Page 30 of Merry Christmas, Cowboy (Home to Texas #2)

“Okay. And no matter which dress you decide to wear tonight, honey, I know you’re going to kill it,” her mom said.

She laughed at her mother’s woke slang. No one could say Bess Russell was a shrinking violet. She kept up with the times.

Nicole walked her folks out and glanced at the time.

She had less than an hour to get ready. And she still hadn’t decided which dress to wear.

She’d gone shopping with her mother the other day at Taylor’s boutique.

Taylor’s designs were impeccable and one-of-a-kind.

Nicole found three she loved, and Taylor let her take all three home to decide.

It was a sweet gesture that Nicole greatly appreciated.

Her father had been partial to the deep blue gown, her mother to the more festive silvery-toned high-low dress and then there was the sequined garnet gown.

Each was beautiful in its own right but after trying all three on again, she picked the one most suited for her personality.

The garnet gown spelled Christmas undoubtedly with sequins sewn throughout the bodice, catching light and hugging her curves, making her feel feminine and dazzling at the same time.

Now that the dress was chosen, she curled her hair in big barrel curls and then set two delicate rhinestone clips on either side of her head. The dress had enough sparkle, so she opted not to wear a necklace, but she did put on a pair of silver earrings that complemented the dress.

Her phone rang and she answered it on the second ring. It was Taylor. “I’m dying to know. Which dress did you choose? Wait, let me guess. The garnet?”

“You’re right. I love it. And I’m so thankful to you for letting me bring all three home with me.”

“Hey, no problem. It’s actually benefitting me. Since I started up this new line of party gowns, when you get compliments, which I know you will, you can tell them about my new dress line.”

“I’ll do it. And I’ll hand out business cards if you’d like.”

Taylor’s laughter came through the receiver loud and clear. “You don’t have to go that far. Just wear it in good health.”

“I will. I guess I’ll see you two soon then?”

“Yep, I’m almost dressed and then we’ll be heading out. See you in a few.”

Nicole finished up by applying light makeup to her face and outlined her lips with deep rose lipstick.

As she stepped back and peered in the mirror, she decided she liked the look.

It fit with the colors of the season, bright and festive.

She grabbed her faux fur coat out of her bedroom closet and picked up her clutch purse.

When the doorbell chimed a minute later, she was ready. She took a steadying breath and walked to the door, her heart beating fast. She opened the door with a flourish and looked into Garrett’s brilliant blue eyes.

“Wow,” he said immediately, sucking in a breath of air. His eyes touched on her dress, her hair, her face. “You look… gorgeous.”

Warmth traveled the length of her. If she were being honest, she’d hoped for a reaction like this from him. “Thank you.”

But Garrett in a western tux and string tie wouldn’t exactly scare any females away. He looked amazing, virile and so striking she could only pay him back the compliment. “Garrett, you look quite handsome, yourself.”

“You like me in this monkey suit?” He smiled, keeping his focus on her as he straightened his tie.

She liked him period, but she couldn’t say that. “Yes, very much. It’s certainly a different look for you, but you wear it well.”

He grinned like a schoolboy. “Thanks. I’m looking forward to tonight. Are you ready?”

“Yes, all ready.”

She put down her purse and lifted her coat.

Garrett was right there, helping her on with it.

When she turned around, all bundled in fur, he closed the front of her lapels, making sure she was secure and warm.

Their eyes met in an intimate moment that translated silently between them what they were feeling.

At least, she assumed so. Garrett held a certain glimmer in his eyes that spoke of something more than friendship.

Or was she reading way too much into this?

They walked out and Garrett waited while she locked her door.

Then he offered her his arm, and she laced hers inside it as they walked to his car.

Garrett had Southern gentleman charm, even though he wasn’t raised in the south.

They reached a shiny black Lexus, and he opened the door for her.

Puzzled, she took a seat on the passenger side and he closed the door and then climbed into the other side. “Is this your car?” she asked.

“It is for right now.”

She wasn’t going to pry, but somehow Garrett had thought of everything to make this night magical.

They headed out, each one quiet in their own thoughts, and after several minutes, Garrett turned to her. “What can you tell me about the Christmas ball? I know it’s set up to benefit the Last Stand Rodeo and awards a scholarship to one deserving teenager.”

“Yes, that’s all true. It’s always held right before Christmas and it’s always been hosted at the Jameson House.

The Victorian was built in the 1890s. It’s quite a house, perfectly maintained.

I think you’ll like it. It was originally built by the grandson of Gordon C.

Jameson, one of the survivors of the Battle of Last Stand.

History tells us he built this glorious house for his new bride, a city girl from New York. ”

“Ah, he had to give her incentive to move south.”

“Maybe, or maybe she loved him so much, she gave up her life to be with him.”

“That’s a romantic way of thinking of it.”

“Well, then. I guess I’m romantic,” she said. “Who doesn’t love a happy ending?”

“Sometimes, that notion is unattainable.”

Garrett seemed to withdraw into himself. Oh, gosh, had he been thinking about his sister? Did he still have a bleak outlook on life? She’d hoped he was working through his grief, but maybe it wasn’t going to happen so quickly.

He turned into the drive leading to Jameson House and parked the car in a large area designated for guest parking. She turned to him, and took hold of his arm. “I’m sorry, Garrett.”

“No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. You’ve had it rough these past few months too, but you bounced back. I’ve had a year, and it’s still so darn difficult.”

“Of course, it is. I had a breakup, Garrett. It’s hardly the same as what you went through losing your twin sister. I know you struggle with it every day.”

“It’s just that Carrie died on Christmas Day.”

She didn’t know that. She’d never pried as to when it had happened. All she’d known was that Carrie’s death occurred during the holiday season. “I’m so sorry, Garrett. I didn’t realize. This must be so hard on you. It’s coming up on the one-year anniversary of her death.”

He nodded. “Remember when you broke down on the highway that day?”

She blinked. Why was he changing the subject so abruptly? She couldn’t figure out what that had to do with anything. “Yes, and you insisted on coming to rescue me.”

He closed his eyes as if reliving it. “I panicked, because… because, Carrie broke down too, on her way home from dropping off gifts to a friend. She got out of her car to see why her engine had died, when she was hit by a distracted driver. The guy didn’t see her on the road because he was looking at his phone. ”

“Oh no. I can’t imagine. How horrible, for her, for you, for Cody.”

“That day you called me about the breakdown, it brought it all back. I didn’t want that to happen to you, Nicole. That’s all I kept thinking about on my way to get you.”

“That’s why you insisted on making sure I got to town safely.”

He nodded. “It’s still with me. Every day. But because of Cody, I keep going. But I shouldn’t have brought this all on you tonight. Tonight, should be about having a good time. You deserve that.”

“So do you, Garrett. Especially you. I’m glad you told me. It helps me understand what you’re going through.”

Garrett sat silent for a while and then spoke up. “How about we make another pact?”

“What kind of pact?”

“We forget about our troubles for tonight and just have fun.”

“I love fun. Let’s shake on it now. We’re only going to have fun tonight.”

And instead of shaking her hand, he brought his lips to hers and gave her a sweet kiss. “That’s a good start,” he said.

Her lips tingled from his touch and the sensation would no doubt stay with her throughout the night. “Yes, yes, a very good start.”

*

Garrett handed Nicole a glass of white wine as they strolled around the grand ballroom of Jameson House.

He was at odds with himself about telling her something important.

Something he’d kept from her, though not on purpose.

There just hadn’t been the right time. And after nearly blowing it with her earlier, he couldn’t bring himself to tell her what was going on.

Tonight, they’d agreed on fun. And that was what he hoped to deliver.

“Well, you were right, Nic. I love this house already. And I haven’t even been in any other rooms yet. It’s amazing.”

“Told you so.” Her eyes lit up. “It’s pretty awesome, isn’t it?”

He nodded in agreement. The Victorian architecture held family history within its walls and spoke of grace and perfection. From the warm wood floors polished to a glowing shine, to the sculpted ceilings above, Garrett appreciated the vision it took in creating this home.

Round tables were set up and dressed in white linen, the centerpieces a vivid red floral arrangement decorated with ornaments of silver and gold.

Guests strolled around, checking out the beautiful Christmas adornments throughout the room.

It was probably the highlight event in Last Stand, and to think he’d almost ruined it for Nicole.