Page 77 of Merry Christmas, Cowboy

As far as surprise Christmas gifts went, Garrett scored big on this one.

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Nicole couldn’t believehow quickly the week after the fundraiser flew by and it was Saturday night already, almost time for the Christmas ball and her date with Garrett. She was pretty sure her folks were leaving for the Christmas ball early, in order to give her privacy when Garrett picked her up. Her folks might be a little nosy when it came to her private life, but she didn’t mind too much, because when push came to shove, they always supported her. They liked Garrett, maybe as much as she did, and giving her time alone with him was important to them as much as it was to her. She showed her appreciation by giving them both kisses on the cheek, and a promise to save a dance for her dad.

“See you guys, soon. Drive safe and I’ll see you there later.”

“Okay. And no matter which dress you decide to wear tonight, honey, I know you’re going to kill it,” her mom said.

She laughed at her mother’s woke slang. No one could say Bess Russell was a shrinking violet. She kept up with the times.

Nicole walked her folks out and glanced at the time. She had less than an hour to get ready. And she still hadn’t decided which dress to wear. She’d gone shopping with her mother the other day at Taylor’s boutique. Taylor’s designs were impeccable and one-of-a-kind. Nicole found three she loved, and Taylor let her take all three home to decide. It was a sweet gesture that Nicole greatly appreciated.

Her father had been partial to the deep blue gown, her mother to the more festive silvery-toned high-low dress and then there was the sequined garnet gown. Each was beautiful in its own right but after trying all three on again, she picked the one most suited for her personality. The garnet gown spelled Christmas undoubtedly with sequins sewn throughout the bodice, catching light and hugging her curves, making her feel feminine and dazzling at the same time.

Now that the dress was chosen, she curled her hair in big barrel curls and then set two delicate rhinestone clips on either side of her head. The dress had enough sparkle, so she opted not to wear a necklace, but she did put on a pair of silver earrings that complemented the dress.

Her phone rang and she answered it on the second ring. It was Taylor. “I’m dying to know. Which dress did you choose? Wait, let me guess. The garnet?”

“You’re right. I love it. And I’m so thankful to you for letting me bring all three home with me.”

“Hey, no problem. It’s actually benefitting me. Since I started up this new line of party gowns, when you get compliments, which I know you will, you can tell them about my new dress line.”

“I’ll do it. And I’ll hand out business cards if you’d like.”

Taylor’s laughter came through the receiver loud and clear. “You don’t have to go that far. Just wear it in good health.”

“I will. I guess I’ll see you two soon then?”

“Yep, I’m almost dressed and then we’ll be heading out. See you in a few.”

Nicole finished up by applying light makeup to her face and outlined her lips with deep rose lipstick. As she stepped back and peered in the mirror, she decided she liked the look. It fit with the colors of the season, bright and festive. She grabbed her faux fur coat out of her bedroom closet and picked up her clutch purse.

When the doorbell chimed a minute later, she was ready. She took a steadying breath and walked to the door, her heart beating fast. She opened the door with a flourish and looked into Garrett’s brilliant blue eyes.

“Wow,” he said immediately, sucking in a breath of air. His eyes touched on her dress, her hair, her face. “You look… gorgeous.”

Warmth traveled the length of her. If she were being honest, she’d hoped for a reaction like this from him. “Thank you.”

But Garrett in a western tux and string tie wouldn’t exactly scare any females away. He looked amazing, virile and so striking she could only pay him back the compliment. “Garrett, you look quite handsome, yourself.”

“You like me in this monkey suit?” He smiled, keeping his focus on her as he straightened his tie.

She liked him period, but she couldn’t say that. “Yes, very much. It’s certainly a different look for you, but you wear it well.”

He grinned like a schoolboy. “Thanks. I’m looking forward to tonight. Are you ready?”

“Yes, all ready.”

She put down her purse and lifted her coat. Garrett was right there, helping her on with it. When she turned around, all bundled in fur, he closed the front of her lapels, making sure she was secure and warm. Their eyes met in an intimate moment that translated silently between them what they were feeling. At least, she assumed so. Garrett held a certain glimmer in his eyes that spoke of something more than friendship. Or was she reading way too much into this?

They walked out and Garrett waited while she locked her door. Then he offered her his arm, and she laced hers inside it as they walked to his car. Garrett had Southern gentleman charm, even though he wasn’t raised in the south. They reached a shiny black Lexus, and he opened the door for her. Puzzled, she took a seat on the passenger side and he closed the door and then climbed into the other side. “Is this your car?” she asked.

“It is for right now.”

She wasn’t going to pry, but somehow Garrett had thought of everything to make this night magical.

They headed out, each one quiet in their own thoughts, and after several minutes, Garrett turned to her. “What can you tell me about the Christmas ball? I know it’s set up to benefit the Last Stand Rodeo and awards a scholarship to one deserving teenager.”

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