Page 73 of Merry Christmas, Cowboy

She took a big bite of her treat. The combo of toasted marshmallow, graham cracker, and melted chocolate had to go down as the world’s best guilty pleasure. “Oh, so good.”

Garrett grinned. “You’re really enjoying that.”

“What’s not to love?”

“Mine was good too,” Cody added.

“I bet,” Garrett said.

“We’re just chatting with Cody here. He’s a fine boy,” George told Garrett.

“Thanks.”

“Uncle Garrett, how much longer can I stay up?”

“Well, being as we have another hour left before we close it all down, I’d say an hour and ten minutes.”

“Oh, boy.”

“You’re on holiday break now, so it’s okay to stay up a little past your bedtime.”

“Thanks, Uncle Garrett.”

“Is it okay if our team of volunteers come by in the morning to break it all down?” Nicole asked. “They’ve already done so much work I hate to make them stay late tonight.”

“Sure, we can manage that. Right, Cody?”

He nodded. “Do we get to keep the Christmas wishing tree?”

“Of course, Cody. We’ll leave it up, otherwise those wishes might not come true,” Nicole answered. “And we’ll leave the lights up, if your uncle Garrett says it’s okay.”

It was sort of Christmas spirit blackmail, putting it on Garrett that way, but she’d promised to make Cody’s holiday the best it could be. And the boy loved those lights.

Who, but a grinch wouldn’t?

Garrett eyed her, his brows arching as if to say, he knew what she was doing. “Well, maybe some of them, Code. As it is now, the entire county can see the ranch from miles away. Is that a deal?”

Cody frowned, thought about it a second, and then nodded. “I guess so.”

“We’ll be sure to leave the lights around the house up for sure, Cody,” Nicole said.

“Thanks, Miss Russell.” His shoulders slumped. “I wish we could have a festival here every week,” the boy said and everyone chuckled.

It was true, holding the fundraiser here had fascinated Cody and given him something to look forward to and think about. It was a well-needed distraction for both Cody and Garrett. Nicole was glad she’d persisted at changing Garrett’s mind about it. And hopefully, he could see the good it has done, not only for the families in need, but for his family too.

Her folks rose from the table. “Well, it’s almost that time. Your mom and I are tired. We’d better get going. We’ll see you at the house later on, Nic. Unless you want us to wait for you?”

“Gosh, no. You two have been here all day. I’m glad you made it. Go on to the apartment and I’ll see you in a little while.”

“Okay, honey. You done good,” her mom said. “We’re proud of you.”

“Same goes for me too,” her dad said, giving her a kiss on the forehead, like when she was a little girl.

“Drive safely, Mom and Dad. Love you.”

“Love you too,” her mom said and then she walked over to Garrett and gave him a hug. “Good night, handsome.”

Goodness, her mom had no shame.

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