Page 63 of Merry Christmas, Cowboy

“You have a boyfriend?” her mom asked, hope gleaming in her eyes.

Nicole chuckled. Her mom meant well. She wanted to see her daughter settled and happy.

“No, I’m not seeing anyone right now. Well, not really.” Garrett’s image immediately popped into her mind.

“What does not really mean?”

“I’ll tell you about that later. My news is that I decided to buy a house. I was just out with my Realtor, house hunting.”

“That’s wonderful, honey,” her father said.

“It will be, once I find the exact right place.”

Her mother reached over to take her hand. “I know you will.”

“It’s a big step.” And she was a little scared, but she was determined. Her vow never to wait around for the things she wanted was always in the back of her mind. She wasn’t going to rely on anyone but herself. “But it’s the right one for me.”

“Dad and I know you’ll make the right decision. And you have our support.”

“That’s right, honey. Let us know if there’s anything we can do to help,” her dad added.

“Will do. So, have you heard from Sam? I’ve been thinking of him a lot lately.”

“We have too. He’s coming home soon and we can’t wait.”

“I can’t either. It seems he’s been deployed forever. I really miss him. We write to each other every month.”

“He’s able to call us every so often. I tell you, just hearing his voice on the other end is a blessing. And sounds like he’s got a girl.”

“Really? Over in Afghanistan?”

“No, he’s been writing to someone he met on his last leave. He’s closed mouthed about her, so we don’t pry, but he seems happy.”

“That’s all that matters. So, Dad, what are you doing with yourself this winter? You can’t be gardening in this weather.”

“Nope, I’m patiently waiting for spring. I’ve got a whole vegetable garden to plant.”

“He’s not so patient,” her mother added. “But it’s great to go outside and pick tomatoes, zucchini, carrots, corn, you name it. I suspect I won’t have to buy a single vegetable at the grocery store next season.”

“That’s pretty cool, Dad. What else is going on?”

“While your mom is playing bingo twice a week and meeting with her book club, I’m out in the garage puttering around.”

“He’s building me bookshelves.”

“Really, Dad? That’s great. You love working with wood.” Her father was a jack of all trades. He’d made his living as a stockbroker, but now that he was retired, he was pursuing all of the things that he couldn’t do when he was working long hours. “Where will you put it?”

“Your mom has a space all picked out in your room, otherwise known as the study.” He put up finger quotes. “But don’t worry; your bed isn’t going anywhere. It’ll always be there for you when you visit. Your mom likes to read in there, says she feels at peace in your bedroom.”

“Ah… that’s so sweet.” The doorbell rang, startling her out of her thoughts. “Who could that be?” she muttered. “Excuse me. Let me see who’s at the door.”

“Take a peek first,” her mother warned. “You just can’t be too careful these days.”

“Yes, Mom. I always am.” She’d been living on her own for how many years now? But moms just have to say it. It was part of their job.

She did peek through the peephole and then held her breath. Goodness, what was Garrett doing here this afternoon? She opened the door and was surprised to find a bouquet of flowers in his hand. They were lovely, baby garnet roses and greenery.

She blinked several times. “Garrett?”

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