Page 14 of A Cowboy Home for Christmas
My eyes lock on hers. That’s when I hear a door in the distance shut. From Lauren’s icy stare, I know it’s Alison.
Chapter Four
LAUREN
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“What is a Christmastree’s favorite candy?” Clara sticks a candy cane in her mouth. She sucks on the curled end as she glances around, waiting for a reply.
“Candy canes.” Lark throws a handful of tinsel on the tree.
“Strands, Lark.” I pinch a small amount of tinsel and pull it away from the rest. “Like this.”
“Ohhh.” She pinches her small fingers and tears it apart.
The adults shout out random answers.
“Lollipops.”
“Sugar cookies.”
“Chocolate Santa’s.”
“Nooope.” Clara smacks her lips. “Orna-mints!” She bursts out laughing. “Get it? Get it?”
Lark laughs and dodges for the joke book. “My turn.”
I abandon the tinsel and stalk to the kitchen. My mind is a fluttering mess.
“Cookies are ready.” Marilyn sets a sheet of Texas cowboy cookies on the counter to cool. The soft and chewy mounds will be packed full of ingredients from pecans to coconut. “There’s still some cocoa if you’re thirsty.”
“Got anything stronger?” I’m only half joking.
“My dear, I have something that will hit the spot.” Marilyn tugs off her oven mitts and tosses them on the counter.
She bends over and rustles inside the cupboard under the sink. We’re only staying a week, but it’s like the woman has moved into the kitchen. When she stands up, she flashes me a bottle of whiskey and Baileys.
