Holidays on the Ranch (Burnt Boot, Texas #1)(59)

Chapter 18


Finn held out a hand to the little boy on the bottom bunk. “Welcome to Salt Draw. Why don’t the bunch of you come out to the dining room and tell the Laytons good-bye. And then we’ll go over the house rules.”

Ricky had a good firm grip for a little boy, and so did the kid on the top bunk. Olivia’s hand was a bit shaky but then tears were flowing down her little cheeks.

“Mr. Finn, thank you for letting us stay here,” she said.

“You are very welcome. When Martin came here last week, we didn’t go over house rules because Callie took care of that part of his life. But I thought we’d get things straight before you unpack your things,” Finn said.

“Our things?” Adam asked.

“That’s right. The Laytons brought your stuff, and it’s waiting for you in the living room,” Finn answered. “Callie and I will show you the way. Did you come in by the front door?”

“No, sir, by the window,” Ricky said.

“I see.” Finn smiled.

Beth and Arlan Layton hugged the kids, but it wasn’t a tearful parting. The Laytons had heavy hearts because of her illness. The kids felt awkward because they’d run away, so it was a quick good-bye, and then they were alone in the living room.

“That is the biggest, prettiest, awesomest tree I’ve ever seen.” Olivia’s eyes darted from tree to decorations and back to the tree.

“Do those dogs bite?” Ricky hid behind Martin.

“Naw, they’re good dogs. Angel, that’s the cat, climbs the tree, so we have to watch her, but the dogs are fun, especially Shotgun. Pistol, now, he likes to lie by the fire and bark when strangers come around, but Shotgun will go out in the yard and play anytime you want to.” Martin’s voice was full of joy and pride.

“Shit, Verdie! Don’t burn the cookies!” Joe pranced from one end of his perch to the other, saying every phrase he knew, then starting all over.

“That’s a big bird. I was expecting a little bitty one like a canary. And he says dirty words,” Olivia said with wide eyes.

“But he’s so pretty,” Adam said. “Does he ever fly around in the house?”

“Not anymore,” Finn said.

“Okay, kids, all four of you can sit on the sofa and listen to Finn,” Verdie said. “I expect his rules won’t be hard to obey, but you need to hear them.”

The kids sat down and looked up at Finn, three with big round blue eyes and Martin with his dark brown eyes.

Finn pushed the coffee table back and kneeled in front of them so his eyes would be on their level. “Rule number one is that you really have three bosses in this house, but we’re all three pretty fair about things. Verdie is a grandma, nanny, mama, and babysitter, all rolled into one, and you have to obey her. Callie and I are like parents, so you have to mind us as well. Rule number two is that you have to make your own beds before school in the morning, remember to brush your teeth, and pick up after yourselves. You boys will bunk in with Martin. Showers begin at eight thirty every night. Bedtime is at nine, reading for thirty minutes, and lights out at nine thirty. Miz Olivia will have her own room right next door.”

“Callie?” Verdie asked.

“Will be moving to the other wing so that the kids can be close together,” Finn said.

Verdie smiled. “Why, thank you, Finn, for including me with the kids.”

“Unless you want to move, then Olivia can have your room,” he said.

“I can stay in the room with the boys. There are four beds in there, and me and the boys are used to sharing,” Olivia said.

Verdie patted her on the shoulder. “Girls need their own space. I’d move you in with me, but I’m not turning out my lights at nine thirty. And I was very serious when I thanked Finn. I’m tickled to be on the wing with you kids. It’ll be like it was when I was a child. You okay with the move, Callie?”

“Yes, ma’am. I could sure use some help from these big strapping boys getting my things out of that room and into my new one. Olivia, you’ll have to put up with Angel coming in your room at night. She’s been sleeping on the end of my bed,” Callie said.

“Is that all?” Martin asked.

“That’s the whole list of rules,” Finn answered.

“It’s sure a short list. You didn’t say anything about doing homework when we get home or nothing about chores.”

“Those things are your responsibility and don’t fall under house rules,” Finn said.

“Look, Olivia, mistletoe.” Adam pointed toward a sprig hung in the archway between the living room and dining room.

“Well, I’m not kissing you, so don’t go stand under it,” Martin declared. “When I get big enough to kiss girls, it’s going to be Sally.” He blushed scarlet.

“Didn’t intend for those words to come out, did you?” Finn chuckled.

Martin shook his head.

“Well, I wouldn’t kiss you either. I’m going to fall in love with Harry when I’m sixteen. But not until then. Kissing you would be like kissing a brother.” Olivia skewered up her face.

“Well, I’m real glad we got that settled,” Callie said.

Finn took her hand and led her to the spot right under the mistletoe, picked her up until her feet were six inches off the floor, and kissed her right there in front of them all.