But with his back against the wall, he had no choice but to act.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Mila wasn’t counting on Cole showing up for Christmas dinner but she hadn’t mentioned that to anyone except Claudie. Their mom had included him in the head count, and everyone had arrived except for Jordan, Luis and Cole.
The scene was typical — Christmas music playing in the background amid organized chaos as they added leaves to the table, brought in the extra chairs and arranged place settings.
Space was at a premium in the dining room, especially since they’d welcomed Tracy, her parents, Jordan and Cole into their midst. But her family was used to making room.
Claudie was staying close, clearly ready to be supportive no matter which way it went. She’d been a rock for the past two days and Mila wouldn’t have made it through without her.
Their mom and Greta were aware she’d been staying at the mini-hacienda with Claudie, ostensibly to make fudge. They hadn’t asked any questions, thank goodness. Christmas Eve dinner was special and she didn’t want her private drama messing with it.
But the suspense of not knowing if Cole would come to dinner was driving her nuts. The sound of the front door opening sent her heart rate into overdrive. She glanced at Claudie, who moved to her side as Rio hurried out to the hallway.
“The baby daddy and baby momma are here at last!” he called out. “Hey, Mila, your sweetie finally made it, too.”
She began to shake.
“Easy girl.” Claudie squeezed her shoulder. “Take a breath.”
She did, but she couldn’t control the shaking as he walked into the dining room and made his way straight to her, his gaze intent.
“Hey, there. Missed you.”
“Missed you, too.” She barely got it out as the glow in his gray eyes, the aroma of his aftershave and the sound of his breathing turned her inside out.
“You look wonderful.”
“You, too.” She doubted he’d taken note of the Christmas tree and reindeer motif of her sweater.
“Hey, Claudie.” He gave her a quick smile. “Bet you two have been busy making that fudge. Can’t wait to taste it.”
“It’ll ruin you for any other kind.” Claudie gave her a nudge. “Right, sis?”
“Yep.” Mila gulped. Claudie wasn’t talking about fudge.
Cole nodded. “I’m sure that’s true.” He glanced around, taking in the Christmas-themed tablecloth and napkins, the ornaments hanging from the chandelier and the lighted tapers in red, white and green. “Everything looks great.”
She blinked. Was he faking that appreciation? If so, he’d done a damned good job. Anyone would think he’d been consciously admiring the festive arrangement.
“Time to get started.” Her mom waved them toward the kitchen doorway. “Grab your food and beverage of choice.”
Claudie made sure to stick with Mila as the line formed. So did Cole. When they took their seats, he claimed the right side and Claudie sat on the left.
At the head of the table, their mom tapped her glass. “Here’s to all the blessings we’ve received since last Christmas. Tracy and her folks were always considered family, but now it’s official. We were also gifted with Jordan and Cole, and before you know it, Liberty will be making an appearance. To the Bridger Bunch!”
“To the Bridger Bunch!” Everyone clinked glasses with whoever they could reach.
For Mila, that was Rio across from her, plus Claudie and Cole on either side. Rio was flanked by Tia Kat, who sat across from Cole, and Tia Ezzie on his other side.
Tia Kat tapped Cole’s glass and smiled. “Nice shirt.”
“Thanks. It’s on loan from Luis.”
Mila glanced at him. “It is? I don’t recognize it.” She’d paid more attention to the man than the shirt, a yoked Western style in white. She took another look. Were those small holly sprigs across the back of the yoke? And one on the tip of the collar?
“Jordie bought him two so he’d have a choice of which one he wanted for tonight. He let me wear the other one.”
