Page 28 of Her Candy Cane Cowboy
“We need to change the subject or we’re going to have to stop for a quickie,” she says, fanning her face with her hand.
“I can’t do quickies with you. There’s not enough time in the world to love your body the way I want to. Not enough time to do the naughty things with you that I?—”
“Dallas!” She slants me a look.
“Okay, darlin’. I’ll reluctantly behave and change the subject.” I tap my fingers on the steering wheel. “We’ll get to my parents’ ranch before mine.”
Sleet begins to ping against the windshield.
“That’s good. The storm must have moved faster than the forecasters anticipated.” She looks anxious.
“Don’t worry. We’re almost there. We passed the welcome sign already and soon you’ll see some of my favorite places. There’s one now.” I point to Dough Corner. That’s Marigold’s bakery. The sweet treats are all good and she makes the best cinnamon rolls in Texas.”
“I’ll have to try one.”
“And there’s Bear’s Diner. I ate there with my parents shortly after we were reunited.” I drive through town pointing out things I think she’ll like and it doesn’t take long until we’re at the turnoff for my family’s ranch.
I park in the driveway of the home my parents worked hard to build. My father had been told he’d never have anything, never amount to much and now he owns one of the biggest ranches in Texas. He wanted to prove my mother’s family wrong and now he’s wealthier than they’ll ever be.
I turn to the woman I love and gesture at the house. “Welcome honey. This Christmas, I’m bringing my world into my world.”
“You always say the most touching things.” She lifts her hands and puts them on each side of my face. “I’m checking to see if you’re real.”
“I’m real but I only came alive when I met you. That’s how it feels to me. That I breathed for the first time. That my heart beat for the first time. I know it’s the first time I have ever felt a love like this.” I pause, waiting and silently praying she’s going to say her heart might feel the same one day.
But we’re interrupted by the front door opening. My parents step out onto the porch. My mother is smiling widely and waving, almost giddy with joy. She’s been saying for years she hopes I’ll find someone, hopes I’ll find a love like she and Dad have.
She doesn’t say it, but I know she’s also waiting on grandkids. I’m hoping to give her those.
Ginger turns when my dad bellows out a greeting. I get out of the truck and go around to help her out introducing my parents as we walk.
“Ned and Elizabeth,” Ginger repeats to herself. “Got it.”
“I salted the walkway, but it sleeted again.” Dad points to a few spots. “Careful. Don’t step on those or you’ll bust your ass.”
Ginger nervously walks up the steps, and my mom throws her arms open wide. “I’m so glad you’re here.” She hugs her tightly, then pulls back and I send her a warning look. I can read her expression. She wants to say stuff like please marry my son and welcome to the family. I don’t want her enthusiasm to overwhelm Ginger.
“Come on inside. Too damn cold out here,” Dad says.
I take Ginger’s hand in mine. It feels like it belongs there and if I’m lucky, that’s where it’ll always stay. Her hand in mine. Her heart with mine. That’s all I want for Christmas.
Chapter 12
Ginger
A tall man in dark jeans bellows a greeting and it startles me. Dallas tells me it’s his father, then quickly gets out and comes around the truck to help me over the ice patches his father points out.
Dallas and his father look a lot alike. Same build, same dark hair and easy smile. His mother looks like she could easily be a movie star. Now I know why Dallas is so handsome.
I walk up the steps, taking in the gorgeous house decorated like it belongs on a Christmas card. All the windows are lit with candles. A large wreath with a red bow graces the front door. On either side of the door, tall nutcrackers stand guard.
Lights cascade in a waterfall from the roof and it’s all so breathtaking.
Elizabeth opens her arms wide and pulls me into a tight hug. “I’m so glad you’re here.” When she pulls back, I catch Dallas giving her a warning look and wonder what that’s about.
“Come on inside. Too damn cold out here,” Ned says.
Dallas takes me by the hand, and we walk into the house together. The scent of pine and cinnamon lingers in the expansive living room. An enormous Christmas tree stands in front of floor to ceiling windows decorated with hundreds of ornaments and topped with a big red bow. Festively wrapped gifts crowd beneath the tree.
