling you to set up a time.”

“Fine, then.”

“Good-bye.”

Garrett hung up the phone and ran a hand down his face. This was all happening so fast. He hadn’t expected it. In fact, he’d thought just the opposite, that he might have trouble selling the ranch, so he should be jumping for joy, instead of feeling pressured and uneasy.

Hammering from the bathroom stopped and he heard Nicole’s name come up in conversation from his temporary crew. Garrett’s ears perked up and he moved down the hallway, too curious not to listen in.

“I’m telling you, Johnny’s coming back to town and he’s aiming to get Nicole back,” Andrew said.

“Well, you’ve waited long enough to ask her out,” Toby said. “You should do it, before she goes back to that idiot.”

“Johnny and I were friends, before he left Nicole high and dry. Do I go behind his back now?”

“You’ve had a crush on her since you were twelve years old. I say, yeah, go for it, Andrew. Johnny Dupree blew his chance.”

Garrett stepped into the bathroom. “Hey, guys. What’s going on?”

“Nothing. Just flapping our jaws about Andrew’s love life.”

Garrett’s jaw tightened. “You have a girl?” he asked.

“Nah, I wish.”

Toby grinned as he fitted the medicine cabinet door onto its hinge. “It’s Nicole Russell.”

“Cody’s teacher?” Garrett asked, as if he didn’t know.

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