Page 38 of One-of-a-Kind Bride (Home to Texas #1)

She drove the car through the gates, pulled up to the house, and parked out in front.

The exterior of the house wasn’t much to look at, work needed to be done to a porch that had weathered through the years, windowsills that were peeling, and exterior stonework that was missing chunks.

Yet, Rand always said the place was solid, and that was all he needed.

Nicole grabbed her red knit scarf, draping it around her neck, and put on her tan coat, then lifted her plate of cookies off the passenger seat, balancing it in one hand as she locked her car door.

Her gaze traveled around the property coated with snow, and envisioned it once the committee worked its Christmas magic here.

She moved around her car, noting how deserted the place looked and wondered if Mr. Brown and Cody were even home. Dread settled in her belly. What if they weren’t home this weekend? What if Mr. Brown continued to ignore her notes? She headed the committee, and she couldn’t let everyone down.

With that in mind, she marched up the steps, catching her boot heel on a loose plank and nearly falling over, cookies and all. But she caught herself in time, and managed to knock on the door.

When no one answered, she knocked again. Harder.

“Mr. Brown. Are you home?”

He didn’t answer.

She gave it one last try and was once again met with utter silence.

“Darn.”

She turned around and scanned the property again.

There was a barn to the left and a garage to her right.

She trudged to the garage first, making a sweeping circle around the perimeter and then peeking into the window.

She found a late-model black pick-up truck inside, which gave her hope that she just might find someone on the property.

Then she hiked to the other side of the house and went down a path leading to the barn.

The barn doors were not only closed, they were locked, so she was pretty sure no one was in there and just as she was rounding the bend, bam!

She ran into a block wall… of a man . The smack of his chest sent her flying back, releasing the plate as she struggled for balance.

Two large arms grabbed her quickly, pulling her in, saving her from a graceless fall and possible broken bones.

As she was whipped up close and personal to a jarringly handsome face flashing deep blue eyes, a sudden spark ignited, something she hadn’t felt before.

It was a moment in time, a quick connection as he held her firmly while she found her own balance.

Steady on her feet now, she blinked hard, trying to ward off the sensations rushing through her.

He gave her a stare and something flashed in his eyes, but he caught himself and released her upper arms as if they were on fire. Taking a step back, he asked, “Who are you? And what are you doing here?” His voice was sharp and quite unwelcoming.

She crossed her arms around her middle, anger rising. She’d gotten up early to bake the perfect batch of cookies and now they were in crumbles. Did he think she’d come here to snoop around his property?

“I came to speak to you on behalf of the fundraising committee, Mr. Brown.” She pointed to the ground, frustrated that her plan to win him over with baked goods was ruined. “I certainly didn’t come all the way out here to poison you with Christmas cookies.”

He raised a brow, glancing at the ground littered with plate pieces and destroyed cookies as if noticing them for the first time. “No?”

Did she actually see his mouth twitch?

She shook her head. “No.”

Cody rounded the bend and his eyes went wide when he saw her. “Miss Russell! Uncle Garrett, this is my teacher, Miss Russell!”

Cody ran over to her, and she bent to give him a hug. “Hi, Cody. It’s good to see you. I guess I surprised your uncle.”

Both looked up at Garrett Brown. He shot her an apologetic look, one that softened his grumpy face and reminded her of one of her students when they’d been caught doing something naughty.

“I guess so,” he said.

They stared at each other in an awkward moment. “Why are you here, Miss Russell?” Cody asked. “Did you come to see the ranch?”

“Uh, yes. I would love to see the ranch, but I’m actually here to see your uncle about something important.”

Mr. Brown rubbed the back of his neck, as if she’d caused a pain there. “Would… you like to come… inside?” he said so reluctantly, she was ready to give him a lesson in good manners.

She forced a warm smile. “I would love to. Thank you, Mr. Brown.”

“I’m Garrett. And your name is?”

“Nicole Russell.”

He led the way and opened the door for her. The minute she stepped inside, she was taken by the changes already made in the house since Rand lived here. Everything seemed open, and lighter, more modern without being contemporary. She could already envision the place when it was done.

“This is… really nice,” she said, almost hating to give him a compliment.

“There’s still more work to do, that’s for sure. But it’s livable and Cody’s been great about whatever inconveniences we have to endure. Isn’t that right, Code?”

Cody nodded. “Sometimes Uncle Garrett lets me help.”

“I bet you both love that.”

“We’re gonna tear down the wallpaper in my room. I get to help with that for sure. Uncle Garrett, can I show Miss Russell my room?”

“Uh, Cody. Why don’t you get your room cleaned up while Miss Russell and I have a little talk? Then we can show her your room. And that means picking up all the toys on the floor so we can walk without tripping.”

“Okay,” the boy said, hanging his head in immediate disappointment.

“It’ll just take a few minutes, Cody,” Nicole said. “I can’t wait to see your room.”

That got the boy’s spirit up. He left the room smiling.

“Have a seat,” Garrett said, showing her to a sofa in the great room. “Care for a drink? I’ve got coffee made, but I can’t guarantee it won’t taste like mud.”

“You make it sound so appetizing.”

He laughed under his breath, as if he didn’t do it often, and never in front of strangers.

“Sorry, the truth hurts sometimes.”

“Would’ve gone good with the cookies I brought over.”

“I guess we’ll never know now. Sorry about that.”

“Me too. They were my best batch this season.”

“So, you bake and teach?”

“I do. I’m multitalented.” She smiled.

“Now, I wish I’d have saved those cookies too.”

“The way you saved me? Thanks for that, by the way. Wouldn’t do to have broken bones with the holidays coming up. Which is exactly what brought me out here today. I take it you received my notes?”

“Yeah, but I didn’t have time to get back to you. As you can see, this place is a work in progress and it’s taking up most of my time. What little I have left, I devote to Cody.”

“I understand. But what I’m asking isn’t really all that much.

And it wouldn’t cost you a moment of your own time, unless of course, you’d like to help.

You see, for the past five years your uncle Rand has allowed us to hold our annual Honeysuckle school fundraiser on his property.

The money raised goes to families in need in Last Stand who wouldn’t otherwise have a good Christmas.

And it would see them through into the next year.

It’s a valuable thing we do. And well, I was hoping—”

Garrett Brown’s expression didn’t change, it didn’t soften, or look sympathetic and then he began shaking his head.

She went on. “I was hoping that we could use the property again this year. It’s perfect because it’s not so far out of town and, well, it’s worked out so wonderfully every year.”

“I don’t think that’s possible this year, Miss Russell.”

“Nicole, and why not?”

“Because Cody’s been through a tough year. His mom passed, as you probably know, and this is his first Christmas without her. I was going to keep it low-key this year. We’re planning on getting through the holiday quietly. I’m sure there’s another ranch nearby willing to help out.”

“We really don’t have another option, Garrett,” she said softly.

“All the other ranches in the area are working ranches. There’s no room for us.

That’s why Cottonwood is so perfect. We would have full use of the land, corral for the games and contests, and Rand would always let us use his old wagon to decorate and have sleigh rides, around the property. ”

“No, sorry.”

“If you’re worried about Cody, I think it would really lift his spirit.”

“I am worried about Cody. I don’t know how to handle this holiday. It’ll be a hard one.”

“I understand. But wouldn’t Cody have fun, helping out and being with the kids?”

“I don’t know…”

“I’d say think about it, but the clock is running out. We need to get up and going ASAP.”

“I’m sorry, Miss Russell.”

“Your uncle Randolph would want it so, Garrett. He enjoyed the day and evening events as much as the kids.”

“Did he? I didn’t know him very well. He and my mom were estranged for most of their lives. I do remember coming here a few times when I was a kid though, when things were good and his business was thriving.”

“Rand loved living here on the ranch. He was involved with the community and everyone respected him.”

“Good to know.”

“He especially loved the tumbleweed snowman contest we held every year.”

Garrett raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t know there was such a thing.”

“There is. Your uncle would spend weeks gathering up suitable tumbleweeds and storing them in the barn. He’d have piles of them. We always had enough to choose from.”

Garrett was silent for a few moments, which was a good sign. At least he wasn’t shaking his head anymore, or saying no.

“I have a great idea.”

He groaned. “I’m afraid to ask.”

“What if, instead of keeping Christmas quiet for Cody, we try to make it the most memorable ever? I mean, Last Stand is known for all its holiday festivities and Cody would be exposed to it anyway. Instead of grieving through the holiday, why not make it as festive as possible for him? Just think of the fun he’d have with the kids in his class.

Instead of hiding out during the holidays, he could participate.

And there’re so many fun things he could do.

I think it’d be much better for him in all ways. ”

“I was never big on Christmas either. I don’t know how to celebrate.”

“What if we made a pact, you and me? Last Stand is known for having Christmas spirit. We do the holiday up big. I can help show you how to make the most out of this time of year, for Cody.” And for him too, she wouldn’t add.

It was hard for her to understand people who didn’t love the holiday the way she did.

It was a time to renew, refresh, and yet, honor past traditions.

“And all I have to do is let you use Cottonwood for the fundraiser?”

She nodded smiling, hoping to change his mind. “You won’t even know I’m here. I promise.”

He sighed. “Sleigh rides and tumbleweed contests and what else?”

“Let me worry about that.”

He stared at her, thinking.

“We won’t get in the way of your work.”

“Uncle Garrett,” Cody said, marching into the room. “Can we? Can we have the fundraiser here?”

“I don’t know, Cody.”

“But you said there won’t be any more snow and now you’re saying we can’t have tumbleweed contests and sleigh rides. It’s not fair.”

The boy painted his uncle as a stone-cold grump.

A fun-extinguisher, putting out all sparks of enjoyment.

She was sure Garrett Brown only had the boy’s interest at heart, but trying to ignore the season in this town, was like trying to ignore humidity on a hot summer Texas day. It just couldn’t be done.

“Cody, I didn’t say we wouldn’t get more snow, but it’s not likely. It was sort of freakish that it happened once. Just ask Miss Russell.” He turned to her, with a plea in his expression, to back him up.

“It’s true, Cody. I can’t remember snow in Last Stand ever.”

“I’m still gonna pray for it, though.”

Garrett shot her a defeated look. As if he couldn’t stand disappointing his nephew. He mulled it over and then sighed. “Cody, if it means that much to you. I’ll reconsider. If Miss Russell promises it won’t interfere with my work.”

“It won’t,” she said, knowing a moment of hope. “I promise.”

“Really, Uncle Garrett?”

“Yes, really.”

“Oh, boy!” Cody jumped into his uncle’s arms. “It’s gonna be so fun.”

“I hope so, buddy. I truly hope so.” He squeezed his nephew tight.

Ten minutes later, after getting a tour of the house and the renovations that could only enhance the property for would-be owners, Garrett walked her to the door. “Thanks again for allowing this,” she said, turning to him.

“Two against one. I couldn’t win.”

“But we made a pact,” she said. “And I promise to own up to my side of the bargain. Shall we pinky swear?”

“What?”

“Put out your right pinky finger.” He looked like she was crazy but offered up his finger. And then she hooked it with hers. “We have a pact, Garrett Brown. Okay?”

“Okay. Sure. We have a pact.”

“I’ll contact you tomorrow about our next plan of action.”

“Plan of action?”

“Operation Holiday Fun.”

Garrett eyed her warily, but all she could do was smile and wave him farewell.

She would turn the grinch into a believer one way or another.

Find out what happens next…