Home For a Cowboy Christmas(36)

His friend bowed his head in acceptance. “I always do.”

At that instant, Tony’s cell phone vibrated. He took it out of the inside pocket of his suit jacket and raised a brow. His gaze clashed with Joe’s. “It’s Orso.”

“Put it on speaker.”

Tony set the phone on the desk and answered it, putting it on speaker. “Orso. I’m here with Joe.”

“Good,” Orso said. “I want to tell you personally, boss, that I found the woman’s trail again. The marshal is good, but I’m learning his habits. It’s getting easier to find them.”

Joe scooted forward in his chair. “I needed good news, Orso. Good work. You will find them.”

“I gave you my word. I’ll call you when it’s done.”

“Actually,” Joe said, “I want to be there.”

Tony’s eyes widened in surprise. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

Joe ignored his friend. “Did you hear me, Orso?”

“I did. When I find her, I’ll give you a call so you can meet us.”

“Good.” Joe ended the call and looked expectantly at Tony. “Say what you want to say.”

“Have you lost your goddamn mind?” Tony asked in shock and anger.

Joe quirked a brow. “I run this family.”

“I know. I’ve been by your side through it all. Even before you took over. You’ve always been smart, but this is a bad move.”

“How so?”

“For one, because everyone is watching you.”

Joe waved away his words. “You and I both know I could get out of town without anyone being the wiser.”

“You want Emmy gone so she can’t testify against you. Why would you go anywhere near her murder? Do you want to implicate yourself?”

“I’m having her killed. I’m pretty sure that tells you I’ll do anything not to go to prison.”

Tony threw up his hands in defeat. “Then why do you want to go to her?”

“I want to see her face when she realizes that she’s lost.”

Tony blew out a harsh breath as he got to his feet. He tucked his phone back into the pocket and buttoned his jacket. Then he met Joe’s gaze. “You aren’t thinking clearly. I hope you come to your senses before Orso finds Emmy.”

“And if I don’t? You going to stop me from going?” Joe challenged.

Tony shook his head. “Of course, not. I just won’t be with you.”

Of all the things Tony could’ve said, that was the one that left Joe reeling. There hadn’t been a single instance when his best friend hadn’t supported his decisions or been by his side. Maybe he was being rash. Perhaps he did need to rethink watching Orso take Emmy’s life.

Then he remembered how Emmy had taken his life. No one did that to Joe Roma and got away with it. He had to set a precedent. That way, no one in the future would dare to go up against him for anything.





Chapter 18


Dwight checked the sweet potato halves in the oven before going back outside to the grilling steaks. Emmy was curled up on the outdoor sofa, wrapped in a blanket with Sam after spending the day decorating the house for Christmas.

They shared a smile. Each day since the sleigh ride had been the best of his life.

He hadn’t spoken of his feelings again, nor was he upset that she hadn’t said she loved him. She had slept in his bed every night. They made love often, shared smiles, cuddled, and thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company.

“Thanks for your help,” Emmy said. “There’s no way I could’ve gotten everything done.”

Dwight chuckled and checked the steaks. “I didn’t realize how much Christmas Mom had.”

“You also didn’t bother to tell me the tree was twenty feet tall.”

“It’s only twelve,” he said with a laugh.

Emmy pulled a face. “I still needed a ladder. And even then, you’re the one who had to put the star at the top.” She smiled and looked through the windows inside. “It looks amazing, though.”

Dwight followed her gaze to see the tree lit and the ornaments sparkling. Green wreaths decorated with red bows hung on the windows. The front door had garland draped around it as well as a wreath and three small Christmas trees of varying heights. Inside, there was garland along the staircase. Along with more greenery on the mantel. Emmy had also found their old stockings and hung those, as well.

But that wasn’t all. Little bits of Christmas were scattered throughout. Whether it was a glass vase with colored ornaments sitting on his desk, Christmas towels in the bathrooms, or the four-foot tree she’d decorated for his bedroom, the season was in every corner of the house. And he absolutely loved it.

When the steaks finished, they went back inside, where he got the sweet potatoes and dressing finished. Emmy readied the wine and put the final touches on the table. Then they sat to eat.

“You said to cook whatever I wanted,” he told her as he put a steak on her plate.

She flashed him a smile. “I meant it. Thanksgiving isn’t about what we eat. It’s about the people we spend it with. It’s about the very reason for the holiday.”

He covered her hand with his. “I’m glad you’re here. Happy Thanksgiving.”