CHAPTER NINE
On Friday morning, Hannah slid her paint easel into the back of her truck.
“Have you got everything?” Pat asked from behind her.
“I think so. But if you find any stray tubes of paint, you know where they belong.”
Pat wrapped his arms around her. “Thank you for everything you’ve done. Nick will be surprised at the number of paintings we’ve collected.”
“And the quality. Each canvas is lovely, but some of them are amazing.” She rubbed Pat’s arm. “It’s too cold to be out here. You should go inside.”
“Nonsense. These old bones have been through worse winters than this one. Would you like to do one last favor for me?”
“Of course I will. What would you like?’
“Bring Claire out to the ranch on Christmas Day and have lunch with us. Mrs. Bennett will be here, as well as Thomas and Dave’s families. Mary-Beth, Brett’s sister, will enjoy seeing you again, too.”
“I don’t know, Pat. Christmas is a special time. I don’t want to intrude.”
“You wouldn’t be intruding, believe me. At least think about it.”
Hannah nodded. “I’ll call you after I’ve spoken to Claire.”
The front door opened and Brett walked toward them. “Sorry I’m late. We had to mend a fence on the far side of the ranch. Do you need anything else brought outside?”
Hannah shook her head. “No. I’ve got everything.” She looked at Pat and Brett. “Thank you for letting me stay with you. I enjoyed helping you.”
“I wish you would let me pay you,” Pat grumbled.
“Well, that’s one wish that definitely isn’t coming true.” Hannah smiled. “I’d love to know what Nick’s friend says about the painting.”
“I’ll let you know right away,” Pat assured her. He gave her another quick hug. “You’ll have to excuse me. I need to see Mrs. Bennett.”
Brett’s gray eyes didn’t leave her face. “We’ll miss you.”
“I’ll miss you, too. Pat invited Claire and me here for Christmas lunch. Are you okay with that?”
“I’d enjoy seeing you.” Brett brushed a strand of hair off her face. “It’s not going to be the same without you here.”
Hannah forced a smile. “It will be a lot quieter.”
Brett’s gaze dropped to her mouth.
She couldn’t kiss him, not again. It messed with her brain and made her wish her life could be different. “I’d better go. I don’t know what this weather is going to do.”
Brett stepped closer and her misbehaving body purred.
“I, um…” Hannah closed her eyes as Brett kissed the side of her mouth. “It’s getting late…”
She felt Brett’s lips curve into a smile. “It’s eleven o’clock in the morning.”
One kiss, a little voice whispered in her head. One kiss, that’s all she needed.
“Hey, boss. Are you going to stand there all morning or help us in the barn?” Thomas revved the four-wheeler he was riding. “Hi, Hannah. Are you coming here for lunch tomorrow?”
She leaned her head against Brett, before moving away. “I’m not sure, yet. I have to check with my sister.”
“My mom and sisters will be here. They’ve never met a real artist before. You could tell them about the paintings in Mr. McConachie’s house.”
