Page 47 of A Cowboy Holiday
“Unless you’re helping a sexy vet put lights up,” he teased. “I saw the tree in his window. Did you decorate that too?”
“A little,” I admitted. “We let Phoebe do most of it. She’s really excited about Christmas. I bought her an advent calendar from Moody’s store so she could count down the days. She loves it and—why are you looking at me like that?”
“No reason. It’s just…you’re gonna be a good dad someday, Tan.”
I thought he might take the opportunity to remind me that Phee was as temporary as her father and to not get overly attached, but Jax wasn’t cruel. And I’d bet he knew it was already too late.
Oak Ridge Ranch was decked to the gills. There were giant wreaths with red velvet ribbons on the wrought-iron gates and on the barns and stable doors. Garland-wrapped light posts and fences lined the pathways to the cottages.
Don’t get me started on the main lodge. Outdoor lights illuminated the roofline and every tree surrounding the estate. Santiago had gone all out and had it professionally decorated by an interior designer from Santa Barbara who’d taken her job very seriously. Every nook and cranny featured a Christmassy element. The tree in the grand foyer was jaw-droppingly enormous, and there were another five scattered throughout for our guests’ enjoyment.
Personally, I liked the homier touches on the bungalows. Every cottage was decorated to the nines. The stark rolling fields were a pretty backdrop to the wintery ranch scene. Guests parked in the gravel lot near the entrance and continued on foot onto the property. There they could check out the elaborate light displays, go for a hayride, shop at the holiday booths for trinkets, a treat, or a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Oh…and they could take a photo with Santa.
Jax hadn’t been kidding. Our Santa looked like the real deal.
“If he tells us he’s from the North Pole, I might believe him,” Hudson commented, his arm draped around his husband’s shoulders.
“Me too,” Moody agreed. “Where did Jax find him?”
“He waltzed into the office and asked if we were hiring,” I replied.
Moody pushed his glasses higher on his nose. “I wonder why he didn’t come to Christmas Town. We could use him.”
“That’s the truth. Talk to him.”
“Maybe I will. Good job here, by the way. It’s splendiferous and jolly. A perfect community gathering,” Moody gushed.
“Thanks.” I grinned and waved at Axel, who was dutifully following his daughter and her friends to join the group waiting for an audience with St. Nick. “I’ll see you guys later. Try the peppermint hot chocolate. It’s amazing!”
I was stopped a few times by friends and neighbors.
“What a fun night, Tanner! Well done.”
“Happy Holidays, Tanner!”
I nodded my thanks, high-fived and fist-bumped, then jogged to Axel, chuckling at his harried expression.
“Have you been on the hayride, hottie?” I sidled next to him, linking our arms.
“About fifty times,” he deadpanned. “I’ve also played tag, hide-and-seek, and I took the girls to see Nellie and the kids. We made a quick trip to check on Hazel too.”
“Lou says he’ll try to deliver the calf on the twenty-third. He’s got big golfing plans on Christmas Eve.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be here. At least till she’s had the calf.”
My smile faded slightly, but I wasn’t going to ask about end dates. Not now. I wanted to enjoy the hell out of the days leading to Christmas. No sadness, no sorrow, no what-ifs.
I cleared my throat and gestured toward the round man dressed from head to toe in Santa regalia.
“Let’s go meet Santa.”
Photos with Santa held up the line a bit, but within ten minutes, Phee, Abby, and Sydney had their audience. Their parents jumped in to take pics, then whisked them off. Soon, it was just Axel, Phee, me, and a guy who looked like the real deal.
“Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas. You’re Phoebe, yes?”
Phee’s eyes bugged open. “How did you know my name?”