Page 66 of Christmas with the Cowboy
“What are you working on?”
Carter gave her his blank look, the one that he hid behind when he didn’t want to share details, then his expression relaxed.
“I’m thinking of turning the lodge back into a lodge.”
Trenna’s mouth started to open, then she closed it again. “Really?”
“We would maintain family living quarters and stay here for part of the year, but…I think with tourism on the rise and such, it’d be a good move. It would, of course be exclusive.”
Trenna raised her eyebrows. “Of course. What about the cattle operation?”
“It would continue, of course. Mason is a competent man. He’d run that side of things while I’m gone.”
“It would be a lot like when I was growing up.”
It was a subtle dig, and she needn’t have bothered because her father didn’t notice.
“Dawn prefers warm weather, and I have to admit that the Montana winters take a little out of me, too.”
Then why did you make an offer on the Keller Ranch?
Instinct told her not to ask. Best to leave well enough alone until she had more information.
*
“No offense, Dad,but you’re a bad present wrapper.”
“That’s why you’re the creative director.”
She watched as he taped the end of the package, catching the tape on his thumb before pulling it free. “Couldn’t you have had the store wrap your presents?”
“Where’s the fun in that?”
Lex lifted her eyebrow as she studied the lumpy package holding the wild rag and slide that Reed had just secured. “Maybe a box would have helped.”
“This has character.” He set the present in the pile. “Besides, Grandpa knows what he’s getting from me.”
“Wild rag from you, a shirt from Aunt Emmie, a gift certificate from Uncle Cade because he hates shopping, and expensive socks from Uncle Spence.”
“I think it was Mom’s way of keeping Dad in clothing. Cade’s present used to be socks, but he rebelled after junior high, so Spence took over.”
“Socks are kind of lame.”
“Uh-oh.” Reed gave her a look and Lex’s eyes went wide.
“You did not get me socks…did you?”
“If I got you socks, they would be the cool kind. Electric. But I didn’t.”
“Then what did you get me?” Lex held up a hand. “No. Don’t tell me.”
“I wasn’t going to.” He reached for his mom’s present, but Lex batted his hand away. “I think you should make cocoa and leave the wrapping to the experts.”
“Fine.” He got to his feet, pulling a stray piece of tape off his shirt as he headed into the kitchen.
“Are you sure Trenna has plans for Christmas?” she called from the living room as he filled the kettle.
It was the second time she’d asked in what he assumed she thought was a casual tone, and the second time his gut had twisted at the mention of her name.
