Page 16 of A Cowboy Home for Christmas

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“What?”

“You know what.” I laugh.

“Do I have a little something on my lip?”

“Mommy can we put the star on the top of the tree?” Clara skids into the kitchen.

“We are comin’.” Marilyn rounds the counter. “Here, carry these out.” She plants a small plate of cookies in Clara’s hand and guides her out of the kitchen, leaving Barker and me alone.

When I look back at Barker, he’s wiped away the whipped cream. But his eyes remain trained on me.

“Barker, I’m sorry.”

“I know. So am I.”

“We should talk.”

“When you’re ready, I’ll be waiting. You just let me know.” He squeezes my fingers before sliding his away. I feel hollow without him.

I trail behind him back into the living room. I don’t miss Savi’s glare. She’s madder than a wet hen.

“I wanna put the star on!” Clara shrieks.

Lark whips the light-up star out of her sister’s reach. “No, I’m putting the star up.” She sticks her tongue out.

“You did it last year with daddy. So, it’s my turn to do it with mommy!”

“No!”

“Yes!”

“No!”

“Girls ...”

I’m not quick enough. Clara leaps at her sister and they both tumble over. The star flies out of Lark’s hand. It hits the floor and cracks down the side. Both girls roll onto their stomachs and stare at the broken plastic.

Their little lips quiver. Their eyes well up. Clara doesn’t keep her tears from streaming down her face. Lark, on the other hand, refuses to shed even a small tear.

“Hey now.” Barker’s voice soothes the soul. He bends down on one knee in front of the girls. “A broken star is nothing to cry about.”

“Now our tree doesn’t have a star, and it’s all Clara’s fault.” Lark pushes herself to her knees.

“Is not.”

“Is too, and the star was daddy’s favorite part.” Lark shoves Clara’s shoulder.

“Lark, hands off,” I scold.

Clara shoves her back.

“Clara.” My warnings go unheard and they push each other until Barker lifts them apart.

“Come here.” He sits on a chair, and the girls stand in front of him.

They look tiny compared to his huge frame.

Each girl sneaks in an elbow shove when they think Barker isn’t looking.

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