It's a Christmas Thing (The Christmas Tree Ranch #2)(28)

The checkout would put a dent in Rush’s credit card account, Tracy mused as she wheeled the cart across the slushy parking lot. But Travis had passed on the word that the sky was the limit. She could only hope Rush had meant what he’d said.

“Where are we going now?” Clara asked as Tracy lifted her into the booster seat and waited while she fastened the straps.

“We’re going to my house to wait for your dad. Would you like that?”

“Uh-huh. Have you got a Christmas tree?” Clara looked tired.

“No Christmas tree. But I’ve got something else you’ll like.”

“What is it?”

“It’s a surprise. You’ll see.” Tracy pushed the cart to the nearest stand and climbed into her car. Her house was only a few minutes away. If Rush didn’t show up soon, she would make a simple lunch. After that, if Clara wasn’t ready for a nap, maybe they could make some cookies for her to take back to the ranch.

Rush, huh?

Ben’s words, and his knowing look, lingered in her memory. Why did people keep trying to make her and Rush into a couple? They were just friends, and barely that.

But what would it be like, snuggling in front of the fire, feeling his arms around her, tasting long, delicious kisses?

Stop it! Tracy gave herself a mental slap as she pulled the car into the driveway. Fantasizing was a waste of time, especially when nothing was going to happen.

She helped Clara out of the car and carried her to the front porch. Then she went back for the shopping bags before opening the front door. “I have a big dog,” she warned Clara. “His name’s Murphy. He’s old and gentle, so you don’t have to be afraid of him.”

“I’m not afraid of dogs. We’ve got a dog at the ranch. His name’s Bucket. You saw him with Conner.” Clara walked into the living room. Murphy, still in his bed, raised his head and thumped his tail. With a little murmur, she ran to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Hi, Murphy,” she said, stroking the old pit bull’s massive head. “Is he the surprise?” she asked, looking back at Tracy.

“Maybe part of it. But no, there’s more. First, you need the bathroom. You haven’t gone all morning. It’s just down this hall. Okay?”

“Okay.” Clara headed in the direction she pointed. “Don’t worry, I don’t need any help. I’m a big girl.”

“Fine. Wash your hands when you’re done.”

“I know.” She went into the bathroom. As the door closed behind her, Tracy’s phone rang.

Tracy snatched the ringing phone out of her purse. The caller was Rush. “Hi,” she said. “We just got home. Clara’s been great, but wait till you get your credit card bill!”

He laughed, a sound that sent warmth flowing to the tips of her toes. “She’s got expensive taste. Probably gets it from her mother. Is she doing all right?”

“Fine. She’s in the bathroom right now. Do you want to talk to her?”

“No, that’s all right. Just to you,” he said. “I’m here with a mare who’s about to deliver, so I’ll be a while yet, maybe another couple of hours. Sorry, I didn’t plan on this. Can I impose on you a little longer?”

“It’s no imposition,” Tracy said. “Take as long as you need. I’m enjoying her.”

“Thanks. I owe you big-time for this. I’d like the chance to repay you.”

Tracy’s pulse slammed. Was the man about to ask her out on a date? A mindless panic seized her. It was too soon. She liked him, maybe too much, but she wasn’t ready. “No need to pay me back. I’m enjoying your little girl. And you’ve already done so much, helping me with my pets and fixing my sink.”

“Well, then, maybe—”

An urgent voice in the background interrupted him. “Sounds like it’s time. Gotta go,” he said, ending the call.

Through the bathroom door, she could hear the toilet flush and the sound of running water. A moment later, Clara opened the door. “All done,” she said. “Now can you show me the surprise?”

“In a minute,” Tracy said. “I just talked to your dad. He won’t be here until sometime after lunch. Wouldn’t you like to put some of your new play clothes on now? We could play in the snow after we eat, unless you’d rather stay in and make cookies.”

She shook her tiara-crowned head. “I want to see the surprise now.”

“All right. Just follow me.” Tracy led the way to the laundry room door at the end of the hall. “Go on in,” she said, opening the door. “Climb on the chair and look down into that big box.”

Lifting the skirt of her princess gown, she put a foot on the cross brace of the chair and climbed onto the seat. Her breath caught as she saw the kittens in the box.

“Oh . . .” she whispered. “Can I hold them?”

“Is the mother cat with them?” Tracy asked.

“She is. She’s feeding her babies.” Clara giggled. “Oh, they’re so cute! They’re doing this with their little paws.” She made kneading motions with her fingers.

“Let’s leave the kittens until they’ve finished eating,” Tracy said. “Then you can take them out of the box and hold them. For now, let’s have some lunch. Do you like grilled cheese sandwiches?”