Cowboys Under The Mistletoe: Five Christmas Christian Romance Novellas
Page 36
Someone must have opened the door to his room while they were lip locked because Savannah’s squeals broke them apart. Savannah and Ethan came toward the bed, both eager to make sure Rider was okay. Ali and Jericho stood in the doorway.
“I was so scared.” Savannah crawled onto the bed beside him. “We prayed for you.”
“Thank you, it helped,” Rider said. “I was scared too for a while there.”
Savannah’s eyes went wide. “You were? You sure didn’t look it.”
“Fact is, I was though. There’s no shame in being afraid. You know that, right?”
“Mom says you’re our hero.”
Ali cleared her throat. “He’ll fight you on that until you’re blue in the face, but no one deserves that title more.”
“I was just—”
“Just nothing.” Ali shooed whatever he was about to say away. “You run into burning houses to save children. You take a bullet meant for someone else. That’s a hero, Rider. I don’t care what you say.”
And while yes, Rider had saved Hope’s life and had rescued Chance in the past, he’d also fed and sheltered her family for the past month, found her a job by introducing her to the Freeds, reached out and connected with Ethan, and had made Hope believe in love again. In so many small, everyday ways, Rider had always been a hero. Her hero.
Ethan inched closer to Rider. He tapped a finger on his bad arm.
“Yeah, that one’s not great right now, buddy. But I’m fine. See.” Rider smiled, reassuring Ethan. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”
Jericho slung his arm around Ali’s shoulder. “The kids can come home with us. They’re welcome to stay as long as they need to.”
Ali looked to Hope. “You can head out with us too if you’d like. Or we can pick you up later. Whatever you want. I know it’s been a long day.”
“Wait.” Rider captured Hope’s hand again. “You never gave me an answer.”
Hope felt a hot blush race up her neck. “I thought the answer was fairly obvious.”
The room went silent.
“Will you marry me?” Rider asked again.
“Yes. I want that more than I’ve ever wanted anything.”
Savannah grabbed Rider’s arm, making him wince. “This is the best Christmas gift we’ve ever gotten! Can I call you Dad?”
Ethan laughed and patted Rider’s good hand. Ali and Jericho jumped in to congratulate them. The room was loud and happy for a long time after that. Ali suggested a spring wedding.
Rider met Hope’s gaze. “I don’t think I can wait that long.”
“New Years?” Ali said and everyone laughed.
Hope would wait until Rider was on the mend until planning a wedding, but she definitely wouldn’t wait much longer after that. When Savannah finally vacated the place beside Rider, Hope took her spot. When everyone else left, she and Rider rested their heads together.
“You know, Savannah was right.” Rider ran the fingers of his good hand up and down Hope’s arm. “This really is the best Christmas gift ever.”
A Note from Jessica
Dear Reader:
Ever since my debut novel, Home for Good, released in 2013, I’ve continued to think about the side characters in that story. As much as I loved telling Ali and Jericho’s story, I haven’t been able to shake the feeling that Rider, Kate, and Tripp (who did not appear in this novella) all deserved to have their stories told as well. I’m so glad I finally got to tell a piece of Rider’s story because I always viewed him as the unsung hero in Home for Good.
It also made me ridiculously happy to return to Big Sky Dreams and the world of therapeutic horseback riding. I used to teach therapy riding and enjoyed working with the children so much—a love to share their beauty has never left my heart. If you enjoyed this story, make sure to subscribe to my newsletter so you never miss a release.
Dream Big!
-Jess
About Jessica
A coffee drinker, avid reader, and chocolate aficionado, Jessica spends way too much time on Instagram and Pinterest. She writes both Young Adult Fiction (under Jess Evander) and Inspirational/Sweet Romance. Jessica and her family call the Midwest home. She lives for fall, farmers' markets, and driving with the windows down.
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