“Something romantic?” Ostor’s eyes lit up with interest.
“Something meaningful.” I paused, trying to find the right words. “She’s never had a real Christmas morning. Her childhood was lonely. I want to give her the kind of morning she should’ve had.”
“That’s beautiful,” Tark said. “What do you have in mind?”
“A snow globe. She told me about one her mother had. It played “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”. And maybe I could serve her breakfast somewhere special.”
“I love this. I’ll be happy to help.” Ostor grinned. “What do you need us to do?”
Chapter 15
Carla
Thursday night, the Red Fang Saloon had been decorated with white lights and garlands, along with pink and blue ribbons in honor of Beth’s baby shower. Holding the gift I’d purchased online and had delivered, wrapped in pretty paper, I descended the stairs after changing out of my jeans and sweater. I paused halfway down to take in the scene. The usual rowdy atmosphere had softened to something intimate and celebratory, with tables pushed to the edges to create an open gathering space in the center.
Holly and Jessi were hanging the final decorations while Greel was arranging bottles behind the bar for the private event. Aunt Inla directed it all from the center of the room, her silver-streaked hair twisted into an elaborate updo, her dress a festive pattern of holly leaves and berries.
“Wonderful timing,” she called out when she spotted me. “Come help with these gift tables.”
I joined her, smoothing the pale blue tablecloth over the wooden surface. My small package looked inadequate next to the larger boxes already arranged there. What did I know about babies or showers or any of this? My expertise lay in rodeooperations and tourist management, not the intimate traditions of close-knit communities.
“Nervous?” Aunt Inla asked, her perceptive gaze missing nothing.
“A little.” I straightened a stack of napkins. “I’ve never been to a baby shower before.”
“No?” She looked genuinely surprised. “Not even for friends or relatives?”
I shook my head. “I’ve never stayed in one place long enough to be invited to these kinds of events.”
“Well, consider this your first of many,” she said, patting my arm. “You’re fitting in so well here, I sometimes forget you haven’t always been a part of Lonesome Creek.”
The warmth of her words collided with the reality of my situation. My contract would end in a few days. I’d be gone, moving on to the next job, the next town. The thought created a hollow feeling in my chest that I wasn’t ready to examine.
The mark on my wrist caught my eye, and I tugged my sweater sleeve down to hide it. We still hadn’t discussed what we’d done in the cabin or where this might be headed between us. I’d begun to believe nothing had changed at all. Maybe he didn’t want me any more than my aunt and uncle had.
The front door opened, and Beth entered, her pregnant belly leading the way, Ruugar hovering so close behind her he nearly stepped on her heels. The tenderness in his expression as he guided her to the chair of honor in the center of the room made my throat tighten.
I couldn’t imagine what it might be like to have that kind of certainty in someone other than myself. That bone-deep knowledge that someone saw you, understood you, and would always be there.
Becken appeared at the top of the stairs and descended. My heart stuttered at the sight of him, freshly showered afterour day in the forest, his dark hair still damp at the temples. He carried a small package wrapped in brown paper and tied with twine, looking awkward and out of place among the festive decorations.
Our eyes met across the room. His expression shifted, softening, and I found myself smiling in response. A day spent cutting down Christmas trees shouldn’t leave me with this flutter in my stomach, this awareness of him that was so much more than physical.
Yet here I was, taking in the width of his shoulders, the way he moved with controlled power through the room, and the gentleness in his hands as he placed his gift on the table.
“That tree looks amazing in the square,” Rosey said, appearing at my elbow. “You two did a great job.”
“Becken did most of the work. I just helped pick it out.”
“Well, whatever you did, it’s perfect. The lighting ceremony tomorrow night will be magical.”
More guests arrived, Hail and Allie, Tark and Gracie, Ostor and Rosey, even Grannie Lil with her ever-present cane. The room filled with conversation and laughter, the atmosphere warming like mulled cider. Though I’d known these people less than two weeks, they greeted me with the easy familiarity of old friends.
When everyone had gathered, Aunt Inla called for attention. “Time for gifts. Beth, you and Ruugar take the center seats.”
The expectant parents settled in matching chairs positioned to face the gathering. Beth’s cheeks glowed with happiness, and she rested her hand on her belly.
“I’ll go first.” Holly presented them with a beautifully wrapped package. “From Sel, Max, and me.”
