It's a Christmas Thing (The Christmas Tree Ranch #2)(43)

At least she’d shown up tonight, looking like a sexy angel. If that was a signal, he was ready to take a chance. Get the lady alone, and the next step would be up to him.

“Rush?” Maggie’s voice startled him. He realized he’d tuned out the buzz of conversation.

“I’m sorry, Maggie, did you ask me something?” he said.

She gave him a knowing smile. “I was just telling Clara about the Cowboy Christmas Ball a week from Saturday. It’s a lot of fun. You should plan on taking her.”

“Is it a real ball, like in Cinderella?” Clara asked.

“Sort of,” Maggie said. “Only it’s for cowboys, and it’s a lot more fun. The whole town will be there.”

“Can I wear my princess dress?”

“Honey,” Maggie said, “you can wear anything you want to.”

“That princess dress needs a trip to the cleaner’s first,” Rush said. “Remind me to drop it off.”

“Hey, I remember that Christmas Ball from last year,” Conner said. “The food was great, and I had a blast—must’ve danced with every single woman there, and some of the married ones.”

“I know,” Travis teased. “I was waiting for you to get beat up by some woman’s jealous husband.”

“Well, what about you two?” Conner gave Maggie a wink. “You were so wrapped up in each other that I was afraid the sheriff was going to haul you off for indecent conduct.”

“You were there, too, weren’t you, Rush?” Maggie asked.

“He was,” Conner said. “But all he did was stand around. He didn’t even dance.”

“I was looking for somebody,” Rush said, glancing at Tracy. “Somebody who never showed up.”

“I’ve never been to the ball,” Tracy said. “Steve’s—my late husband’s—law firm always had their annual party that night. And last year, as I’m sure you’ll understand, I didn’t feel much like celebrating.”

“Well, this year, you’re going!” Conner said. “And I’m getting in line for the first dance.”

“Not if I get there ahead of you,” Rush said.

Tracy glanced down at her plate, causing Rush to wonder if she was being pushed too far and too fast. “We’ll see,” she said. “I recall that the rule is traditional Western dress, with long gowns for the women. I don’t have anything to wear, and no time to get something made.”

“Not to worry. I’ve got a couple of extras,” Maggie said. “I’ll bring them by your house, and you can choose one. You might have to baste up the hem and tighten the sash, but you’ll be right in style. Before the ball, there’s a class to teach first-timers the dances, but I can show you the basic steps when I bring the gowns.”

“Thanks, that’s awfully nice of you.” Tracy still sounded hesitant, but nobody could say no to Maggie.

“Can you show me, too?” Clara asked.

“You bet. I’ll even show you a few steps after dinner.”

Maggie cleared away the emptied dinner plates while Tracy cut big squares of chocolate cake and served them on paper plates.

Conner speared a generous forkful and tasted it. “Mmmm! Now this is what I’d call a perfect ending to a perfect meal. Which one of you lovely ladies would be willing to marry me and make me the luckiest man in the world?”

Tracy looked startled, but Maggie was used to Conner’s banter. “Sorry, Conner,” she said. “If we took you out of circulation, the good women of Branding Iron would tar and feather us.”

“Well, it was worth a try,” Conner said. “Let me know if either of you has a change of heart. Meanwhile, I’ll take seconds on that cake.”

“Don’t worry, there’s plenty left, and I’m planning to leave it here.” Tracy passed Conner another slice. “Anybody else?”

Maggie shook her head. “One more bite and I won’t fit into my ball gown.”

“I’m full,” Clara announced. “I want Maggie to teach me to dance.”

“In that case,” Conner said, “I volunteer Travis and me for cleanup duty.” Turning aside, he gave Rush a private wink. The situation was beginning to feel like a conspiracy, Rush thought. But if it offered him a chance to be alone with Tracy, he was all for it.

“I guess that leaves me to take Bucket out and check the stock,” he said. “Want to come along, Tracy? It’s a nice evening for a walk.”

She hesitated. His breath stopped. But then she smiled. “Why not? I could use some fresh air.”

“I’ll get your coat,” he said.

*

By now, dusk was deepening to night. Emerging in the darkness, stars twinkled above the distant hills. The breeze was light and moist.

With her hands thrust into her pockets, Tracy strolled across the yard with Travis. Bucket trotted alongside them, his shaggy ears on full alert. The single security light, mounted on a high pole, cast long shadows across the ground.

“Thank you for inviting me tonight,” she said, making conversation. “It did me good to get out and enjoy a meal with nice people.”

“Thanks. I’d like to take credit, but it was Maggie who invited you,” Rush said. “I need to thank her, for that, and for talking you into coming to the Christmas Ball.”