Christmas Showdown

by Mackenzie McKade

  “Dad, I know you’re only doing what you think best, but Kelly is different,” Trey argued. He knew she wanted whatever was best for TJ and having a mother and father was the best thing for the child.

  “They’re all charming and accommodating until the honeymoon is over, son. Did you know TJ’s birth father is listed as unknown and he’s a McMaster and not a Burstyn?”

  “Dammit, Dad, I explained that to you.”

  “I’m just saying it’s obvious this boy is yours. We want to do everything we can to keep him in this family. Your mother can’t take another estranged grandchild.” His father circled his arms protectively around his wife.

  “Everything will be alright,” she said reassuringly. “I have a good feeling about Kelly.”

  “All I’m saying is Trey needs that paternity test done and his name on the boy’s birth certificate in case we need to fight this woman.”

  A gush of air that sounded like a coiled snake ready to spring sent a chill up Trey’s back. When he spun around, fire flickered in the depths of Kelly’s eyes.

  “And a fight is exactly what you’ll have if you attempt to take my son away from me,” she spoke, low and clear. An ominous calm seemed to come over her.

  “Ohmygod,” his mother gasped, pulling out of his father’s arms. “Kelly? Please, you have to understand—”

  “Understand? I think Mr. Burstyn made it clear enough for even me to understand.” Her control snapped and she began to tremble. “TJ, come to Momma.” Her voice was a whisper of steel.

  When he squirmed to go to her, Trey held him tight. Instead he approached Kelly. Her glare tracked him like a soldier eyeing an enemy.

  “Darlin’, it’s not what you think. You have to hear me out.”

  Tears filled her eyes and he had no doubt they sprung from a well of suppressed fury. Suddenly a hard finger stabbed him in the chest as she growled up at him, “You’ll never take him away.” Then she pinned her fiery glare on his father. “None of you.”

  Looking cornered and out of place, her gaze toggled back and forth between the men. “Let me tell you something.” She swallowed, nearly choking on her words. “TJ and I might be poor and struggling, but we’re happy.” Tears blossomed and she clearly fought to hold them back. “It’s a helluva lot better than growing up in the household I did. I’ve gone to great lengths to make sure no one makes my baby unhappy. I’ll go to even greater lengths to keep him with me.” She harrumphed, a sound oddly a blend of laughter and disbelief. “If my parents couldn’t guilt me into having an abortion and later giving him up for adoption, you people don’t have a dead man’s chance in hell to take him away from me.”

  Without another word, she snatched TJ from Trey’s arms. When the boy started to fuss, she said, “Shhh, baby. We’re going home.”

  “Kelly, please.” Trey had to stop her, but how?

  Kelly had known something was amiss when she heard Barbara mention her name. The little hairs on the back of her neck rose as Suz flashed her a startled look, her mouth opening too late to announce their arrival before John responded. Each of his words ripped Kelly’s heart and soul from her body.

  Frantically she looked for her purse, remembering she’d left it in Trey’s truck. Grabbing the diaper bag, she shoved open the screen door and let it slam behind her. On determined feet, she headed for Trey’s truck only to find Lance leaning against the door.

  “I think that’s a record for us. We haven’t even had brunch and someone is leaving.”

  “Get out of my way,” she barked as TJ squirmed in her arms.

  He ignored her. “Dad’s like a bull in the china cabinet when it comes to this family. Guess this little misunderstanding is my fault.”

  “Your fault?” She didn’t even attempt to contain her surprise.

  “Yep.” Lance pushed away from the vehicle to approach her. He tapped TJ on the nose. “I’m the black sheep of the family. Screwed up my marriage. Pretty much lost my child. My ex has been hell-bent on me paying for my sins through Chastity.” He looked past Kelly to where a group of the children played with a litter of kittens. When his gaze landed on his daughter, regret reflected in his eyes. “She means everything to me. But the divorce was nasty. Her mother’s hard feelings have tainted our relationship, not that I can blame her, but our child pays the price.” His saddened eyes came back to Kelly’s. “Don’t do the same thing to Trey. He’s not like me and he cares for you—for that boy.”

  The knot in her throat grew larger, making it harder to breathe past her anger and fear and the emptiness that threatened to swallow her up.

  “Day before last, when Trey told us about his son, he asked Dad to stay out of it. But Dad is Dad.” Lance’s amusement was weak and strained. “He’ll do anything to keep Mom happy and this family intact.”

  “Kelly?” Trey’s voice skated across her skin.

  “And this is where I take my leave.” Lance leaned toward Kelly and kissed her softly on the cheek before whispering, “Trey’s a good man. Give him a chance to make this right,” before he eased back. “Do you want me to take the little ruffian while you two chat?”

  When she didn’t respond, Trey repeated her name, adding, “Please?”

  The blatant sorrow in his voice shook her. Biting her bottom lip, she fought the stinging tears that beat violently against her eyelids.

  This family would not take her child away from her.

  “Momma.” TJ pushed against her chest. “Down, down, down.” And then he released a string of gibberish that felt like he was telling her off, or maybe to give his father a chance.

  Leaning over, she placed TJ on his feet and he hit the ground at a run. She turned to watch Lance chasing after him. Her heart raced as she wondered if she’d done the right thing. What if this family physically attempted to take TJ away from her?

  Trey walked up, stopping short of bumping into her. “I’m sorry.” He pushed his fingers through his hair. “This is my fault. I should have made it clearer to Dad to stay out of our business.”

  “You won’t take my child away from me.”

  “You’re right, I won’t. I have no intentions of depriving our child of his mother, any more than you do his father. Don’t you think I know how hard it was for you to agree to move in with me—to let me past your barriers? We agreed to give this relationship a chance. I plan to hold you to your promise.”

  “But your father—”

  “Isn’t controlling this situation. He acted out of best intentions, but without my permission. He’s up to speed with my plans and that is that. I’m willing to wait until you are ready to let me all the way into yours and TJ’s life.”

  A tear ran down her cheek, and then another. “I can’t—won’t lose him.”

  “C’mere, darlin’.” He dragged her into his arms. “You won’t, because I don’t plan on losing him or you.” Heat warmed his gaze. “I tried finding you. I even went to Denver hoping to find you. For two days I haunted the places I thought you might go.” He took a quick breath before continuing. “This thing between us, Kelly, is real. I not only want TJ—I want you. I’ve wanted you ever since I laid eyes on you.” His mouth slanted over hers.

  Kelly needed to believe him. She might be a fool, but she leaned into him, her lips parting when his tongue caressed their seam. As he dipped inside she tasted his hot eagerness, heard the growl that rumbled in his chest. Desperate not to let this man slip out of her and TJ’s life, she stabbed her fingers through his hair, tilted her head, and dove wholeheartedly into his kiss. Sighing with pleasure, she tangled her tongue with his. Another growl surfaced as he tore his mouth from hers.

  “Let’s go home,” he breathed, smoothing his hand over her ass. “Did I mention how good you look in those tight leather pants? That suggestive sweater?”

  Before she could answer, she heard a youthful groan.

  “Oh yuck, Uncle T, get a room.” Jay snickered.

  Trey’s eyes danced with merriment. “Now where do you suppose he hear
d a phrase like that?”

  “Television,” Kelly offered.

  “Uncle T, you never did come and see what I got for Christmas.”

  “Can’t, sport. We’re heading home.”

  “Ahhh, Uncle T, don’t go. Puh-leeeze. Dad bought me a shotgun for dove season. You have to see it, and Mom has agreed to let me ride today. You have to be there. Puh-leeeze.”

  A gun? For a child? What type of people were the Burstyns? Then again she had to remember they were ranchers. They lived a different life than the one she was brought up in.

  “Go.” She couldn’t help the hesitancy that crept into her tone. “I’ll keep an eye on TJ.”

  “You sure?” Concern darkened Trey’s gaze. “You want to stay?”

  No. She absolutely did not want to stay, but she couldn’t squash the boy’s eagerness.

  “It’s Christmas. You should be with your family.” Even though she felt those were the correct words to say, she couldn’t help begrudge them. “But don’t expect me to make small talk with your father.”

  Residual anger and a twist of uncertainty lingered in her gut. She would stay out of the man’s way—as long as he stayed out of hers. But if he wanted a fight, she’d show him just how long her fingernails were, and this gal’s bite was definitely worse than her bark when it came to TJ.

  Trey and Jay had only turned the corner when the devil himself came strutting toward her. His cowboy hat was pulled low over his eyes, his steps determined. Like all the Burstyns the man had an imposing frame, age didn’t weaken his effect.

  Kelly’s backbone stiffened, tension tightening her shoulders and neck. A hot flash whispered through her. Lowering her eyebrows, she narrowed her eyes as her heart skipped a beat.

  He stopped before her. “Miss McMaster, I believe we got off on the wrong foot.”

  “No, sir, I believe we know exactly which foot each of us stands upon.” Her jaws locked in an attempt to curb her temper, for Trey and TJ’s sake.

  “Yes, ma’am. That we do.” He chuckled, his face softening before it firmed again. “It still doesn’t excuse my rudeness or distrust of you before it is warranted, which my son and wife were happy enough to bring to my attention. I’m not making excuses for my behavior, but this situation is out of the usual. You’re a stranger to us.”

  “As your family is to me, but more importantly to TJ.”

  “Touché. But I hope you can understand, Miss McMaster, I want my grandchildren to be part of our lives. In my haste, I disregarded your feelings as well as my son’s, and for that I apologize. It’s my hope that we can move beyond my discourtesy.” A genuine grin curved his hard mouth. “TJ is a lot like his father. He’s a pistol. And you have made quite an impression on my son. He made it clear where my place was and Trey has never done that before.” John’s olive branch was an extended hand. “I’d like to welcome you and your son to our family.”

  For a moment, Kelly stared at his large hand, expecting it to sprout teeth and snap at her if she dared take it in hers.

  When she didn’t make any move to shake his hand, he asked, “Will you forgive me?”

  Licking her lips, she raised her hand to meet his. “Only if you promise to call me Kelly.”

  He generously shook her hand. “It’s a deal. Barbara said to escort you back into the house. She made it clear that if you didn’t come back, I couldn’t come back, and it’s time to eat.”

  Releasing her, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and she couldn’t help stiffening beneath his touch. He appeared not to notice or chose not to acknowledge the wall that still remained between them as they headed back to the house.

  Just because civil words had been exchanged, Kelly would be a fool to let her guard down. Trust came with time and it would take plenty of that for the two of them to truly make amends.

  Chapter Eleven

  After brunch and the opening of presents, Kelly put TJ down for a nap. Exhausted, his eyes had closed the minute his head hit the pillow. The boy’s button mouth made sucking motions as Trey pulled the blanket up around the child’s shoulders. Kelly stepped behind him and wove her arms around his waist as together they watched their son sleep. The light on the monitor caught his attention. According to his mom, she would be able to hear TJ as she sat in the living room. Scooping Kelly’s hand in his, he led her quietly out of his old bedroom.

  “I think that is the most running he’s done in his lifetime,” Kelly said as they walked down the stairs.

  “If you’d like, I could install a screen door to TJ’s room. That way we could corral him so he won’t wander free while we sleep. If we get a monitor, we’ll know what he’s up to at all times.”

  “Sounds like a good idea.”

  Trey couldn’t help squeezing her hand. Did this mean the trial period was over in her mind?

  “Mom said she’d listen for TJ if we wanted to go out and watch Jay ride.”

  “Ride?”

  “His father is putting him on his first calf today. Up until now he’s ridden sheep.”

  Her eyes gaped in surprise. “You’re kidding?”

  “Jay has been mutton bustin’ competitively for some time in the rodeos. Paula’s fears have held the boy back from progressing to the next level, which is calf riding. Guess my brother must have talked her into letting their son give it a try.”

  She jerked her hand, but Trey held tight. “I don’t want TJ on a calf.”

  “Darlin’, I rode professionally for a while and I’m still here.”

  “Trey.” Her voice firmed.

  “Okay. I won’t put him on a calf today.” But he couldn’t wait for the day his son wanted to ride. Then Kelly would change her mind, he was sure of it.

  As they passed his mother sitting in her favorite rocking chair, she gave them a quiet nod and went back to crocheting something light blue laying on her lap. Trey figured it was a blanket for TJ. She made all her grandchildren one. On the end table next to her, the receiver blinked and he could hear TJ’s soft breathing.

  Yeah, they needed to get a monitor.

  Opening the door, he held it wide for Kelly to pass through before he pulled it shut behind them. Trey squinted against the bright sun spreading its warmth upon them. An earlier breeze must have chased the clouds away because the blue above them was crystal clear.

  Nearing the barn, he heard hoots and hollers of encouragement. As they drew closer to the arena, he saw that Jay wore a helmet with a full facemask and a chest guard. Through the slats, Trey could see his nephew’s head tucked low as he checked his rigging like Trey had taught him. Beneath the boy the calf stirred, mooing sorrowfully.

  “Dad purchased a half a dozen of the small beasties just for Jay to practice on.” He’d also bought a new load of sheep, but Trey didn’t share that information with Kelly as they joined Melissa, Suz, and Paula, who watched safely beyond the fence.

  Placing a boot on the last wrung of the metal, he leaned in, resting his arms against the top bar.

  “Were your mother and father involved with all of you when you were younger?” Kelly asked.

  “Dad and Mom were at every one of our school and extracurricular activities. They still attend mine. I play basketball,” Melissa said.

  “Though they prefer not to go to my nightly wet t-shirt events.” Suz smirked.

  Paula chuckled while Trey shot his sister a discouraging frown. The woman would be the death of him and his brothers. She was as wild as a Northern wind.

  “Suz and Mel both ride the barrels and other events at the rodeos,” Trey added. Both were damn good, too.

  “John and Barbara also participate in Jay’s athletic and rodeo events and the girls’ dance and piano recitals,” Paula added.

  Trey glanced down at Kelly. “I know my father has rubbed you the wrong way, but he really thought he was looking out for the family—for me.”

  Kelly remained silent, her eyes focused on the boy in the chute. It saddened Trey to have this barrier between her and his family, mainly
his father, but he understood. If he were in the same position, he would feel as she did.

  “Do you have any brothers or sisters?” Melissa asked.

  “I have a brother. He’s in Iraq.”

  Trey looked down at her. “You two close?”

  “Somewhat, but he’s been gone for a while.”

  She sounded wistful. He recalled she hadn’t called her parents to wish them Merry Christmas, so he wondered if they were still alive. “Your Mom and Dad?”

  “Let’s say we’re estranged and leave it at that.”

  Suz and he shared a glance before the gate swung wide and the calf burst out into the arena. The family went wild, including Trey. Jay held on like a champ for the first couple of seconds, but a sharp spin to the left sent the boy flying the opposite direction. He bit the dirt, hard.

  Lance and Jason ran out to check on him while Paula’s knuckles turned white as she clutched the fence.

  The boy jumped up before his father and uncle got to him, pumping the air with a fist. “Yeah. Let’s do that again.”

  As Jason dusted off his son’s jeans, Paula released an audible breath.

  His grandfather jumped down from where he sat, smiling proudly. “Trey, did you see that? Almost looked like you at the Greeley Stampede in Colorado.” He laughed before he headed down the way to herd another calf into the chute.

  “Thanks, Dad. Like I needed that memory brought up again. I think the Brahma celebrated more than I did that day.”

  “You really did this?” Kelly asked.

  “It was one of the best times in my life.” He watched with longing as Jay climbed aboard a black-and-white calf.

  “Why did you quit and become a policeman?” she asked.

  “Riding is hard on the body.”

  “He means head.” Suz tittered.

  “Both, actually. And sleeping out of a suitcase gets old. So when a friend of mine suggested we try out for the force, I thought I’d give it a try. Been doing it ever since.”