The Cowboy's Christmas Baby

by Cathy McDavid

  But that was before this latest stumbling block. What she’d give to relive the other night. Or yesterday when she’d missed her apology opportunity.

  Another piece of her heart broke off. It seemed to Jewel that she and Tanner were doomed to failure.

  With great effort, she shoved thoughts of Tanner aside and took her parents into the parlor where her mom couldn’t stop exclaiming over the antique buffet. Next stop was the former library—what was left of it, anyway. The room had been stripped bare. Drop cloths covered the floor and a stepladder sat between a pair of worn wooden sawhorses.

  “The O’Malleys are renovating this into a wedding boutique,” Jewel explained. “When they’re done, these two walls will have floor-to-ceiling shelves for displaying products.”

  “I’m impressed,” her mom said while attempting to distract a fussy Ava. Jewel debated taking the baby but resisted. She got to spend plenty of time with her daughter whereas her mother hadn’t seen Ava for weeks.

  After seeing the soon-to-be wedding boutique, Jewel and her parents crossed to the other side of the house where the chapel was located.

  “It’s absolutely stunning.” Her mother stared openmouthed, taking in the poinsettias placed throughout, the gold and silver bells suspended from the ceiling, the matching bows adorning the pews and the holly-covered arch at the altar. “A Christmas wedding wonderland.”

  “There you are, Jewel!” Emily hailed as she and Homer entered the chapel.

  “Just giving my parents a tour. Hope you don’t mind.”

  “Not in the least.” She and Homer strode forward. “It’s such a pleasure to meet you. We’ve heard so many good things.”

  “Same here,” Jewel’s mom said.

  Introductions and handshakes were made all around. Emily, Homer and Jewel’s dad immediately hit it off, the three of them being avid golfers. It was one of the reasons her parents wanted to spend five months of the year in this part of Arizona. A dozen golf courses were within an easy twenty-minute drive.

  While the best courses and favorite putters were being debated, Jewel and her mom snuck off to see the bride and groom dressing rooms with their exquisite antique accessories. Fortunately, Ava had fallen asleep again, looking adorable with her head nestled in her grandmother’s neck.

  Her mom must have been waiting until she and Jewel were alone, for she wasted no time asking, “How are you and Tanner doing? I don’t mean to pry, but you seem stressed.”

  “His attorney sent over a preliminary custody agreement this morning.”

  “And?”

  “My attorney assures me this is just a starting point. We’ll respond after the holidays.”

  “Is it fair?”

  “Mostly. Other than he wants Ava to stay in Arizona.”

  “Aren’t you already leaning that way?” her mom asked.

  “Kind of.”

  “What’s wrong, then?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Jewel...”

  “I wished he’d spoken to me about it first,” she admitted.

  “And how would you have responded if he did? By your own admission, you two haven’t been seeing eye to eye recently.”

  “I’m not wrong, Mom. He needs to clear his name.” This, Jewel realized, bothered her more than his requiring Ava to stay in Arizona.

  “He will, sweetie. When he’s ready. You have to be patient. What difference does it make if it happens now or a few weeks from now or another year?”

  Jewel didn’t respond for fear of sounding petulant.

  “Ah.” Her mom chuckled knowingly.

  “What does that mean?”

  “You want to reconcile with him.”

  Jewel drew up short. “I didn’t say that.”

  “You didn’t have to. You’re my daughter. I know what you’re thinking. I also know how in love you were with him. You’d stay here in a heartbeat if you were convinced the two of you had a chance.”

  She really hated it when her mother was right.

  “I’d stay in a heartbeat if I had a permanent job. As it is, I don’t.”

  “You’re making excuses.”

  “Hmm.”

  “Give him a little more time,” her mom insisted. “Don’t ruin Ava’s first Christmas, and our families’ first Christmas together in two years, because Tanner isn’t adhering to your schedule.”

  When her mom put it like that...

  They were just leaving the dressing rooms when Jewel’s phone pinged, signaling an email. She checked it while her mom hummed a lullaby to Ava, praying it wasn’t more bad news.

  Seeing Oklahoma Rodeo News on the sender’s line, her stomach lurched even as her feet came to an abrupt halt. She hadn’t expected a reply so soon. It must be a rejection, she told herself. Otherwise, they’d have taken longer to respond.

  Holding her breath and mentally crossing her fingers, she opened the email and skimmed the words. When she reached the middle of the first paragraph and the words, We would like to purchase your photograph marked #CCRS-17, she gave an involuntary squeak.

  Her mom turned, her expression one of concern. “Is something the matter?”

  “Oklahoma Rodeo News wants to buy one of my pictures!”

  “That’s wonderful!”

  “Oh, my God. There’s more.” Jewel kept reading. “They also want to talk to me about becoming a regular freelance photographer and will call after the first of the year to discuss it.”

  “What? Really?” Her mom backtracked to read over Jewel’s shoulder. “Does this mean you’ll be moving back to Oklahoma?”

  “I don’t know. I don’t think so. I imagine I can freelance from anywhere.”

  Her mind scrambled to absorb the information. If she returned to barrel racing, she’d have plenty of photography opportunities for all rodeo events. Though the money might not be enough to support her, even with child support. She’d have to be consistently winning.

  “Congratulations, sweetie.”

  “I don’t have the job yet.”

  With slightly shaking fingers, Jewel replied to the email, having to start over several times because of pressing the wrong keys. She thanked them for their interest in her photograph and assured them she’d complete and return the necessary forms soon. She then expressed her interest in doing freelance work for them and ended with her eagerly looking forward to the phone call in January.

  “Come on.” Her mom pulled her along. “Let’s tell your dad.”

  “Okay, but we have to hurry. The wedding party will be arriving shortly, and we need to make ourselves scarce.”

  Jewel was photographing the wedding this afternoon and, because her parents were house hunting, Tracee had agreed to watch Ava.

  In the foyer, Jewel’s dad, Emily and Homer waited beside the Christmas tree. Emily was showing off the framed O’Malley holiday portrait Jewel had taken so she held off sharing the email from Oklahoma Rodeo News.

  “Did you see this, Margie?” Emily asked Jewel’s mom as they approached and held out the picture.

  Jewel’s mom leaned forward to admire it. “You have a handsome family, Emily. You must be very proud of them.”

  “You, too. Your daughter’s quite talented.”

  “You’ll get no argument from me.”

  Emily returned the picture to its place on the reception desk, then faced Jewel. “I have an early Christmas surprise for you. I was going to wait until tomorrow to tell you, but seeing as your parents are here...” She clasped her hands in excitement.

  Jewel suppressed a start. Could this be the news she’d been hoping for? Surely, Emily wouldn’t use Christmas and surprise in the same sentence if she intended to let Jewel go with a thanks but no thanks.

  “You’re doing an excellent job here,” Emily said. “Better than we expected. Our clients have nothing but prai
se for you, and your personality fits perfectly with Sweetheart Ranch.” She paused, building the suspense. “Please say you’ll agree to come on board permanently. We’ll give you an increase in pay and you can continue living above the carriage house until you find something suitable for you and little Ava.” She gazed adoringly at the baby.

  Jewel’s mom whooped, startling Ava awake. Her father kissed her cheek. Homer chuckled merrily.

  “Well?” Emily gazed at Jewel expectantly. “Don’t keep me in suspense.”

  Could Jewel manage everything? Freelance for the Oklahoma Rodeo News, work at Sweetheart Ranch and take on the occasional side job like the marketing launch for the art store and the anniversary portrait of Ronnie’s parents? And what about barrel racing?

  It seemed to Jewel as if a path were appearing before her, one that, should she follow it, required she give up rodeo and stay in Mustang Valley.

  Was that what she wanted? And how would Tanner feel? Should she talk to him first? Wait, he hadn’t talked to her about the preliminary custody agreement.

  She admonished herself for once again being childish. That kind of attitude would hurt, not help, their relationship—whatever that turned out to be.

  “We’re waiting,” Emily said.

  Jewel’s reply was to give the older woman a warm hug. “I accept. And thank you so much!”

  “You almost gave me a heart attack there when you were so quiet.”

  The next moment a car pulled into the ranch and parked in front of the house. The wedding party had arrived. Everyone but Emily skedaddled.

  “What do you think Tanner will say?” Jewel’s mom asked on their walk back to her quarters.

  Before she could answer, her phone pinged. Speak of the devil. It was a text from Tanner asking her when was a good time to come and visit Ava.

  “Guess we’ll find out soon.”

  Jewel was suddenly no longer distressed about the custody agreement. And should the right moment present itself, she’d give him that apology he deserved.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  TANNER STOOD ON the landing outside of Jewel’s door. He didn’t usually hesitate before knocking. Tonight, however, her parents were inside along with her and Ava. He knew this because their car was parked in front of the carriage house.

  Secretly, he’d hoped to avoid them tonight. Not that he didn’t like Gary and Margie. They were nice people and had always treated him and his family well. And with Jewel having told them he was innocent, he didn’t worry about seeing that harsh look of disappointment in their eyes.

  But his attorney had relayed through Jewel’s attorney that she was distressed about the proposed custody agreement. Which, now that he thought about it, could explain her parents’ presence. She might be using them as a means to postpone any discussion of the agreement. That, or she’d recruited them as her allies in an attempt to change his mind regarding the terms.

  Unable to delay any longer, he raised his hand and knocked. Jewel must have been standing nearby, for the door immediately swung open and she stood in front of him.

  He swallowed, momentarily dazzled by the sight of her. Always attractive, tonight she looked downright gorgeous. She’d donned a Christmas sweater that fit snugly over a pair of trim black slacks. The dark green and red colors emphasized her lovely rosy complexion and the twinkle sparking in her amber-brown eyes.

  She didn’t look like someone distressed about the terms of the custody agreement.

  “Hi! Come on in.”

  “Thanks.”

  He squeezed past her, detecting a hint of vanilla and cinnamon. Were her parents not sitting a few feet away at the table—and were he not convinced he’d be rebuked—he’d have taken her in his arms and seen if she tasted as good as she smelled.

  “Hello, Margie. Gary.” Tanner smiled. Whatever their reaction, he wouldn’t turn tail and run.

  Jewel parents immediately stood. Gary walked toward him, his hand extended. “Great to see you again, son. It’s been too long.”

  Margie wouldn’t settle for anything less than a hug. “How are you? And your family? Jewel told us your brother’s surgery was a success and that he’s doing better.”

  “They’re well. Thanks for asking.”

  Tanner gave Jewel’s parents a brief rundown of his family’s doings before excusing himself and retrieving Ava from where she lay on the quilt. Her silly grin and giggle when he picked her up was like a reprise after a long, grueling ordeal. It filled every inch of him with contentment.

  She’d been bathed and dressed in holiday pajamas that matched her mother’s sweater. He cupped her perfectly round head in his palm and tucked it under his chin.

  “I was just getting her cereal ready,” Jewel said. “Have a seat and you can feed her.”

  He did. Margie immediately dropped into the seat opposite him while Gary chose the recliner. They chatted nonstop, nothing about their animated demeanors or tones resembling the last time the four of them were together.

  Tanner was uncertain how to respond and remained mostly quiet.

  “It’s a big day,” Jewel said from the tiny kitchen unit. “We’re having applesauce mixed in with our rice cereal.”

  All of a sudden, Margie sprang up from the chair. “Where’s my phone? I want some pictures of Tanner feeding Ava.” She laughed and sent Jewel a wink. “Not that I’m any good. Jewel’s the expert. If we didn’t think that before today, we do now.”

  Margie’s remark and wink were baffling, like everything else.

  Balancing Ava in his arms, he stood and carried her over to where Jewel scraped the last dollop of the applesauce from the jar.

  She turned and smiled up at him. Smiled? Yesterday, she’d been scowling. Something was definitely amiss. Or, possibly right. What had changed?

  Now may not be the best time to bring up the custody agreement. He did, anyway.

  “I figured you’d be angry with me about the not being able to take Ava out of state.”

  “I was at first,” she whispered. “I didn’t like hearing about it from my attorney and thought you should have talked to me. But, now I’m not.”

  “Any reason?”

  “I’ll tell you after Mom and Dad leave.”

  He disliked being put off. It felt too much like a game, something Jewel didn’t normally do.

  “Ready!” Margie called out.

  Tanner sent Jewel a we’ll-talk-later look. She sent him a yes-we-will look in return and they both crossed the room to rejoin her parents. Once he was seated with Ava on his lap, Jewel set the bowl of cereal down in front of him and handed him the baby spoon. Ava ate hungrily, her eyes growing wide and her arms waving happily each time the spoon neared her mouth. In between bites, Tanner wiped her face.

  “Isn’t that the most precious thing you’ve ever seen?” Margie cooed and took one picture after another until Gary cautioned her not to overdo it. “She has your chin, Tanner.”

  That was about all she’d inherited from him. Thankfully, Ava was a miniature version of her mother with her button nose and cherub smile.

  “We’d better get going.” Gary came up behind Margie and squeezed her shoulders. “We have an early appointment tomorrow.”

  “Mom and Dad are meeting the real estate agent,” Jewel said.

  “Our second outing,” Margie said. “We also went yesterday. Have to fit in as many home viewings as we can. We won’t be able to go out again until the twenty-seventh. Our agent says no one wants to show their home over the holidays, and I guess I understand.”

  “We’ll be busy, anyway.” Gary helped Margie on with her coat.

  Tanner rose from the table, still holding Ava. “Nice seeing you again.”

  “Indeed.” Margie gave him a peck on the cheek. “Christmas Day, if not before.”

  “Good luck tomorrow.”

  S
he couldn’t part from Ava without pinching her chin and telling her to be a good girl. Gary shook Tanner’s free hand.

  “You and my little girl have yourself some fun tonight.”

  Fun? Tanner shook his head. What the heck was going on?

  Jewel escorted her parents to the door. Tanner carried Ava to the crib and laid her on her back. She whimpered a little until he gave her a plush toy. When he returned to the table, Jewel was already seated.

  “Care to tell me what’s going on?” he asked. “Your folks were acting kind of weird.”

  “I, um, have some news.”

  Tanner sat down, preparing himself for the worst.

  “I sent some pictures to Oklahoma Rodeo News, and they want to use one of them.”

  “Pictures of what?”

  “The bull riding event from Saturday night.”

  He didn’t like where this was going. “Any with me in them?”

  “I did send two of you.”

  “I wish you hadn’t.”

  “I wouldn’t have let them print the pictures without your consent, Tanner. I promise.”

  That made him feel better.

  “Turns out,” Jewel continued, “they chose a different picture. Not sure you know the guy. He has red hair and a very impressive mustache.” She hurried on before Tanner could respond. “The magazine requires a release, but that won’t be a problem. I had the guy’s entry number and called Cave Creek Rough Stock Rental Company. They were nice enough to pass my name and number on to him, and he called me right before you got here.”

  “Congratulations, Jewel.”

  “It gets better. The magazine wants to talk to me about a freelance photographer job.”

  “Full-time?”

  “Hardly. One or two pictures an issue at most.” She smiled with pride. “I’ll get a photo credit and my name in print.”

  She was making her dream come true. Tanner was pleased for her—she certainly deserved it. He was also a little jealous. Even if—no, when—Daniel came clean, Tanner still may not be able to return to bull riding. He had a daughter to support; she was his priority, and making a good living at rodeoing wasn’t guaranteed.