It's a Christmas Thing (The Christmas Tree Ranch #2)(65)

Standing on tiptoe, Tracy could see the sleigh. Hank, who’d taken over the job last year, was a magnificent Santa. Waving at the crowd, smiling at the children, he radiated genuine Christmas joy. Bucket, on his best behavior, sat beside Hank, wearing a miniature red cape and Santa hat.

Conner, in full cowboy gear, drove the team from the low front bench. Next to him, smiling and waving in her red parka, was Clara.

“Look at her! She’s having the time of her life!” Tracy waved back, as did Rush. “What a wonderful idea! She’ll remember this forever!”

“I hope so.” There was a note of sadness in Rush’s voice. Understanding, Tracy squeezed his hand.

*

After the parade, Rush handed Clara over to Tracy, who would take the little girl home, feed her, and give her a chance to rest before dressing for the ball.

Free now to work, Rush hurried over to help Conner lift the heavy harnesses from Chip and Patch. The huge geldings stood patiently as the buckles were unfastened, the collars lifted away. They seemed to know that warm, dry stalls and an extra helping of oats awaited them back at the ranch.

Conner, usually low-key, was as excited as Rush had ever seen him. “Rush, I saw this girl in the crowd! Lord help me, I could’ve wrecked the sleigh looking at her. She knocked my socks off! Then she was gone, and there was nothing I could do.”

Rush shook his head. “I can’t believe this. You’ve always been Mr. Cool around the ladies. What’s gotten into you?”

“If you’d seen her, you’d know. Brunette, dark eyes, long hair, wearing a Stetson and this ungodly fringed leather coat. I’ve never seen her before. Now it’s almost like she was a mirage—like I imagined her.”

“Well, maybe you’ll see her at the ball tonight,” Rush said. “Even if she’s not there, you’re bound to have a good time. You’ve never suffered from a lack of female attention.”

“I know. But when I saw her, it was like being kicked by a mule. You and Travis have got your women. Maybe she’s the one for me.”

“Or maybe not.” Rush laughed. “All I can do is wish you good luck.”

They laid the priceless harness carefully in the bed of Travis’s pickup and led the horses up the ramp into the big double trailer. Travis had taken Conner’s Jeep to drive Hank home, where he would help him out of the Santa costume. Once the horses and their gear were put away, Rush and Conner would return with the truck to hitch up the flatbed with the sleigh and tow it home. After that, the partners could relax and look forward to the Christmas Ball.

Bucket was waiting for them inside the cab of the truck. He greeted them with wags and dog kisses. “Good job today, boy,” Rush said. “Come on, let’s get you home.”

*

By 6:15 that evening, rested, shaved, showered, and decked out in their finest Old West duds, the partners were ready for the Christmas Ball. Since Maggie needed to be at the gym early, Travis had already left to pick her up. Conner was going stag, but he’d offered to pick up some extra napkins, paper plates, and utensils from Shop Mart, so he’d left early, too. Only Rush remained to close up the house. He glanced around to give the place a quick once-over before leaving. Clara had left her pillow on the floor outside the tent, not a good idea with Bucket in the house. He unzipped the tent flap and tossed the pillow inside.

Now, where was Bucket? After that incident with the coyote, the partners had kept a close eye on the dog, only letting him out when someone was around. He must’ve slipped out the door when Travis or Conner left.

It was already dark outside when Rush stepped onto the front porch and turned on the light. “Bucket! Come here, boy!” He called and whistled, cursing silently as he listened in the stillness. He couldn’t go and leave the blasted mutt outside. There was nothing to do but call Tracy, explain, and tell her he might be late.

He was reaching for his phone when Bucket appeared, prancing up the driveway as if he didn’t have a care in the world. He wagged his tail, gave a little yip, and trotted up the steps, into the house.

“You old rascal,” Rush scolded him. “I know you heard me calling, but you didn’t show up till you were good and ready. No treats for you tonight.” He checked the dog’s food and water bowls in the kitchen and turned off the lights except for a lamp in the living room. Leaving, he made sure to lock the front door behind him.

Tracy and Clara were ready and waiting when Rush arrived. Clara, who opened the door for him, looked adorable in her freshly cleaned princess gown, with her silver shoes and sparkly tiara. Tracy had fixed her hair in fancy braids and even put a little dab of pink lipstick on her mouth.

Rush’s pulse skipped when Tracy walked into the room. With her flowing, lace-trimmed lavender gown, upswept hair, and simple pearl earrings, she looked as if she’d stepped out of an old-time portrait. She took his breath away.

“Doesn’t Tracy look beautiful, Daddy?” Clara asked.

“She looks amazing, and so do you.” Rush picked the little girl up and waltzed her around the room. “With you two lovely ladies on my arm tonight, I’ll feel like the luckiest man in town, maybe in the world. Shall we go?”

He made a courtly show of helping them both with their coats and escorting them outside. They’d decided to take Tracy’s car instead of the Hummer. It would be easier for Tracy, climbing in and out with her gown, and Clara’s booster seat was already buckled into the back.