Cowboy Firefighter Christmas Kiss

by Kim Redford

  He pressed a tender kiss to her lips. “I love you.”

  “You aren’t alone.” Tears of happiness filled her eyes. “I’m in this with you all the way.”

  Chapter 29

  Early the next morning, Ivy sat on the sofa looking at her glittery Christmas tree while Slade started coffee in the kitchen. She had pretty presents under her tree in bags and boxes she’d bought the day before at Morning’s Glory and Adelia’s Delights. She’d be giving them all away, but for now, she simply took pleasure in looking at them and knowing her new friends would enjoy them on Christmas.

  New friends. She was still a little amazed at the idea of having friends in Wildcat Bluff County. It’d happened so fast. She’d always thought life in the city was fast, but so far, life in the country was even faster. She glanced at Slade as he poured coffee into two mugs. Fast, yes, but oh so right.

  He sat down beside her and handed her a mug.

  “Thanks.”

  “Not much to eat here.”

  “That’s okay. I’ll get coffee and cookies down at the Hall later.”

  “Sugar cookies?” He chuckled as he took a sip of coffee.

  “When did I ever not like sugar cookies?” She couldn’t resist teasing him. “But the cowboy cookies are good.”

  He laughed, leaned over, and kissed her. “I get it. You like cookies. You just don’t care for the charred ones.”

  “That’s so true.” She patted his jean-clad knee, then stroked it, feeling the hard muscle contract under her touch. “I do care a great deal for the new bed.”

  “The bed or the activity on the bed?”

  She stroked the inside of his thigh, up and down, up and down. “What do you think?”

  “It’s a fine bed.” He covered her hand with his own, urging her higher. “But it’d be nothing without you.”

  “We made it all our own, didn’t we?”

  “We created enough heat to brand it. That’s for sure.”

  She leaned in close for another kiss.

  He obliged, then stood up, cradling his mug in both hands. “If we don’t stop now, we’ll be right back in that bed.”

  “Quickie?”

  He shook his head. “Not enough…not nearly enough for me.”

  She nodded, understanding as she sipped her coffee. “Guess we don’t have that kind of time, do we?”

  “I need to get to work, but I wanted to mention something before I left.”

  “Not much time to talk last night, was there?”

  He chuckled, blue eyes alight. “Our focus was on the bed.”

  “And Fernando.” She contemplated her coffee a moment, then looked at Slade. “I’m thinking of making a map of Fernando sightings and putting it up on his Instagram page. He’s getting lots of likes and DMs…and not just from our state. I can add to the map to show everyone where he is in Texas as he makes his way home for Christmas.”

  “Great idea.”

  “Good. I’ll get it put up today.” She glanced at the kitchen. “We never did eat that soup. Are you sure you aren’t hungry?”

  “I’ll get something later. And you can have the soup.”

  “Thanks. I’ll eat it for lunch.” She wrapped her hands around her mug, enjoying the warmth. “What did you want to tell me?”

  “With everything going on with Fernando, the rustlers, and the fires, I want you to be more careful than ever.”

  “Do you think I’m in danger here?”

  “I’m worried about you.”

  “We’ve done all we can about security.”

  “Right. Still, I don’t want you walking home at night alone. Wait for me and I’ll bring you here or to my place.”

  “That’s not convenient for you.”

  “You’re too important to take a chance. Besides, surely it’ll all be over by Christmas.”

  “I’ll be careful, but I want you to be cautious, too.”

  “I’ll do my best.”

  She glanced around the room, no longer feeling quite so secure in her cozy nook of a cowboy cabin.

  “You’re safe in here. I’d never let anything happen to you.”

  “Thanks.” She wrapped an arm around his waist and leaned into him. “But we can’t let those rustlers ruin Christmas.”

  “No, we can’t.”

  She straightened up, then stood and walked across the room. She picked up the Fernando flier, looked at it, and dropped it back on the countertop.

  “What is it?”

  “With so much going on this Christmas weekend, I’m concerned Wildcat Hall may get lost in the mix. We might even lose business.”

  “You mean Christmas in the Country in Old Town and Christmas at the Sure-Shot Drive-In in Sure-Shot?”

  “Yes. They’re such big, popular, well-known events. And now Fernando fever is taking up a lot of attention.”

  “We talked about a chili contest for a couple of weekends, so people could vote on their favorite.”

  “If I’m going to do it, I need to get started right away with promotion and invitations.”

  “Maybe you need to forego the contest this year and go straight to serving up good chili.”

  She nodded, thinking about it. “You may be right. There’s just so much to do, and I’m still on a learning curve.”

  “What about something more unusual to draw tourists to the Hall for Christmas?”

  “I’ve been thinking about it.” She paced back to him, too agitated to stay settled anywhere. “Craig and I have been talking bands and dancing as a draw.”

  “But that’s what’s always there.”

  “I know.” She looked out the front window, then turned back. “What about another event that can be promoted as special, too? I mean, could the area handle another one?”

  “If it’s at night, why not? What do you have in mind?”

  “I thought some folks who didn’t go to the traditional Christmas events might like something special at a honky-tonk. And like you say, it’d be a place to gather at night.”

  He nodded, smiling thoughtfully. “I see where you’re going with this and I like it. But what makes it special?”

  She shrugged, feeling as if she was groping toward something that she couldn’t understand or see yet.

  “Maybe the dance hall and beer garden are special in their own right.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Think back. Folks here originally would have met in their community center, as well as their churches, to celebrate Christmas.”

  “Do you mean we dress up in period costumes and serve food and drink they would have had back then?”

  “They dress like that in Old Town for Christmas in the Country.”

  “In that case, we’d fit right in with costumes. I believe it could work.” She felt renewed energy at the idea. “I knew you’d be a big help with this worry of mine.”

  “Glad to help. I suggest you talk with Hedy and Morning Glory. Granny and Mom, too. They have access to old photographs and have participated in our Christmas events forever.”

  “I’m getting really excited about this, but it needs a name, like the other events, if we’re going to make it distinctive.”

  “Right. What do you suggest?”

  “Let me think.” She paced across the room, then back again, thinking furiously. “Simple is usually best.”

  “I agree.” He smiled at her with encouragement.

  She stopped and looked at him, fixing him in her mind as her handsome, blond, tall, muscular cowboy. But that was simply his physical beauty. He was so much more…and that was what really drew her to him. He was kind and smart and strong. And still that didn’t do him justice. He was just so much more of everything than she’d ever known before in her life. She really did adore him.

  “What?” He looked a
t her in confusion, as if he’d caught the play of emotions across her face.

  “I think you’re a keeper.” And she gave him a hot, hot look that promised a workout on their new bed later.

  “Don’t look at me like that or I’ll never leave you.”

  She glanced away, teasing him, and just like that it struck her. “Wildcat Hall’s Honky-Tonk Christmas.”

  “Simple. Direct. To the point. I like it.”

  “Thanks. I can design fliers and get them printed up.”

  “Local businesses will distribute them for you. Everyone is supportive of each other in Wildcat Bluff.”

  “That’d be perfect. And I can promote on the website.”

  “Talk to Hedy. She’ll see that it gets listed on the town’s website, even at this late day.”

  “Better yet.” She hesitated, suddenly struck by the enormity of this new job. “But can I get it all done in time?”

  “Don’t worry. You can do it.”

  “But there’s so much to do in such a short amount of time.”

  “I’ve got faith in you.”

  “Thanks. But—”

  “No buts. Keep in mind, you have lots of support. Talk with the Settelmeyers. If anybody can help pull this together quickly, they’re the ones to do it. They probably have costumes, for that matter.”

  “Good idea. I’ll talk with them. I think I’ll give Fern a call, too. She’s always good with show-biz stuff and definitely this qualifies for that area of expertise.” Another thought struck her. “What about a honky-tonk dance contest?”

  “Great idea. How would it work?”

  “It’d be like a dance off. We would have several different contests with a special name for each one. We could give out trophies to the winner of each contest. This fits with the dance hall, too.”

  He nodded, smiling as he stood up. “Ought to be a big draw.”

  “I hope so. I’ll talk with Craig about putting together a playlist to go with the contest names.” She grinned, chuckling. “For sure we need a country version of ‘Honky Tonk Women’ made so famous by the Rolling Stones.”

  “I agree. Let me know if you want help coming up with contest names. That’ll be fun to do.”

  “I absolutely want you involved every step of the way.”

  “That’s what I want, too.”

  “Thanks.” She slid her hands up his broad chest and rose on her tiptoes so she could kiss him.

  “Call me or text me if you need anything else or just want to discuss something. I’m always there for you.”

  “I will.” She stepped back to give him room. “You better go, hadn’t you?”

  “Yeah. I’ve got my own issues piling up, but I have good help, too.”

  She walked over and opened the front door. “I’m not going to keep you a moment longer, even if—”

  “I don’t want to go. You can be sure of that.”

  “I know. I’m just glad we stole an evening in our new bed.”

  “Those memories will keep me going all day long.”

  “Me, too.”

  He enfolded her in his arms, held her close for a long moment, then pressed a soft kiss to her lips before he quickly crossed the porch, jogged down the stairs, and walked away.

  She watched him, feeling the loss even though she knew she’d talk to him and see him later. She couldn’t turn away, not when he was still visible. When he was almost lost to view, he turned back and waved at her with a big grin. She returned his wave and felt her loss lift. They couldn’t ever be separated, not by distance or work or anything else.

  She stepped back inside, shutting and locking the door behind her. She had to turn her mind to work, but Slade would stay in her heart.

  Chapter 30

  Nine days before Christmas, Ivy sat on a stool in the immaculate kitchen, updated and upgraded with stainless steel, of the Chuckwagon Café. She held a signed copy of Carolyn Brown’s The Red-Hot Chili Cook-Off turned to the section with the crazy chili recipe that she was determined to serve at Wildcat Hall.

  Slade stood in front of the commercial range. Lula Mae watched him from nearby with narrowed eyes. Storm was too excited to sit or stand still, so she kept flitting here and there. Sydney had left with Dune for a Christmas in the Country committee meeting. They’d commandeered the kitchen after hours, so there was no one to interrupt their “experiment,” as Slade insisted on calling the chili recipe.

  “I still don’t see why you can’t serve our regular chili.” Slade glanced over his shoulder.

  “It’s a secret recipe,” Lula Mae said, “and everybody loves it.”

  “But everybody in town, probably the entire county, eats it on a regular basis.” Ivy wasn’t sure she’d ever get her point across, although she kept trying to explain why she wanted her own special chili.

  “That’s the point,” Lula Mae said. “They like it.”

  “I like new and different,” Storm piped up. “So does Fernando.”

  Slade looked back again. “What does he have to do with chili?”

  “Nothing, I guess.” Storm shrugged, looking down at her ratty sneakers. “It’s just that he’s not home yet. I’m worried about him.”

  “We all are, but we’re still getting sightings as he parallels eighty-two, moving west,” Slade said.

  “But will he be home in time for Christmas?” Storm asked, sounding sad. “It’s a long way on foot.”

  “You’re not losing faith, are you?” Slade asked.

  Storm straightened her shoulders. “Never. I just wish he’d get here.”

  “We all do.” Ivy felt her heart go out to the little girl who was worrying about Fernando, even as she tried to keep up spirits and interest by talking about him on the Den.

  “I put good money on that bull’s nose,” Lula Mae said, smiling. “I could sure use those gift certificates for Christmas.”

  “Granny, we all guessed the time he’ll arrive, so you have stiff competition. Anyway, didn’t you finish your shopping yet?” Slade chuckled as he turned back to the big stainless pot set over blue flames on the gas stovetop.

  “You know good and well I’m a last-minute kind of gal.”

  “Just don’t lose the Christmas list I gave you,” Storm said.

  Lula Mae cocked her head, giving Storm a considering look. “Are you sure that’s your complete list?”

  “Yes! But don’t forget Fernando. He’s gonna have a growly tummy by the time he gets home.”

  “Oscar already bought him special feed,” Slade said.

  “A big bull like Fernando can never have too many oats.” Storm gave them a stern look.

  “True.” Slade glanced at Lula Mae with a smile.

  “I’ve never lost one of your lists yet, have I?” Lula Mae asked.

  “No…but there’s always a first time for everything,” Storm said, tapping her toe on the tile floor.

  “That’s sure the truth of it.” Slade glanced at Ivy, letting her know he was thinking about them.

  She nodded in agreement.

  “Wait! It’s past news time. Maybe there’s a Fernando update.” Storm grabbed the remote control and turned on the flat screen on the wall.

  Jennifer Sales smiled sadly at the camera. “In other news, there was a six-pickup pileup on the west side of 75, just north of Sherman. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but here is the chaotic scene from earlier today.”

  A visual popped up on the TV of an aerial view that showed mangled trucks, drivers standing around angrily jawing at each other, and frequently pointing west, as if that was the direction of their problem.

  “We have an on-site interview to share with you,” Jennifer said with a smile, as if suppressing a secret.

  The camera focused on a cowboy in black felt hat, red shirt, Wranglers, and black boots. He looked mad as he leane
d toward the mic pointed at his face. “I tell you a big, black Angus bull ran across the road like the hounds of hell were after him. He was dragging a long red rope. I can tell you right now a rope like that is dangerous for a bull if he steps on it or gets it caught on something. Anyway, I slammed on my brakes not to hit him…and it all went bad from there.”

  “Where did he go?” the interviewer asked.

  “Don’t know. Don’t care. But the rancher that owns him ought to be liable for letting a fine bull like that roam free. It’s dangerous for the bull…and us.”

  “Do you suppose that might have been Fernando trying to get home for Christmas?”

  “Who?”

  “Haven’t you heard about the rustled bull that’s trying to get back to his ranch?”

  “You’re kidding me.”

  “No. It’s all over TV, radio, and the internet.”

  “Never heard of him. But if that’s the case and that was the bull, then the rustlers are liable for the damage.”

  “Good point. I’m sure it will be taken under consideration by authorities. Thank you so much for your time and trouble.” The interviewer turned to the camera. “Folks, I do believe we have another Fernando sighting. The Honey Grove rancher roped Fernando with a red rope, so that is the giveaway here. This means Fernando is in Grayson County now, heading for Wildcat Bluff County. If you feel called to do so, please leave out feed along his route north of 82 to help this big, brave bull make it home to Steele Trap II Ranch in time for Christmas.”

  “Thank you for that exciting news,” Jennifer said as the camera focused on her face. “Fernando is so smart and strong, nobody can catch him. And he has one thing on his mind. He wants to get home to celebrate Christmas with a little girl named Storm who is anxiously awaiting him.”

  A photograph of Storm and Fernando flashed on the screen, showing the tow-headed Storm dressed in pink, standing close to the big Angus.

  “And if you’re so inclined,” Jennifer continued, “Wildcat Bluff County celebrates Christmas in a big way with Christmas in the Country, Christmas at the Sure-Shot Drive-In, and Wildcat Hall’s Honky-Tonk Christmas. You might want to check out the events…or throw your hat in the ring to guess the time that Fernando will arrive home at the ranch. Proceeds benefit the volunteer Wildcat Bluff Fire-Rescue.”