Page 64 of Merry Christmas, Cowboy

“Hi, Nic,” he said.

Every time he called her by her shortened name, she melted a little inside. Only her loved ones and best friends knew her well enough to do it.

“These are for you.” He handed her the bouquet.

Funny, she didn’t take Garrett for a flower-bearing sort of guy. “They are beautiful,” she said. “But it’s not my birthday or anything and I should be giving you flowers for helping so much at the ranch when you have your own work to do. Plus, you’re a pretty good hunter of tumbleweeds.”

He chuckled and scratched his head. It was sort of a humble move that she found really adorable. “Thanks, but I have a confession to make. May I come in?”

Her eyes rounded. “Oh, uh…”

“If you’re busy—”

“Let him in, Nic,” her mother called out. She’d probably overheard the entire conversation from the living room. “Don’t let us stop you.”

“Uh, sure,” she said to him, cringing inside. She had no idea why he was here, but having her folks get in the middle of this couldn’t be good. “Please come in. My folks are here.”

Garrett pursed his lips. “Oh, that’s right. They’re visiting for the holidays.”

“You got it.”

“I should go,” he said.

“Don’t be silly.” Her mother poked her head into the doorway, slightly nudging Nicole to the side. “You come right in. We love meeting Nicole’s friends.”

“Well, thank you.” Garrett stepped inside.

“I’m Bess Russell. And don’t you have good taste. These flowers are just perfect.” She put them up to her nose and took a whiff. “Devine.”

“Mom, this is Garrett Brown.”

“Nice to meet you, ma’am.” He took her hand for a moment.

“Same here, young man.”

“Remember, I told you about his nephew Cody being in my class.”

“Yes, you did. And if I recall, he owns Cottonwood Ranch, the place where you’re holding the charity event.”

“Yes, just like every year since we started it.”

Her dad strode over to introduce himself, extending his hand. “Hello, I’m George Russell, Nicole’s father.”

“Nice to meet you, sir.” The two men shook hands.

“I understand you’re quite good at fixing up houses.”

Garrett smiled at Nicole and she felt a blush heat up her cheeks. Her parents weren’t good with the nuances of subtlety.

“Well, I do make a living at it.”

“Dad’s hobby is woodworking,” Nicole explained. “Would you like to sit down, Garrett?”

She still had no clue why he was here giving her flowers.

“You kids sit down and talk,” her mother said, taking the flowers out of her hand. “I’ll put these in water.”

“I think I’ll help your mother and we’ll put on a pot of coffee, is that okay, hon?” her father asked.

---