Western Christmas Wishes

by Brenda Minton

  His sister? She could handle that. The muscles in her shoulders relaxed.

  “It’s great to meet you,” Leann said.

  “You, too. Once you fill these out, we’ll get you right in.” Hannah grinned and handed her a clipboard with forms attached. Then she turned to Michael. “Do you want me to tell David you’re here?”

  Leann sensed his body stiffen.

  “No, thanks.”

  She glanced up at him and was surprised at the hardness in his face. He set Sunni down and turned to Leann. “I’m going to run over to the auto shop and see if John’s had a chance to tow your car. I’ll be back soon.” He nodded to her and Hannah, then left.

  Leann furrowed her eyebrows as the door shut behind him. He was acting weird.

  “Where Myco go?” Sunni tugged on Leann’s coat.

  “He’ll be right back, sweetheart.” She found a seat and helped Sunni onto the chair next to her. Several minutes later, after filling out the necessary forms, Leann held Sunni’s hand as a nurse led them to an examination room.

  Hannah peeked in. “Hey, do you want me to watch Sunni for you while you talk to my brother?”

  Her brother? Michael couldn’t be back already, could he? And why would he be allowed back here?

  “Hannah, how many times have I told you to call me Dr. Carr when you’re at the clinic?” A tall, dark-haired man with mischievous eyes walked in and held out his hand. “Dr. David Carr. How can I help you?”

  “Oh!” It finally hit her—this was Kelli’s husband. Which meant...Michael was...his brother? Michael hadn’t mentioned his last name. Leann tried to recall Kelli discussing her husband’s family, but nothing came up. “It’s nice to meet you. So...the three of you are siblings?” She pointed to Hannah and back to him.

  “The three of us?” He frowned.

  “Michael found Leann and Sunni trapped in the storm last night,” Hannah said. “Her car slid off the road.”

  “Wait, you’re Leann? Kelli has been talking my ear off about how you’re going to manage the store. I’m her husband. It’s good to finally meet you.” He pumped her good hand. He seemed genuinely happy to meet her, which was a relief.

  “Same to you. I can’t wait to see Kelli. I’m excited to start working for her.” She pointed to him then Hannah. “Do you have other brothers and sisters I should know about before I stick my foot in my mouth around town?”

  “No, just us three.” Hannah chuckled.

  David’s expression faltered, but he recovered quickly. “What seems to be the problem today?”

  “Come on, Sunni, let’s find the stickers.” Hannah held out her hand. With questions in her eyes, Sunni stared up at Leann.

  “It’s okay. You can go with Hannah. This will only take a few minutes. The doctor’s going to help my arm.”

  “Mama, boo-boo?”

  “Yep.”

  Sunni gave her a long backward stare as Hannah, happily chattering about candy canes and puppy stickers, steered her to the hall.

  Leann turned her attention back to David. “Please tell Kelli I’ll come over to the store to see her as soon as I can. I tried calling her earlier.”

  “I’ll tell her, but don’t worry about it. With all the snow, she didn’t open The Sassy Lasso today.” He began examining her arm. “The baby was up half the night with colic, and he’s been wearing us both out. I turned her phone to Silent so she could get some sleep.”

  “Colic? Ouch. I’m sorry. Babies are hard enough when they aren’t colicky. Is there anything I can do to help?”

  “You managing the store after the holidays will be a tremendous help. We’re thankful you’re moving here.” David chatted about Kelli and their three kids as he continued his examination, and Leann relaxed. He was charming and seemed nice.

  “Well, I have good news and bad news. You pulled a muscle in your shoulder. It should heal quickly. The wrist, though, is a moderate sprain. You’ll need to wear a splint for ten days...” He discussed resting it, applying ice and taking medication to alleviate the pain and swelling. “We have splints here. Hannah will get you the right size. Any questions?”

  “Obviously carrying Sunni is off-limits, right?”

  “Carrying anything is off-limits.”

  Exactly what she’d feared. How was she going to take care of Sunni with all those stairs at the bed-and-breakfast? Leann stood. “Thank you for seeing me on such short notice.”

  “You’re welcome. You and Sunni should come to the nativity play at church Sunday night. We’re having a small party afterward at our house. We’d like it if you joined us.”

  “Thank you. We’d love that.”

  “See you then.” He shook her hand again and left the room.

  Michael’s family sure was welcoming. Was something off between David and Michael, though? Or was she reading into things? Wouldn’t be the first time. It wasn’t any of her business, anyhow.

  Hannah brought Sunni back into the room.

  “Mama!” Sunni held up two fistfuls of stickers.

  “Oh, wow. You are loaded up.” She turned to Hannah. “Thank you for watching her.”

  “She’s a doll. Mom and I were talking this morning, and we would love for you and Sunni to stay with us at the ranch—at least until you’re 100 percent again.” She gestured to Leann’s wrist. “My mom is all about spoiling babies, and the house is huge. You’d have your privacy.”

  “I don’t know.” Leann bit her lower lip. “It’s very kind of you, but...”

  “Just think about it. I’ll find you a splint.”

  “I will.”

  Hannah’s invitation tempted her. But this was Michael’s family, not hers. From what she’d seen of the Carrs, they all seemed nice, but she didn’t know them. And she didn’t want to make Michael uncomfortable. He was supposed to be enjoying Christmas vacation with his parents and sister. Imposing on them felt wrong. But staying with his welcoming family at Christmastime sure was tempting...and it was kind of them to ask.

  * * *

  “Your car won’t be ready until after Christmas.” Michael boosted Sunni into her car seat and buckled her in as Leann settled into the passenger side of his truck.

  “At least another week then, huh?” She bit her lower lip. “Today’s Thursday, and Christmas Eve is next Wednesday...”

  “Yeah, I don’t see your car being done before then.” Michael got into the driver’s seat and cast her a glance. It had been simple to avoid his brother at the clinic, but instead of relief, he had mixed feelings. The last time he’d seen David was a year ago, and besides Merry Christmas they hadn’t spoken a word to each other. “So, what’s the verdict?”

  “My wrist is sprained.” She lifted it, stiff from the splint under her coat, and shot him a resigned look.

  “Let me guess. You need to rest it.”

  “Yep. I have to ice it for the next couple of days and avoid any pressure on it for at least a week.”

  He fired the engine. Resting her arm wouldn’t be easy with Sunni around. His mom’s and sister’s suggestion for Leann and Sunni to stay at the ranch came to mind. It was on the tip of his tongue to invite her, but it wouldn’t be wise. He couldn’t deny his attraction, and the feeling wouldn’t be mutual. Even if it was, he’d be leaving soon.

  But...she was hurt and she did need help.

  “Why didn’t you tell me the doctor was your brother?”

  “I figured you knew. You’re Kelli’s friend.” Now that she’d met his handsome, successful older brother, Michael was probably a distant second in her eyes. It was what had happened with Kelli. Not that Leann would be thinking about either of them.

  “I wasn’t very close with Kelli.” She glanced at him. “We ran around with the same friends in college. She was a year older than me. We didn’t keep in touch after we graduated, but our mutual friend Janelle talks
to her regularly. Janelle’s the one who told me about the job.”

  “Ah.” He hadn’t realized she wasn’t best friends with his ex-girlfriend, now sister-in-law. The thought warmed him more than the blast of heat from the truck’s console. “What did you have planned today?”

  “Well, I was going to stop over at The Sassy Lasso to say hello to Kelli and to get a feel for the store, but David said she didn’t open it today. So...I don’t have any plans. What about you?”

  “I’m on Christmas break.” He drove out of the parking lot. “No plans for me beyond checking cattle with Dad.”

  “Now that my car has been taken care of and my arm is all set, please don’t feel obligated to help anymore. You don’t have to take care of me.”

  Take care of her? He checked his rearview. Sunni was happily staring out the window. Then he peeked at Leann. Her quiet strength told him she’d been taking care of herself for a long time.

  No one else was taking care of her or her daughter.

  And maybe it wasn’t the smartest move, but he couldn’t resist filling the role. He wanted to help her.

  At least for now.

  “I don’t mind.” He gestured to her. “Why don’t you come out to the ranch for a while? Sunni might like to see the dogs and barn cats. They’re all friendly.”

  “I’d like that.” She smiled at him. With her long dark brown hair and big blue eyes, she was striking. More than striking. Beautiful.

  Not trusting himself to speak, he nodded and steered the truck toward his parents’ ranch. The rolling, snow-covered countryside whizzed by as he drove. He knew every inch of this route. The years he’d been gone hadn’t erased the memories of home. He found it reassuring.

  This piece of Wyoming was part of him.

  “I never asked where you’re from.” He peeked at Leann.

  “St. Louis. Born and raised.”

  “You’ll be missing your family, then, at Christmas.”

  “No, I’m afraid I won’t. My grandmother raised me, but she passed a long time ago. It’s one of the reasons I’m looking forward to living here. I figure it will be easier to meet people in a small town...”

  He enjoyed listening to her talk about creating new memories here for Sunni and how she was determined to make this Christmas wonderful. He didn’t say it, but he couldn’t help thinking it would be hard to create Christmas memories at the bed-and-breakfast. Soon the driveway with the Carr Ranch sign hanging between two log posts appeared. “Here we are.”

  The cattle were foraging in the distant pasture. The cold didn’t bother them; they looked content. He wondered if he should check fence in the other pastures tomorrow. Yesterday’s snow might have damaged them. He’d mention it to Dad later. After parking the truck, he helped Leann down and got Sunni out of her car seat. She snuggled into his arms as if she belonged there.

  “Where we at, Myco?” She pointed to the large log home, decorated with evergreen boughs, red ribbons and white lights.

  “This is where my parents live.” With one hand on Leann’s arm and the other carrying Sunni, he made sure they both safely got to the front entrance.

  He set the child down and helped her unzip her coat then pointed to the hall closet. “You can hang your coat there, Leann.”

  She crossed to the closet while he helped Sunni take off her boots.

  “Come on—I’ll introduce you to my mom.” He gestured for them to follow him. Sunni sidled next to his leg as he entered the kitchen.

  His mom was stirring something on the stove. She grinned when she saw them. “You must be Leann. I’m Patty, Michael’s mother. Did he convince you to stay with us yet?”

  “Ma-a-a...” He widened his eyes, but his mother shooed him.

  “Well, actually Hannah mentioned it, but...” Leann blushed.

  “We’d love to have you.” His mom pointed to the splint on her wrist. “We can’t have you staying at the B and B with that arm. It’s no way to spend the holidays.”

  “I couldn’t...”

  “Of course you could.” She beamed.

  “But I’d be imposing.”

  “Imposing? Oh, honey, you couldn’t if you tried. We love a full house. It’s been so dull and quiet here—the empty nest is not my thing.” Patty noticed Sunni. “Well, how did I miss you, cutie pie? What’s your name?”

  Sunni wrapped her arms around Michael’s leg and stared, wide-eyed, up at his mom.

  “It’s okay, Sunni.” He bent down and picked her up. “This is my mom. She’ll give you cookies.”

  “Cookie.” Sunni brightened.

  “Come here, sugar.” His mom held out her arms, and Sunni readily went to her. “Aren’t you the prettiest little thing? Did Michael tell you we have doggies and kitties in the barn? And I’m guessing we have a room here with your name on it.”

  “Kitty?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Patty tapped her finger on the end of Sunni’s nose.

  His concerns about Leann staying here were selfish. How could he deprive her of the opportunity to heal her wrist? Not to mention his mom would love to spoil Sunni.

  Michael arched his eyebrows at Leann. “What do you think? Do you and Sunni want to stay here?”

  His mom shifted Sunni to her hip and pointed at Leann’s splint. “You need help until the brace is off. Frank and I will set up a room for you.”

  Leann looked shell-shocked, so he guided her to the living room.

  “I know my mom comes on strong, but she’s right. It would be easier on you if you stayed here. We’ll all help with Sunni.”

  “I’m not sure about this.” She chewed on her bottom lip. “I don’t know your family. I think I can manage okay at the B and B.”

  “Just think about it. I’ll drive you into town or wherever you need to go while you’re here. And you’d have your own room. You don’t need to spend every minute with us.”

  “It’s very nice of you to offer, but...”

  “You don’t have to explain.” He caught the longing in her expression. “For what it’s worth, though, it would make my mom and Hannah happy.”

  “What about you?” She lifted shy eyes to him.

  “It would make me happy, too.”

  Her lips curved into a nervous smile. “Then, yes, I’m grateful for your offer. I’ll stay. But if it’s too much, I’ll go right back to the B and B. Honestly, I don’t mind.”

  Anticipation added a spring to his pulse. “Why don’t we show Sunni the dogs and cats, then we’ll go back to town to get your bags.”

  “If we show Sunni the dogs and cats, you’ll never get us to leave.”

  He had to look away from her glowing face. Was it a good thing or a bad thing that the single mom and her cute toddler were staying at the ranch? Either way, something told him it would be a Christmas to remember.

  Chapter Four

  “Squeeze the frosting on like this.” The next day after lunch, Leann helped Sunni hold a pastry bag filled with red frosting. They’d staked out their decorating position on a stool at the kitchen counter. Hannah and Patty were whipping up batches of colored frostings and setting out bowls full of assorted sprinkles. Happy Christmas music filled the air. Leann enjoyed listening to Patty banter with Hannah. And, if she were being honest, she envied their relationship a teensy bit.

  What would it be like to be part of such a loving family?

  Leann thought about her conversation with Michael about family yesterday. She missed her grandmother. Even growing up, she’d never had a big family Christmas, but now that she was around Patty and Hannah, she understood the appeal. Thinking about how she’d celebrated the previous two holidays—just her and Sunni—brought an ache to her heart. They’d been lonely.

  “I’m going to pop in to David’s this afternoon and give the babysitter a break from Owen’s crying. Poor Genevieve is probably praisin
g the good Lord it’s Friday so she’ll have the weekend off from all his screaming. Besides, I need to deliver these cookies to them for Sunday’s party.” Patty spread wax paper onto the counter. She stood a few inches over five feet, and she kept her chestnut hair short with fluffed soft curls. Her striped green-and-red sweater skimmed the pockets of her jeans. If Leann could choose the perfect grandmother for Sunni, Patty would be it.

  “Do you think Rachel and Bobby will be there?” Hannah asked her mom. Then she turned to Leann. “They’re Kelli and David’s older children, although four and two can hardly be called old.”

  Patty shook her head. “I thought David said they were having a playdate with the Johnson kids.”

  “Too bad. I told Rachel we could watch Frosty the Snowman together soon.” Hannah momentarily paused from scooping purple frosting into a pastry bag. “You don’t think she’s too young to watch it, do you?”

  “She’ll bawl her eyes out when Frosty melts, regardless, Hannah. Doesn’t matter how old she is.”

  Leann always got teary at that part, too. Sunni squirted a big blob of frosting on the wax paper. Leann grabbed the bag. “Whoops, let’s try to keep it on the cookie.” She kissed the top of Sunni’s head.

  Hannah finished with the purple frosting, wiped her hands on a towel and typed on her phone. “I might as well ask Kelli when would be a good time.”

  “Do you know if Kelli will be at the store today?” Leann asked. Her new boss still hadn’t returned her calls. Granted, Leann had only been in town for a full day, there had been a massive snowstorm and the woman was dealing with a challenging baby, but still...

  “Oh, yes. Not much keeps her away from her pride and joy.” Patty set freshly baked cutout cookies on the wax paper. “I’m glad she hired you. She’s been running herself ragged between the boutique and those three little ones. We help as much as possible, but...”

  “Well, Kelli likes to do things herself.” Hannah set her phone back on the counter before adding yellow food coloring to a bowl of white icing. “And there’s nothing wrong with that. She’s a great mom, and her store is a hit.”