Page 62 of Merry Christmas, Cowboy

“Yeah, that’s right. We’ve been friends for a long time. It’s just that I’ve been thinking about inviting her to the Christmas ball over at the Jameson House.”

“That shindig is the fanciest party in all of Last Stand,” Toby explained. “It’s a benefit for our rodeo and offers a scholarship to a teenager interested in rodeoing. Monkey suits and all.”

“Yeah, I know.” Garrett scratched his head. “I, uh, I’ve heard about it. In fact, sorry to say Andrew, but Nicole’s already going to the Christmas ball.”

“Figures,” Andrew said. “I waited too long. Who’s the lucky guy?”

In for a penny, in for a pound. Garrett didn’t hesitate. “Me. I’m the lucky guy.” He couldn’t believe he’d just said that.

What on earth had gotten into him? Was the thought of Nicole on some other man’s arm, so alarming, he had to tell an out and out lie? He’d remedy that soon, and hope she’d say yes to his invitation. Even if it meant wearing a monkey suit, he wanted to be the man to take her to the Christmas ball. They had a pact and if she showed up with anyone, it should be him.

Toby exchanged a look with Andrew. “Well, you snooze, you lose.”

“Nicole and I are friends,” Garrett muttered and walked out of the room, making a face at his tactics, yet feeling a bit triumphant as well.

*

Nicole sat inBlake’s car, looking over the house details for the last three homes she’d been shown. Either they were too old or too pricey for her teacher’s salary or offered less land than she wanted. “I’m sorry, Blake. I’m not really a picky person, but this is a big deal for me, and I want to get it just right.”

“No problem, Nicole. Sometimes they look better online than they do in person. That’s why it’s always good to walk through,” he said, starting up the engine. “And just so you know, you’re not alone. This is an important decision for most people. And the good news is, you have no time limitations, so we can take our time to make sure you’re one hundred percent happy.”

“Thanks, I appreciate that. It’s just that it’s taken me all this time to make the decision to buy and now that I have, I’m excited to find what I’m looking for.”

“You will. You’ll know when you see it. It’ll hit you just right and you’ll say to yourself, I can see myself living here.”

“I hope that happens.”

“It will. Trust me.”

Blake took her back to her apartment building and opened the door for her. “I guess I’ll see you at the holiday fundraiser on Saturday.”

“I’m glad you’re coming,” she said. “I can’t believe it’s in two days and thanks again for the flyers you donated. The students had fun putting them up around town.”

“I don’t think there’s a single person who doesn’t know about it.”

“Let’s hope,” she said. “Well, good-bye. See you in two days.”

When Nicole reached her apartment, a big gorgeous poinsettia with vibrant velvet flowers and lush greenery was sitting on her outdoor patio table. With a smile in her heart, she raced to her front door and as she opened it, she was greeted by her folks. “Mom, Dad. You made it.”

They circled her in a big group hug. “It’s so good to see you,” her mom, Bess said.

“Same here, girlie,” her father said. George Russell was a big teddy bear of a man, and his hugs were always the best.

“Sorry, we were so excited, we decided to surprise you and come early. I hope you don’t mind we let ourselves in.”

“Of course not, Mom. I’m glad you did. I’m so happy you’re here.”

“We wouldn’t miss our Nic’s big school fundraiser,” her dad said.

“Oh, thanks. I can always count on your support. Did you settle into your room yet? Can I make you something to eat? How about a drink? What can I do for you?”

Her mom shook her head, her blonde shoulder-length hair moving from the motion. Just seeing both of her parents’ faces made her heart swell.

“No, nothing. We’re fine. We just want to sit and talk to you. So, tell us how you’re doing.”

“Okay, well, let’s go sit down and we’ll chat.”

They all took a seat in her living room, her parents on the sofa while she sat on a tufted chair. The look of concern on her mom’s face wasn’t unusual. She’d always tiptoed around the subject of Johnny and the wedding day debacle, afraid of making her feel badly. “I’m so very good, Mom and Dad, I can’t even begin to tell you. It’s Christmas, and you know I love this time of year. My students are amazing and I’m keeping busy with the fundraiser. But there’s one more thing…”

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