“Could be some sort of animated Christmas scene, though.” Greta tucked her hands in her pockets and rocked back on her heels. “But I thought it was gonna be a year-round thing.” She peered at Mila. “Is it?”
“I’m not saying.”
“You know we won’t let on that you told us.”
“Doesn’t matter. It’s Cole’s secret, not mine, and I promised not to reveal it.”
“That’s the end of it, then.” Their mother’s command was softly spoken. Whenever she gave them that look, she didn’t need volume to convey her message. “Breaking a promise is a terrible way to begin a relationship.”
“Right, Mama.” Greta picked up the tote she’d brought in. “We’d better get dressed. Wouldn’t want to keep my big sister’s novio waiting.” Flashing Mila a smile , she headed down the hall.
Mila expected more teasing from her sisters as everyone put on their Christmas-themed party clothes, spent extra time on their hair and added glamorous touches to their makeup. She didn’t mind the teasing.
They only did it because they liked Cole and approved of this matchup. Nobody in her family had warmed to her last boyfriend. She’d rationalized that once they got to know him, they would thaw.
Never happened. They’d sensed what she’d refused to see. But Cole had won everyone’s heart from the get-go, including hers. Her family’s stamp of approval said a lot about his character.
Her anticipation for the evening ahead kept building until she felt like a shaken bottle of champagne. By the time Cole rapped on the front door, she ran to open it while her sisters and mom giggled in the background.
She flung it open and sucked in a breath. “Wow.” She moved back and ushered him in.
“Wow, yourself.” His gaze traveled from her glittering red boots to the sparkling hairclip she’d used to hold back one side of her hair. “That dress looks gorgeous on you.”
“Thank you. You look gorgeous all over.”
He chuckled. “So do you.”
The glow in his eyes justified every penny she’d spent on the fringed, winter-white dress she’d bought months ago specifically for this party. Last night’s epic lovemaking had made her forget the party and the dress.
As if they’d planned it, he wore a snow-white yoked western shirt with silver embroidery. She’d seen those jet-black dress jeans once before, at the wedding. “Have you worn that shirt before?”
“No, ma’am. Jordie brought it over an hour ago. She said to tell you she’s very pleased about... you know.”
“We’re pleased, too!” Greta sang out.
His attention shifted and he whipped off his hat. “My apologies, ladies. Didn’t intend to ignore you." Pink tinged his cheeks. “I?—”
“You only have eyes for Mila.” Greta gave the line a dramatic lilt. “No insult taken. We understand.”
“You all know?”
“Because of Rio,” Mila said.
Right on cue, the door opened and her rumor-spreading little brother poked his head in. “Y’all ready? Cole left the truck running and gas doesn’t grow on trees, y’know.”
“We’re coming, Mr. Tattletale.” Claudie grabbed jackets off the coat tree and handed them out.
Rio chuckled. “Can’t help it if Sol is nuts about me. Blame him for telling on you guys. Nice dress, Mila. Have I seen that before?”
“Nope.” She put her arms in the suede jacket Cole held for her.
“Classy. Looks like something Auntie Kat would like.”
“She’s the one who told me to buy it.”
“See? Knew it.”
“Hey, mijo.” Their mom made a shooing motion with her hand. “In or out. Electricity doesn’t grow on trees, either.”
