Page 8 of Merry Christmas, Cowboy

The boy painted his uncle as a stone-cold grump. A fun-extinguisher, putting out all sparks of enjoyment. She was sure Garrett Brown only had the boy’s interest at heart, but trying to ignore the season in this town, was like trying to ignore humidity on a hot summer Texas day. It just couldn’t be done.

“Cody, I didn’t say we wouldn’t get more snow, but it’s not likely. It was sort of freakish that it happened once. Just ask Miss Russell.” He turned to her, with a plea in his expression, to back him up.

“It’s true, Cody. I can’t remember snow in Last Stand ever.”

“I’m still gonna pray for it, though.”

Garrett shot her a defeated look. As if he couldn’t stand disappointing his nephew. He mulled it over and then sighed. “Cody, if it means that much to you. I’ll reconsider. If Miss Russell promises it won’t interfere with my work.”

“It won’t,” she said, knowing a moment of hope. “I promise.”

“Really, Uncle Garrett?”

“Yes, really.”

“Oh, boy!” Cody jumped into his uncle’s arms. “It’s gonna be so fun.”

“I hope so, buddy. I truly hope so.” He squeezed his nephew tight.

Ten minutes later, after getting a tour of the house and the renovations that could only enhance the property for would-be owners, Garrett walked her to the door. “Thanks again for allowing this,” she said, turning to him.

“Two against one. I couldn’t win.”

“But we made a pact,” she said. “And I promise to own up to my side of the bargain. Shall we pinky swear?”

“What?”

“Put out your right pinky finger.” He looked like she was crazy but offered up his finger. And then she hooked it with hers. “We have a pact, Garrett Brown. Okay?”

“Okay. Sure. We have a pact.”

“I’ll contact you tomorrow about our next plan of action.”

“Plan of action?”

“Operation Holiday Fun.”

Garrett eyed her warily, but all she could do was smile and wave him farewell.

She would turn the grinch into a believer one way or another.

Chapter Two

The knock cameat nine o’clock the next morning. Garrett had just finished cleaning up the dishes from the night before. Cody was lounging on the sofa, watching cartoons that involved superhero dogs. It was his favorite. He’d told the boy, once they settled into a house of their own, maybe they’d get a dog and Cody hadn’t let him forget it. Rookie error on his part, he should’ve never gotten Cody’s hopes up. Kids were impatient; they wanted what they wanted—now.

Garrett went to the door and opened it to find Miss Russell on his doorstep. With her blonde hair raked back into a long braid and deep brown eyes, she was the prettiest teacher he’d ever seen. Certainly, none of his schoolteachers ever looked like that. He stared for a second, admiring her in jeans and a big puffy coat.

She smiled. “Hi, hope we’re not too early.”

Garrett had agreed to let the volunteers do some work this morning, while the weather held. Nicole had texted that being Saturday and all, many of the helpers would have extra time in their day. Apparently, the first order of business was putting up lights.

“No, not too early,” he said, peering over her shoulders. There were volunteers outside unloading at least a dozen boxes from their cars. “What’s all that?”

“Those are the lights,” she said, as if he should’ve known.

“Are you lighting up the entire western hemisphere?”

“Nope,” she said, grinning. It was cute the way her mouth curved up and her eyes sparkled. “For the house and the trees and the corral fence and… I’m sure I’ll think of something else.”

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