A Texas Holiday Reunion

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  His Christmas Homecoming

  With her foreman out of commission, Resa McCall needs horse trainer Colson Kincaid to run her family ranch through the holidays. But having the handsome single dad back in Bandera, Texas, is unsettling. Colson broke Resa’s heart years ago, and she can’t risk getting close again. Still, working with him and bonding with his sweet little girl is making the ranch feel merry and bright. Being at Resa’s side stirs up emotions Colson thought were long gone. But he has a powerful secret that could keep them apart forever. Can Colson give Resa the one Christmas present that might finally bring them back together—the truth?

  “What’s going on?”

  “Have a seat.” Mac gestured to the sofa.

  Nerves pinging, Resa perched on the edge.

  “Just tell me.”

  “As you know, I saw my doctor Friday.” Apology was thick in Juan’s voice. “He wants to do a knee replacement.”

  Her jaw dropped. Please, not until after Christmas. Not now. She couldn’t deal with not having a foreman.

  But she tried not to let her distress show. “We’ll figure it out.”

  “I took the liberty of doing that for you.” Juan turned to Colson. “I called Mr. Mac when I got the news.”

  And that had what to do with Colson?

  “Colson has agreed to fill Juan’s spot until his return.” Mac’s tone was confident. As if all her worries were taken care of.

  Colson. The man whom, almost six years ago, she’d become friends with. Whom she’d fallen for.

  And who had gone back to San Antonio without even saying goodbye. And married someone else. And now he’d be here for seven weeks? Her heart took a nosedive.

  This could not be happening. She couldn’t let it.

  Shannon Taylor Vannatter is a stay-at-home mom/pastor’s wife/award-winning author. She lives in a rural central-Arkansas community with a population of around one hundred, if you count a few cows. Contact her at shannonvannatter.com.

  Books by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  Love Inspired

  Texas Cowboys

  Reuniting with the Cowboy

  Winning Over the Cowboy

  A Texas Holiday Reunion

  Love Inspired Heartsong Presents

  Rodeo Ashes

  Rodeo Regrets

  Rodeo Queen

  Rodeo Song

  Rodeo Family

  Rodeo Reunion

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  A TEXAS HOLIDAY

  REUNION

  Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  Greater love hath no man than this,

  that a man lay down his life for his friends.

  —John 15:13

  To my husband—my own personal Superman.

  On top of pastoring our church,

  he makes grocery-store trips, post-office runs

  and endlessly chauffeurs our son.

  All so I can stay home and write.

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Dear Reader

  Excerpt from Secret Christmas Twins by Lee Tobin McClain

  Chapter One

  As her parents exchanged their wedding vows, Resa McCall dabbed at her tears.

  And tried to ignore one mind-numbing cowboy, Colson Kincaid.

  She and Dad had pulled it off—surprised Mom with a renewal ceremony at the Bandera, Texas, dude ranch where they’d married thirty years ago last spring.

  On this first afternoon of December, the anniversary of the day they’d met, they wore replicas of their original wedding finery. The same bridesmaids and groomsmen who’d stood up for them initially now flanked her parents. Even the thirty-five-year-old ring bearer and flower girl had come. And most of their friends and family were here, too.

  But try as she might, Resa couldn’t keep her gaze from wandering to Colson now and then. Confident and still ridiculously handsome. Bandera rodeo hero, high school heartthrob with swoon-worthy, vivid green eyes. They’d worked together in their early twenties, six years ago. Fallen in love.

  And then he’d left without so much as a goodbye. Spurred her vow to never trust another with her heart other than Jesus Christ.

  “I now pronounce you still husband and wife.” The pastor winked and pointed to the mistletoe overhead. “Duncan, you may kiss your wife.”

  Great. Resa had missed half the vows thanks to Mr. Cowboy Distraction.

  Beneath the tulle-draped rafters of the great room, multicolored twinkle lights reflected off the iridescent Christmas garland as her parents laughingly kissed. Their devotion to one another was clear in their sweet embrace. As a teen, she’d longed for that kind of love. To follow in their footsteps with a committed lifetime marriage.

  Until Colson Kincaid.

  “Mr. and Mrs. McCall request your presence for the reception in the dining room across the foyer,” the pastor announced, as a mideighties love song started up.

  Her parents turned to face their guests. Wearing blissful smiles, they retraced their steps down the white-poinsettia-lined aisle toward the foyer. The wedding party followed and then Resa and her brother, before ushers began escorting guests.

  Her gaze flitted to Colson, then darted away. The last person she wanted to see. Today or any other day. She’d had to invite him. How could she not, since his father was her parents’ business partner? But she hadn’t thought he’d actually come.

  In the foyer, Mom and Dad lined up with the wedding party.

  “This is so wonderful.” Mom latched on to Resa’s arm. The tears started up again, and before she knew it they were blubbering, with Dad pulling them in for a hug.

  “It was Dad’s idea.”

  Mom kissed his cheek. “It was perfect.”

  True to form, Resa’s brother, Emmett, stood off to the side. Inspecting his nails, looking bored.

  “Break it up, you two.” Dad cleared his throat. “Greet our guests without getting them wet.”

  “I better go make sure everything’s set in the dining room.” Resa disentangled herself, dabbed under her eyes, shot a glare at Emmett.

  She stepped through the doors to the reception area. “Ceremony’s over.” Garland lined each side of the steaming buffet, which included lasagna, zucchini and seven-layer salad. “They’re greeting guests.”

  “All set here,” a voice called from the kitchen.

  There was a long row of tables in the center for her parents, family, close friends and the wedding party. Round tables filled each side for guests, graced by centerpieces with strings of imitation pearls woven through white poinsettias.

  “Thanks.” Resa checked her appearance in a barn-wood-framed mirror. Thankfully, her waterproof mascara had lived up to its hype.

  Backing to the e
ntryway doors, she scanned the room. Intricate rockwork twin fireplaces bordered the space, with a wall of windows on the far end. Two massive chandeliers her father had crafted from iron wagon wheels nestled among the massive beams framing the wood ceiling.

  Exactly the way it had looked in pictures of her parents’ original reception. Perfect. Only better, since all the current furnishings and decor had come from her family’s handcrafted log furniture store.

  The door from the foyer opened. Spicy cologne filled her space. The same scent that had haunted her dreams for six years.

  More like her recurring nightmare. She could feel him right behind her now. She drew in a calming breath, turned around.

  Not one smart-aleck word surfaced. Probably best. Smart-aleck and Christian attitude didn’t compute. So he’d finagled his way into her heart. Told her she was the only girl for him. Then left her behind, to marry someone else. It was a long time ago. She needed to get over it already.

  She forced a smile as her lungs deflated. “I’m surprised you came.”

  “I got an invitation.”

  “Yes, but—”

  “You haven’t seen hide nor hair of me in six years.” He ducked his head. “Dad strong-armed me into coming. Said it was important to your folks.”

  He was hatless for once. But his boots, jeans and Western shirt proved he hadn’t changed. He was still a cowboy through and through.

  “This place is awesome.” He pointed toward the foyer. “I did those chairs out there.”

  “How can you remember?” She’d designed the two cowhide wingbacks on sturdy log frames instead of the usual Queen Anne legs, but hadn’t realized he’d been the crafter.

  “I remember all the pieces I build. The same as you probably remember all of your designs.”

  She did. And those had been a challenge. When the order had been placed, she hadn’t been sure she could make rustic wingbacks come together. But in the end, it worked. And the second generation owners, neighbors and friends had placed more orders, until only Rusticks Log Furnishings complemented Chasing Eden Dude Ranch.

  Silence hung loud and heavy, and turned awkward. He shifted his weight.

  “I’m sorry about Felicity.” There, she’d said it. And she was sorry. Why was it so hard for her to say his wife’s name?

  His eyes dimmed. He was obviously still grieving her. “Thanks.”

  The doors opened. “Heads up.” Devree, her wedding planner, entered the dining room. “I gave the guests a nudge in this direction, so we’re about to be inundated.”

  “We’re all set here.” Resa sidestepped Colson, but he chose the same direction and she smacked into him. It was like running into a brick wall.

  “Whoa.” His breath fanned her forehead.

  He was still solid. Her cheeks went hot as she stepped around him and opened the door to the foyer.

  Mac beamed at her. “Resa, so good to see you.” Colson’s dad gave her a warm hug.

  “You, too, Mac. Thank you so much for doing the best man thing again.”

  “Wouldn’t have missed it.” He was such an honorable man. If only his son was as loyal.

  “Please come in,” she called to the guests, gesturing toward the tables. “You’ll find name cards at each place setting and the ushers will help you find your seat.” Her smile felt forced.

  Partly because of Colson. But mostly because after the reception, Mom and Dad were leaving and would be gone until Christmas Eve. They were finally taking the time to realize their dream of a Mediterranean cruise. Leaving Resa to oversee Rusticks Log Furnishings and the family ranch.

  Alone.

  Her gaze landed on her brother. Fun-loving, charming ladies’ man. He didn’t take anything seriously and didn’t have a speck of dependability in him.

  Even though Mom had asked him to come home to help run things during their absence, Emmett would probably leave as soon as he took their parents to the airport. At least Resa wouldn’t have to worry about keeping him in line, along with everything else.

  Once the reception ended, Colson would leave, too. Then maybe her heartbeat would get back to normal and she could focus on designing furniture and keeping the ranch and the store running smoothly through the Christmas rush.

  Just get through this day. Concentrate on Mom and Dad. Not Colson.

  * * *

  The reception got under way and Colson tried to blend in. Resa’s mom was radiant as she chatted with guests at the head table.

  Colson stiffened, immediately on guard when his gaze landed on Emmett sitting just down from his mom. He hadn’t noticed Resa’s elusive, prodigal brother. Hadn’t expected him to show.

  But Cheyenne was safely tucked away at the McCalls’ house with his stepmom. Protected from the one man who could turn her world upside down.

  With a yawn, Emmett’s ice-blue eyes scanned every attractive female in the room. Nothing had changed since high school. He was still a playboy who was always in trouble, who left a string of young girls heartbroken. But he wouldn’t get a chance at Cheyenne.

  Emmett was the epitome of a spoiled rich kid, while Resa never gave off our-parents-are-loaded vibes. A kind, caring Christian. If only Colson had listened to her in high school when she’d tried to tell him about Jesus.

  His life would have been so different.

  But he wouldn’t have his little girl. Cheyenne was proof that good things could come out of bad decisions.

  “Can you believe Maryann asked Emmett to help me at the store while they’re gone?” his dad whispered.

  Colson’s insides tilted. “He’ll be here?”

  “I sincerely doubt it. I’m surprised he even showed up for the ceremony. He’ll probably leave as soon as they do.”

  Colson couldn’t possibly stay here if Emmett did. No way around it, he’d have to let Dad down.

  Seated at the head table, Resa avoided his gaze. Maybe he should have stayed in the truck. Steered clear of Emmett. And her.

  But one glimpse of Resa still twisted his insides into a pretzel.

  Forget-me-not blue eyes still beautiful despite the hurt he’d put there—turned icy when she looked at him. Her silken inky hair, creamy skin, delicate features always turned heads. Her lacy red dress only highlighted her beauty. Yet she’d never married. Never even dated after him, from what he’d heard through the grapevine.

  After what he’d done to her, she probably thought he and all other men were just like her brother. And Colson had purposely let her think it.

  His father pushed his plate away. “There was a time when I thought you might marry her.”

  Colson’s breath caught. “Who?”

  “Who.” Dad chuckled. “That girl you haven’t taken your eyes off of. That spring when you worked at the ranch and y’all dated, I thought it would last.”

  “I had to do the right thing.” He’d turned his back on her. “Felicity needed me. And now that she’s gone, I have to focus on Cheyenne.”

  “But things are different now. And Cheyenne could use a woman in her life.” Dad patted his knee. “Just because your marriage wasn’t good—just because your mother divorced me—it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give love a chance. Look at them.”

  The elder McCalls exchanged a kiss. There was a lifetime of love obvious in their smiles.

  But his mother hadn’t only left Dad behind. She’d left Colson. Not because she’d died, but on purpose. One day, she’d thrown him the perfect birthday party. The next day, she ran off with another man. Never looked back, called, sent letters or emails. Nothing.

  At the tender age of nine, he’d decided to never love another woman. And he hadn’t. Not even Felicity. Until Resa McCall got to him. Took him to church. Introduced him to Jesus. And by trusting in a man he couldn’t see, he’d learned to trust her. Had fallen fo
r her.

  But then his past mistakes had caught up with him. Felicity had dropped her bomb. In doing the right thing, he’d left Resa feeling abandoned, just as he’d felt when his mother had left. Trashed any chance of anything happening with the only girl he’d ever loved. Trashed her heart in the process.

  Her gaze met his, then skittered away.

  The longing to explain boiled in his gut. To tell her why he’d married Felicity. To share how miserable his marriage had been. To dislodge the distrust he’d embedded in Resa’s eyes. To make it up to her, the only person he’d ever intentionally hurt. His time working here would be easier if he cleared the air. But if she didn’t hate him anymore, his heart might end up in very dangerous territory.

  He had to focus on his daughter. And even though Felicity had lied to him, made his life miserable, she hadn’t deserved to die. He didn’t deserve to be happy and he couldn’t risk Cheyenne’s biological family learning the truth.

  Of all the places he needed to avoid, Bandera, Texas, was top of the list. Yet here he was. For the next three weeks until her parents returned. Maybe even the full seven weeks until the ranch foreman could come back to work. Gripping his secret and his heart with both fists.

  Silverware clinked on glass as Duncan McCall stood. “I want to thank everyone for coming this weekend. A special thanks goes to our daughter, Resa, for pulling this together, all without letting her mother in on our scheme until our guests started showing up. And our gracious hosts went above and beyond to accommodate our guests and recreate our wedding day.

  “Maryann and I have loved catching up with all of our friends over the weekend.” Duncan raised his glass of sparkling cider. “But we’ve long dreamed of going on a cruise. And since our plane leaves in a few hours, I’m afraid we need to get going.”

  The four family members stood, did the group hug thing as the guests applauded.

  “Maybe you can help Resa clean up,” Dad whispered.

  Something squeezed in his chest. Exactly what Colson didn’t want to do. But he might as well get used to it. At least until Christmas Eve, she’d be stuck with him.