by Wilde, Lori
Abby giggled. “Since last month. Stephie started doing her hair differently, and I want to do my hair differently. We’re almost grown up.”
“Um, no, you’re not,” Suzannah said. “Ten doesn’t mean you’re a grownup.”
Abby seemed offended. “I’m almost eleven.”
Zach nodded slowly. “Which is great. But you have a few more years to go before you’re grown up.”
“But—”
Gently, he added, “What’s great about being almost eleven is that you are old enough to take care of a dog and old enough to be a huge help to your mom. You’re very important.”
His response seemed to thrill Abby because she grinned and then hugged Zach, and a moment later, her mother.
“I love you guys,” she said. “And I forgot to mention, I’m going over to Stephie’s house for that ice cream and her folks said we could have a sleepover if you say yes, but our class still needs you to go to the Kringle Kafe so we can win the contest.”
Suzannah couldn’t believe what her daughter had just done. “You sneak. You planned this all along.”
Abby didn’t even pretend to be innocent. Instead, she said, “Stephie asked me when I was backstage before the concert, and I thought, why not?”
“You didn’t say ‘yes’ yet, right?” Suzannah asked.
Abby shook her head. “I told her I needed to ask you, but Mom, if I do go with Stephie, then you and Zach can have ice cream alone.”
Suzannah glanced at Zach, who seemed as surprised as she was. Before she said much more to her daughter, Stephie came running over, her mother and stepfather trailing her.
“We’re so excited Abby wants to sleep over,” said Stephie’s mother, Priscilla, a bubbly slender brunette. “She’s such a joy to be around.”
“She has her moments,” Suzannah said and ruffled Abby’s hair.
“It is okay with you?”
Abby pressed her palms together.
“All right,” Suzannah agreed, not sure she should reward her daughter’s underhanded behavior. “But we need to stop by the house first to get her overnight things.”
“It’s on your way, we can take her,” Priscilla offered.
Suzannah shook her head at Abby. “All right,” she agreed and leveled a chiding glance at her child. “But your bedtime is still ten. Got it?”
“But tomorrow is Saturday—”
“Ten p.m. or no dice.”
“Okay,” Abby agreed. Then she and Stephie linked hands and skipped off to her family’s vehicle.
“We’ll bring her home in the morning,” Priscilla promised. “And I’ll make sure they are in bed by ten. Although I can’t promise I can stop the giggling and talking.”
“Thank you,” Suzannah said. “It’s really nice of you to invite her.”
Once Stephie’s mom and stepfather followed the girls, Suzannah glanced at Zach.
“She is such a little con artist.” She sighed.
“As are a lot of ten-year-olds,” he pointed out. “Wheedling to get what they want.”
“She twists me around her little finger. If her father were still here, I don’t think I’d be so easy to manipulate.” Or, if she hadn’t wanted so badly to be alone with Zach. Did that make her a terrible mother?
As if reading her mind, Zach placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “You’re doing a great job with her, Suzie-Q, never doubt it.”
“So, do you still want to go to the Kringle Kafe?” She smiled at him.
Zach flashed her another one of his amazing grins. “I would love that.”
Chapter 9
Following the middle school concert, people packed the Kringle Kafe. They were lucky enough to snag a small table by the side window just as two handholding teenagers left.
“Isn’t that Dr. Chloe over there?” Zach nodded toward a booth in the far back corner.
“Ooh, she’s with a good-looking guy.”
“Hey, hey, what about the guy right in front of you?” Zach grinned.
“Don’t get jealous.” Suzannah laughed. “That guy is too pretty. You, my friend, are a ruggedly handsome cowboy. There is absolutely no contest.”
He enjoyed hearing her say that. “Who is he?”
Suzannah leaned to the right so she could get a better look. “I don’t know, but I’m about to find out.”
Before Zach could tell her that it didn’t matter, Suzannah headed over to where her boss set with the good-looking stranger.
Zach started to head over to meet the newcomer as well, but he didn’t want to risk giving up their table, and a crowd was gathering around Chloe and the stranger.
“What’s going on over there?” he asked when Suzannah returned.
“Good grief. So many people want to talk to him,” she said. “From what I can gather, his name is Evan Conner. He came here with his boss and Peter Thomas.”
“Peter Thomas?” he said it like he had a bad taste in his mouth. People in Kringle disliked Peter Thomas. He’d almost destroyed the small town when he’d bought Kringle Kandy, the largest employer, and moved it to Dallas several years earlier. “Wow. I’d hoped we’d seen the last of that rascal.”
Suzannah nodded. “Everyone seems to feel that way, but Peter has had health problems, and he’s come home. Apparently, he’s had an Ebenezer Scrooge-like transformation.”
“Yeah, well in a place called Kringle, that could happen at Christmas,” Zach agreed. It was the best time of the year, and people flocked from all over Texas to join in the festivities and bring money into the town.
“But that’s no thanks to him,” Suzannah muttered.
“How does Chloe know Evan?” Zach asked.
“Peter rented the old Madison house and guess who Evan found inside?”
“Who?”
“Vixen! And she’s had puppies.”
“That’s great. I thought we’d lose her after Vivian Kuhlmeier died. We never could find her.” Zach was happy to hear the dog was still alive.
“Chloe is helping take care of Vixen,” Suzannah said.
Zach was about to ask more questions when their waitress, Sandy, took their order. They both ordered chocolate pie, deciding it was too cool outside for ice cream.
As Sandy was about to leave, she said, “Strange about Peter Thomas coming back to town. I hope he’s not up to something.”
“Maybe he really has changed,” Suzannah said hopefully. “Everyone deserves the benefit of the doubt.”
He liked Suzannah’s optimism but personally; he didn’t trust the man. “Odd that he would come back to the town where he made so many enemies.”
Suzannah nodded slowly. It had impacted her when Kringle Kandy closed. She had worked there, but fortunately when it closed, she could go to work for at Chloe’s animal clinic. Not everyone in town had been lucky enough to find work In Kringle.
“Evan said Peter is throwing a big party on Christmas Eve. Everyone’s invited.”
She held his gaze. “Do you want to go?”
He shook his head. “I don’t think so.”
“Let’s see what happens over the next couple of weeks. Maybe he’s really changed.” Suzannah shrugged.
“I’m not sure people ever really do change,” Zach said.
“You’ve changed.”
“I have?”
“You used to be a lot more carefree. I remember a young man who used to drag race out on Kringle Flats with his best friend.” She canted her head, lowered her lashes and sent him a sidelong glance.
“And who was out there waving the flag to start the race?” he teased.
“I guess we’ve both changed a bit.”
Their pie and coffee arrived. Zach watched as she shook two packets of sugar into her coffee.
“What’s so funny?” she asked.
“Nothing.”
“Then why are you grinning?”
“I love the way you tear the corner of the sugar packets. Not straight across like most people, but that cute little half circle fol
d.”
“You’re easily amused, buster.” She laughed again, and it was a beautiful sound that warmed him from the center of his solar plexus out to his fingers and toes.
“So what’s this I hear about decorating a float?” he asked, watching her slowly stir the sugar in her coffee. “I thought Mayor Holton conned us into riding on the town hall float as Santa and Mrs. Claus.”
“We are riding on the town hall float,” she said. “But Abby’s class needs help with their float. Do you have any time to help?”
If he were honest, he’d say no. Looking at her now across the table, he admitted to her, “I’ll do anything you want me to.”
At first she laughed a little nervously, as if he was kidding, but then she straightened and blinked and said, “Do you really mean that?”
“You know you have me wrapped around your little finger,” he confessed. “You and Abby both.”
“Zach,” she said in such an odd tone that he felt a small kick of fear in the pit of his stomach.
Had he confessed too much?
“Yes?”
“You have no idea how much I appreciate you.”
“I—”
Someone put some raucous tune on the jukebox and he couldn’t talk to her without shouting over the noise. Perhaps it was for the best. This crowded diner wasn’t the place to have a serious conversation.
It could wait until they got to her house.
Since Abby was spending the night at Stephie’s they would be all alone. That thought quickened his pulse.
But as they were leaving the cafe, Suzannah got a text from her daughter. Worry pursed her lips.
“Something wrong?” Zach asked.
“Abby’s cut her leg. Stephie’s folks have bandaged it, but we need to swing by and pick her up.”
“Is she okay?” he asked, holding the door open for Suzannah. Outside, they headed to his truck.
“She’s fine. She’s just out of the sleepover spirit now and wants to come home,” Suzannah said, sounding just a little worried once they buckled in the cab. “And I have to admit I want her home. I can’t relax until I see her in person and know she’s okay.”
“Me too.” He reached across the seat to squeeze her hand. “We’re on the way to her now.”
“So much for our evening alone.” She gave him a wry smile.
“I’ve waited this long for you, Suzannah,” he said. “No harm in waiting a little longer.”
* * *
I’ve waited this long for you, Suzannah. Zach’s words circled Suzannah’s head as they drove to pick up her daughter.
The cab of his truck seemed weighted with meaning and expectation. Neither of them spoke during the short trip to Stephie’s house, but Suzannah was hyperaware of him. His strong hands on the steering wheel, the tangy scent of his masculine cologne, his deep-throated sound as he hummed along with the Christmas tune on the radio.
Her body grew warm and tingled, her attraction to him growing stronger with each passing moment.
It was confusing, this new and surprising chemistry with her best friend.
The man who had once been her late husband’s best friend.
She pushed the thoughts from her mind. This wasn’t the time or place. They retrieved Abby and took her home.
“What happened exactly,” Suzannah asked as Abby climbed into the truck.
“It was the coolest thing. Stephie and I were dancing to a Billie Eilish YouTube video, and I tripped over the little purple rug in her room and crashed into her dresser. Stephie grabbed the mirror right before it fell, so at least I didn’t break that.”
“Then how did you cut yourself?” Suzannah asked.
“On her music box. I broke it but I’ll buy her a new one from my piggy bank allowance.”
“That’s responsible of you, but you should be more careful, Abby.”
“It’s only a bitty cut, Mom,” she said. “But don’t tell the kids at school. Stephie and I decided we’ll tell them it’s a big gash.”
“No, you won’t,” Suzannah said. “That would be lying. Plus, you’re lucky it isn’t a big gash. You could have needed stitches.”
“I know,” Abby said.
Once they were inside the house, Abby went upstairs to count the money in her piggy bank.
Suzannah followed her and sank down on her daughter’s bed. She didn’t say the words that hovered on her lips, but she felt them like a gut punch. She couldn’t bear it if something terrible happened to Abby. Keith’s death had almost destroyed her, and Abby was her entire world.
When her daughter had called tonight to say she’d gotten hurt, for a moment, Suzannah had felt like someone grabbed her heart and squeezed. The fear had been overwhelming, and even now, she still felt shaken and upset. She didn’t want to be a helicopter mom, but sometimes she really struggled to control her fears.
Movement in the hall captured her attention, and she glanced up.
Zach was standing in the doorway, his hands tucked into the front pockets of his jeans. He met her gaze and gave her a soft smile. Having him here tonight had helped a lot. She always felt calmer when Zach was around.
“Since she’s okay, I guess I’ll head home,” he said.
“Mom, why don’t you walk him to his truck? Men aren’t the only ones who should have manners.” A devious grin hopped onto her daughter’s face.
“You are so transparent, kiddo, but I will walk him to the front door so I can lock it behind him.” Suzannah got up.
“Hey Zach,” Abby said. “Do you have any chores I can do on your ranch to earn money? I only have four dollars. I’ve got to replace Stephie’s music box.”
Zach met Suzannah’s gaze and arched an eyebrow.
She nodded.
Zach shrugged. “Sure, I have chores you can do. We always need someone to muck out the horse stalls.”
Abby crinkled her nose. “Umm, okay, I guess.”
Chuckling, Zach shook his head and Suzannah joined him.
“You don’t have to pay her for chores,” she said as they walked downstairs together. “Just let her do a few things so she understands the importance of paying for her mistakes.”
“I’m happy to pay her, Suzannah. I wasn’t kidding when I said there are lots of chores on a ranch.”
Although she knew he didn’t mean it that way, Suzannah suddenly realized how selfish she had been, especially recently, relying on Zach too much. Expecting him to show up for her when he had so much work of his own.
“I am so sorry,” she said as they reached the front door. “I just realized that Abby and I pull you away from your ranch too often. You have things you need to do. We’ve been inconsiderate.”
She wasn’t sure what reaction she expected, but it wasn’t the one she got.
He spun on his heels to face her. “Suzannah, I love every minute I spend with you and Abby, and I only wish I could spend even more time with the two of you.”
“Oh,” she said, surprised by the fierce tenderness on his face.
He wrapped his arms around her in a loose hug. “In case you haven’t noticed, I’m really fond of the two of you.”
She expected him to kiss her, but when he didn’t, she realized he was waiting to see what she would do. So she did what she’d been wanting to do all evening, she leaned in and kissed him.
Unlike the kiss in his truck, this kiss was long and slow. Zach gathered her close and kissed her so hard she felt it all the way to her toes.
Then suddenly, it was over.
He abruptly broke off the kiss and met her confused gaze. “We are being watched.”
Suzannah signed and moved out of his embrace. Turning, she saw her daughter standing at the top of the stairs with Betty in her arms and an expression of pure delight on her face.
Winking, Zach said “goodnight” to them both and left.
Suzannah locked the door behind him. “Don’t say a word,” she said, walking past her daughter and heading toward her bedroom. “And don’t read too m
uch into that kiss. It was just a friendly kiss. We aren’t in love, and we aren’t getting married. Now be a nice young lady and go to bed.”
“Sure, Mom.” Abby giggled. “Whatever you say.”
Chapter 10
“There’s so much yucky stuff in this barn.” It was Saturday morning and Abby was helping Zach muck out the stables. “Why are all the chores on a ranch gross and stinky?”
“Because animals make messes,” he said. “And unlike Betty, my horses aren’t house trained, or in this case, stall trained.”
Abby turned and looked at him. “Why not? Why can’t horses get stall trained?”
Zach started to tell her they just couldn’t, but then he considered her question. “You know, I think they can. At least, somewhat. I must look into that. I don’t think it will be quite the same as Betty, but maybe there could be some progress.”
Abby beamed. “See? I know stuff. Maybe one day I’ll have a horse, and I can try housebreaking it.”
“Or at least barn broken.” He chuckled, enjoying her company. “You’re a smart kid, that’s for sure.”
“I get it from my mom,” she said.
Zach had been in the middle of loading another pitchfork full of soiled straw into the wheelbarrow and he stopped. “And your dad.”
Abby glanced at him. “What?”
“You get your intelligence from your mom and your dad. Your mom’s a smart lady, but your dad was very smart, too.”
“Was he?”
Zach went back to clearing the soiled straw. “Yeah. He was one of the smartest people I’ve ever met. He was so smart, he didn’t have to try too hard in school and always got straight As. He learned quick.”
Abby bobbed her head. “I’m like that. My teachers all say I learn stuff very quickly but I don’t apply myself.” She giggled at that last part.
Zach smiled at her. She looked so much like her mother that sometimes he only saw that, but when she talked, she sounded a lot like her dad. “Like I said, you’re a bright kid.”
They worked for a while in silence, then Abby said, “I think Dad would like it if you married my mom.”
Zach had been expecting her to say something all morning. After she’d seen him kissing Suzannah, he wasn’t surprised that she assumed those things.