Santa's Sweetheart (The Christmas Tree Ranch #4)(21)

“I don’t know whether to congratulate you or give you my sympathy,” she said. “But for the record, I think you’ll make a great Santa. You just don’t know it yet.”

He gave her a wry chuckle. “That’s one way to look at it. But you got handed a pretty big job yourself.”

“And I don’t even know where to begin. I should’ve let somebody else make that suggestion.”

Sam held the door for her and Maggie. They stepped out into the brittle air. Earlier, the night had been clear. But now a low bank of fog was flowing in. Grace could taste its dampness on her tongue.

“Over time, I’ve learned that the only way to survive those meetings is to stay quiet,” Sam said. “If you speak up, the mayor will think you’re asking for a job.”

“That strategy didn’t help you tonight, did it?”

“Not this time.”

They’d reached the spot where Grace had parked the ugly little Volkswagen. Sitting in the circle of light from an overhead lamp, the small car looked even more pathetic than she remembered.

“So help me, Grace, this isn’t the car I ordered for you. I asked for a Cadillac. Somebody pulled a switch. I’ll call the agency tomorrow and take a piece out of their hide.”

“Thanks. I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt.” Grace had been fuming when she’d parked the car in Sam’s spot. But over the course of the meeting, her anger had faded. Maybe watching Sam agree to play Santa—the last job he would want—had something to do with it. “If the car were in better shape, I wouldn’t mind,” she said. “But the tires are almost bald. And the inside has got this smell. I have to drive with the windows down. Otherwise I can barely stand to breathe.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it,” Sam said. “I’ll make this right if I have to drive to Cottonwood Springs and raise hell in person.”

“Poor little car,” Maggie said. “It looks sad.”

“Cars don’t have feelings, Maggie,” Sam said. “Neither do Christmas trees.”

“You should read more books, Dad.” Turning, Maggie gave Grace a heart-melting smile. “Shouldn’t he, Miss Chapman?”

“That, or maybe see more Disney movies.” Grace gave Sam a teasing grin and felt her heart skip when he smiled back at her. She found herself wishing the evening would last longer, giving them a chance to get better acquainted. But she’d been down that road before, and she knew where it would end. Besides, tomorrow was a school day, and Maggie was already out past what Grace assumed to be her bedtime.

“I was really proud of you tonight, Maggie,” she said. “Your idea about having a dance was a great one. You spoke right up, and people listened.”

“I was proud of you, too, Maggie,” Sam said. “Your idea will make a difference for the whole town—maybe for years to come.”

“Wow, I never thought of that,” Maggie said.

“Before you and your dad go, Maggie, maybe you can help me with a different idea,” Grace said. “I need to come up with some games and activities for the kids at the dance. I’ve never done anything like this before, and I don’t know who to ask for help. Does anyone come to mind?”

Maggie was silent for a moment. Then she laughed out loud. “That’s easy,” she said. “You’ve already got a whole classroom full of helpers. We can all help you with ideas. We can even make some of the crafts. And some of us might be able to help with the littlest kids at the party.”

Grace shook her head in amazement. “That’s perfect! You’re a wonder, Maggie Delaney. We can make that our big Christmas project for the class.” Her gaze met Sam’s gentle gray eyes. Again, he was smiling—and once more, her heart did flip-flops. Not good. She needed to get out of here—now.

“I’d better be going,” she said. “And I know you two need to get home, too. Good night, and thanks again for your help, Maggie.” She turned away and headed for the car at a brisk stride.

“Be careful. That fog’s moving in fast,” Sam called after her. “You’ll have a better car tomorrow. That’s a promise!”

Maggie opened the door of the tiny car and squeezed herself into the driver’s seat. Before closing the door, she rolled both windows down, shivering as the chill poured in. The starter gurgled, then died. On the second try she had better luck. The engine caught and started with a roar.

As she turned on the headlights and headed out of the parking lot, she glanced in her rearview mirror to see Sam and Maggie standing next to the sheriff’s big Jeep. Maggie was waving. Then they vanished behind her in the fog.

Grace sighed and turned on the radio. “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” boomed out of the speakers, so loud it made her nerves jump.

She switched the radio off and sighed again. Ready or not, the Christmas crazies had arrived.





Chapter Six


Sam was boosting Maggie into the Jeep when she gave a little cry. “Daddy, I forgot my books! Can we go back inside and get them?”

“You stay here. I’ll go.” He settled her in the backseat. “Buckle up. I’ll be right back.”

“If there are any leftover doughnuts, can we take them home? You told me you paid for them this time.”