Holidays on the Ranch (Burnt Boot, Texas #1)(70)

The whooping, slapping each other on the back, and high fives went on for a solid minute before Verdie stuck her fingers in her mouth and whistled. “Cookie and hot chocolate time and then chores, supper, and homework. Lord, I’d hate to see what you kids would do if you saw presents under the Christmas tree.”

They all whipped around at the same time. They stood like little concrete statues without even a whisper of breath escaping their lips. Presents were stacked behind the tree, on both sides as far as possible, and extended out into the living room by six feet.

Olivia was the first one to move; she ran to Verdie and hugged her tightly. “I can’t believe it, Granny.”

The boys followed her lead and Verdie shooed them back to the table. “It’s Christmas, for God’s sake. That means presents. But Monday means chores. All y’all got a new pair of rubber boots lined up at the back door. You can thank Finn for buying them for you. I best not catch any of you outside in your shoes, getting your feet wet and catchin’ cold,” Verdie fussed.

***

Finn’s finger made lazy circles on Callie’s shoulder that night while the fire crackled as it burned down to embers in the fireplace not far from his bed. “They were a happy bunch of kids at the supper table, weren’t they?” he said.

“I think Verdie was even happier than they were.”

“How about you, Callie? Are you happy? Or have you just settled into this?”

She thought about the questions for a few seconds before she answered. “I’m happy and I haven’t just settled. It’s like running away from something, Finn. Only instead of running away, you’ve run in a big circle and just made your way back to where you belonged the whole time.” What she couldn’t say was that her heart was so entangled with his that she’d never run again. If she did, she’d have to do it with half a heart, and she didn’t think living like that was even possible.

“How about you, Finn? Are you happy? You’ve had a lot shoved at you in a short time.”

“I’m happier than I thought I could ever be, Callie. You put into words what I was thinking. I ran and ran and finally came right back to where I belong. Changing the subject now. Your hair is so silky,” he said.

“You are making me hot as hell touching my shoulder, not my hair,” she said.

“Oh, really? Well, darlin’, your hair is brushing against my cheek and making me just as hot,” he told her.

She propped up on an elbow and bent to kiss him, her hair making a veil over their faces. His hands found their way under her nightshirt and massaged her back.

“I can’t think when you do that,” she whispered.

“Good, because I can’t think when you are anywhere near me. But before we go another minute, I do need to ask you something. Do you have something to wear to a ranch party?”

“Why? Are we throwing one?”

“No, going to one. Quaid Brennan called while I was out there with the kids. We’re invited to the River Bend Christmas party next Friday night. I said we’d be there, and now I wish I hadn’t.”

“Why?”

“Because of all the cowboys who will be trying to steal you away from me.” He slipped her nightshirt up over her head.

“Are you asking me out on a date, Finn?” she panted.

“I guess I am at that. Pick you up at six?”

“I’ll be ready,” she said. “Is it polite to kill Honey at her own party?” She slid her hand down into his lounging pants. A quick intake of breath told her that he was just as hot as she was.

“Ahhh, darlin’, the women won’t even glance my way.”

She squeezed. “If they do, they’ll learn that I’m a damn good shot.”





Chapter 22


Olivia held a hand over her heart, her big blue eyes sparkling as she gazed at Callie. “You look just like a princess.”

“Thank you,” Callie said. She only hoped that Finn thought the same thing if and when he ever came out of his bedroom. She and Verdie had driven the new van down to Denton the day before, and she’d bought a gorgeous red velvet dress that hugged her body and was slit up to her thigh on the right side. It came with a matching jacket, so she didn’t have to buy a fancy coat that she’d probably never wear again. But she did have to buy shoes, so she’d opted for the matching red velvet pumps.

She’d spent extra time on her makeup and twisted her hair up into a crown of curls held with a rhinestone clasp that came with the bracelet on her arm. Now she waited, worrying her fool head off that she’d overdressed for the occasion. If she had, it was Verdie’s fault. She’d told her that River Bend and Wild Horse competed to see who could put on the fanciest Christmas party, so she should buy something flamboyant for each party.

“Don’t you think she’s gorgeous?” Olivia asked Martin when he and the boys came out of their room.

“I like her better in jeans and a flannel shirt,” Martin said.

“I like her better in that,” Ricky whispered.

“Adam?” Verdie said from the kitchen.

“I just like Callie no matter what she’s wearing. Matter of fact, I love Callie almost as much as I love you, Granny,” he answered.

***

Finn had been to dozens and dozens of Christmas parties. His family had one every year since before he was even born in Comfort for all the hired hands, their spouses, the neighbors, and business associates. He was no stranger to how to dress for one, how to behave at one, or what to expect. So why in the hell did he feel like a sophomore taking the prettiest girl in class out on a first date? Why couldn’t he get up out of the rocking chair and get his cowboy butt out there in the living room where she was waiting?