Page 79 of Merry Christmas, Cowboy

He nodded in agreement. The Victorian architecture held family history within its walls and spoke of grace and perfection. From the warm wood floors polished to a glowing shine, to the sculpted ceilings above, Garrett appreciated the vision it took in creating this home.

Round tables were set up and dressed in white linen, the centerpieces a vivid red floral arrangement decorated with ornaments of silver and gold. Guests strolled around, checking out the beautiful Christmas adornments throughout the room. It was probably the highlight event in Last Stand, and to think he’d almost ruined it for Nicole.

Earlier, he’d been a fool, pouring out his emotions to her. This place, this date, was to make her feel as special as she was. He cared for her, so much so he weaseled a guy out of asking her to the ball himself. She’d made this holiday bearable for him and for Cody. And how had he repaid her? By selfishly sharing his own sad story and lousy mood. Good thing he’d come out of it quickly. He really meant to honor their new pact. To have F.U.N. and put all his grief aside to show her a good time.

Thankfully, Nicole looked happy, and was absolutely beautiful tonight.

“Oh look, there’s Julie and Taylor at the table,” she said, spotting her friends. She waved and the girls called her over. “I’ll be back in a sec. I’m just going to say hello.”

“Sure, go right ahead.”

He found Miguel and Coop standing by the bar and walked over. They shook hands in greeting. “This is some affair,” he said.

“You could say that,” Coop said. “They put the spit and shine to this ballroom every year.”

Full lush Christmas trees with color coordinated ornaments sat in every corner of the room, one sparkling with white ceramic angels, one in all peacock blue, one decorated in shiny gold, and one in hues of Santa Claus red. Chandeliers hung from the ornate carved ceilings.

“Everyone who’s anyone in Last Stand is here tonight.”

“Including us,” Miguel joked.

Coop slapped him on the back. “Especially us. A night out with our ladies.”

Garrett rubbed the back of his neck and chose not to agree or disagree.

The next thing he knew, Coop was handing him a tumbler of whiskey. “On me. You look like you could use a drink.”

“Thanks, Coop. Is it that obvious?”

“That you’ve got female issues? Heck, yeah. All I can say is that Nicole is really vulnerable right now.”

“I know that.”

Coop took a sip of his whiskey. “I know you do. I see the way you look at her. But a little reminder can’t hurt, can it?”

Garrett looked over at their table and connected with Nicole. She smiled and gave him a little finger wave. She was sweet and feisty and intelligent. He didn’t want to hurt her in any way, but tonight wasn’t about sorting out his feelings for her. It was about having fun and simply being together.

He walked over to the table and took his seat beside Nicole and greeted the ladies. “You all look pretty tonight,” he told them.

“Thank you,” Taylor said.

“So do you,” Julie said. “You look very nice, I mean.”

Garrett grinned at the two cousins. “Thanks.”

He didn’t understand the appeal of putting on a tux, but the ladies seemed to like it. Honestly, the only woman he cared about impressing tonight was the woman sitting beside him sipping wine. The thought both warmed and terrified him.

A three-piece band set up on a little stage in the front of the room began playing Christmas rock. He didn’t know there was such a thing, until Nicole informed him. There was no escaping Christmas in Last Stand. The spirit in this town was a driving force and with Nicole looking so happy, he wanted to keep that pretty glow on her face. “Would you like to dance?”

“I would love to.”

Garrett rose from the table and offered his hand. Nicole took it gracefully and they moved onto the dance floor. They’d shared a few kisses before, but nothing quite compared to holding her hands and bringing her into his arms. He held her loosely, wanting so much to draw her closer. Her fresh flowery scent wafted to his nostrils and as he gazed into her pretty brown eyes, she had the most content look on her face.

“You’re good,” she said softly. “Where did you learn how to dance?”

He shrugged. “While we were growing up, Carrie used to turn on music and make me dance with her. She claimed she needed a partner to practice with, for when her crush, I think the guy was named Noah, asked her to the high school dance.”

“And you were being a good brother.”

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