Page 78 of Merry Christmas, Cowboy

“Yes, that’s all true. It’s always held right before Christmas and it’s always been hosted at the Jameson House. The Victorian was built in the 1890s. It’s quite a house, perfectly maintained. I think you’ll like it. It was originally built by the grandson of Gordon C. Jameson, one of the survivors of the Battle of Last Stand. History tells us he built this glorious house for his new bride, a city girl from New York.”

“Ah, he had to give her incentive to move south.”

“Maybe, or maybe she loved him so much, she gave up her life to be with him.”

“That’s a romantic way of thinking of it.”

“Well, then. I guess I’m romantic,” she said. “Who doesn’t love a happy ending?”

“Sometimes, that notion is unattainable.”

Garrett seemed to withdraw into himself. Oh, gosh, had he been thinking about his sister? Did he still have a bleak outlook on life? She’d hoped he was working through his grief, but maybe it wasn’t going to happen so quickly.

He turned into the drive leading to Jameson House and parked the car in a large area designated for guest parking. She turned to him, and took hold of his arm. “I’m sorry, Garrett.”

“No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. You’ve had it rough these past few months too, but you bounced back. I’ve had a year, and it’s still so darn difficult.”

“Of course, it is. I had a breakup, Garrett. It’s hardly the same as what you went through losing your twin sister. I know you struggle with it every day.”

“It’s just that Carrie died on Christmas Day.”

She didn’t know that. She’d never pried as to when it had happened. All she’d known was that Carrie’s death occurred during the holiday season. “I’m so sorry, Garrett. I didn’t realize. This must be so hard on you. It’s coming up on the one-year anniversary of her death.”

He nodded. “Remember when you broke down on the highway that day?”

She blinked. Why was he changing the subject so abruptly? She couldn’t figure out what that had to do with anything. “Yes, and you insisted on coming to rescue me.”

He closed his eyes as if reliving it. “I panicked, because… because, Carrie broke down too, on her way home from dropping off gifts to a friend. She got out of her car to see why her engine had died, when she was hit by a distracted driver. The guy didn’t see her on the road because he was looking at his phone.”

“Oh no. I can’t imagine. How horrible, for her, for you, for Cody.”

“That day you called me about the breakdown, it brought it all back. I didn’t want that to happen to you, Nicole. That’s all I kept thinking about on my way to get you.”

“That’s why you insisted on making sure I got to town safely.”

He nodded. “It’s still with me. Every day. But because of Cody, I keep going. But I shouldn’t have brought this all on you tonight. Tonight, should be about having a good time. You deserve that.”

“So do you, Garrett. Especially you. I’m glad you told me. It helps me understand what you’re going through.”

Garrett sat silent for a while and then spoke up. “How about we make another pact?”

“What kind of pact?”

“We forget about our troubles for tonight and just have fun.”

“I love fun. Let’s shake on it now. We’re only going to have fun tonight.”

And instead of shaking her hand, he brought his lips to hers and gave her a sweet kiss. “That’s a good start,” he said.

Her lips tingled from his touch and the sensation would no doubt stay with her throughout the night. “Yes, yes, a very good start.”

*

Garrett handed Nicolea glass of white wine as they strolled around the grand ballroom of Jameson House. He was at odds with himself about telling her something important. Something he’d kept from her, though not on purpose. There just hadn’t been the right time. And after nearly blowing it with her earlier, he couldn’t bring himself to tell her what was going on. Tonight, they’d agreed on fun. And that was what he hoped to deliver.

“Well, you were right, Nic. I love this house already. And I haven’t even been in any other rooms yet. It’s amazing.”

“Told you so.” Her eyes lit up. “It’s pretty awesome, isn’t it?”

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