Lone Star Christmas Witness

by Margaret Daley

  While she walked out to the backyard, Taylor stared at the coffeepot for a long moment until he heard them come into the house. He quickly filled a travel mug and followed them into the entry hall. Silence filled the car as he drove toward their home.

  He pulled into their driveway and carried their bags toward the house. His dad waited at the door and stood to the side to let them in.

  When Ben strolled into the living room, his eyes grew huge. It looked like a Christmas store, with a huge colorful tree, decorations everywhere and even a banner hanging across the dining room entrance that said, “Merry Christmas to Ben and Sierra.”

  Taylor noticed some similar holiday decorations from the first time he’d been in this house. “Ben, this would be a good time to put the ornaments you made on your tree.” He handed the child the box they had collected at the clinic after the bombing, with four handmade ornaments in it.

  While Ben was deciding where to hang them, Sierra looked from his father to Taylor. Tears glistened in her eyes. “You both went above and beyond. Thank you.”

  His dad bridged the distance between them and said, “I’ve also stocked your refrigerator.”

  Sierra hugged him. “It’s only fair both of you come for Christmas dinner next week.”

  “But I already invited y’all to my place.”

  “Please let me do this for you both. Words can’t express my gratitude.”

  “Then I’ll be here on Christmas. Right now I need to go to a meeting at church.” Robert turned toward Ben. “I’ll see you later and help you with training your puppy.”

  Ben waved goodbye with a big smile on his face.

  “How’s Dallas doing?” Sierra asked Taylor after his father had left.

  Taylor leaned close and whispered, “Not happy he didn’t figure out who the officer was. I told him next time.” When he pulled back, the whiff of vanilla she wore still filled his nostrils.

  Taylor put the last of the bags on the floor. “I’d better leave, too.”

  “Do you have to?”

  “I still have a report to finish.” Which was true, but that wasn’t why he wanted to put some distance between them. Being with her and realizing how close she’d come to dying caused his heart to ache.

  Sierra didn’t say anything else.

  “Ben, I’m going. Let me know when you figure out a name for your puppy. Bye.” Taylor turned to leave. When he clasped the doorknob, the little boy, holding his dog, came into the entry hall, standing next to Sierra. “See you two.” Taylor opened the door.

  “His name is Buddy. Don’t go.”

  Ben’s voice halted Taylor in midstride. He faced the child, then looked at Sierra.

  “Stay and have dinner with us.” Her warm expression tore down all his barriers. “We need to celebrate Ben talking.”

  Taylor couldn’t refuse her—or Ben. “Only if you let me order pizza. And I agree. Tonight we celebrate.”

  She drew him toward her and smiled. “Perfect.”

  Taylor leaned forward and kissed her with all the love he felt for her.

  With Buddy in one arm, Ben threw his other around Taylor. “I love pizza.”

  Taylor tousled his hair. “I know. Are you ready to celebrate?”

  “Yes!” Ben pumped his arm into the air then pushed Taylor nearer to Sierra. “All together.”

  EPILOGUE

  Christmas Eve one year later

  Sierra stood at the stove stirring the Blackburn family hot chocolate recipe that Robert had shared with her. Suddenly she sensed someone behind her and knew who it was. “I should get you that bell from the Christmas tree to keep you from sneaking up on me.”

  Chuckling, Taylor leaned close and nibbled the side of her neck. “Mmm. You smell wonderful.”

  “I added vanilla to the hot chocolate. You know how I love vanilla. I hope your dad doesn’t mind.”

  Taylor came around beside her at the stove. “How are you feeling?”

  “Fine, if your daughter would quit practicing her gymnastics when I’m trying to take a nap.”

  He laid his hand on Sierra’s belly. “It won’t be too much longer, sweetie. You’ll be here soon enough. Your mother needs her rest.” He bent over and kissed her stomach.

  Sierra turned off the burner. “This is ready to serve.”

  Taylor slid his arms around her and pulled her close. “I love you, Mrs. Blackburn. More every day I’m with you.”

  “I love you, too. I never thought I would ever find someone like you. You are my hero in every sense of the word.” She drew his head down and kissed him with all the love she had for him.

  “Aunt Sierra, where is the hot chocolate? We’ve been waiting forever.”

  Sierra looked around Taylor at Ben standing in the doorway from the dining room, grinning at catching them kissing. “We’re coming. Remember, you can only open one present on Christmas Eve.”

  Ben whirled around and darted away.

  Taylor touched her forehead with his. “The best decision I ever made was staying that night Ben asked me to. It took a while for me to realize that we have to turn control over to the Lord and enjoy the good moments and endure the bad ones. Worrying about what might happen in the future only holds us back, and every day I’ve been with you that has been reinforced.”

  “And I’ve been on the same journey as you. Embrace the moment.”

  Taylor drew her even closer and kissed her, declaring his love.

  “Aunt Sierra,” Ben yelled from the living room.

  Sierra reluctantly pulled away and poured the hot chocolate into the mugs on the tray. “I have no idea where Ben gets his impatience.”

  Taylor laughed. “This from a woman who wants her baby born months ago so she can hold her.”

  Sierra entered the living room first with Taylor right behind her. While he placed the tray on the coffee table, she stood back, taking in the scene before her. Ben sat on the floor by the Christmas tree with Buddy on one side and Oscar on the other. Robert sat on the couch, and John occupied a lounge chair near Ben. Her nephew still saw John but only once a month. It had taken a team—her, Taylor, John, Robert, Buddy and Oscar—to help Ben deal with the trauma of his mother’s death. He no longer had nightmares or periods of silence. This year he had been right in the middle of decorating the Christmas tree and even made a few more ornaments for it.

  Ben grabbed something from under the tree and crossed the room to Sierra. “This is for little Kathleen. Since she can’t open the gift yet, I thought you would.”

  Sierra took the wrapped present and opened it. It was a three-dimensional ornament of the baby Jesus in a manger. Tears blurred her vision. Smiling, she gave Ben a hug, then handed the ornament to him. “Please put it on the tree for Kathleen.”

  While her nephew studied the pine for a special place for the manger, Taylor wrapped his arms around Sierra from behind her and whispered, “Kathleen couldn’t have a better big brother than him.”

  When Ben hung the decoration, Sierra leaned back against Taylor, relishing the safety and love she experienced being in her husband’s embrace.

  * * *

  If you loved this exciting romantic suspense, pick up the other books in Margaret Daley’s Lone Star Justice miniseries

  High Risk Reunion

  Lone Star Christmas Rescue

  Texas Ranger Showdown

  Texas Baby Pursuit

  Available now from Love Inspired Suspense!

  Find more great reads at www.LoveInspired.com.

  Keep reading for an excerpt from Bodyguard for Christmas Carol J. Post.

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  Dear Reader,

  Lon
e Star Christmas Witness is my fifth book in the Lone Star Justice series, about Texas Rangers. In this story, a tragedy happens that changes my heroine’s life. Not only does she have to deal with her own grief, but also try to help her nephew who lost the only parent he’s known.

  This is a story of how people handle grief. The little boy who loses his mother stops talking and withdraws. The heroine is trying to stay alive and protect her nephew while also dealing with the sudden death of her older sister, who had been more of a mother to her than a sister. Their worlds are forever changed. Not only are they affected, but the Texas Ranger dealing with the case has to finally come to terms with the death of his son several years before who was about the age of the little boy he is trying to keep alive. You can try to suppress pain, but sooner or later it bubbles up to the surface and has to be dealt with.

  I love hearing from readers. You can contact me at margaretdaley@gmail.com or at PO box 2074, Tulsa, OK 74101. You can also learn more about my books at www.margaretdaley.com. I have a newsletter that you can sign up for on my website.

  Best wishes,

  Margaret Daley

  We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense story.

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  Bodyguard for Christmas

  by Carol J. Post

  ONE

  The wrought iron gate swung inward under a steel-gray sky. Colton Gale eased his Highlander through the opening to climb the road leading into his Atlanta subdivision.

  Passing between those large brick columns used to always bring a sense of contentment and warmth. Maybe someday he’d find it again.

  “You all right, bro?”

  Colton glanced at his twin in the front passenger seat. For someone who lived life flying by the seat of his pants, Cade could be remarkably perceptive.

  Colton forced a half smile. “Yeah.”

  Cade nodded, silent assent to let it drop rather than acceptance or agreement. “Thanks for going with me this morning. Since you’ve been back in town only a week, I know you’ve got other things to do.”

  “No problem.”

  When their father retired, he’d signed over the antiquities business to both of them. As co-owner, Colton’s signature was required for official business, like renewing their line of credit, which they’d done that morning.

  But giving his John Hancock when needed was where his involvement ended. His job as an assistant district attorney kept him plenty busy. Besides, Cade was the one with the art and antiquities degree. He was also an expert schmoozer. Everyone seemed to let down their guard and trust him, whether it was warranted or not.

  Colton rounded a gentle curve, where a huge oak spread half-bare limbs over the road, then cast another glance at his brother. Though their looks were identical, he’d never had Cade’s charisma.

  Now the differences in their personalities were even more pronounced. For Colton, studious and sincere had become almost brooding. Though Cade had tried to pull him into the social scene, Colton wasn’t interested. The transition from widowed to single and available didn’t happen overnight. Even six months later, putting on a party face required more effort than he was willing to give.

  He heaved a sigh. He knew the platitudes. He’d used them himself—Life is short. No one is guaranteed tomorrow. Somehow, he’d thought those were for other people. The last thing he’d expected was for tragedy to strike his own perfectly ordered life.

  “When we get to your house, I’ll have to leave to get to my appointment.” Cade’s words cut across his thoughts.

  Colton nodded. He’d expected as much. The business at the company’s bank had taken longer than anticipated. Little Liam would be disappointed. He adored his uncle Cade. Anytime Cade stopped by, Liam always tried to talk him into staying longer.

  Well, talk was a misnomer. Except for during frequent nightmares, Colton’s son hadn’t said a word in almost six months. But the silent pleas with those big brown eyes were just about as effective.

  Colton rounded a gentle right curve. These were his favorite homesites, with yards that backed up to the stucco wall that surrounded the subdivision, woods beyond.

  “Stop.” Cade held up a hand. “Pull over.”

  He hit the brake, following his brother’s gaze out the passenger window. A pickup truck was parked in the circle drive in front of the house catty-corner from his. A woman slid a five-gallon bucket from the bed onto the tailgate.

  The place had been for sale when he’d left town. Someone had apparently bought it and was doing renovations. From what he’d heard, it had needed it.

  Cade put his hand on the door handle. “Have you met your new neighbor? She’s pretty hot when she’s not covered in drywall dust.”

  “I thought you had an appointment.”

  “I do. But I can always make time for a lady, especially when it involves introducing one to my stick-in-the-mud brother.”

  Great. When Colton’s life had fallen apart and he’d needed to get away, Cade had been at the end of his apartment lease and happy to house-sit. During his almost five months here, he’d probably checked out every single woman in the neighborhood. “I don’t need to be introduced.”

  “We can at least be gentlemen and help her unload those buckets of paint.”

  Colton heaved a sigh, killing the engine, then followed his brother up the drive. The woman cast them a glance, then did a double take. “Whoa, you guys must be twins. One of you is Cade.”

  Cade raised a hand. “That would be me. And this is Colton, the smarter, better-looking one.”

  Her mouth split into a wide smile, and her dark eyes sparkled below a pixie haircut a shade deeper. He could see why Cade would classify her as “hot.”

  Cade had a variety of preferences. Colton measured every woman against one. The comparisons weren’t intentional. They just happened, like a deeply ingrained habit. The thoughts were pointless, because he wasn’t even considering dating, regardless of his meddling brother’s efforts.

  The woman extended her hand. “Jasmine McNeal. I’m hoping to have this place move-in ready in another two weeks.” After a firm handshake, she turned back to the truck and reached for the paint bucket.

  Colton stepped forward. “Let us get those for you.”

  “I can handle them.”

  Yeah, she probably could. She was short, didn’t even reach his shoulders. Jeans and a sweatshirt hid her build, but judging from the way she was handling the paint bucket, she was probably well acquainted with the gym.

  But he wasn’t the type to watch a woman haul construction supplies, no matter how strong she seemed. While she lowered one bucket to the concrete driveway, he reached into the bed and pulled out the second one.

  Cade closed the tailgate. “Sorry to greet and run, but I’ve got an appointment.” He started down the driveway
at a half jog, throwing the next words over his shoulder. “I’m borrowing your gate control. I’ll put it back in your car before I leave.”

  Colton followed his new neighbor into the house and placed the second bucket on the concrete floor next to hers. Everywhere he could see, carpet had been removed. The walls had numerous patches varying from fist-size to more than a foot in diameter.

  She followed his gaze. “Pretty bad, huh? The old owners were carrying the mortgage, and when they had to foreclose, the new people got ticked and totally trashed the place. I’m making progress, though. Someone’s bringing in a hopper tomorrow and texturing the walls. Then I’ll be ready to paint.”

  She leaned against the doorjamb between the living and dining rooms. “So, are you visiting Cade?”

  “The other way around. Cade was house-sitting for me while I’ve been gone. He’s pretty well moved out now.”

  Over the past week, while Cade had worked on gathering his possessions, Colton had done some clearing out of his own, a task that had hung over him for the past half a year. The first four weeks, he hadn’t been able to even think about it. He still wasn’t ready, but it was time.

  So three boxes occupied his back seat, with several more packed into the rear. He’d planned to drop the clothing by a thrift store and put the jewelry in the safety deposit box at his own bank. He hadn’t made it to either place before having to get Cade back home. He’d have to run back out this afternoon.

  She walked with him to the door. “Thanks for toting the paint.”

  “No problem.” When he stepped outside, a single beam of late November sunshine had found its way through the clouds blanketing the sky. Across the street, Cade was backing his Corvette through the wrought iron gate at the end of Colton’s driveway. What stood a short distance beyond wasn’t the most extravagant residence in the neighborhood, but the yard was neatly manicured and the three-bedroom, two-bath home exuded warmth and elegance. Not bad for a former foster kid.

  The gate rolled closed, and Cade stopped next to Colton’s Highlander to return the control. Although the community was gated, the wrought iron fence that circled his property added an extra layer of protection. So did the rottweiler who regularly circled the half-acre grounds surrounding his home.