Page 71 of Merry Christmas, Cowboy

Sometimes, her mom couldn’t hold her tongue, but Nicole knew she always had her back. And her mom wanted to see her happy and settled.

Funny, lately, whenever she imagined that very thing, Garrett and Cody’s images came to mind.

*

The sun seta little after five in the evening, and that was when the magic really happened. The lights clicked on, and suddenly the entire yard was cast in a warm twinkling glow. The house, the corral, the surrounding trees, and the looming Christmas wishing tree, set a festive mood. The air grew chillier and the visitors warmed up by adding layers of clothes, putting on gloves, and drinking hot chocolate.

Nicole shivered a little bit and went inside Garrett’s house to get her gloves and hat. A second later, Garrett walked in. “Oh, uh, just grabbed some things to warm me up.”

“Me too. I’m getting a heavier coat for Cody,” he said, grabbing a thick coat from a row of hooks on the entrance wall. “I have a warmer jacket for you, if you’re cold.”

She put on her gloves and covered her head with her knit cap. “I’ll be fine now.”

Garrett smiled.

“What?”

“I like your hat.”

It was red knit with white trim and a fuzzy tassel at the top. “One of my students’ moms, made it for me to wear tonight. I must look like an elf or something.”

He studied her for half a second. “A cute elf.”

She smiled. He had a way of making her feel good about herself. “Thanks.”

“Well, I’d better get this jacket to Cody. He wants to go on the sleigh ride one last time.”

“Oh, how is it?”

“How is what, the sleigh ride? Haven’t you gone on it yet?”

She shook her head. “I’ve been busy.”

“Well, we need to rectify that. Right now.” He put out his hand. “Come with me.”

She hesitated only a second. Her energy was fading, and how nice it would be to sit down and take a ride. With Garrett.

“Okay.” She put her gloved hand in his and together they walked over to the barn. Cody was holding a place in line. “Do you mind if Miss Russell comes along?” he asked his nephew. “She hasn’t taken a ride yet.”

“Yep, she can come.” Cody smiled at her. “This is my fourth time.”

“Wow, Cody, you must love this ride.”

“I do, but Uncle Garrett says I can’t have more than two candy canes.”

“I see.” Was Uncle Garrett being a grinch? No, just a good parent. “Well that’s because he doesn’t want your teeth to fall out when you’re older.”

“Yes, ma’am. I know.” Then he cheered up. “I don’t mind as long as I get another ride.”

When it was their turn, Garrett stepped into the wagon first, then lifted Cody, and then as she climbed onto the step stool, Garrett reached over to take her hand and help her up. They sat at the back of the wagon, Cody, Garrett, and then her. It was colder, away from the crowded booths and they bundled up with thick throws, covering their legs up to their waist. Santa made sure all twelve of them were in and comfortable and then gave the horses the order to move on.

“This is great,” she said as the horses began to march forward. “I get to see this place from a different perspective. The lights make it festive, don’t they?”

“Yep, they do,” Garrett said.

She sighed and resisted the urge to rest her head on Garrett’s shoulder. Many in town had already seen them together, a result of their pact, and so it wouldn’t be all that strange to see them like that. But she didn’t work up the nerve.

“Cold?” Garrett asked.

---