“It looks like you’ve got your work cut out for you,” Luke said, pulling out his pocket watch. “We’d best get going if I’m to get Judith back here and still leave in time to get to the Lucky L before dark. Sorry we can’t help you clean up.” He rose and pulled Judith to her feet.
“Did you bring a chaperone, or shall I provide one?” Marshall asked.
“I’ve got Junior keeping warm in the barn,” Luke said.
“I’mnota child,” Judith said, sounding irritated.
“Neither was I.” Marshall shot her a knowing look, and she flushed. “But you’ll also be with Luke, who seems to have a target on his back.” At the sound of bells, he said, “It appears we have company.”
Luke followed Judith to the window. It was Frances and Nick.
“Why are they here?” Luke asked, alarmed. He stepped toward the door, but Doris had already opened it. She hurried the pair inside.
“What brings you to the Circle B?” Luke asked, his breath slowing at their unconcerned expressions.
“Doris’s order for more cranberries came in, and we decided to drop it by,” Frances said.
“We tried to keep them warm, so I hope they’re not frozen,” Nick said as he handed the box to Marshall. “But it’sthatcold out there.”
“It’s all right.” Doris started opening the box. “Mrs. Hauser knows just what to do with them if they are. The girls will be delighted. We’re going to display Judith’s clever designs at the Christmas Fair.”
Luke glanced at her, and she ducked her head.
“I still haven’t been able to see your garlands. I’d like to,” Luke said softly to her. Raising his voice, he said to the others, “That’s a great idea, but we need to get going.”
“Where to?” Frances asked.
Luke explained, and Nick’s brows shot up.
“I’d love to see some of those myself. My mother has the fastest quilting fingers you’ve ever seen and always has something going. She gives out lots during the Christmas holidays. One thing I’ve missed since coming to Wyoming was my quilt. Maybe Mrs. Knox would let me hire her to make one for me.” Nick glanced at Luke, his expression turning abashed. “We can go another day, sir.”
“No. You can come.” Luke glanced at Judith, and she nodded, though her expression had some reluctance.
“Nick,” he said. “when you get your sleigh, tell Junior to take mine back to the Lucky L. Best put on a hustle.”
“Yes, sir.” The young man gave a nod and hurried outside, with Frances right behind him.
“I’ll get my coat and hat then,” Judith said.
Luke followed her and pulled it from the hook before she could. He held it, and she turned and slid her hands into the sleeves. She was so beautiful. He wrapped his arms around her waist.
She’d stilled at the embrace, and he buried his nose in her hair at the side of her neck. How he loved the smell of her. Without saying a word, he pressed a quick kiss to her neck and stepped back. Judith’s cheeks had gone the brightest red he’d seen, and her hands were shaking as she tried to do up her buttons.
“Don’t forget your scarf,” Luke said with a wink. Judith shot him a calculating glance. He was in for a bit of revenge, and he found himself looking forward to it.
At the sound of sleigh bells pulling up to the front of the house, Luke opened the door, and the two of them stepped outside. With her arm through his, they made their way down the steps. Since Frances held the reins, Nick had jumped down to offer Judith a hand.
“Do you wish to sit up front with Frances?” the cowman asked.
“No, you go ahead,” Luke said, confident Judith wouldn’t.
He helped her into the backseat and slid in beside her. She settled the blanket, so it covered both of them.
“That Junior is a thoughtful young man,” she said tapping the metal foot warmer filled with coals resting near their feet.
“He’s had a good teacher. Tom McDaniel is as good a foreman as I could want.”
Luke put his arm around Judith, and she cuddled next to him. It wasn’t too bad sitting in the backseat while someone else drove. He lost himself in the quiet pleasure of sitting with the woman he was courting, until Frances raised her voice.
