by R. J. Layer
Jo smiled. She liked it when Maria sounded happy. “What are you two doing on Saturday?”
“Nothing I’m aware of at the moment.”
“Why don’t you come out to the farm to see Jake? We can have cookies and milk or pop popcorn in the fireplace.”
“Mmm, sounds inviting. Can I let you know later in the week?”
“Sure, sure. So…uh, I’ll talk to you later in the week.”
“I’ll definitely give you a call.”
Jo didn’t want to end their conversation. She missed Maria more than she wanted to admit.
“Have a Merry Christmas, Maria.”
“You too, Jo. I’ll talk to you soon.”
* * *
Jo arrived at her mom’s in the afternoon on Christmas Eve.
“Where’s the tree, Mom?”
“Your dad always took care of that.”
Jo pushed up her shirt sleeves. “Guess that’ll be my job now.”
“You don’t—”
“Mom, we can’t have Christmas without a tree.” She headed out to the garage to get the boxes of ornaments and the artificial tree.
They drank homemade eggnog and opened their presents that evening. Under pressure from her mom, she agreed to attend church with her on Christmas Day.
Her mom had a wealth of friends at the church and she seemed to be coping with her loss better than Jo would have guessed.
After the service, Eileen caught Jo’s arm. “Let’s wait right here. There’s someone I want to talk to.”
That someone was Maxine. She’d been singing in the choir during the service. She extended a soft hand to Jo.
“Of course dear, I remember you when you were a youngster.”
Before I became an abomination, Jo thought, but said, “It’s very nice to see you again.”
“It’s a shame you had to miss your parents’ fiftieth anniversary celebration last year. Your father said you had to be away on business.”
As her mother shifted uneasily beside her, Jo forced a smile. She’d not been invited and had wondered what they’d done to celebrate their milestone. They didn’t talk about the exchange when they got home. Of course.
She couldn’t escape fast enough back to the solitude of the farm. That she was alone at Christmas didn’t matter. She busied herself wrapping the present she bought for Kate. She had been disappointed that Jo couldn’t spend Christmas Eve or Christmas Day with her but had settled for her promise that they’d spend some time together on Friday evening.
Not knowing her well enough to come up with something that screamed Kate, she’d bought the deputy a jacket. The local leather store in Midland had marked every item in the store down sixty percent, so Jo got one heck of a bargain on the suede bomber jacket.
Maria and Matt’s gifts were a different story. When she’d given a moment of thought, she knew immediately what she wanted to give each of them. She found herself hoping they would come by on Saturday. She really missed them—missed Maria.
* * *
Kate arrived after her shift on Friday, dropping her coat over the end of the couch. They toasted the holiday with a beer and Jo set up an informal dinner of baked ham and side dishes on the island. Kate seemed particularly antsy.
“I got you a Christmas present,” Kate said as soon as they finished eating.
Jo wiped her mouth. “I happen to have something for you too.” She stood. “Let me clean up here and we’ll sit in the living room.”
Kate excused herself to go to the bathroom. When Jo finished in the kitchen, she found her lighting a fire in the fireplace.
“I hope you don’t mind.” She stood, dusting off her hands.
Actually, she did mind—it felt presumptuous to have Kate acting as if she was a member of the household. But in the spirit of the holiday and her innate inclination to not make waves, Jo decided to let it slide. “You want something to drink?”
“Whatever you’re having is fine.”
She returned with two more beers. Handing her a bottle, she disappeared down the hall, returning a few minutes later with Kate’s present. She took a seat on the couch, after placing the gift in Kate’s lap.
“I hope you like it.”
“You picked it, I’m sure I will.” Kate tore into the package and pulled out the suede bomber jacket.
“I thought it matched your eyes.”
Kate smiled. “It’s great, thanks.” She stood and slipped it on. “Wow! This feels so comfortable.”
“I’m glad you like it. It looks nice on you.”
Kate ran her hands over the subtle suede before taking it off. Laying it on the end of the couch, she reached into the pocket of her pea coat and pulled out a small gift box. Jo swallowed when Kate put it in her hand.
Apparently her apprehension didn’t escape Kate’s notice. She sat beside Jo and patted her leg. “Relax, it’s not an engagement ring.”
Jo removed the wrapping from the little square package. Tentatively she opened the velvet box and found inside a gold band with a pale blue stone flanked by tiny diamonds.
“It’s a pinky ring. The color of stone kind of matches your eyes.” She winked. “I thought you could wear it when we go out. I guessed at the size. If it doesn’t fit, we can get it sized.” Jo simply stared at the box. “Go ahead, try it on.”
Jo slipped it on the little finger of her right hand. It fit perfectly. She couldn’t decide if it was good the ring fit so she wouldn’t have to venture into a jewelry store with Kate or if she should be scared that Kate had so accurately guessed the size. Stunned and speechless, she sat several long minutes until Kate squirmed on the couch.
“Uh, it’s beautiful, thank you, but you really shouldn’t have.”
“I couldn’t help it. It reminded me of you.” Jo cocked her head and gazed at Kate. “Simple, but so beautiful.” She reached over and stroked her fingers along Jo’s jaw.
Jo stiffened. “Oh gosh, you’re gonna make me blush.” She drained her beer and popped up. She needed a break, time to get her bearings. “You want another beer?” she asked, even though it would be Kate’s third of the evening, which might pose problems later.
“I don’t know, do I?” Kate said, giving her a smile. “I think I can handle one more.”
Taking refuge in the kitchen, Jo tried to shake the anxiety choking her. She couldn’t breathe. Gulping deep breaths, she fought the unwelcome feeling sweeping over her.
What is wrong with me? It wasn’t as if Kate were the first woman to come along since Claire had dumped her. There was Callie, of course. Who hadn’t made her feel the way she was feeling now.
God, what if Kate drinks too much and says she can’t drive? Well, then, she would handle it. She’d just put her in the guest room.
She took another deep breath and returned to the living room. She and Kate sat on the couch talking for a while longer. She finished her beer and was relieved when Kate took only a few drinks of hers before abandoning it. Jo didn’t want to be rude and ask her to leave, but she was ready to go to bed—alone.
She pretended to stifle a yawn. “Sorry, I’ve been working double time with Tucker off.”
“You shouldn’t have given him so much time off.”
“He works really hard. He earned it.”
Kate leaned closer. “Seems to me that you work really hard too, but hardly take any time off for yourself.” Jo didn’t respond. “Well, you should.” Without warning, Kate leaned in and kissed her. Not a peck, but a full-on-the-lips kiss.
It took Jo only seconds to gather her wits and pull away as Kate shifted to wrap Jo in her arms. She didn’t look at Kate but jumped up from the couch.
Jo touched her mouth briefly. “I—I can’t do this, Kate.”
Kate stood too. “I can’t help it. I want you so bad.” She paused. “But I don’t want to push you.” She stepped to where her coat was. “I’ll go before I do something I shouldn’t.”
“I’m sorry, Kate.”
Kate gave a shrug and pulled
her coat on. “Hey, nothing worthwhile comes easy.” She picked up the new jacket. “Thanks for the gift.”
Jo examined the ring on her finger. “I don’t wear jewelry as a rule.” She looked up. “But…thank you.”
Kate nodded with a smile, said goodnight and headed out. Jo couldn’t get the ring off fast enough. Claire had bought them matching gold bands for their ring fingers and called them commitment rings. As far as Jo was concerned, a little piece of gold didn’t signify anything except that someone wasted their money buying it.
She stared at the ring sitting in the palm of her hand. She would wear it, as creepy as it had felt on her finger, but only once, the next time they went to dinner. Kate was, after all, a decent person. After that it would find its way to the bottom of a drawer and she’d forget about it.
Jo tossed another log on the fire and stretched out on the couch to watch the flames dance. She woke chilled around three in the morning and stumbled to bed.
She was up the next day at her usual time of five o’clock, eager to get a jump on the day. Maria had left a message while she was working in the barn yesterday that she and Matt would be out later in the afternoon, and if that didn’t work with Jo’s schedule she should call Maria back. Otherwise, they’d see her tomorrow.
Armed with a caffeine boost, Jo worked feverishly to get done all the chores that she typically shared with Tucker or with him and Kirby. She made her way back to the house around one, cold and tired, but too excited to think about anything but seeing Maria. It had been over three weeks, during which time she had relived their riding adventure in her mind over and over, and over.
She had a fire going and was seated on the hearth attempting to warm her cold, tired bones when she heard the car drive up, then the sound of feet on the porch, followed by a knock on the door. She hollered for them to come on in. She jumped to her feet when the door opened and she saw Maria struggling with bags and a wrapped gift box.
“You should have yelled for me to open the door.” She reached to take something. “Here.”
Maria placed several things in Jo’s hands. “I brought us some dinner, unless you already have plans.”
Jo gave a wide smile. “The only plans I made were to spend some time with you two.”
She whistled for Jake. He raced from the back of the house, wagging his whole body at the sight of Matt, who dropped to his knees on the doormat and allowed Jake to eagerly lick his face. Maria’s face lit up with a smile.
“I told you. Jake’s been pining for someone to kiss.”
“Well, let’s not camp at the door.”
Maria helped Matt off with his coat while Jo carried things to the kitchen. When she returned, Maria had Matt settled on the large rug in front of the fireplace and stood watching him with Jake. A perfect holiday picture. Maria wore a long skirt that nearly reached her ankles and a very festive green and red sweater. Her hair was pulled back loosely, showing her neck and a hint of her shoulders. The firelight danced in her eyes. Jo leaned in the doorway, the sight too heartwarming not to watch.
Maria finally looked over. “What?”
Jo shoved her hands in her pockets, which seemed to be her new nervous habit. “I’m glad you’re here.” She motioned to the guys on the floor. “Probably not as much as those two, though. Can I get you something to drink?”
“Something hot would be nice.”
“I have some spiced tea my mom made I can heat up.”
“That sounds wonderful.”
“How about for Matt?”
“He’s fine until we eat.”
Jo came back in to find Maria seated on the hearth near Matt. She sat on the end of the coffee table a few feet away. They talked about their Christmas days and Maria spoke quite animatedly about all of Kathleen’s boys but was somewhat solemn when she looked at Matt. Jo’s heart ached for Maria dealing with Matt’s disability on her own. Jo tuned in a radio station that still played Christmas music and Maria moved to sit on the couch. As Jo tossed another log on the fire a knock sounded at the door. Jake jumped up and barked.
Jo patted his head. “Easy there, killer.” She spied Kate through the tiny window in the door and hurriedly stepped out on the porch, pulling the door closed behind her.
“You got company.”
“I do.” Jo wrapped her arms around herself against the cold.
Kate shoved her hands in her coat pockets. “There’s a New Year’s party at Whispers, and, well, I thought I’d ask you to go with me.”
“You could have called.”
Kate shrugged a shoulder. “I was out this way so I just stopped.”
“I’m not sure what my plans are yet. I’ll call you tomorrow evening.”
Kate bobbed her head. “Sure…okay.” Jo reached for the doorknob. “Have a good evening, Jo. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
Jo didn’t want to think about New Year’s Eve or Kate Tyler. She rushed back into the house to her company who warmed her inside more deeply than any fire or hot tea ever could.
After an early dinner, they retreated to the cozy warmth of the living room where once again Jo added more wood to the fire and stoked the flames.
“I have a gift for Matt. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Of course not.”
Jo made her way down the hall to the bedroom, pleased that the surprise hadn’t been spoiled. She carefully carried the large cardboard box, flaps closed loosely, out to the living room. Maria watched as she placed the box close to Matt.
“You might want to help him with this.”
Maria went to the box, eyeing Jo suspiciously. “Matt honey, do you want to help Mommy open your gift from Jo?” He stared blankly at her. She took his hand and pulled him up beside her before she knelt in front of the box. “Let’s see what surprise Jo has for you.” She gingerly lifted the box flaps and peered inside. “Oh, my…” She gazed up at Jo. “What a thoughtful gesture, but we can’t possibly—”
Jo raised a hand. “I know you don’t have time to care for a pet.” She stepped back over to the box. “That’s the beauty of this one.” She reached in and pulled out the ball of fur. “He can keep her here at the farm.” Jo squatted next to Matt while Jake sniffed the furry face and licked it. “Jake and I will help take care of her.” Matt reached out and stroked the furry white Maltipoo puppy then pressed his face against it while Jo held her. Matt’s reaction squeezed at Jo’s heart. “I think he likes her.” Tears formed in Maria’s eyes. “I promise we’ll take real good care of her for Matt.”
“Here, sweetie, sit down so you can hold it…her?” Jo nodded. Maria steered Matt back down on the rug and with Jo’s help placed the little fur ball into his arms. He hugged it to his chest, putting his cheek against her fur.
“I hope you’re not mad. I saw a picture of her on the pound’s website and I couldn’t resist. I wanted to get Matt something extra special for Christmas. Since he likes Jake so much, I thought having his own pup would make him happy. She is just so loveable. She was recently surrendered when her owner passed away suddenly. She’s only about three months old, so she’ll only get a little bigger. She’s a mix of Maltese and poodle.”
Maria swiped tears from her cheeks. “How could I be mad?” She ran her hand over Matt’s curly head of hair. “This is the most thoughtful gift he’s ever received.”
“Well, I happen to have a very special gift for you too.”
Maria looked up at Jo as she stood. “Please, just tell me it’s already in this house.”
Jo tipped her head, then after a second or two laughed. “If I told you we had to go outside to get it, would you be mad at me?”
Maria bolted up. “Jo Marchal, no, I won’t accept—”
“Relax, Maria. I’m not giving you a horse.” Relief washed over Maria’s face. “Be right back.”
Jo disappeared again, this time returning with a wrapped gift box. While she was gone, Maria had produced the gift she’d stashed behind the couch when they’d arrived. Jo placed her box on th
e coffee table in front of Maria and sat beside her.
They each looked at the festive packages and said in unison, “You go…” They gazed at each other for another moment, smiling.
“Please, you go first.” Jo said, and watched in amazement as Maria took her time removing the wrapping paper. “Why don’t you rip it off?”
A coy smile played across Maria’s lips. “The slower you go, the greater the anticipation.”
Jo averted her eyes, certain her cheeks were coloring with a blush. Maria finally lifted the lid from the box and pulled back the tissue paper, but before she could say anything, Jo said, “For when you ride, because if I have anything to do with it, you will willingly ride one day.” Maria pulled the riding boots and gloves from the box. “I guessed on the size. I hope they fit.”
Maria kicked off her shoes and slid her feet in the boots. Standing, she walked to the middle of the room and hiked her skirt up to her knees.
“They’re perfect.” She met Jo’s eyes. “Thank you.”
“When’s your birthday?” Jo smiled. “’Cause I think you’d look real cute in some riding pants.”
Maria dropped her skirt and hurried back to the couch. “Your turn, open yours.”
Wrapping paper flew as Jo ripped into the gift like an excited child. She opened the lid of the box, pleasantly pleased by the smell of new leather.
“Wow!” She pulled a black leather jacket from the box and stood, tossing the box aside.
“Something for you to wear when you dress up and go out. I hope you like it.”
She pressed the jacket to her face and breathed. “I do. It’s great.”
“I tried it on and since the sleeves covered my hands I thought perhaps it would fit.”
Slipping into the subtle leather, Jo pulled the lapels to her face for another sniff. It wasn’t the smell of new leather that tickled her senses, but the scent of Maria’s perfume. She ran her hand down the jacket front.
“It feels wonderful.”
“Well, it certainly looks attractive on you.” Jo raised her eyebrows. “I’m sorry. Is that not something one should say to a gay woman?”