She made sure to give a smile to Uncle Brendan, who returned it before continuing his conversation with Jo Fielding. Josh’s loosely defined family included about thirty people.
“He’s about to go up.” Pete sounded excited. “Would you hold my shake so I can take pictures?”
“Absolutely.” Judging from all the phones in the crowd, she’d have no trouble getting copies if she wanted them.
Josh couldn’t ask for a more authentic Santa. From the pure white trim on his red velvet suit to the polish on his black boots, he was spectacular. His snowy beard curled just enough and his wire-rimmed glasses perched on his nose at the exact angle to make him look jolly yet wise.
Gage held one of Josh’s hands and Emma held the other as Josh toddled up to Santa wearing a green elf costume, complete with hat. He stared up at the man sitting on a large golden chair trimmed with faux jewels.
The crowd went still, as if it was holding a collective breath waiting for the little boy’s reaction.
Santa leaned down and held out both white-gloved hands. “Want to come up, Josh?”
Gage and Emma exchanged a glance and let go of his hands, giving him the choice to stay or leave.
“Da-da!” Josh lifted both arms and Santa scooped him onto his lap.
A sigh went up from the crowd and shutters clicked or whirred, depending on how many shots were being taken. Taryn swallowed a giggle. That kiss selfie had forever changed how she viewed the camera on her phone.
Josh patted Santa’s face and started to tug on his beard. Santa expertly untangled the tiny fingers. Reaching a mittened hand toward Mrs. Claus, he took the plush reindeer she placed there and gave it to Josh. The little boy hugged his new toy to his chest and made a whinnying sound.
Santa surveyed the crowd and zeroed in on Quinn and Kendra. “In case you didn’t get that, he wants a pony.”
“We’re on it,” Quinn said. “Thanks, Santa.”
Gage plucked Josh from Santa’s lap and the show was over.
“God, he’s cute.”
Taryn glanced up and her heart squeezed. He sure did love that little kid. Joy shone in his smile and the light in his eyes. She was entranced by both. That was unsettling.
He’d mentioned getting his own house. Did he also want his own family? That wish might not have surfaced, yet, but any man who gazed at a child that way clearly was meant to be a father.
The Pete she’d hired in June had simply been looking for a job. Now, whether he recognized it or not, he was looking for a life.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
What a great day it was turning out to be. After a quick trip home to feed the horses and drop his duffle inside the front door, Pete handed Taryn back into his truck for the drive to the Guzzling Grizzly. He hadn’t been around for last year’s Christmas talent show, but he’d seen the videos and had been looking forward to it ever since.
Gage had come up with the Sawyer family act. He’d found an acapella version of Sleigh Ride that wasn’t too challenging and they’d talked their dad into singing bass.
It wasn’t quite Pentatonix, but it didn’t suck, either. The five of them used to fool around singing harmony when everyone was still at home. With some practice and a little coaching from Bryce McGavin, they had their chops back.
He’d held off mentioning it to Taryn. At first he hadn’t said anything because he wasn’t sure it would come together. When it did, he hadn’t told her because…yeah, he wanted to impress her. That had likely been his motivation all along.
On the way in, she tried to guess what the act would be. “I doubt you’re juggling since Badger’s doing that with Ryker and Cody.”
“We’re not juggling, but there’s been a change in their lineup. Luke Bennett’s standing in for Cody on the juggling team. Cody’s staying home with Faith and Noel.”
“Oh, goodness, I forgot about that little baby. Of course they can’t bring her into a packed venue when she’s only five days old. But it’s sad they’ll miss it.”
“They won’t miss it entirely. Everyone will be using their phones to do live video chats with them. It won’t be the same, but at least they’ll get the gist of the show.”
“Well, good. That makes me feel better.” She glanced over at him. “Are you doing a dance routine? I’ve been hearing about the Sawyer dancing tradition.”
“We’re not tap dancers, if you’re picturing top hats and tails.”
“So you’re wearing what you have on?”
“Yes, ma’am. This act doesn’t require a costume. We leave that to the Whine and Cheese Club.”
“Do you know what they’re doing?”
“I don’t, but I think my dad does. He wouldn’t tell me. Said it was a state secret.”
“For a town where news travels like lightning, keeping these acts under wraps must be a challenge.”
“But good marketing. More people buy tickets because they can’t stand not being there to see what everyone comes up with. That means more money for needy families.”
“I can see that. Besides, I’ll bet people want to video Warren Bennett in his Godman spandex and cape, no matter what he does.”
“Yeah.” Pete chuckled. “Should be great, too. Luke said his dad’s been working on his comedy routine since last Christmas.”
“Is there a printed program?”
“Nope. That would give too much away. Bryce has a cheat sheet, and that’s been closely guarded, too.”
“Can you at least tell me how many acts before yours?”
“Two.”
“You’re the third act? That’s terrific.”
“And necessary. Gage and Emma are bringing Josh, but they can’t stay for the whole thing. After our act, they’ll drive to Faith and Cody’s and watch with them.”
“I guess babies complicate things.”
“But they’re so worth it.”
“Sounds like you’re a fan.”
“I didn’t know I was until Josh showed up. Watching that little guy has been a kick. I’ll bet he’ll go nuts when he sees his daddy up there performing.”
“He won’t be the only one going nuts. I can’t wait.”
“You won’t have to much longer. We’re here.”
The next hour went fast. Dinner was part of the deal so everyone was served from an abbreviated menu. The Sawyers, the McGavins and the Bennetts claimed three large round tables. Each table was a mix of families.
His dad was often the life of the party, but tonight his uncle shared that role. He’d also dived into the great-uncle persona. When Josh grew restless during dinner, Uncle Brendan carried him around the room, introducing him to people and asking how they were enjoying their evening.
Pete had ended up sitting between Taryn and Jo Fielding. At one point, Jo leaned toward him. “Is your uncle always like this?”
“By like this, you mean…”
“He acts like he’s never met a stranger. He assumes everyone he encounters will love him.”
“Then the answer is yes. He’s been like that ever since I can remember. He’s a card-carrying member of Extroverts Anonymous.”
“Except I’ll bet extroverts like him are never anonymous.”
“That’s a fact. They make sure you know their name.”
On his other side, Taryn gave him a nudge. “Bryce is coming up to the microphone.”
“Then we must be ready to start the show.” That gave him a few butterflies, but once he got up there he’d be fine. He wasn’t as outgoing as his uncle, but he could handle something like this.
“Love Bryce’s outfit.”
“That looks like a new one.” Bryce was in all white, even his boots. Then Nicole came out in the same dazzling white. “Did you hear their album hit number four on the charts?”
“No, but I’m not surprised. They’re quickly converting me into a country fan.”
He sent her a quick grin. “I knew there was hope for you.” Then he settled back as Bryce welcomed everyone and Nicole announced ho
w much money had been raised. After that they launched into a rendition of Winter Wonderland.
They were playing to their hometown crowd and the audience clearly loved every note they sang and every chord they strummed. When they finished, Pete rose to his feet with everybody else. Those two were destined for stardom, but clearly they’d never forget their roots.
Badger, Ryker and Luke stepped up next and executed a dazzling juggling display of holiday plates to Mannheim Steamroller’s Joy to the World. Pete glanced at Josh, who bounced and clapped all the way through it. Bryce might have put that number second so Josh would be there for it.
Then it was time for the Sawyer contribution. Pete stood, and on impulse leaned down and gave Taryn a quick kiss for luck. His mouth tingled as he joined his brothers, his sister and his dad on stage.
His dad gave them a note on the pitch pipe and they were off on a spirited sleigh ride. Pete tuned into his dad’s bass, Roxanne’s soprano and Wes’s tenor. He and Gage sang baritone, rounding out the quintet.
It worked. For the whip crack, his dad unfurled an honest-to-god whip and cracked it on stage. Like he was Indiana Jones. The ending called for a horse whinny and Gage chimed in with the most compelling whinny a human could possibly make. He’d always been good at it.
Judging from this afternoon at Pills and Pop, he’d been teaching his son. When the cheers and wild applause had died away, Josh was still practicing his whinny. After hugs and high-fives all around, Gage, Josh and Emma left.
Pete settled in his chair next to Taryn and ordered a beer. Adrenaline coursed through his system. They’d done well.
“I absolutely loved that.”
He scooted around to face her. “I’m glad. I wanted you to.”
“Well, I did. I had no idea you could sing. Or that any of you could.”
“We used to for the fun of it. This time we put in some serious practice. Bryce tutored us.”
“I hope you keep it up. The five of you were so into it. Fun to watch.”
“It was fun to do. Feels like old times.”
“I’m happy for you.”
“Amazin’ job, mate.” His uncle arrived and clapped him on the shoulder. “Great to see. Sawyers always have been good singers.”
“Do you sing, Uncle Brendan?”
“You don’t remember the karaoke machine I brought one Christmas?”
“You were the one who gave us that? I loved that thing.”
“Well, I’m the bloke who gave it to the family.” Then he turned to Jo. “Ever tried karaoke, lovely lady?”
“A few times.”
“Ah, so modest. I’m bettin’ you’re a wild woman when you get up on that stage.”
She smiled. “No, Brendan, I am not. But I’ll bet you’re a wild man when you get up…on that stage.”
“Yea, yea, I have my moments. Anyway, I need to go back to my seat. The next act is about to start. Nice chattin’ with you.” He tipped his hat and left.
Pete smiled. Uncle Brendan was flirting with Jo and she was flirting right back. Cute. Too bad it wouldn’t come to anything since they lived on separate continents.
Now that the Sawyer number was over, Pete could do a little flirting of his own. He and Taryn had turned their chairs around to face the stage. He was close enough to casually drape his arm over the back of hers and lightly caress her shoulder.
She’d worn a white sweater tonight with a snowflake pattern woven into it. Soft. Touchable. She looked great.
Glancing over, she gave him a warm smile.
Happiness poured through him, a river of contentment on the surface with an undercurrent of anticipation for the moment they’d be alone. It would be the icing on the cake of one of the best days of his life.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
No wonder the talent show had become a favorite event even though this was only its second year. Taryn had missed the community-wide events earlier in the year and she wouldn’t miss them again.
Eagles Nest was special. She’d sensed it the first time she’d visited. She’d banked on it when she’d decided to launch her business here. But she hadn’t fully experienced the camaraderie that knit the community together until tonight. She’d had a taste of it at the caroling event for Noel McGavin, but the talent show was a banquet of good cheer that she’d never forget.
So much goodwill. So much good-natured laughter. Ellie Mae Stockton came out with a tiny tree she placed on a stool and proceeded to bust some moves as she danced around it to Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. Fire Chief Javier Ortega led his firefighters in a rousing rendition of Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
Then Reverend Warren Bennett strutted on stage in his spandex Godman outfit. The guy could have made it as a standup comic. She laughed until the tears came. When she looked over at Pete, he was in the same condition, out of breath, eyes watering.
The grand finale turned out to be the Whine and Cheese Club’s creation. They’d all left their seats some time ago, so Jo’s place next to Pete was empty.
His uncle claimed it. “I hear these women are something else.”
Pete chuckled. “You don’t know the half of it.”
“Jo’s one of them, right?”
Taryn hid a smile. Uncle Brendan had a crush.
Bryce stepped up to announce that the Whine and Cheese Club would be loosely interpreting The Twelve Days of Christmas. “And because the club is only five strong,” Bryce said, “they’ve added seven recruits. You may not recognize some of them under their costumes, but the club wishes to thank Mandy, April, Olivia, Hayley, Ingrid, Abigail and Roxanne, who not only agreed to participate, but helped make the outfits.”
Taryn leaned toward Pete. “What a project! And you heard nothing?”
“Nothing.” He swiveled in his seat to glance at his dad, who was sitting behind them. “Way to keep a secret, Dad.”
“She would have killed me if I’d let anything slip.” He made a shooing motion with his hand. “Turn around. You don’t want to miss any of it.”
The tune started and a woman dressed as a partridge came out juggling pears. Real pears. Taryn figured that out when she dropped one and one of the servers rushed to clean up the smashed pear. Next came a cooing woman in a turtle dove costume holding a large placard labeled 2.
Because Quinn was chuckling as the woman cooed, Taryn guessed that the turtle dove was Kendra. The size and shape was right.
The song circled back, allowing the partridge to juggle and drop another pear. The French hen wore a French maid’s costume and carried a duster that she used on everyone seated close to the stage. Whoever was under the black calling bird costume held aloft the number 4 while she talked wildly on her cell phone.
Deidre, dressed in a shiny gold jumpsuit, held up the number 5 while twirling a gold hula hoop. Then the audience got involved, belting out five golden rings with every repeat.
A tall goose pranced out next with her number 6 held high. When she took her position, she wiggled her butt and pantomimed laying an egg.
Brendan laughed and nudged Pete. “That’s Jo,” he said in a low voice. “I can tell.”
A white swan was the last of the bird costumes, which meant Taryn had a shot at recognizing the rest. Ingrid was the maid-a-milking. She brought out a stool and a pail and set to work.
With each round, the audience shouted five golden rings louder than the time before. Abigail presented ladies dancing in a sexy belly dancing routine that drew more whistles. Roxanne was an enthusiastic lord-a-leaping. During one leap, she almost took out Ingrid on her stool.
Badger’s sweetheart Hayley loudly played a kazoo for pipers piping. Ryker cheered for April when she walked out wearing a big 12 on her head and rocking the bongos hanging from a strap around her neck. By then the crowd was on its feet as everyone joined in for the big finish.
Taryn cheered until she was hoarse. The twelve women linked hands and took bow after deep bow. At last, blowing kisses, they exited the stage.
; “Wow. Just wow.” Taryn glanced up at Pete. “So much fun.”
“Makes you glad you live in Eagles Nest, doesn’t it?”
“Sure does. You couldn’t pry me out of here with a crowbar.”
He held her gaze, his eyes alight with happiness. “You don’t know how glad I am to hear that.”
* * *
Rattled by Pete’s remark, Taryn had hidden behind small talk as they’d left the GG and got into the frigid cab of his truck. He’d offered to have her wait inside while he warmed up the interior, but she’d scoffed at the idea that she needed coddling.
“It’ll warm up soon.” He backed out of the parking space. “That’s the problem with going out for the evening in winter, especially right after a blizzard.”
“When you said it would be cold in the truck I didn’t have a clue how cold. On the other hand, it’s not right for you to brave the frozen interior of your cab while I toast my tootsies in the cozy GG.”
“Sure it is. Gives me a chance to show off how tough I am.”
“I want to be tough, too.”
“You want to show off for me?”
“You bet. I am woman. Hear me roar.” Good. They were teasing each other again. Maybe she’d overreacted to his soulful gaze and heartfelt comment a while ago. She reached out and adjusted the vent. “Ah, warm air.” She settled back in her seat. “I’m in awe of the pioneers. They had to build a fire if they wanted to get warm.”
“Fires are nice, too.”
“Why, yes, they are.” Time to get their sexy on. “Ours is ready, by the way.”
He smiled. “Good to know. Oh, and by the way, while you light the fire, I have a few things to bring in.”
“Like what?”
“Nothing much. Tonight’s a special occasion, so I thought we should…I don’t know…commemorate it.”
Or maybe she hadn’t overreacted to that moment in the GG. She glanced around the two-person cab. “Where are they?”
“In the truck bed.”
Evidently he’d brought surprises and they were too big to shove behind the seat. But maybe they were practical surprises and he was joking about the commemorative part of it. “I know what you got. You found some fancy pulley apparatus for the rope line.”
A Cowboy's Holiday (The McGavin Brothers Book 12) Page 17