by Jill Kemerer
Nicole was being honest with him. She’d allowed him a glimpse inside her heart. And he owed her the same.
The words stuck like burrs in his throat. What could he say to make her understand?
Lord, I need Your help here.
“I wanted to take care of you and the babies,” he blurted out. “I take care of everything on my ranch.”
* * *
Was that all she was to him? Something on his ranch to take care of?
Nicole’s core hollowed out with a whoosh. Judd straightened, looking powerful and in control. For a few minutes there, she’d thought maybe he loved her, too. But now she wasn’t so sure.
“I like sitting by you at barbecues and things like that,” he said gruffly. “I wasn’t keen on having supper together every night when you first mentioned it.”
Perfect. He hated their suppers together.
“But I balked because I liked you. A lot. And I thought it was inappropriate to have those kinds of feelings for a beautiful woman like yourself. I mean, you had your hands full with three babies and recently lost the man you loved. It didn’t cross my mind that I stood a chance with you.”
Her heart began to sing like the birds in the trees.
“Plus, if you haven’t noticed, I’m not much of a talker, and I figured you’d be bored to death after two meals.”
She couldn’t help herself—she laughed. His smile was bright, and his eyes had never looked so warm and inviting.
“You never bore me, Judd.”
“Well, you couldn’t bore me, Nicole. I could spend every evening with you, talking or in complete silence, and I’d be content. You’re something special. And I know you’re grieving. I know today’s a hard, hard day for you. I don’t want to add to it. But I’ve got gifts for the little ones. And I’ve got a present for you.”
She shivered from the cold.
“You’re freezing. Let’s go inside. You need to warm up.” He put his arm around her and directed her indoors. “I’ll pour you a cup of coffee. Go. Sit down.”
Moments later, she accepted a steaming mug from him. He sat next to her on the couch, his thigh brushing hers. Then he handed her a rectangular box wrapped in candy-striped paper.
After setting the mug on the end table, she took the present and stared into his eyes with a million unasked questions.
He nodded. “Go ahead.”
She tore off the paper and tossed it to the side. A blue jewelry box. Her breath caught. Slowly, she opened it. And gasped.
A silver chain held three silver bars. The babies’ names were engraved on them.
“I figured your husband would have gotten you something like this if he would have lived.”
She covered her mouth with her hand. The gesture was so beautiful, so thoughtful—so Judd.
“Are you okay?” He caressed her cheek.
“More than okay.” Her voice trembled. “Will you put it on for me?”
She pulled her hair over her shoulder and turned her back to him. His fingers grazed her neck as he clasped the necklace. Then she turned around and hugged him.
“Thank you. Judd, this is above anything I could have imagined. I don’t deserve it. I don’t deserve you.”
His hands pressed her closer, and he whispered in her ear. “You deserve more.”
She jerked back and stared into his eyes. “Don’t say that. You’re everything I want in a man, and I bring so much baggage.”
“If the baggage you’re referring to is three little babies, I’ll gladly help you with it.”
“It is.” She could stare into his eyes forever. “But it’s more than that. After Aaron’s death, well, I have anxiety sometimes.”
“Understandable.”
“This cabin helps. Spending time with you really helps.”
“It does?” He brushed her hair behind her ear. “I guess we should spend more time together, then. I’d like to date you. Court you. I’m not in a rush.”
“Dating?” she said breathlessly. She could picture them holding hands, going out to dinner, spending time together. Just them. “In some ways, Aaron and I were an old married couple by the time we were thirteen years old.”
“Well, I haven’t dated much, and I’ve definitely never felt like an old married couple at any point in my life. So I guess this will be new for both of us.”
“I guess so.” She beamed at him. “This is probably too soon, but I want to say it.”
“What?” The pulse in his neck was beating fast.
“I love you,” she said.
His throat worked as he took her hand and kissed the back of it.
“I love you, too.” He held it to his heart and leaned in to kiss her.
When his lips pressed against hers, she said a silent prayer, thanking God. He pulled her close to him, and she got lost in the strength of his arms, the warmth of his body, the sweetness of his lips.
She was ready for this. Ready for Judd Wilson. Ready to love again.
Squeaks and coos crackled through the baby monitor in her pocket.
Judd broke away from the kiss and grinned. “Guess who’s up?”
“They can wait a few minutes.” She tugged him back to her.
“I’m not arguing with that.”
Neither was she.
Chapter Sixteen
“I can’t believe our friends did all this.” Nicole shook her head in wonder.
Judd took the stack of used paper plates out of her hand and threw them in the trash. They were alone in her kitchen for the moment. One by one, their friends had been stopping by all day. Eden had brought presents and a plate of cheese and crackers at noon. Mason and Brittany, his brother, Ryder, and all three of their kids came a little later, bearing a platter of sliced ham and a box of chocolates. Then Dylan, Gabby and her daughter, Phoebe, drove up at four with biscuits and a basket of jellies.
He’d called Aunt Gretchen earlier to let her know he was spending all day with Nicole and the triplets. She’d been concerned about them eating a proper Christmas meal, so she’d proceeded to bring the entire Christmas dinner along with Stu to Nicole’s cabin. His aunt and Stu had helped with the babies all afternoon. In fact, they were the only guests remaining.
Nicole and Aunt Gretchen had discussed the gingerbread house at length, and there’d been hugs and more than one round of happy tears. Every time Judd looked at them, he loved his aunt even more. He could only guess she would encourage Nicole the way she’d done with him for so many years.
Judd’s parents had even called. His dad had gone on and on about the gingerbread house being just like the house he’d grown up in. They’d had a good conversation for once, and Judd had been shocked when Dad told him they were flying out to Wyoming to visit in February.
“Well, Stu, I think it’s time we got out of their hair.” Aunt Gretchen patted his knee and rose from the couch. “It’s been a lovely Christmas. Thank you for letting us spend it with you and these dear babies.”
His aunt bent over to say goodbye to the triplets spelling out Ho, Ho, Ho in the outfits he’d given them while Stu gathered the coats. Judd and Nicole followed them to the door. Out on the porch, Stu took Aunt Gretchen’s arm and helped her down to the sidewalk. She smiled up at him, and he kissed her cheek.
The sight warmed Judd’s heart. Both he and his aunt had found someone special for Christmas.
Judd had finally gotten the Christmas-movie ending he’d always dreamed about.
He slowly shut the door. “My aunt has a boyfriend.”
“I know. They are the cutest couple ever.” Nicole slid her arm around him and leaned her cheek against his side.
“They are pretty cute.” He kissed the top of her head.
“I’ve been dreading this day for so long, but it’s been incredible.”
“I’m glad.”
/> Her phone rang. “Oh, it’s Mom. I’ve got to take this.”
“Go ahead.” He returned to the living area and knelt down to talk to the babies.
“Merry Christmas, Nicki!”
“Merry Christmas to you, too. How’s Steve?”
Judd didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but he paused when he heard his own name. “Yes, Judd is good. In fact, he’s here with me now... Uh-huh. Yeah. Actually, Mom, we’re going to start dating.”
An excited squeal came through the phone, and Nicole held her phone away from her ear as she turned to stare at Judd. Her eyes widened in amused surprise. “Okay, okay, I will. You, too. Merry Christmas.”
She hung up, came over and got on her knees next to him.
“Mom’s pretty happy. She likes you.”
“Good.” He grinned her way. “I wouldn’t want her to worry.”
Her fingers touched the necklace. “It doesn’t matter what anyone thinks. We were meant to be together. Oh, I forgot to tell you. I’m naming my baking business Triply Sweet. What do you think?”
“I think it’s perfect.” He kissed her cheek. “You and these babies have made my life triply sweet.”
Epilogue
Getting evicted by her own mother turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to Nicole. She stood in the doorway of the converted barn where Gabby and Dylan’s wedding reception was winding down as she watched for Judd’s truck to pull up. The early-April weather had stayed dry but cool for the wedding.
It had been a beautiful ceremony. Eden was the maid of honor, and Brittany and Nicole were bridesmaids. Judd, Mason and Ryder had all been groomsmen, and Stu Miller was the best man. Gretchen, Lois and Jane took care of the triplets during the ceremony. Then Judd and Nicole had taken the children back to her cabin, where they’d hired three high school girlfriends to babysit during the reception.
Stu and Gretchen had danced next to her and Judd at the reception. They were such a sweet couple. They truly appreciated each other.
Maybe it was a case of wedding feels, but Nicole couldn’t help longing for a wedding of her own. She and Judd had gotten even closer since Christmas. They still ate supper together every night. Most Saturdays they hired the three high school girls to babysit the triplets so they could go on a date. At nine months old, the babies were happy, playful and very energetic. They were already crawling and getting into everything. She had no idea how she was going to keep up with them. Judd helped a lot.
All the dating and courting had been a dream come true.
But Nicole was ready for something more.
Judd’s truck stopped in front of the entrance, and he got out. Nicole’s mouth went dry seeing him in his tuxedo. Naturally, he wore a cowboy hat with it. Only made him that much more appealing. She went outside to join him.
“Have I told you how beautiful you look?” He put his arms around her waist and bent to look in her eyes. She shivered in anticipation.
“Yes. About fifty times.” She playfully pushed against his chest. “You can say it fifty more. I won’t get tired of it.”
“Good, because you take my breath away.” He kissed her cheek, stepped back and took her by the hand. “Come on. Let’s get out of here.”
They chatted about the wedding all the way back to his ranch, and then he parked in front of his house.
“Wait. Aren’t you forgetting something?” she asked.
“What?”
“I live down there.” She pointed to the lane leading to the cabin.
“I know. This is a slight detour.” He held up his index finger. “Let me come around and help you out. I have something inside for you.”
What was this all about? She tried to imagine what he was up to, but she couldn’t. Her pulse sped up as he opened the door and helped her down.
His eyes darkened with appreciation as his gaze took her in from head to toe. Her red dress was a bit more daring than the high necklines she usually wore, but Gabby had chosen the bridesmaids’ dresses. And Judd seemed to like it.
They walked up his porch steps, and he ushered her inside, where he led her to his living room. A few dim lamps glowed. Her heart swelled and thumped.
He lit a few candles. He looked handsome and mysterious and...nervous.
“This looks romantic.” She loved his house.
“I hope so.” He brought her to the center of the room. “These past months have been incredible.”
“I agree.” Her heart was acting funny, like a car trying to sputter to life.
“Courting has been a dream come true, and I’ll date you as long as you’ll have me.”
“I feel the same way.” Her heart swelled. Was Judd getting ready to propose? Please, God, let him be ready!
“I hope this isn’t too soon.” He lowered himself to one knee. “But I’m not getting any younger. I’m ready for more. I’m ready for forever. Nicole Taylor, will you marry me?”
He held out a square box and opened it, revealing a diamond ring inside.
“Oh, Judd...” She touched her lips. “Yes! I want to marry you. I’m ready for forever, too.”
“You mean it? You’ll marry me?”
“I’ve been ready to marry you for a while, cowboy.”
He rose and hauled her into his arms, lifting her off her toes as he spun her around. Then he slowly slid her back to her feet and kissed her. The promise of his devotion was in his kiss. When he ended it, he looked into her eyes and smiled. “Want to try the ring on?”
“Yes!” She admired it as he slid it on her finger. “You didn’t have to buy me the biggest diamond in Rendezvous.”
“I wanted to, Nicole. You’re...everything to me.” His eyes smoldered as he kissed the back of her hand.
“I feel the same about you, Judd.” She bit her lower lip. “Are you sure you’re up for triplets?”
“You know I love them. I’m even up for more if you’re game.”
“Give me a few years.”
He laughed, wrapping his arms around her waist. “I guess everyone was right.”
“About what?” Putting her arms around his neck, she looked into the face of the man she loved. How could she have been this blessed?
“My long-term plan needed a wife and kids.”
“It really did. In fact, it might need a pet, too. I’d like to get a kitten eventually.”
“A kitten, huh? I think I can handle that.”
“You’re too good to me, Judd.”
“You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“Well, I guess that makes us a team.”
“Team Wilson.”
“Forever.”
* * *
If you enjoyed this Wyoming Sweethearts book by
Jill Kemerer, be sure to pick up the previous
books in this miniseries:
Her Cowboy Till Christmas
The Cowboy’s Secret
Available now from Love Inspired!
Keep reading for an excerpt from Finding Her Christmas Family by Ruth Logan Herne.
Dear Reader,
What is it about tiny babies and big, strong cowboys? My heart melts every time. I have to admit I was nervous about writing this book. I worried readers wouldn’t understand how Nicole could make the leap from grieving widow to ready to love again in just under a year. But as the story developed, the simple truth came through. Love has its own timetable for each of us.
Nicole’s life had never followed a regular path, and it was okay for her to accept that. She didn’t need to spend the rest of her life alone. Having a future with Judd could never erase the years she had with Aaron. As for Judd, he’s such a great guy. Humble, trustworthy, dependable—I fell in love with him from chapter one. I’m glad he found a woman who truly appreciates him.
And now I want to make one of t
hose gorgeous gingerbread houses! The one time I attempted to make a gingerbread house, it was a sloppy mess. It’s probably best if I stick to looking at other people’s masterpieces.
I love connecting with readers. Feel free to email me at [email protected] or write me at PO Box 2802, Whitehouse, Ohio, 43571.
May your Christmas season be filled with joy!
Merry Christmas,
Jill Kemerer
WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS BOOK FROM
Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Fall in love with stories where faith helps guide you through life’s challenges, and discover the promise of a new beginning.
6 NEW BOOKS AVAILABLE EVERY MONTH!
Finding Her Christmas Family
by Ruth Logan Herne
Chapter One
Heat climbed Detective Lorenzo Calloway’s collar as he approached the Golden Grove playground on a surprisingly gorgeous November day. He spotted his mother sitting on one of the many wooden benches surrounding the play area. Eyes down, her fingers flew, knitting something for the girls, most likely. And the triplets, three darlings his parents took in as newborns, were scrambling around the primary-color-schemed play area. Even Kristi, whose initial newborn prognosis had seemed dire, was now hale and hearty, thanks to modern medicine and his family’s tireless devotion to these girls. Three beautiful look-alikes who had come into their lives when their mother died unexpectedly.
Suddenly—beyond the upper fence, on a slight incline—Lorenzo saw a woman, snapping pictures of them.
Suspicion didn’t crawl up his spine. It raced. When families dealt with kids in foster care, a lot of things could go wrong, but the triplets’ case was clear. Their maternal grandmother had passed away over a decade before, and their grandfather was struggling with a degenerative nerve illness. Jenn Drew had taken all of that into consideration when she’d asked his family to take care of the girls if anything ever happened to her. No one expected that would be the case.