A Cowboy's Christmas Read online

  “Yes, sir, I noticed they had those. I’ve been out of the country the last ten years so I didn’t pay a lot of attention. Only watched the show a couple of times because of the Atlanta connection.”

  “I wasn’t into it, either, but we took the tour because it was part of our conference fee.”

  “It was?” Hayley blinked. “A bunch of ministers scheduled a tour of zombie film locations?”

  “Oh, yes, they certainly did.” Her mother shuddered. “You would have hated it. Ghastly stuff.”

  “Virginia wasn’t happy, but I was okay with it. Kind of fascinated, in fact. Keeping up with popular culture helps me stay relevant. Anyhow, after going on the plantation tour and then the zombie tour, I can’t get this mashup out of my head.”

  “Warren, I don’t think this is the time or place for—”

  “What if you combined a zombie apocalypse with Gone with the Wind?”

  Her mom sighed and shook her head. “Badger, I apologize. He’s been going on about his idea ever since we came home.”

  “Because it’s high concept!” Her dad focused on Badger. “Picture it, son. You’re from there, so this should resonate with you. Imagine zombie Scarlett raising her fist and delivering her famous line about never going hungry again. Is that not cutting-edge?”

  Badger chuckled. “Sure is.”

  “Can’t decide if Rhett Butler should be a zombie or the one fighting the zombies. What do you think?”

  “Hard to say. Depends on whether you want to keep the romance between them or ditch it.”

  “It’s iconic. I say keep it.”

  “Me, too.”

  “Dad, please tell me you’re not working in zombie jokes for the talent show.”

  He shook his head. “No, sweetheart. That wouldn’t fit with my Holy Hilarity, Godman theme. But I could keep it in mind in case they do another show next year. What do you think, Badger?”

  He smiled at her dad. “Zombies surely would be different.”

  “I know, right?” Her dad’s answering grin was endearingly familiar. “Hey, Badger, what did one zombie say to the other zombie while they ate the comedian?”

  “Beats me.”

  Her dad’s grin widened. “He said, does this taste funny to you?” Then he cracked up.

  So did Badger. It wasn’t a polite, fake laugh, either. He was clearly tickled by her dad’s goofy humor.

  Hayley’s mom rolled her eyes before pushing up from her chair. “Time for a change of subject. Who wants dessert?”

  That set the guys off again.

  Hayley stood. “I’ll help.” As her dad and Badger began trading zombie jokes, she followed her mom into the kitchen.

  Once there, her mom gave her a quick hug. “Oh, honey, he’s perfect.”

  “He is?” She caught herself. “I mean, yes, he certainly is.”

  “The minute I saw him I knew he was right for you.” Her mom took dessert plates out of the cupboard and set them on the counter. “But I never dreamed he’d be the perfect son-in-law for your father. He’s going to love having Badger in the family.”

  “Mom, we’re almost engaged, but it’s a little early to toss around terms like son-in-law.”

  “You’ll be engaged before this vacation is over. I saw the look in his eye.”

  “You did?”

  “That man’s crazy about you.” She took a pumpkin pie and a can of whipped cream out of the refrigerator. “Would you please switch on the coffee? It’s ready to go.” She took a knife out of the wooden block on the counter. “I just wish I could call him Thaddeus. It’s so much more elegant.”

  “But he hates the name.” Hayley turned on the coffee pot and took mugs down from the cabinet above it.

  “How can he? He’s named after his father and grandfather!”

  Hayley had considered that, too, especially after finding out that he’d chosen Eagles Nest over Atlanta for his first stateside Christmas. But she wasn’t willing to share her speculations with her mother. “Maybe he was teased in school.”

  “I suppose he could have been. Kids will do that.” Her mom sliced the pie. “But I love that kind of tradition. I wanted to name Luke after your father but he wouldn’t hear of it. He’s never been overly fond of his name, either. I guess I should be grateful he doesn’t want to be called Raccoon or Porcupine.”

  “I like Badger. It’s—”

  “Did I hear my name mentioned?” The man in question appeared in the kitchen doorway.

  She looked over at him. Sure enough, he was standing smack dab under the mistletoe. Her mother always hung it there to go with her holiday apron that said Kiss the Cook. “I was just saying to Mom that I like your nickname.”

  “And I don’t dislike it,” her mother said. “But I think your given name has a certain ring to it. I hope you’re planning to use it on the wedding invitations.”

  Hayley gulped. “Mom, we haven’t exactly—”

  “Don’t worry.” He gave her a quick glance. “We’ll use it on the invitations.”

  “Oh, good.”

  “The pie looks amazin’. I came in to see if I could carry anything in for you.”

  “That would be lovely.” Her mom glanced at him. “Hayley,” she said in a sing-song voice. “Look where he’s standing.”

  “What?” He turned right and then left. “Is this a bad place?”

  “Oh, no, you’re in the exact right place,” her mom said. “Go on, Hayley. Claim your kiss.”

  He looked up and spied the mistletoe. “Aha.” Amusement flickered in his eyes as Hayley approached. “Guess I’m caught.”

  “Seems like it.” She couldn’t be tentative about this kiss if she wanted her mom to believe they were madly in love. Her heart beat so loud she was scared he could hear it or worse yet, her mom could.

  Arms at his sides, he watched her.

  “First time under the mistletoe.” She slid her palms up his solid chest. The guy had some serious muscles. And surprise, surprise, his heart was going fast, too.

  “Then you best make it good, darlin’.”

  She stepped closer and gazed into eyes that had darkened to the color of rich chocolate. “Can’t make it too good with Mom in the room.”

  “You two lovebirds just pretend I’m not here.”

  His mouth twitched as if he might be holding back laughter. Great mouth. Full. Sensuous. Dizzy with anticipation, she raised up on tiptoe and pressed her lips against his.

  Oh, boy. In trouble, now. Velvet. Yielding. Supple. Pleasure source. Want more… Danger, danger!

  Stepping back with a gasp, she unclenched her fingers from his shirt. Whoops. Got a little carried away.

  Slowly he opened his eyes. Heat flared as he held her gaze.

  She swallowed. “Merry Christmas.”

  “Same to you.” His voice was husky.

  “Whew!” Her mom giggled. “That was the hottest mistletoe kiss I’ve ever seen!”

  “What’s going on in here?” Her dad appeared behind Badger.

  “Just our happy couple enjoying their first Christmas, Warren. Remember our first Christmas?”

  “Like it was yesterday. You had that red knit dress. Take it from me, Badger, a blond in red on Christmas Eve is hard to resist.”

  “I believe you.” He glanced at Hayley. “Did you pack a red dress?”

  “I did not.” A red flannel nightgown, but he’d never see that.

  “So,” her dad said. “Are we having pumpkin pie or not?”

  “We’re having it.” Her mom picked up the can of whipped cream and quickly placed a frothy layer of white on each piece. “Grab your pie, pour yourself some coffee, and off we go. There’s cream in the fridge if you need it, Badger.”

  “Thank you, ma’am. I take it black.”

  Hayley made a note. It was something she should already know if she expected to pull off this charade.

  That kiss hadn’t been a charade, though. She wouldn’t have to fake her attraction to this guy. “I’ll take some, tho
ugh. Thanks, Mom.” She was the only one in the family who liked cream in her coffee. Her mother always remembered to stock it when she came to visit.

  Little things like that touched her heart. She could appreciate them more when she wasn’t fending off would-be suitors her mother had lined up. So far Badger’s plan was working out exactly as planned.

  Mostly. She’d expected to enjoy getting to know him better. She hadn’t expected that one kiss with virtually no body contact other than a lip-lock would inspire fantasies of naked time alone with him.

  Dream on, girlfriend. He was staying at the ranch and she was staying with her parents. Still, it was fun to think about.

  Once they were back in the living room with pie and coffee, her mom began organizing the troops. She glanced at Badger. “Hayley said besides coming to meet us, you’re also here to see Ryker McGavin.”

  “Yes, ma’am. He and I served together. By the way, this pie is delicious. Pumpkin is my favorite.”

  “Hayley’s, too, but I’m sure you knew that.”

  “I’m not sure he did, Mom.” Might as well lay the groundwork for future slipups. “When you carry on a long-distance relationship, you don’t find out quite as much about each other.”

  “I understand and I’m sure you’ll figure out a solution so you can be together all the time. Love finds a way.”

  Badger glanced over at Hayley. “We’re workin’ on it, right, darlin’?”

  “Sure are.” She needed some term of endearment for him. Or not. If she hadn’t used one so far it might seem weird if she started calling him by a cutsie name now.

  Her mom put down her coffee mug. “I don’t want to make things difficult for either of you during this holiday. I remember early in our marriage Warren and I had to figure out how to appease both families as they competed for our time. So, Badger, tell me what you already have going with Ryker and the McGavins and we’ll work from there.”

  “Kendra’s plannin’ a big family dinner tomorrow night. She’s asked if Hayley can come, but I didn’t make any promises. I need to be there, though.”

  “Of course you do. And Hayley should, too. You’re a couple, after all.”

  Hayley was used to her mother making decisions for her but tonight she decided to assert herself. “I don’t have to go over there, Mom. If you have some activity in mind, let me know.”

  “I had a plan but I’ve scrapped that now that everything’s changed. I think it would be great if you went to Kendra’s tomorrow night and got acquainted, since Ryker and Badger are such close friends.”

  “All right, then.”

  “In the morning we could go shopping in town. I still need a couple of things. Then we can have lunch at the Guzzling Grizzly. You’re welcome to come along, Badger.”

  “Thank you, ma’am, but Ryker and I are takin’ the Beechcraft up in the mornin’.”

  Her dad put down his coffee. “I’ll be doggone. So that’s where Ryker got the name. I’ve seen the ads for his commuter service but I couldn’t figure out why he called it Badger Air. I like it, though. It’s funny. That logo with the badger wearing a World War I leather helmet is hysterical.”

  Badger chuckled. “Yeah, it is. I was still deployed when he had that designed. He sent me a picture and I tacked it up in the barracks. The guys loved it.”

  “I’ll bet.” Her dad picked up his coffee again. “I may be making a leap, but are you two in business together?”

  “In a way. I’m more of a silent partner.”

  “Nice.” Her dad sipped his coffee. “You planning to do any flying now that you’re out of the service?”

  “That’s still up in the air.”

  Her dad laughed. “Good one.” He sent a smile in her direction. “I like this guy. He has my cornball sense of humor. You have my permission to keep him around.”

  “Thanks, Dad.” His happy expression made her heart ache. She’d expected her mom to be over the moon regarding the new development but she hadn’t figured on her dad taking such a shine to Badger. Damn.

  Chapter Five

  How ironic. Within the first ten minutes of meeting Hayley’s dad, Badger had established an easy camaraderie that he’d never achieved with his own father. Then again, the two men couldn’t be more different. Hayley’s dad was open and curious about life, whereas his father was closed off to anything that didn’t fit his rigid worldview. He rarely smiled or laughed and yet that seemed to be Warren Bennett’s default setting.

  As for Warren’s daughter, Badger was having very inappropriate thoughts about her thanks to that mistletoe encounter. She’d given him a definite buzz and she hadn’t even used her tongue. He wanted more of that, and yet this romance was only pretend, right?

  “Can you be here Friday night, Badger?”

  He brought his attention back to the conversation and Virginia’s question. “That should be fine. Nothing was mentioned about Friday night. I think it’s clear.”

  “That’s good, because Luke’s coming in Friday afternoon. You’ll want to meet him.”

  “I’m looking forward to it.” Who was Luke, again?

  “Can’t wait to see that brother of mine,” Hayley said.

  Thank you, Hayley. “I’m eager to meet him.”

  Virginia looked at her daughter. “Did you tell Luke about Badger? I know sometimes you and your brother tell each other things you don’t tell your dad and me.”

  “I didn’t say anything to him, Mom.”

  “Then isn’t he going to be surprised?”

  Her dad finished off his coffee. “You’ll like him, Badger. Luke’s a good guy.”

  “He must be if he’s part of this family.”

  Virginia beamed at him. “What a lovely thing to say. So, we’re set for Friday, and I assume we’ll all be going to the talent show at the Guzzling Grizzly on Saturday night. There’s a candlelight service at the church Sunday night.”

  “Sounds nice.” He’d always been fond of going to church on Christmas Eve.

  “I behave myself for that one,” her dad said. “It’s special.”

  “I’m sure it is.” He was looking forward to all the events, which beat any Christmas he’d had in a long time, maybe ever. The only downside was that he and Hayley would be in a crowd the whole time. He’d like to find out if that kiss was a fluke but he didn’t see any opportunities lurking in the schedule.

  “I don’t know how you’ll manage Christmas Day, though,” Virginia said. “We’d love to have you here, of course, but I’m sure you’ll also want to spend time with Ryker and the rest of the McGavins.”

  He took Hayley’s hand again and glanced over at her. “We’ll figure it out, won’t we, darlin’?”

  “Absolutely. Listen, you’ve had a long day. What time is it in Atlanta, now?”

  “Two hours later than here.” Hayley might be wanting to shuffle him out the door and catch her breath. He was okay with that, although tonight had been more fun than he’d expected.

  “Oh, my.” Virginia stood. “I forgot about the time difference and travel can really tire you out. We shouldn’t keep you any longer.”

  “I’ve enjoyed every minute.” He got up and so did Hayley. “It’s been a pleasure meetin’ y’all.”

  “The pleasure’s ours.” Virginia walked over and hugged him.

  “My wife is right, as always.” Warren left his chair and laid a hand on his shoulder. “Like she said earlier, Hayley’s taken her time finding someone. I’m glad she waited until you came along, son.”

  “Thanks.” Badger’s throat tightened, which was stupid. He cleared it. “I’m mighty glad she did, too.”

  Hayley touched his arm. “I’ll walk you out.”

  “That would be great.”

  After he’d said more goodbyes and he and Hayley had put on their coats, he followed her through the front door with his jacket unbuttoned.

  Big mistake. An icy breeze sliced through his cotton shirt in two seconds. He quickly let go of her hand so he could remedy the s
ituation.

  Her laughter created a tiny cloud in the freezing air. “It’s cold in Montana.” She’d zipped up her fur-lined parka to her neck and put up the hood. The breeze turned her cheeks and her nose pink. Cute as hell.

  “Guess I should start listenin’ to you.”

  “You definitely should.” Hands shoved in her pockets, she started down the steps. “How did it go at the ranch? I’ve been wondering how everything turned out with Ryker’s family.”

  “Fine.” Bits of ice crunched under his feet as he followed her over to the driveway. “Shouldn’t be any issues there.”

  “Good to hear. I see you managed to get some wheels.”

  “Kendra’s truck. She was nice enough to loan it to me. She said I could have it whenever I needed it. There are several vehicles at the ranch so it’s not a problem.”

  “That’s handy.” She paused beside the truck and gazed at him. “Good job in there, by the way. My folks really like you.”

  “I like them, too. But I can see what you mean about your momma. Her comment about the invitations clued me in. She’s really focused on the weddin’ end of it.”

  “I predict she’ll have more to say on the subject as the days go by. She’s convinced you’re head over heels in love with me.”

  “That’s what we want, right?”

  “Yep, and you’re very convincing. Did you take drama classes in school?”

  “No, no classes.” The discussion irritated him a little. “Just so you know, it’s not totally fake. I don’t want you to think I’m forcin’ myself to do this. You’re very attractive. Don’t forget that I was goin’ to ask you out before we settled on this idea.”

  “That’s true, you were. And I’m grateful that you suggested it. Those plans Mom scrapped were setups. Otherwise she wouldn’t have had to cancel them.”

  “I picked up on that.” The jacket kept him reasonably warm but the top of his head prickled with cold.

  “So Kendra bought the story?”

  “Sure did. Her Whine and Cheese Club was there, so they all got to hear it, too. By now news of our romance has probably spread to—”