The Rancher's Holiday Hope

by Brenda Minton

  In the distance she heard horses running. She gave the dog a firm pat on the head and stood. “I have to go.”

  But then she saw Max. He rode across the arena, Isaac just ahead of him on a big gray.

  Kylie followed her gaze. “Oh, team roping.”

  “I see.” Sierra checked the time. “I have to go. I’m taking a cake to Patsy.”

  “Bub?”

  Sierra looked down at the dog. He had moved closer to her side, leaning in slightly. “Why is he doing that?”

  “Dogs sense things.”

  She shook her head. “What do you think he’s sensing?”

  Kylie shrugged a little. “I guess that you need him.”

  Sierra dropped a hand to the dog’s head. She didn’t need him. He looked up at her with chocolate eyes that matched his chocolate fur. She wanted him, though. She wanted his friendship, his sweetness. She’d never really wanted a dog but now, everything felt different.

  “All right. He can move in tonight.”

  Kylie did her best to look serious and not amused. “Great. I’ll leave his run unlocked and you can pick him up when you get home.”

  “Thank you,” Sierra said. And then she gave her friend a quick embrace. “Really. Thank you.”

  She headed toward her car but got distracted by the men on horses. She might have convictions about remaining single but she wouldn’t deny there was something about a man sitting on a horse that was very distracting. Even if that man was Max St. James.

  Especially because the man was Max St. James.

  * * *

  Max saw Sierra out of the corner of his eye. She was above average in height and she ate up the ground at a quick pace when she walked, that auburn hair catching the sunlight. He didn’t want to admit it, but his heart kicked up a notch at the sight of her.

  He’d been working nonstop for the past ten years, building something out of nothing and missing what was important. He told himself that was all there was to this. He was finally remembering that there was life to be lived and he had to take time to live it.

  Suddenly the steer was out of the box and Isaac was fast behind it. Max’s horse shot forward, nearly losing him in the process. He had to lean in fast and grab with his legs to keep from having a bruised ego and a backside to match. His hat flew off and he couldn’t get the rope up to grab the steer’s legs.

  He pulled in the rope and circled around to get the hat that had fallen off his head.

  Isaac was laughing so hard he could barely stay in the saddle. He pulled off his hat to smack it on his leg, laughter still rumbling deep in his chest.

  “What in the world was that?” Isaac shouted at him as the laughter faded.

  “Sorry, I got distracted. It happens.”

  “Distracted by what?” Isaac asked.

  “The, uh, steers over there. You going to dehorn those things anytime soon?” Max looked toward the pasture in an effort to get Isaac to look that way.

  Bullheaded as usual, Isaac looked in the opposite direction. He spotted Sierra and slid his gaze back to Max. “Don’t blame the steers. That isn’t what had your flummoxed.”

  “Who says ‘flummoxed’?” Max asked.

  “I do. It’s the perfect word.” Isaac sat back in his saddle and hooked his right knee over the saddle horn. “You are flummoxed. Bewildered. Confused. Muddled. It happens to the best of us. And it usually has something to do with a woman.”

  “I’m not flummoxed.”

  Isaac unhooked his leg and slid his booted foot back in the stirrup. “Yep, you are.”

  “I need something to do this week. If you’re going to work those steers, I can help. I’m assuming that’s why you’ve got them up here.”

  Isaac shifted his attention to the fifty-some head of cattle in the pasture closest to the arena they were using. “Yeah, I thought we’d work them while the weather is decent. They’re predicting a cold December.”

  “Let me know when and I’ll be there.”

  “I’ll let you know.” Isaac turned his horse. “Shall we try this again? Maybe this time you could focus on the bell?”

  “Yeah, I will.”

  Together they moved the steer back to the chute. A few of the ranch residents were standing behind the chute in the pens. They helped get the steer situated as Isaac and Max positioned themselves.

  “You ready this time?” Isaac asked with a wink. “Don’t be nervous, but she’s watching. And Sierra never watches. She joins us on a trail ride from time to time, but the whole cowboy thing isn’t her cup of tea.”

  “How can I get you to shut up?” Max mumbled.

  “You’re talking to my bad ear. Did you say you think I’m the best?”

  Max shook his head and readied himself, making the arena his focus and not the woman watching. He did not notice that the breeze caught her auburn hair, lifting it around her face. He did not notice that she pushed that hair back and held it so that she could watch them.

  “Hey, get your head in the game!” Isaac yelled.

  The buzzer rang and the steer bolted from the chute. Max and Isaac broke loose from the boxes on their horses. Isaac’s lasso caught the horns and he tightened the rope on his saddle horn to bring the steer to the left. Max’s rope circled the steer’s back legs. His horse took a step back, tightening the rope. Someone in the background yelled, “Four seconds.”

  “Yeah, that’s how it’s done.” Isaac shook his rope loose from the steer’s head. Max did the same from the back legs. Unharmed, the steer trotted away.

  “I have to ask her a question,” he told Isaac.

  “Really? Things have gotten that serious.”

  Max shook his head and rode off.

  Sierra cocked her head to the side when she saw him heading her way. “Nice roping,” she said.

  “Thank you. It’s been a long time. And you saw one of our better attempts. I’m glad you came over because I was given a mission and my grandmother threatened bodily harm if I come back without talking to you.”

  “What’s that?”

  “She’s baking tomorrow evening and she’d like for you to join her. It’s early for Christmas baking, but she wants to take some things to Tulsa.”

  “I would love to join her. What time?”

  “Five o’clock tomorrow and you can help fix dinner.” Max steadied his horse. “Sorry, that might be more than you were wanting to do.”

  “No, that’s fine. Of course I want to.”

  “You look a little unsure.”

  She hesitated. “Honestly?”

  He gave a slight nod. “Sure.”

  “I’m not used to big family dinners. It scares me a little. If you haven’t noticed, I’m not a social butterfly.”

  “Don’t worry, we’re harmless. Noisy but harmless.”

  “Okay, I’ll be there.” She backed away from the fence. “You boys have fun. Try not to break anything.”

  “We’ll try,” he said.

  He watched her walk away and then turned back to the men who were all waiting for him. Isaac arched a brow but didn’t say anything. Good thing because Max didn’t have any answers. As a matter of fact, he had a lot of questions.

  Chapter Nine

  Sierra didn’t typically sleep in. This morning she had. She’d also discovered something she disliked more than oversleeping. She didn’t like being woken up by a wet nose nudging her hand. She considered ignoring him but knew that would mean suffering the consequences. That in mind, she got up, found Bub’s leash and headed for the side yard to walk him.

  They were sniffing flowers and trees, or the dog was, when Kylie joined them. She looked far too chipper and Sierra wasn’t quite ready for that.

  “Looks as if the two of you are fast friends.”

  Sierra shot her a warning look.

  Kylie gave her an u
nrepentant smile. “Someone hasn’t had her morning tea yet.”

  “I overslept.”

  “Wow, that never happens.”

  “No, it doesn’t. What am I supposed to do with him while I’m out?” Sierra looked down at the dog on the end of the leash she held. “I’m gone a lot, you know?”

  Kylie put on her calm face that she used to negotiate or bring a peaceful solution to a situation. “The point to having Bub is that he’s your companion. You take him with you everywhere, to work or to church.”

  Sierra shook her head. “People will stare. I go through life trying not to draw attention to myself and now you want me to drag this poor animal with me?”

  “People will be drawn to him, yes. But you will adapt. You’re very good at adapting. And you’ve been around these dogs, even helped me with them. You know what he can do for you and you also know how to handle him.”

  Bub moved to her side, signaling he’d finished his business. They headed back to the apartment.

  “What if I visit a home that isn’t dog friendly?”

  “Most people are going to understand. And it isn’t as if you’re taking a dog that you’re going to turn loose and he’s going to rampage their house. He’s your companion. He’ll be sitting next to you. Most importantly, he’s there when you need him.”

  Sierra studied the wiry-faced dog that continued to grin at her. She thought of all the times in the past few years when a flashback or anxiety attack had taken her by surprise. They always happened at the worst possible time in the worst possible place. She considered how the situation might have been helped if she’d had a dog. “Okay, I will do this.”

  “Good. I know you won’t be sorry.”

  “But he might be,” Sierra said. “And now I have work to do. I’ll see you later.” She headed for the door, Bub at her side.

  “Where are you going?” Kylie asked as she hurried to catch up.

  “Somewhere,” Sierra responded with a smile, knowing it bothered Kylie to be left in the dark. “And thank you, for Bub. I’m sure I won’t forget to feed and water him.”

  “He’ll remind you.”

  “I won’t forget to take care of him,” Sierra assured her friend.

  “Okay, well, I’ll see you later.” Kylie headed for the main house.

  Sierra watched for a moment, then she headed inside to get a few errands finished before she left.

  After lunch she left the house, the dog at her side. She opened the back door of her SUV and motioned him inside. He complied, jumping in and taking a seat as if this was what they’d always done. “I can’t believe I’m doing this,” she told the dog. His ears perked up and he grinned. “Must you always be so happy? Do you understand what is going on? I’m not a dog person. I’m not even a people person.”

  Bub gave a soft woof.

  A dog that talked back. She shook her head and closed the car door. On second thought, she opened the door and gave him a pat on the head that had him moving his head to gain more attention.

  “Glutton,” she accused as she closed the door.

  It was a ten-minute drive to the St. Jameses’ ranch. White fences bordered the property line that ran parallel to the paved country road. The gravel drive led to an older, two-story farmhouse, with a wraparound porch. It was obvious renovations had recently occurred. New windows gleamed, reflecting the sunlight that had peeked out from behind the wintery clouds that held on since sunrise.

  She parked near the unattached garage and got out. A woof from the back seat reminded her that she had a dog who would also like out of the car. She opened the back door and Bub jumped out. He shook himself from head to tail and then sat next to her.

  “You’d better never leave me, dog.” She held out her hand and he nuzzled it.

  “Hey, you made it.” Melody crossed the yard, pulling on a jacket as she did. Her smile was wide and welcoming.

  “I made it.”

  “You have a dog!”

  Sierra looked down at the animal. “Yes, I do.”

  Although Kylie had promised the animal would be a pet, inconspicuous she had said, he was not just a pet. His harness was bright blue and emblazoned with the words “Service Animal.”

  “I think that’s awesome. I’ve always wanted a Labradoodle.”

  “I feel somewhat awkward expecting people to allow me to take him into their homes. I don’t know if you have allergies or cats or an extreme dislike of dogs.”

  Melody touched her arm. “Sierra, bring your dog inside. Nonni and Mom are waiting for you. It’s girls’ day. We’re going to cook and bake. Dad and Max went to Tulsa for the day, buying more cattle. I’m not sure when they’ll get home.”

  “If you’re sure?”

  “I’m sure.” Melody looped her arm through Sierra’s and they headed across the lawn.

  They climbed steps to a porch on the side facing the driveway and walked around to the front door.

  “It’s a beautiful home,” Sierra said as they entered through the front door into a living room decorated for Christmas. The tree in front of the window twinkled with lights and music played softly. They walked through that room then a formal dining room and into a large kitchen.

  “We love this old house,” Melody responded. “And even more so since Max did the renovations.”

  Nonni and Max’s mother, Doreena, were at the counter together. Side by side, their shoulders touched and their heads tilted as they shared a private conversation.

  “We’re here, you two.” Melody walked up behind her mother and kissed her on the cheek while wrapping her arms around the other woman. Doreena St. James twisted around to give her daughter a quick hug.

  Sierra stood back from the warmth of the family, a little envious of their affection for one another.

  “Sierra, we’re so glad you agreed to join us.” Doreena greeted her and then she spotted Bub and her smile grew. “Oh, isn’t he beautiful?”

  Sierra glanced down at the dog. “Really, you think so?”

  “I do. He’s very handsome. May I pet him?”

  “Oh, of course.” Sierra raised her hand and Bub sat next to her. “Kylie West gave him to me and today is our first day together.”

  Doreena fondled the dog’s ears and then petted his back. “I love him.”

  After giving Bub attention, Doreena washed her hands. “We’re going to fix one of our favorite rice dishes for dinner and then we’ll make the pastries with dough that my mother made earlier today. Would you like to slice the steak for me? I’ll cook the eggplant and tomato while you do that. We layer the ingredients and then put the rice on top. Think of it like an upside-down cake.”

  “I’d love to help,” Sierra said as she turned on the water to wash her hands.

  Nonni walked up behind her and began to explain the process of slicing the steak and how it would be layered with the tomatoes, potatoes, onions, peppers and eggplant with the rice on top. And then it would be inverted to make a layered dish.

  “It sounds wonderful,” Sierra told Nonni and the older woman patted her arm. “What is it called?”

  “It’s called maqluba. I think you will like it very much.”

  Sierra washed her hands after cutting the meat and watched as Max’s mother cooked the vegetables and removed them from the pan.

  “Of course she’ll like it.” Melody poured a cup of tea and handed it to Sierra. “Max said you don’t drink coffee, so I made tea. I hope you like peppermint.”

  “Thank you, I do.” Sierra took the cup and told herself not to get caught up in teenage emotions about a man who took the time to tell his sister that she liked tea.

  They moved on from the meat dish to a salad and a pasta. The conversation flowed, as did the laughter, coffee and desserts.

  “Oh, there are the boys.” Nonni turned from the window. “They’re unloading cattl
e. They’ll be hungry when they get here. That Max, he is always working. He needs a wife to tell him to slow down and enjoy life.”

  Melody grinned over the top of her cup but she didn’t comment other than to wink. Max’s mother laughed a little but continued to work on the meal. It seemed to be a conversation they were used to.

  “Max won’t marry until he learns to make time for a woman,” Doreena commented. “And he shouldn’t. He needs to learn to prioritize.”

  “Because women don’t like to sit and wait for a man who forgets his promise to take them out,” Melody added. “Not that he’s terrible, but forgetfulness and women isn’t a good combination.”

  Sierra realized the last thing she wanted to discuss was Max and dating. The whole idea made her strangely uncomfortable. Nonni had started the pastries. She’d placed the walnuts, sugars and possibly cardamom in a skillet with butter. Sierra moved to her side to watch.

  “This is the filling for the pastries,” Nonni explained. “Will you roll out the dough?”

  “Of course. I’d be honored.”

  For the next thirty minutes, the four women worked together in the kitchen. Sierra pretended she wasn’t waiting for Max to walk through the back door.

  Max’s sister, his mother and Nonni were wonderful. They laughed as they worked together in the kitchen. They told stories and teased one another. They were a family.

  She was included but she wasn’t a part of their circle.

  The back door opened and Max stepped inside. Sierra’s breath eased. He hadn’t noticed her, so she stole a quick look. Or two. Maybe three. She watched as he pulled off his jacket and hung his cowboy hat on the hook near the door, all the while he talked cattle with his father.

  “We have company,” Doreena warned. “So mind your manners, both of you.”

  Max jerked around, as if he’d forgotten that he’d issued the invitation for her to join them.

  Max’s father, Aldridge, smiled at her. “Well, if it isn’t our wedding planner. Hello, Miss Lawson.”

  Her gaze connected with Max’s but she responded to his father. “Nice to see you, Mr. St. James.”

  She froze, unsure of what to say next.