It's a Christmas Thing (The Christmas Tree Ranch #2)(36)

He’d had a reality flash last night when Cecil had called him from Oklahoma. Annie’s father had survived the stroke but would be disabled for the rest of his life. He and Annie’s mother wouldn’t be able to manage without help.

“I e-mailed our resignation to Sonya,” Cecil had told Rush. “And I let her know that you’ve taken Clara for the holidays.”

“What did she have to say about that?” Rush had asked him.

“As you can imagine, she wasn’t pleased.”

“So, are they coming home early?” The dreaded question needed to be asked.

“No. They know Clara’s in good hands. But I gave her your contact information. As soon as they’re back, you’ll be getting a call from her to arrange for Clara’s return.”

Rush had thanked the good man, ended the call, and lain awake for the rest of the night. Some ties were stronger than blood. For the first three years of her life, he’d been the only father Clara had ever known. How could he just hand her back to her parents and walk out of her life again?

If she never forgave him for that, he wouldn’t blame her.

“I’m getting full.” Clara’s voice broke into his thoughts.

“I believe I am, too,” Tracy said. “Thank you, Rush, for inviting me this morning. It’s been a treat—even though we may have turned a few heads.”

“Is that so bad?”

She laughed. “Maybe not. I could use a little scandal in my life.”

“That’s the spirit.” He wouldn’t mind creating a little scandal with her, Rush thought as he helped Tracy and Clara on with their jackets. Taking her out in public this morning with his little girl had felt almost like they were family. With her on his arm, and Clara holding his hand, he’d felt ten feet tall.

But he’d be a fool to believe anything would come of it. Tracy wasn’t his woman. Clara wasn’t his child—at least not biologically or legally.

“Can we go to Tracy’s house?” Clara asked as he helped her into her booster seat. “I want to play with the kittens.”

“You can go another time—but only if Tracy invites you. Anyway, we’ve got plans for today. Conner’s offered to take us on the four-wheeler, out to where the Christmas trees grow. You’ll have a fun ride, and you can play with Bucket. He likes to go along, too.”

“Can Tracy come with us?”

“If she’s got time, and if she wants to.” He glanced at Tracy, who was in the front seat. She gave a subtle shake of her head. “But Tracy’s got other things to do. She’s one busy lady.” Had he said the wrong thing? He didn’t want Tracy to feel unwelcome; but Clara’s attachment was in danger of becoming a problem.

Tracy looked back at Clara and gave her a smile. “Thanks for inviting me, but I do have a lot to do. I have a stack of briefs to read for the court—that’s part of my job. I was also planning to make treats for my neighbors, do laundry, and work on my computer. Another time, all right? And don’t worry, I’ll invite you to play with the kittens soon. You did a great job of finding Ginger a home this morning.”

Thanks. Rush mouthed the word as he climbed into the driver’s seat. She returned a silent nod. He should have known Tracy would understand. That was just one more thing he liked about her.

They pulled up in front of Tracy’s house. “Thanks again for taking me to brunch, Rush,” she said. “Don’t bother getting out to help me. I’ll be fine.”

She’d opened the door and was about to climb out when Clara spoke up.

“Tracy, will you promise me something?” she asked.

“Maybe, if it’s a good promise. Tell me what it is.”

“Well . . .” Clara paused, taking a deep breath before she plunged ahead. “I know people will want the kittens. But will you save Snowflake for me? I know Daddy said I couldn’t keep him, but maybe something will change. Please, Tracy, promise you won’t give him away.” There were tears in her voice.

Tracy hesitated, but Rush knew she wouldn’t refuse. “All right, I promise for now,” she said. “But if you can’t keep him, he’s going to need a home. I’ll save him for you until Christmas. All right?”

“All right.” Clara’s sigh made it clear that she’d hoped for better terms. “But you promise for sure?”

“Yes, for sure.” Tracy climbed out of the Hummer. “Thanks, you two. Have a good time on the ranch.”

Rush drove, holding his tongue until they reached Main Street. There, the traffic forced him to slow down. Clara lowered the window partway so she could look at the holiday lights and hear the Christmas music that was coming over the loudspeakers. This morning the song was “Joy to the World.”

“Clara,” he said, “do you think that was fair, making Tracy promise to keep Snowflake for you?”

“She didn’t say no, Daddy.”

“She didn’t say no because she’s nice and she doesn’t want you to be sad. But you know that you don’t have any way to keep a kitten. What if Snowflake misses the chance for a good home because you won’t let Tracy give him away?”

“I know what you told me,” Clara said. “But sometimes, if you believe, special things can happen at Christmas. Annie called them miracles. I’m going to believe really hard. If I do, maybe a miracle will happen.”