Page 11 of More Than a Little Spark (Cowboys of Stargazer Springs Ranch #9)

Daphne

Daphne

I ’m sad that we’ve finished dinner because I’m not ready for the date to end. Carson is charming, funny, and I still feel a little zing when he touches me.

After the waitress walks away to settle the check, Carson touches my hand.

“If you’re feeling up to it, there is a big light display in Johnson City.

It’s about forty-five minutes from here.

We took the kids right after Thanksgiving, and I was impressed.

It’s really cool. But if you’re hurting or need to get back to Rose’s house?—”

“I’d love that.” There will probably be walking involved, but I’m getting better with my crutches. And I love Christmas. Mostly.

He grazes his rough fingertips across my hand. “Awesome, and we might have to park a couple of blocks away, so if you’re tired, I can—you know—help you get to the lights.”

I flip my hand over and catch his fingers in mine. “Help me? Like you helped me get away from my car?”

“Yeah. Like that.” He gives me a small smile. “I’m not trying to be weird or pushy, but carrying you is an option.”

“We’ll see how I feel, but a break from the crutches might be nice.” I run my finger across his palm, and his smile widens.

The waitress drops off the receipt, and then Carson hands me the crutches and stays close as I walk to the truck.

Conversation flows easily as we drive, and I can’t remember ever enjoying a date this much. As we near the light display, I say, “Did the kids enjoy the lights? What did Fred think about them?”

I notice the muscles in Carson’s jaw tighten momentarily.

“He loved it. It was sweet to watch him ooh and ahh, but it was also a bit sad. I overheard him tell Mason that it was the first time ever seeing a Christmas light display. He’s almost twelve.

And he was with me last Christmas. We had already moved to the ranch, but I didn’t think to take him out to do that. ”

Rubbing his arm, I wait to respond until he’s parked along the side of the road. “You’re doing a good job, Carson. He won’t forget seeing the lights. And that memory will always be tied to you.”

“Thanks. It’s hard because I loved my sister, the one I grew up with.

But his mom wasn’t the sister I knew. Addiction turned her into someone else, and I can’t stand that person.

Poor Fred had it really hard for many years.

” He blows out a breath, then reaches for the door handle. “Sorry about souring the mood.”

“Don’t apologize. This is all part of getting to know each other. And I understand. I love my mom, but grief changed her, and that’s hard to reconcile.”

“Let me come help you out.”

As soon as he opens my door, I lean out and wrap my arms around his neck. “If the offer is still open, I’ll skip the crutches for this stop.”

His arms slip around me, and he lifts me out of the seat. He shuts the door with his hip, and he carries me down the block to the electric cooperative where the trees are all draped with lights.

When the display comes into view, I gasp. “It’s magical.”

“That’s what I thought. It’s pretty with all the trees completely covered in lights.”

“Like a wonderland.”

He finds an empty bench and sits me down. “If you need to elevate your foot, you can use my knee.”

“It’s okay right now. I’d rather snuggle beside you.”

His arm wraps around my shoulders, and he hugs me close. “You warm enough?”

“I am now.” I snuggle in a little closer.

Carson says, “Tell me about your Christmas traditions. What’s one gift you’ll remember forever?”

“I’ll start with the gift because that one’s easy.

One year, I desperately wanted this pony.

Not a real one, obviously. A toy. But it had to be a certain one, and every store in our area was out.

I knew because I’d drag my mom to the toy aisles any time we were in the stores.

Christmas morning, I still sprang out of bed, but I didn’t expect to find the pony because by that time I knew my parents were putting gifts under the tree. ”

“But you got it?” Lights reflect in Carson’s eyes as he gazes down at me.

“I did. My dad had driven to a store two hours away to snag it before Christmas. I still have that pony, which is silly. But it will forever remind me of my dad.”

“Not the least bit silly. And funny thing, Anderson bought Bailey a real pony for Christmas one year. It was the same year he proposed to Bailey’s mom. I was shocked. I’d never heard of anyone getting an actual pony.”

“That is the sweetest. Dallas has nothing but good things to say about those guys, and I can see why.” I make a mental note to ask Rose about the pony story.

“What about the other part, your traditions? What do your Christmases look like?” he asks.

“They are very different now. My mom acts like she doesn’t want me around. Most of my siblings barely speak to me. I feel guilty. And this year, she hasn’t even called about Christmas. I need to call and tell her about the accident, but it hurts feeling like I’m a bother to my own mother.”

“I’m really sorry. Sadly, I understand. The circumstances were different, but I get it. I’m glad you have your pony. And Rose. Sounds like y’all are really close.”

“She’s the best. Typically, I’d be at her parents’ house with her for Christmas dinner. I’m not sure what will happen this year because everything is different, and they’re newlyweds. I don’t want to insert myself; you know?”

“I’d offer for you to celebrate with us, but…

” He rubs his face. “Daphne, I’m having a great time.

And I’m going to be upfront with you. Because I have Fred to think about, I’ve got to take this slow.

He and I are in a good place. Finally. And after the life he had before, stability is important.

It’ll be a while before I introduce you to him, and also, if I don’t kiss you for a while, it’s not because I’m not attracted to you.

I am. A lot. But it needs to be slow for me too. ”

I nod against his shoulder. “I completely understand. And I wasn’t saying all that to make you feel like you needed to swoop in and make my holiday merry.”

“I know.” He looks up at the lights. “Magical is a good word to describe this. And I don’t just mean the display.”

“Agreed.”

We sit in silence, watching from afar as kids climb onto Santa’s lap and tell him what they want for Christmas.

After a few minutes, I ask, “What was your favorite gift, Carson?”

“An ornament that Fred gave me last year. We were still figuring things out, so I was surprised when I saw the gift. It was one of those ornaments where people personalize it. And there were two guys, an adult and a child on it. Our names were below each person, and at the bottom it read, The Blakes . I’ll always treasure it because it symbolizes that we are a family. ”

“I love that.” A gust of wind blasts us, and I shudder.

He leans in close. “We should probably go. It’s getting colder, and we still have a bit of a drive. Hopefully, we can go out again… if you’re willing.”

I nod emphatically. “Absolutely. You have my number.”

I flop back on the bed. “He’s amazing, but I don’t want to keep you from Dallas. Go snuggle up with your husband.”

Rose perches on the edge of my bed. “My husband is out rounding up a naughty goat. When he gets home, we’ll go to bed, but I have time right now for you to tell me about the date.”

I shift to my side and prop my head up with my hand. “I’ve never met a guy who I could talk to as easily as I talk to you. Until now. Time flew by. I was sad when he dropped me off. But he wants to go out again.”

“Yay! Was there a goodnight kiss?”

“No, but we talked about that. Now that he’s essentially a dad to Fred, Carson wants to take things slow.

So there probably won’t be any kissing for a while.

I know Dallas kissed you on the first date, but he also proposed.

My situation is completely different. But just so you know, he isn’t saying anything to Fred about dating. ”

“He sounds like a great guy. I’m happy for you, Daphne.”

“Being patient will be hard, but I get why it’s important to do this at a snail’s pace. He did carry me around under the lights. That was one of those moments that I didn’t know to put on my bucket list, but wow. Talk about romantic.”

Rose laughs. “I never imagined Carson would be such a sweetheart.”

“He is. Totally. And that little spark… it’s growing.” My phone beeps, and I grin. “Carson is texting me.”

“You chat. I’ll see you in the morning. Call me if you need anything.”

Carson: I’m home, but I wanted to tell you again that I had a great time.

Me: I did too. And thank you for letting me know you made it home safely. I’m eager to see you again.

Carson: Same. We can text between dates if you want.

Me: I want.

He sends a laughing emoji as a reply.

I’ve never been shy, and I’m happy that my personality isn’t sending Carson running in the opposite direction. But patience isn’t my greatest virtue, so slow is going to be rough. I’m hoping the saying is true and that good things come to those who wait.