“Yes, ma’am.” He could agree with a clear conscience because she hadn’t labeled it a Christmas gift.
“And we’ll all be hanging around that day, whereas between now and then we’ll have plenty of stuff going on. Which reminds me, are you going into town with us tomorrow night? We’ll be carpooling.”
“What’s happening tomorrow night?”
“You forgot the Christmas party at the Raccoon!” Greta gaped at him. “You really have been focused on that project. But now it’s done, so yay, you can go.”
“I guess I can.” He did his best to sound happy about it. He couldn’t very well pretend to be sick tomorrow night and then be sick again on Christmas Eve.
“Of course you’ll take your fiddle.” Greta’s blue eyes gleamed with eagerness. “I’m sure you know some Christmas carols.”
“Funny thing about that. I don’t.”
“No problem. Mila can hum them for you.”
She certainly could but that didn’t mean he should risk having a reaction to those tunes. On the other hand, he’d loved teaming up with her back in October. Sitting in with the Rooty Toots had been a blast, too.
“Greta and I will be taking the ranch van and we’d have room for you if you’d like to ride with us.”
“Thanks for the offer, but since I’m not much of a drinker, maybe I should take my truck and be another designated driver.”
Raquel nodded. “That’s a great offer. I’ll pass the word and I’m sure you’ll have some takers. We’ll leave around five.”
“Sounds good.” He finished his hot chocolate and gave the clock another glance. “Thanks for the treats. I’d better take off and let you two get some sleep. Can’t have you dozing off in the middle of the party.”
Raquel chuckled. “I’m planning to take a nap tomorrow afternoon. Historically the Bridger Bunch is the life of the party.”
“Especially my grandma and the aunties,” Greta said. “If you thought they were something at the wedding, wait until you see them rock out at this Christmas party. They look forward to it all year.”
“Should be fun.” Truer words were never said. It should be and probably would be for everyone else. He’d be praying he could make it through in one piece.
Chapter Ten
Mila was up long before Claudie the next morning. Technically they were both on Christmas break and didn’t need to respond to emails or check the Hearts & Hooves adoption site on a regular basis.
But she carried her coffee, apple, peanut butter toast and phone into the office anyway. After plugging in the lights on the five-foot Douglas fir in the corner and cueing up some Mannheim Steamroller on her phone, she brought up the website to tackle an update she’d been putting off.
Instead she found herself clicking on a recently created menu item, Behind the Scenes, featuring images of Laughing Creek’s new maintenance chief. She clicked through them slowly, savoring each one, enlarging them to study the detail.
One showed Cole carrying a couple of planks on one broad shoulder, a toolbelt riding on his slim hips. In another he was smoothing out a newly poured slab of cement on a blistering hot day. Sweat molded his white T-shirt to his chest as he labored, his Stetson pulled low over his eyes.
In a more recent shot he was in profile kneeling on the roof of the main house, the snow-covered Flint Creek Range in the background. He’d turned up the collar of his jacket to block the November wind as he nailed down some loose shingles.
She zoomed in to study the slope of his nose, the squint lines at the corner of his eye, the set of his strong jaw covered with his trademark bristle. So soft against her skin. Her body clenched with longing.
She’d saved her favorite for last — Cole on Sparky, the rehabilitated chestnut Luis had given him in late September, checking the fence line. Enlarging the shot made it pixelate a little, but she could still make out his happy smile.
From the moment Luis and Rio had started training that horse, Cole had shown an interest in the big gelding. He’d found excuses to hang around while her brothers had gradually turned the chestnut from a wild creature into a well-mannered companion.
Luis had waited for Cole to indicate he’d like to have the horse. When he’d finally inquired about the price, Luis had only asked for a handshake.
According to Luis, it had been the most energetic handshake in history. And the most silent. Cole had been struck speechless by the gift.
When Deck the Halls was interrupted with the ping of a text, she had a hunch who’d sent it. Her heart rate picked up. Sure enough.
Good morning. Looks like I’ll be one of the designated drivers tonight. Want to ride in with me?
You know I do. I’d totally forgotten that party.
