Page 24 of Merry Christmas, Cowboy (Home to Texas #2)

“Well, if you think it’s a wise business move. But, remember, the place is all decked out for the Honeysuckle fundraiser this weekend. He may not get the real feel for Cottonwood Ranch.”

“Oh, right, right. How about I bring him by one day next week, once the fundraiser is over? Like I said, he’s motivated and has a great credit rating.”

Garrett squeezed his eyes closed and hesitated.

“Garrett? Are you there?”

“Yeah, sure. Bring him by next week sometime. After the fundraiser.”

“Great, then. I’ll be calling you to set up a time.”

“Fine, then.”

“Good-bye.”

Garrett hung up the phone and ran a hand down his face. This was all happening so fast. He hadn’t expected it. In fact, he’d thought just the opposite, that he might have trouble selling the ranch, so he should be jumping for joy, instead of feeling pressured and uneasy.

Hammering from the bathroom stopped and he heard Nicole’s name come up in conversation from his temporary crew. Garrett’s ears perked up and he moved down the hallway, too curious not to listen in.

“I’m telling you, Johnny’s coming back to town and he’s aiming to get Nicole back,” Andrew said.

“Well, you’ve waited long enough to ask her out,” Toby said. “You should do it, before she goes back to that idiot.”

“Johnny and I were friends, before he left Nicole high and dry. Do I go behind his back now?”

“You’ve had a crush on her since you were twelve years old. I say, yeah, go for it, Andrew. Johnny Dupree blew his chance.”

Garrett stepped into the bathroom. “Hey, guys. What’s going on?”

“Nothing. Just flapping our jaws about Andrew’s love life.”

Garrett’s jaw tightened. “You have a girl?” he asked.

“Nah, I wish.”

Toby grinned as he fitted the medicine cabinet door onto its hinge. “It’s Nicole Russell.”

“Cody’s teacher?” Garrett asked, as if he didn’t know.

“Yeah, that’s right. We’ve been friends for a long time. It’s just that I’ve been thinking about inviting her to the Christmas ball over at the Jameson House.”

“That shindig is the fanciest party in all of Last Stand,” Toby explained. “It’s a benefit for our rodeo and offers a scholarship to a teenager interested in rodeoing. Monkey suits and all.”

“Yeah, I know.” Garrett scratched his head. “I, uh, I’ve heard about it. In fact, sorry to say Andrew, but Nicole’s already going to the Christmas ball.”

“Figures,” Andrew said. “I waited too long. Who’s the lucky guy?”

In for a penny, in for a pound. Garrett didn’t hesitate. “Me. I’m the lucky guy.” He couldn’t believe he’d just said that.

What on earth had gotten into him? Was the thought of Nicole on some other man’s arm, so alarming, he had to tell an out and out lie?

He’d remedy that soon, and hope she’d say yes to his invitation.

Even if it meant wearing a monkey suit, he wanted to be the man to take her to the Christmas ball.

They had a pact and if she showed up with anyone, it should be him.

Toby exchanged a look with Andrew. “Well, you snooze, you lose.”

“Nicole and I are friends,” Garrett muttered and walked out of the room, making a face at his tactics, yet feeling a bit triumphant as well.

*

Nicole sat in Blake’s car, looking over the house details for the last three homes she’d been shown.

Either they were too old or too pricey for her teacher’s salary or offered less land than she wanted.

“I’m sorry, Blake. I’m not really a picky person, but this is a big deal for me, and I want to get it just right. ”

“No problem, Nicole. Sometimes they look better online than they do in person. That’s why it’s always good to walk through,” he said, starting up the engine.

“And just so you know, you’re not alone.

This is an important decision for most people.

And the good news is, you have no time limitations, so we can take our time to make sure you’re one hundred percent happy. ”

“Thanks, I appreciate that. It’s just that it’s taken me all this time to make the decision to buy and now that I have, I’m excited to find what I’m looking for.”

“You will. You’ll know when you see it. It’ll hit you just right and you’ll say to yourself, I can see myself living here.”

“I hope that happens.”

“It will. Trust me.”

Blake took her back to her apartment building and opened the door for her. “I guess I’ll see you at the holiday fundraiser on Saturday.”

“I’m glad you’re coming,” she said. “I can’t believe it’s in two days and thanks again for the flyers you donated. The students had fun putting them up around town.”

“I don’t think there’s a single person who doesn’t know about it.”

“Let’s hope,” she said. “Well, good-bye. See you in two days.”

When Nicole reached her apartment, a big gorgeous poinsettia with vibrant velvet flowers and lush greenery was sitting on her outdoor patio table. With a smile in her heart, she raced to her front door and as she opened it, she was greeted by her folks. “Mom, Dad. You made it.”

They circled her in a big group hug. “It’s so good to see you,” her mom, Bess said.

“Same here, girlie,” her father said. George Russell was a big teddy bear of a man, and his hugs were always the best.

“Sorry, we were so excited, we decided to surprise you and come early. I hope you don’t mind we let ourselves in.”

“Of course not, Mom. I’m glad you did. I’m so happy you’re here.”

“We wouldn’t miss our Nic’s big school fundraiser,” her dad said.

“Oh, thanks. I can always count on your support. Did you settle into your room yet? Can I make you something to eat? How about a drink? What can I do for you?”

Her mom shook her head, her blonde shoulder-length hair moving from the motion. Just seeing both of her parents’ faces made her heart swell.

“No, nothing. We’re fine. We just want to sit and talk to you. So, tell us how you’re doing.”

“Okay, well, let’s go sit down and we’ll chat.”

They all took a seat in her living room, her parents on the sofa while she sat on a tufted chair.

The look of concern on her mom’s face wasn’t unusual.

She’d always tiptoed around the subject of Johnny and the wedding day debacle, afraid of making her feel badly.

“I’m so very good, Mom and Dad, I can’t even begin to tell you.

It’s Christmas, and you know I love this time of year.

My students are amazing and I’m keeping busy with the fundraiser. But there’s one more thing…”

“You have a boyfriend?” her mom asked, hope gleaming in her eyes.

Nicole chuckled. Her mom meant well. She wanted to see her daughter settled and happy.

“No, I’m not seeing anyone right now. Well, not really.” Garrett’s image immediately popped into her mind.

“What does not really mean?”

“I’ll tell you about that later. My news is that I decided to buy a house. I was just out with my Realtor, house hunting.”

“That’s wonderful, honey,” her father said.

“It will be, once I find the exact right place.”

Her mother reached over to take her hand. “I know you will.”

“It’s a big step.” And she was a little scared, but she was determined. Her vow never to wait around for the things she wanted was always in the back of her mind. She wasn’t going to rely on anyone but herself. “But it’s the right one for me.”

“Dad and I know you’ll make the right decision. And you have our support.”

“That’s right, honey. Let us know if there’s anything we can do to help,” her dad added.

“Will do. So, have you heard from Sam? I’ve been thinking of him a lot lately.”

“We have too. He’s coming home soon and we can’t wait.”

“I can’t either. It seems he’s been deployed forever. I really miss him. We write to each other every month.”

“He’s able to call us every so often. I tell you, just hearing his voice on the other end is a blessing. And sounds like he’s got a girl.”

“Really? Over in Afghanistan?”

“No, he’s been writing to someone he met on his last leave. He’s closed mouthed about her, so we don’t pry, but he seems happy.”

“That’s all that matters. So, Dad, what are you doing with yourself this winter? You can’t be gardening in this weather.”

“Nope, I’m patiently waiting for spring. I’ve got a whole vegetable garden to plant.”

“He’s not so patient,” her mother added. “But it’s great to go outside and pick tomatoes, zucchini, carrots, corn, you name it. I suspect I won’t have to buy a single vegetable at the grocery store next season.”

“That’s pretty cool, Dad. What else is going on?”

“While your mom is playing bingo twice a week and meeting with her book club, I’m out in the garage puttering around.”

“He’s building me bookshelves.”

“Really, Dad? That’s great. You love working with wood.” Her father was a jack of all trades. He’d made his living as a stockbroker, but now that he was retired, he was pursuing all of the things that he couldn’t do when he was working long hours. “Where will you put it?”

“Your mom has a space all picked out in your room, otherwise known as the study.” He put up finger quotes. “But don’t worry; your bed isn’t going anywhere. It’ll always be there for you when you visit. Your mom likes to read in there, says she feels at peace in your bedroom.”

“Ah… that’s so sweet.” The doorbell rang, startling her out of her thoughts. “Who could that be?” she muttered. “Excuse me. Let me see who’s at the door.”

“Take a peek first,” her mother warned. “You just can’t be too careful these days.”

“Yes, Mom. I always am.” She’d been living on her own for how many years now? But moms just have to say it. It was part of their job.

She did peek through the peephole and then held her breath. Goodness, what was Garrett doing here this afternoon? She opened the door and was surprised to find a bouquet of flowers in his hand. They were lovely, baby garnet roses and greenery.

She blinked several times. “Garrett?”

“Hi, Nic,” he said.

Every time he called her by her shortened name, she melted a little inside. Only her loved ones and best friends knew her well enough to do it.

“These are for you.” He handed her the bouquet.