Page 35 of A Cowboy Home for Christmas
“Want to go for a walk?” He wants to talk.
I pull down the sleeves of my hunter green floral maxi dress. “It’s getting kind of late.”
“Hey, you two!” Savi shouts from the living room.
We stroll to the log railing. His sister stands at the bottom of the stairs holding up a deck of cards. “How about a round of poker with old people?”
“Hey, I’m not old.” Alison sits at the table, too. There’s no way I’m spending my night with her. Not. A. Chance. I’d rather have the talk with Barker.
“I’m actually stepping out for some fresh air.”
Barker clears his throat. “You stole that from me,” he whispers under his breath.
“Yes, yes I did,” I say without moving my lips. I push off the railing, and skip down the stairs. “I just need to wind down. Marilyn, can you listen for the girls?”
“Indeed.”
“And a rain check,” I promise Savi, although I know the offer was extended to me out of pure obligation, not because she wants me present. Then again, she’s been surprisingly - kind - to me today. Hardly an ignorant comment.
“Barker, what about you?” Savi shuffles the cards.
“I’m taggin’ along with Lauren.”
“Of course, you are - I mean,” Savi clears her throat. “It’s a nice evening for a walk.” She sounds so sincere, I have to turn around to look. Her and Barker share a glaring, shrugging and nose wrinkling collage of looks. They both smile at me. It’s weird. They’re acting weird.
“Have fun.” Savi dismisses us and trots over to the table to lay out the instructions.
Barker opens the front door for me. I slip on my cowboy boots and grab my denim jacket. The crescent-shaped moon illuminates in the blackened sky. The cluster of cabins are decorated for the season. Every inch of the Fox Lodge seems to be transformed into the holiday spirit. Evergreen branches, berries, and pinecones spill out of window box planters and urns by the front doors of cabins. Warm glowing lights guide paths to different activities on the large property.
I stop at the spotlight illuminating a directional arrow sign. “Where are we going?”
“One of the trails in the woods?”
“I didn’t bring my phone to use the flashlight. I should go grab my phone.”
He catches my arm. “I brought mine if we need it. But there are a couple lit paths.”
“Sounds good.”
We follow the sign markedWoodland Trailand trek along a stone path. The gardens along the paths are garnished with fake snow and twinkle lights.
I stick my hands in the pockets of my dress. These little pockets were the selling point for this dress. I love pockets. Usually to stick this and that from my girls. But, tonight, I just need something to do with my hands.
I tilt my head to him. “What was that all about with Savi?”
“What was what?”
“You know what I’m talking about.”
He grins at me. “Sibling stuff.” Then he slopes his head to the starry sky.
“Uh-huh.” My fingers play with the material inside my pocket.
“What was this morning about?” He counters.
“Touché.”
“We’re going to talk about it.”
