Capturing Christmas

by Shanna Hatfield

  Four of the bulls got into a shoving contest and two of them ended up injured. Kash called her early Sunday morning to tell her he had to take care of them and wouldn’t be able to make it into town.

  Mindful he couldn’t drop everything and drive two hours to see her whenever the mood struck, she wished otherwise.

  Pouty and missing him, she was surprised when he sent her a gorgeous bouquet of red and white carnations Monday afternoon.

  The card read, Love, Kash.

  The fact he remembered her favorite flowers and went to the bother of sending them made her cry for twenty minutes.

  All she wanted was to be back on the ranch with him. She suddenly understood what Cort meant when he said his heart felt at home wherever Kaley and Jacob were, regardless of the location.

  Celia no longer wanted to be in her apartment, or even at the farm where she’d grown up. Whether it was at the Rockin’ K Ranch or on the road to a rodeo, she wanted to be with Kash.

  Tuesday she gathered her mail to find a box with a Twin Falls postmark among the Christmas cards and bills.

  Excitedly ripping away the tab sealing it closed, she grinned when a huge bag of red and green peanut M&M’s fell onto her counter. She opened the bag and ate a handful while her heart ached with longing for the man who sent her such sweet, thoughtful gifts.

  Wednesday, another box arrived with “fragile” stamped across the outside. Carefully, she opened it and peeled away the bubble wrap to reveal an adorable ornament that looked like a camera. If she’d had a tree, she would have hung it on a branch, front and center.

  She set it on the kitchen counter next to the jar full of red and green candy and called Kash. When he didn’t answer, she left him a message letting him know how much she appreciated the gifts.

  Although they called and sent text messages several times a day, it wasn’t the same as being together.

  Among the things she missed most was the feel of his rough hand holding hers, the rumble of his voice as she rested her head against his chest.

  A phone call sure couldn’t convey the warmth of his smile or the heat in his eyes when he called her Red.

  Lonesome for him, she wandered into her bedroom and plopped down on the bed, lifting the Sun Devils T-shirt she’d packed in her things. It smelled like Kash and made her feel closer to him. Sad and on the verge of tears, she picked up the shirt from where she’d left it beside her pillow and lifted it to her nose. She inhaled his familiar scent and wished he were there in person.

  Christmas Eve arrived and she packed an overnight bag along with the gifts she’d purchased for her family then waited for her parents to pick her up on their way to Cort and Kaley’s.

  They planned to spend the day with her brother and his family and open gifts with them Christmas morning. All of them would go to Tate and Kenzie’s for Christmas dinner. The day after Christmas, they’d make the drive home.

  Celia almost asked her dad if she could borrow his truck and go to Twin Falls instead, but she knew she should be with her family.

  Both she and her mother extended invitations to Kash and Frank to join them at Cort’s, since Ransom decided to stay in Portland over Christmas. He’d located an apartment he near the football team’s office. Celia grinned as she thought about her friend Kelly sending her a message that she’d agreed to meet Ransom for lunch after Christmas. The new and improved Ransom would prove to be a fun date for her friend.

  Despite the invitation to join in the McGraw family Christmas celebration, Kash most likely wouldn’t make it. He and Frank gave the hands a few days off for Christmas and handled all the chores themselves.

  Determined to put on a good face for her family and enjoy the holiday, Celia brushed away her tears as she stood inside the lobby of the apartment building watching for her mom’s car.

  She waved as her dad parked in front of the steps and hurried out to help her load her things. Christmas music played over the car’s radio and Celia sat back, enjoying the songs until Trace Adkins’ mellow voice sang about being in lonely exile during his rendition of O Come O Come Emmanuel.

  Warring emotions tormented her and tears spilled down her cheeks. Her sniffle drew a sympathetic gaze from her mother. She handed Celia a tissue and reached back to pat her knee.

  Wisely, her father refrained from offering any comments as he drove them north to Cort and Kaley’s ranch.

  The rest of the day passed in a blur of activity. Thoroughly excited, Jacob couldn’t stop talking about what Santa might bring him, the program at church that evening, and his mom and dad’s anniversary.

  Celia recalled the lovely wedding ceremony held on Christmas Eve a year ago when Cort and Kaley exchanged their vows. Beautiful and heartfelt, memories of the event made her weepy.

  Before she surrendered to her emotions, to her longing to be with Kash, she went outside with Jacob to build a snowman.

  Hours later, as they sat around enjoying pieces of Kaley’s special pumpkin roll, Cort squeezed Kaley’s hand and she nodded her head.

  “Kaley and I have some news to share with you all,” Cort said, picking up Jacob and setting the little boy on his thigh.

  “Is it a Christmas surprise, Daddy?” Jacob asked, grinning in eager anticipation.

  “It is, partner.” Cort tweaked his nose then looked around the group. “Last year, we promised Jacob we’d do our best to make his Christmas wish come true. As you all remember, he wanted a little brother and was quite disappointed Santa didn’t leave one under the tree.”

  Jana appeared ready to burst. Trevor put a hand on her arm to keep her from jumping to her feet.

  Cort grinned at his wife and kissed her cheek before continuing. “Kaley and I are thrilled to share the news that by next Christmas, Jacob will get his wish.”

  “You mean Santa will bring me a baby brother next year?” Jacob asked, clearly animated at the idea of a new baby.

  “Well, it might be a baby sister, buddy,” Kaley said, smiling tenderly at her little boy. “But you’ll definitely have a new baby to love. In fact, the baby should be here just about the time you finish school in the spring.”

  “Hooray!” Jacob cheered, hugging his father then his mother. “I can’t wait. I’m gonna show him how to do all the things Daddy taught me to do.” Jacob jumped down and ran to the back door, opening it to holler the news to Buford, their dog.

  “I think he’s happy with the announcement,” Trevor said as he stood and shook Cort’s hand. Once Celia and Jana stopped hugging Kaley, he bent down and kissed her cheek.

  “I can’t think of a better Christmas present,” Jana said, regaining her seat on the couch. “Imagine, a baby! Oh, Celia will have to take photos of it and Kenzie will want to…”

  Celia winked at Cort as their mother launched into all sorts of ideas and plans.

  The next morning, after all the packages were opened, Celia took a shower and dressed, volunteering to help Kaley with breakfast while her parents and Cort played with Jacob.

  Kash had sent her several texts the night before, but she hadn’t heard from him yet that morning although she’d sent him a text wishing him a Merry Christmas.

  It was still early, though. Perhaps he and his dad decided to catch up on some much needed sleep.

  She pushed up the sleeves of her emerald green sweater and made another pot of coffee while Kaley mixed cranberry muffins to go with the ham and egg casserole in the oven.

  “What’s Santa doing outside?” they heard Jacob ask.

  Curious, the two women looked at each other.

  Kaley shrugged. “Your brother promised no over-the-top surprises this year.”

  Celia wiped her hands on a dishtowel then followed her sister-in-law into the front room. They joined Jana, Trevor, Cort and Jacob in staring out the big front window at a man dressed in a Santa costume strolling down the front walk.

  “Did Santa forget to leave a present?” Jacob asked.

  Cort chuckled and picked up his son. “I think this presen
t is for your aunt.”

  “What did you wish for, Aunt Seal?” Jacob looked at her, awed that Santa returned to deliver her gift in person.

  “Him!” Celia yanked open the door and raced down the steps into Kash’s arms.

  “Merry Christmas, Red.” Kash’s voice sounded even deeper and huskier than usual.

  “What are you doing here, Kash?” Celia didn’t wait for an answer. She tugged down his fake beard and kissed him with enough heat to melt the snowy white polyester fibers dangling beneath his chin.

  A chuckle from behind him eventually drew her attention. She smiled at Frank as he ambled up the walk.

  “Oh, you both came!” She wiggled out of Kash’s embrace long enough to hug his father, then she looped arms with both of them and hurried back inside the house. “Who’s watching the stock?”

  “Mark and a few of the others stayed behind. They practically kicked us off the place when we told them we planned to spend the day with you.” Kash kissed Celia’s cheek then greeted the rest of the occupants in the house.

  Quickly removing the Santa suit, he set it aside then nervously clasped Celia’s hand in his.

  “Celia, you drive me crazy, and I’m man enough to admit I like it. Your kisses make me wild with desire, your smile lights up my world, and your laughter reaches down into my soul. I can’t bear the thought of being away from you, of a future without you.” He dropped to one knee and held out a tiny box with a ring. “Will you please, please marry me?”

  “Say yes, Aunt Seal!” Jacob cheered.

  “Of course, she’ll marry you,” Jana interjected.

  Kash grinned at Celia and she nodded her head. When he stood, she threw her arms around his neck and chanted, “Yes, yes, yes!”

  Later, after hearty rounds of congratulations and a toast to the newly engaged couple during breakfast, Celia and Kash bundled up and went outside. She smiled as sunlight glinted off the beautiful emerald stone in her engagement ring. Diamonds glittered around it and along the silver band.

  “I love the ring, Kash. It’s gorgeous and looks like something from a hundred years ago.”

  Kash chuckled. “That’s because it is. The ring belonged to my great-great grandmother. She passed it down to her grandson to give to his intended. My grandma passed it on to me.” Kash stopped walking and wrapped his arms around her. “Someday you can pass it on to our grandson.”

  “I’d like that,” Celia whispered, standing on tiptoe to give Kash a sweet kiss. “I love you so much, Kash Kressley. Thank you for driving all the way here to make all my wishes come true.”

  “Honestly, if I hadn’t already been planning to come, Dad and some of the crew would have tied me up and tossed me in the truck. It’s been miserable without you at the ranch. The house seems so lonesome and the decorations aren’t half as cheery without you there.” Kash traced his thumb across her cheek. “I know you women like a year or so to plan a wedding, but do you think you might be willing to marry this ol’ cowboy soon?”

  “If I thought my mother wouldn’t suffer from an acute conniption fit, I’d drag you to the airport and fly to Vegas this afternoon.”

  Kash grinned. “That could be arranged.”

  Celia shook her head. “As much as I want to do that, handsome, you’ll just have to cool your heels for a week or two. I promised my mama she could plan my wedding, right down to the color of your boutonniere. Since I’m her only daughter, I can’t take that away from her.”

  “I understand and I even admire you for keeping your promise. But tell her to put a rush order on whatever it is she wants to do.”

  “You’ve got it. Now kiss me again before Jacob runs out here to see what we’re up to.”

  “Whatever you say, Red.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  “Are you sure everything is set?” Kash asked Ransom for the third time in ten minutes.

  “Yes, bro. Jacob has the rings. I won’t make any sarcastic comments or offer any objection during the ceremony. Everything and everyone is ready to go,” Ransom said, reaching over and adjusting Kash’s black cross tie. “And for the record, I’m really happy for you and Celia. She’s good for you and is a great fit on the ranch. I apologize for all the grief I caused you both.”

  “Thanks, Ransom. It means a lot to hear you say that.” Kash thumped his brother on the back as Cort and Tate walked up to where they waited for the wedding to begin.

  On the third Saturday in January, snow still covered the ground outside, but didn’t seem to deter the number of people arriving for the wedding.

  The big old barn where Celia took photos of the wedding when Kash served as one of a dozen groomsmen provided a warm gathering spot for their reception. The ceremony would take place outside beneath an arbor Jana had decorated with garlands of pink roses and ivy that would freeze solid if they didn’t happen to be artificial.

  Kash didn’t care where the wedding took place, just as long as he and Celia were married.

  As he glanced around the barn, decorated with twinkling lights and gossamer swags, he had no idea how the women in Celia’s family had pulled together such a beautiful wedding with just three weeks to plan, but he was impressed with their efforts.

  Celia had warned him her mother wanted pale pink roses and loads of girly accents. He had no objection as long as they didn’t expect him to wear a pink vest or some crazy thing along those lines.

  The black tuxedo he wore was simple yet stylish and suited him perfectly.

  He could hardly wait to see what Celia wore. In truth, he was much more interested in removing her gown when he whisked her back to her apartment after the reception.

  They planned to spend the night there before flying out the next morning for a weeklong honeymoon in Arizona where it was sunny and warm. A friend with a cabin located close to Tucson offered to let them use it. The location provided plenty of privacy, but was near enough to civilization they could go out to dinner if they wanted.

  A photographer friend of Celia’s snapped photos while the guests gathered in the barn. The pastor would announce it was time for the ceremony and everyone would move outside. After the vows were exchanged, the party would resume in the warm barn where the smell of barbecued beef made Kash wish he’d taken time to eat the sandwich his father had brought to him.

  When the pastor stepped forward and invited everyone to take their seats outside, the crowd moved to the benches placed in a half-circle around the arbor. Folded blankets rested on the seats for people to cozy up beneath in the chilly winter temperatures.

  Kash took his place beside the pastor from Celia’s church while Ransom stood next to him with Cooper and Mark rounding out his attendants.

  Kaley and Kenzie walked down the aisle with Jacob. The little boy carried the rings tied to a horseshoe with a pink ribbon. Celia’s friend Kelly served as maid of honor. Kash made note of the interested glance she gave Ransom as she took her place beneath the arbor.

  The wedding march played from speakers situated behind the arbor out of sight. Everyone stood and all eyes turned to the redhead floating down the aisle on her father’s arm.

  A lump settled in Kash’s throat as he stared at his beautiful bride. The gown she wore brought to mind a Grace Kelly movie he’d once seen — elegant and classic. Her bare shoulders looked so soft and creamy, his fingers twitched at the idea of touching the exposed skin.

  Ransom glanced over at him with a goofy, knowing grin.

  The mass of Celia’s hair was piled on her head in a profusion of curls with bits of baby’s breath tucked into it for a dazzling effect. She carried a bouquet of pale pink roses and baby’s breath that matched the boutonniere on his tuxedo jacket.

  Her green eyes appeared luminous and full of love as her father handed her into Kash’s keeping with a pleased nod.

  Kash hadn’t told Celia, but he called her father the day she returned to Boise from the ranch and asked for his permission to marry her. Trevor gladly granted it and didn’t seem a bit surprised
when Kash proposed on Christmas Day.

  The ceremony went smoothly. When the pastor gave Kash permission to kiss the bride, Jacob tugged on his pant leg.

  In a stage whisper, he said, “Give Aunt Seal a good one, Uncle Kash.”

  Kash winked at the boy. “I plan on it, Jacob.”

  Slowly wrapping her in his arms, he looked into her eyes for a long moment before dipping his head to hers. The kiss he gave her held tenderness and passion, promises and love — a pledge of things yet to come.

  Finally, they faced their family and friends as Mr. and Mrs. Kash Kressley. “Come on in the barn, everyone, and join us for some great food and an afternoon of fun.”

  Instead of letting Celia walk beside him down the snow-packed path, Kash swept her into his arms. Those around them cheered as he carried her inside.

  Hours later, Jacob chased a little girl with bouncy pigtails while Tate and Kenzie danced with Gideon clinging to their legs.

  “Just think, this time next year Cort and Kaley will have a baby,” Kash mused as he watched Cort place his hand on Kaley’s stomach, kissing her cheek.

  “If you’d figure out a way to sneak us out of here, maybe we can get started on making one of our own.” Celia shot him a flirty glance.

  The surprised look on his face swiftly gave way to willing anticipation. “It would be my pleasure, Red.” Kash got to his feet and held out his hand to her. “Just follow my lead.”

  A soft light glowed from her eyes as she smiled at him. “Anywhere you want to go, handsome.”

  Together, they danced across the floor and out a side door. Eagerly scooping her into his arms, he hurried toward his pickup. “Will your mom be upset we left without saying goodbye?”

  “She’ll be fine. I think she expected me to do something not according to plan, because she already told me to have a wonderful honeymoon and to call her the minute we get back.” Celia’s fingers played with the back of Kash’s hair as he carried her across the snow to his truck. “If I haven’t mentioned it yet today, I love you, Kash Kressley. More than anything in this world.”