Page 67 of Merry Christmas, Cowboy

“For two hours,” Cassie said proudly. “It’s fun. So far we sold five cups to the volunteers.”

“And are you having a good time too, Cody?”

Cody nodded. “I am. Uncle Garrett said I have to be careful.”

“Yes, that’s true. But I see you’re doing a good job helping Cassie.”

“He is,” Cassie said.

“At least the sun’s out,” she said. “So, it won’t be too cold today for our visitors.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Cody shuffled his feet. “I’ve been praying for snow every night, but I guess it’s good it didn’t snow today.”

“Yeah, I think so too.” She gave Cody a smile.

He wasn’t giving up on the idea of another snowfall in Last Stand. The poor kid. She’d lived here all of her life, and other than some hail a few times, this was the first snow she’d ever seen in Last Stand. The weather forecast for the next two weeks was looking at warmer temps and not the other way around.

“Well, thank you both for helping. Be sure to take a sleigh ride later on. And I hope I see you both at the snowman making contest.”

She walked off, making her way to the barn just as Garrett walked out. “Morning,” he said.

“Hello.”

They stared at each other for a minute, Nicole feeling a bit tongue-tied seeing him again. He was filling a hole in her heart and every time she laid eyes on him, she felt something beautiful happen to her inside.

“Are you ready for today?” he asked.

“I think so. Things are going smoothly right now, and we’ll be getting our first visitors soon.”

“Right, that’s what they tell me. Got the horses all hitched up, ready to give their first rides.”

She darted a glance behind the barn. “The sleigh wagon looks amazing. The kids worked hard on it.”

He nodded.

“Pretty soon, you’ll have your ranch back. But, Garrett, let me thank you again for allowing us to do this here. It’s really the perfect place to hold this event. And I think the entire town thanks you too.”

He scratched his head and gave her a smile. “I really didn’t have much choice. You made me a deal I couldn’t refuse.”

She giggled. “Our pact?”

“That’s right. It’s been good for Cody. He’s having a good holiday so far and I think it’s primarily because of you.”

His compliment gave her warm flutters. “I only showed him, and you, how we do Christmas in Last Stand.”

He nodded. “Okay, so you’re being modest, but the truth is, you’ve had an impact in our lives, Nic. In a good way.”

“It wouldn’t be a stretch for me to say the same goes for you too.”

“Well, then, we’re in agreement,” he said softly.

“I guess we are.” The words lingered on her tongue. They were in agreement on many things lately, and her feelings for him were getting stronger every day.

He was first to break the connection. “Wanna see the tumbleweeds, uh, I mean, snowmen? I stored them at the back of the barn, and well, we have a surprise for you.”

She shook her head. “What kind of surprise? And who’s we? You and Cody?”

“Miguel and Coop and me. And I’m not saying another word. You have to come see.”

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