A Snow Country Christmas (The Carsons of Mustang Creek #4)(17)

Harry’s eyes widened. “A European River cruise? Airline tickets?”

“For you and your sister.” Blythe smiled. “It’s from all of us, so don’t just thank me. You’ve always said you wanted to go, so go. I can manage this house alone for a couple of weeks and Raine is going to do lunches for the hands. Everyone is pitching in so you can just relax and enjoy. Take pictures of the castles, please.”

“Stephano has volunteered to cook,” Grace added, as Harry continued to look stunned. “I’m bringing home dinner from the resort’s restaurant every night. You do realize he’ll try to outdo you, right?”

“I’m making my famous chili on the weekends,” Luce said. “In exchange for river pics. I hope you’ll throw in some vineyards snaps for Mace.”

Kelly piped up, “Yes, do. I’d like to frame one for the store. By the way, I’m in charge of dessert. If you’d leave out a few recipes I’d appreciate it.”

“I will.” Harry looked endearingly touched, maybe even teary-eyed, as she opened the brochure. “My sister is going to love this.”

That translated to Harry loving it. Raine suspected Harriet Armstrong could be the most sentimental woman on this earth, but she was too stubborn to admit it.

Seated next to her, Mick whispered, “Is she a wizard or something? How many people does it take to fill her shoes?”

Raine whispered back, “A tyrant wizard. I believe that’s her official job description. You’ve eaten her food, so you know she has magical powers.”

He was way too handsome, especially when he smiled. Hearts probably fluttered all over California, and apparently in foreign countries as well, since she assumed business didn’t take up all his time there.

But he’d evidently thought of her on his travels.

“I agree.”

“Why do you keep checking the clock?” She had to ask because she’d seen him keeping a close eye on it. Not that she was watching him or anything like that...no, not at all.

Right.

Mick just said in a neutral tone, “I have a good reason, and no, I won’t explain. Trust me, it will be worth it.”

“Promise?”

“Yes, and I always keep my promises. Just wait.”





6

IF THERE WAS one thing Mick knew, it was that surprises didn’t always go according to plan. Still, he was pleased with the way his unfolded.

Dinner was over, the table cleared and the adults sipped wine. Snow had begun to fall again, so the ranch looked like an idyllic cowboy poster.

“Slater!” Ryder rushed in, waving his hands. “Dude, your movie is about to come on.”

Mick smiled. It would’ve been fun to spring the news himself, but the teen’s wide-eyed announcement added a nice hint of drama.

Slater, by contrast, was calm when he replied, “Don’t call me dude, Ryder. I don’t play on your basketball team and have the locker next to you. And what film do you mean?”

“Wild West...Still Wild. Your documentary. I just saw an ad for it.”

Mace perked up. “Really?”

Mick hoped he was pleased. There was a short ad for the winery at the beginning of the film, and also an ad for the resort and spa Grace managed.

“Yeah, du... I mean, Uncle Mace, really.”

“But it isn’t out for another month.”

Mick cleared his throat. The cat was officially out of the bag. “Actually, it might be premiering in...oh, about twenty-eight minutes.”

It wasn’t surprising Slater was visibly taken aback. “Mick, that’s why you’re here?” He turned to his wife, who was beaming smugly. “You knew, didn’t you? And you didn’t tell me?”

Grace, looking unrepentant, lifted her slim shoulders. “If you think I’d spoil a great surprise, think again. Surprise!”

“Christmas Day?” Slater looked floored, staring at Mick. “How’d you pull that off?”

“I have strings I tighten now and again.” Mick wasn’t lying about that. Those were some hard-won tug-o-wars.

“It isn’t possible. Not for a documentary.”

“Tell me that again in twenty-seven minutes.”

“I just saw the ad. Like a major commercial!” Ryder was jacked up, his thin face alight. Mick could swear the kid had grown about four inches since his last visit to Bliss County and when he filled out, he was going to be quite the broad-shouldered man. “I was watching football.”

So far the films had all made a good profit and that’s why Mick could still get investors on board, but that ad had taken a lot of money and some true finesse. Everyone involved had agreed that maybe it was time to notch it up, especially once they’d viewed the film. They’d thought the investment would pay off.

“During a football game on a major network?” Drake wasn’t a wine drinker so he lifted his bottle of beer in a salute. “Look at you, Showbiz.”

I think you’re the one we’ll be looking at,” Mick informed him, enjoying the moment. “Remember how the film opens? I think millions are about to get a peek at you kissing your lovely wife.”

“Oh, hell,” Drake muttered in obvious chagrin. “I’d either forgotten or blocked that out of my mind. Tell me you aren’t serious.”