“Maybe I will.” He took another sip. “I heard about your big rescue today. Your mom says the whole ranch is buzzing with the news.”
Jack grimaced. Maybe that’s why he was up tonight—too much attention to something he’d rather keep quiet.
“From what she gathered, Raelynn’s family is upset with the nanny. They’re sending a representative out to keep an eye on things and evaluate Ashley.”
Jack sighed. “She should have been more careful around Cocoa. I don’t think she has any animal sense.”
Dad leveled him with a look over the top of his mug. “She’s not the only one who needs to be more careful.”
Reindeer poop!“Caleb saw me fly?” His face heated with embarrassment. He should have thought things through before jumping on Dunder’s back. He’d taken the reindeer out for a walk, wanting to let him stretch his legs. When Cocoa cried out and Raelynn screamed, the two of them reacted. Dunder jerked his head toward his back, and Forest jumped on, and they were off. It all happened so fast.
Dad finished his cocoa and set the cup aside. “My first instinct is to lecture you on the herd’s safety and keeping secrets.”
Jack hung his head. “I’d have it coming.”
“The fact that you admit it means I don’t have to say a word.” Dad patted his arm. “I’m proud of you for saving that little girl and Cocoa. A frightened reindeer is unpredictable, and they could have been hurt.”
“Nat could have seen us—she might have. She asked how I got there so fast. What if she knows?” He thought of her in those striped tights and grinned to himself.
“Nat? You mean Miss Newberry?” Dad’s forehead wrinkled.
Jack’s face heated as if he were sitting beside the fireplace.
Dad broke into a smug grin. “Maybe there’s a reason you wanted her to see you riding a reindeer? Eh?”
Jack shook his head. “You’re too much, Old Man.”
“What? I like my grandkids, and I want more.”
Jack almost spit out his hot chocolate. “Who said anything about grandchildren?”
“Well, you see, dear boy. First comes love, then comes marriage….”
Jack stood up and grabbed the empty cup off the nightstand. “She’ll be on a plane back to California on Christmas Day.”
“Invite her back for New Years then!” Dad leaned forward, insistent. The effort and excitement were too much, and he fell back against the pillows—spent.
Jack stopped and put the cups down to help him lie back down. He pulled out a pillow and set it on the floor by the bed while Dad scooted lower. “It’s not the right time for that. Not yet, anyway. Give me a couple more days to feel things out?”
Dad sagged into the mattress. “We aren’t done talking,” he protested feebly.
Jack smiled down at him. “How about I clean the stalls for a week to make up for riding Dunder, and you get some shut-eye.”
“Deal.” Dad smiled to himself. “You’ll find the one for you, Jackie. She’s out there, and she’s waiting for you.”
His heart warmed at the nostalgic use of his childhood nickname. “Thanks, Dad.” He turned off the light and took the cups back to the kitchen, where he washed them and put them in the cupboard.
Once in bed, he fell asleep quickly, though he didn’t sleep nearly long enough before his alarm went off.
Hopping out of bed, he shaved and went out to clean stalls. The sooner he made good on his promise, the better. Besides, he was an outdoor guy. Working in an office would drive him crazy.
The early morning light was just enough to see by. Several of the trailers in Tinsel Town had lights on, their shades drawn. Probably the crew getting ready for the day. They were up a couple of hours before the talent, which meant Raelynn and Ashely were still asleep. It was too bad Ashely was in trouble, but he couldn’t blame the family for wanting to check in.
Tucking his chin inside his coat, he continued toward the barn.
“Jack!” Natasha called.
He turned at the sound of her voice, like a reindeer to a carrot. She slammed the door to her trailer and jogged over to meet him. Dressed in jeans, mud boots, and the feed-store coat she’d bought when she first arrived, she was a wonderful sight to behold. Her hair was tucked into a hat with a pompom on top that bounced as she ran.
