Home For a Cowboy Christmas(27)

Chapter 13


For the next two weeks, Dwight and Emmy fell into a routine. He would make coffee for both of them, and while she didn’t rise as early as he did, she didn’t sleep late. At noon, he always returned to the house to find her diligently working in the office. He made sure she had water with her at all times.

After lunch, he returned to his duties, and she returned to the office, where she stayed until he came in for the day. She sat in the kitchen with him as he cooked, helping out when she could. They talked about anything and everything before and during dinner.

Once the kitchen had been cleaned every night, they either sat on the porch or remained inside. Sometimes, she turned on the TV. Other times, they read. Occasionally, they kept talking until it was time for bed.

Before Dwight knew it, it was Thanksgiving week. Since he and Vic didn’t see each other for Thanksgiving, Dwight never thought too much about it other than the fact that his employees had the day off. But now he had a houseguest—one he wanted to spend the holiday with.

“You’re quiet,” she said that evening after dinner.

“Thanksgiving is coming up fast.”

She raised her brows in surprise. “Is it really? I’ve not been looking at the dates.”

“That’s probably a good thing.”

“It’s been three weeks since I arrived.”

He smiled at her surprise. “Yes, it has.”

“Have you seen anyone suspicious?”

Dwight shook his head. “But we’re not in the clear. We still have weeks to go.”

“True, but I wasn’t certain I’d make it this long.”

He didn’t want to tell her that he worried the mob was more likely to locate her the closer they got to the first of the year. With unlimited resources, it was simply a matter of time. But Dwight was prepared for that.

“Do you celebrate Thanksgiving?” he asked.

Her lips twisted as she thought about it. “When I was younger with my parents, we did. My mother always invited anyone who didn’t have family or was alone. We always had a very big turnout.”

“What a nice gesture.”

“It was,” Emmy said with a soft smile. “Once my parents were gone, I didn’t have family. I spent a few Thanksgivings with some friends, but in the end, it’s only been me.”

“I’m the same. I was wondering if we should do something. I can cook a turkey and everything if you’d like.”

She thought about that for a moment and then shook her head. “Don’t go to that kind of trouble. But I think a nice dinner is in order. This could be my last Thanksgiving, after all.”

“Don’t think like that. Be positive.”

“I’m being realistic.”

He bowed his head in acceptance. “Any suggestions for our special dinner, then?”

“You’re an amazing cook. I’ve loved everything you put in front of me. Well, except for that meatloaf.”

Dwight nearly spat out his wine. “I admit, that was horrible. I never liked it, but I thought I’d give it a try.”

“Please, don’t ever cook that again.”

“Deal,” he agreed with a smile.

Emmy looked around the house. “Do you decorate for Christmas?”

“My mom used to go all out. I don’t really have the time to get things set up with running the ranch.”

“Are there still decorations?”

He glanced at a closet door. “Right there.”

“Do you mind if I put them up?”

“Knock yourself out.”

Her smile was blinding. “My mother always put up the Christmas decorations Thanksgiving week. I’ve always done it, as well.”

“Then we must do it here.”

“We?” she asked in shock.

Dwight smiled and shrugged. “I figured I could help. If you want, that is.”

“Definitely. I can’t wait to see what all decorations there are.”

And he couldn’t wait to decorate with her. The thought shocked him. As did the fact that he was excited to share the holidays with Emmy. Or maybe he shouldn’t be so surprised. The fact was that he liked her there. They meshed well. They had a lot in common, and yet they could have meaningful conversations about the subjects that differed. He’d never had this kind of relationship with anyone in his life.

He looked forward to coming home for lunch and dinner. No longer did the house feel so big and quiet. It was filled with Emmy.

“You okay?” she asked.

He blinked and nodded. “Yeah. Why?”

“You looked deep in thought.”

Dwight shrugged and set his empty glass of bourbon aside. “What do you think about getting out with me tomorrow?”

Her head swiveled to look outside at the falling snow. “In this?”

“It’s supposed to stop overnight. I thought we could take a sleigh ride.”

Her eyes widened. “Are you serious?”

“Why not? It’ll get you out of the house so I can show you more of my beautiful state.”

“I have been itching to get out,” she confessed with a twist of her lips. Then she smiled. “All right. I’m game.”

“Perfect.”