by Tina Leonard
The judge entered, wearing black robes and an austere expression. Dustin saw his gaze flick briefly toward Maxine and David. Again, the fear pressed him that the judge might rule in favor of his friends. Certainly, nothing much had gone Dustin’s way where Maxine was concerned.
The bailiff called the room to order. Out of the corner of his eye, Dustin saw Marsh enter the courtroom and take a seat, with China sitting beside him. People shuffled expectantly, waiting their turns for the judge to hear their cases; somewhere a baby wailed briefly. Dustin scanned the courtroom, his gaze instantly halting when he saw Vera Benchley and Sadie sitting on the far side. Sadie cradled Holly to her, feeding her a bottle. Dustin poked his mother to get her attention. She smiled when she saw them. Vera gave a small wave, which Eunice returned with a thumbs-up sign.
There were a few cases heard before theirs and Dustin let his mind wander as he pondered the fact that the Copelands didn’t appear to have any friends who had come to sit with them in the courtroom. The two of them seemed very lonely as they sat listening. Dustin steeled himself not to feel sorry for their situation. If they could have their way, he would lose his son today—and it was nobody’s fault but Maxine’s if, over the years, she’d run off anybody who’d ever wanted to be their friend.
Their case was announced, and Dustin snapped to razor-sharp attention. At the same moment, the courtroom doors opened. Why that got his attention, Dustin didn’t know, but he turned his head and instantly recognized the sweetly beautiful blonde walking in. She was wearing a white fuzzy sweater with seed pearls scattered in flower shapes, and a white skirt. His immediate thought was, that Jill looked like an angel. His heart hammered as he watched her take the seat beside Vera and Sadie, gently easing Holly into her arms. He saw Sadie smile gratefully at Jill, and that was the last thing Dustin’s astonished brain registered before his mother prodded him toward the private hearing room.
He couldn’t believe Jill had come back.
His lawyer took a spot next to him; his mother sat on the other side. Dustin barely listened as they went through the obligatory motions. Without realizing he did it, Dustin met Maxine’s gaze. The judge asked her a question, but she didn’t seem to hear him. Her lawyer touched her arm, but Maxine shook her head. Dustin’s heart sank. It would be just his luck if Maxine took ill and they had to continue this another time. Dustin was afraid he’d explode if his fate wasn’t decided one way or the other.
“We wish to drop the case, Your Honor,” Maxine said softly.
Dustin’s eyes stayed riveted to hers. Her lawyer began frantically whispering in her ear. David reached out to lay a hand on Maxine’s. She briefly squeezed his hand.
“We wish to apologize to the court for any undue trouble we have caused.” She turned her gaze from Dustin’s to Eunice’s. The two women watched each other across the table. There was regret and sadness in Maxine’s eyes, but Dustin couldn’t help wondering what had caused this new twist and where it was leading. He ignored the surprised acceleration of his heart.
“Although we love our grandson and hope we will be allowed to see him often, David and I have decided he belongs at the Reed Ranch with his father. There were many reasons I was convinced that I should have Joey myself, but the truth is”—Maxine stopped, her voice breaking and her eyes filling with, tears—“the fact is, Nina is gone and nothing can replace her. I can’t replace her. I didn’t want to lose her, every bit of her.” She lowered her gaze to stare at her hand in David’s. “We just ask that you take good care of Joey and appreciate him and remember how swiftly you can lose your child, Dustin. We shouldn’t have lost Nina so soon, but we did. Now we wish we’d spent more time loving her instead of trying to…protect her, I guess.”
Eunice moved quickly, going around the table to put her arms around the sobbing woman. “Thank you, Maxine. You don’t know how much this means to me.”
“I do.” Maxine nodded, her eyes streaming as she blew her nose into a tissue. “Believe me, I do. I’d give anything to have Nina back. It’s terrible to lose a child. It feels so empty.”
The judge looked at both the lawyers. He cleared his throat. “Are there any further matters to resolve? It sounds like this case is going to wrap itself up, if Maxine is certain this is what she and David want.”
“It is, Your Honor.” Maxine’s shoulders shook with the effort not to cry. A tear sparkled in David’s eye, but he met the judge’s questioning look bravely.
“Yes.” David nodded his agreement.
The judge granted the case dropped. Dustin stood to make his way around the table.
“I expect you to be a big part of Joey’s life,” Dustin said simply. “You let me or Mother know and we can accommodate you.”
“Thank you, Dustin.” Maxine’s eyes were huge with tears, making her skin look sunken and aged. “That’s very generous, considering what I’ve put you through.”
He looked at his mother who was hugging David. “It’s Christmas, Maxine. Let’s let bygones be bygones.”
She nodded but Dustin barely noticed. Quickly shaking David’s hand, then speaking a few words to his lawyer, Dustin hurried into the main room. Jill was gone, as were China and Marsh, and Vera and Sadie. He told himself that he was letting Jill’s presence excite him too much; still he couldn’t wait to tell her his good news.
He saw Jill standing outside on the sidewalk, with Sadie and Vera, Marsh and China, too. Eunice walked to his side, so Dustin moved slowly, telling himself it was for her sake, and not about to admit that he didn’t want Jill to think he was hurrying to see her.
“How did it go?” Marsh called.
“Fast. Maxine did a clean reversal. She dropped the case completely.” Dustin found the sound of those words leaving his mouth was very strange, as if he couldn’t believe he was saying them.
“If I hadn’t been there to see it for myself, I wouldn’t believe it, either.” Dustin was feeling elated right about now. Eunice nodded, too.
“Well, heckfire. Come here, you old renegade.” Marsh slapped Dustin on the back, while Vera and Sadie hugged Eunice. “That’s kinda weird, though,” Marsh said. “As glad as I am to hear it, what do you think changed her mind?”
“I have no idea,” Dustin said. His gaze had been holding Jill’s during the entire conversation. She looked so adorable, with her cheeks rosy from the cold. Holly was bundled in her arms, and Dustin shook his head. “I don’t really care, either. My Christmas starts now, and I’m going home to my son.”
He took his mother’s hand. “Are you ready to go, Mother?”
She’d been hugging Jill. Now they pulled apart slightly but remained holding each other’s arms.
“Just about. Sadie, will you be at the house in the morning? We’ll surely need you now.”
“I will, Miss Eunice,” Sadie said with a smile. She took Holly from Jill’s arms. “I guess we better go put you down for a nap, sweetheart. It’s been a very exciting day.”
Vera touched Eunice’s arm. “Well, good friend, I knew it wouldn’t turn out any other way, though Maxine has certainly surprised me.”
“We’re all getting too old to carry grudges, I suppose.” Eunice smiled as if she didn’t mean the part about being old. Vera hugged her tightly.
“Thank you for letting your daughter work for us,” Eunice said. “It’s going to be wonderful having someone we can trust.”
Jill’s heart dropped into her shoes. Sadie was going to be the Reeds’ new housekeeper. Though she had come to Lassiter for the hearing to support Dustin and Eunice, and had intended to return to Dallas, it still felt strange to hear that they’d given her job away so soon. Jill lowered her gaze, unwilling to acknowledge the sudden pain shooting through her.
Final goodbyes were said, then Vera and Sadie left. Holly’s eyes had closed contentedly, the cold weather not disturbing her serenity. China and Marsh drifted off, with promises to drop by later. Dustin nodded halfheartedly, his gaze on the elderly couple making their way across the parking lot
to their car. A driver got out to help them in. Almost unbearably slowly, Maxine helped David in, then got into the car herself.
They were the loneliest people he’d ever seen. Their mistakes had cost them so much happiness, the price being not-so-golden years. At least they had discovered each other now, before it had been too late even for that. Somehow, Dustin thought they were probably very happy with that.
He turned, his gaze colliding with Jill’s. She stood there, obviously uncomfortable.
“I’m glad everything worked out for you, Dustin,” she said softly.
“Not everything.” Jill’s big blue eyes widened at his words. “I appreciate you coming out here today. It felt good knowing I had such a cheering section.” Dustin took a deep breath. “But I hated the way you left earlier.”
“I’m sorry.” Jill’s voice broke. “I couldn’t cost you…”
“Shh.” Dustin shook his head. “I don’t want to hear about it.” He looked around. “Mother?”
Jill suddenly realized Eunice was missing. At that moment, China drove Marsh’s truck by, both of them waving. Eunice was sitting securely in the middle.
Dustin grinned. Marsh thought he was being so sly. He’d show the sheriff sly.
“I guess it’s just the two of us,” he said.
Jill nodded cautiously.
“What do you say we go back in and apply for a marriage license?”
Dustin’s words were a shock. “What are you saying?” she asked.
“I’m saying, we’re here. The marriage license is in there. I love you, and I want to marry you. Jill McCall, will you marry me?”
She threw her arms around his neck. “Oh, Dustin. Yes! I’d love to marry you. I love you so much.”
He pulled back to look at her. “We haven’t had much of a courtship. Are you sure you won’t mind?”
“Are you serious? We’ve had more excitement in our courtship than most people ever get.” She gave him a teasing grin and slid her hands up his back.
“Besides, I hear that life slows down considerably once you’re married.”
“Don’t count on it. There’s some aspects of life I intend to keep you very busy with. Dressing, undressing…”
For answer, Jill smoothed her lips against his. He kissed her thoroughly before saying, “There’s just one condition.”
She was returning his kisses with joy, but managed to ask, “What’s that?”
“No more of that running off stuff. I thought you didn’t like me anymore.”
His face was boyish with happiness. Jill smoothed her hand along his cheek. “I liked you too much. And I’m not going anywhere. You’re stuck with me now.”
They kissed, long and deeply, before Jill pulled back to stare into Dustin’s eyes. “You gave away my position as housekeeper.”
He nodded. “Mother and I knew Sadie needed a good job. We need a housekeeper. However,” he pulled her close against him, “I need a wife. And you fit the job description perfectly.”
“Perfectly?”
“Yes.” Dustin tweaked her nose. “Let’s hurry and fill out that application so we can go home. I want to hang the letters back up in the sign over the drive.”
“You mean it’s going to say REED now, instead of just RE?” Jill laughed as he swooped her into his arms and carried her up the courthouse steps. “I’ll hold the ladder steady for you.”
“I like a woman who supports me.” Dustin quipped. Jill pinched his arm lightly, and he grinned. The Reed Ranch was back in business—no more regrets.
Epilogue
Tiny pieces of popcorn lay scattered under the tree on Christmas Day. Joey had enjoyed stringing it, but then he wanted to eat it, so occasional tugs on the string had left little pieces of the stuff lying on the carpet. Jill smiled at the mess, glad to be here instead of in the pristine apartment Marsh had said lacked heart. There was plenty of heart here.
Last night she and Dustin had performed their “Santa Claus” duties, placing brightly colored packages with fancy ribbons under the tree for Joey. His stocking bulged, especially the toe, where Jill had put an orange in the very bottom. She’d so enjoyed planning these surprises for the child; it was almost a miracle to her to be actually putting small toys and candy in his stocking. She had loved wrapping his presents.
She heard the pattering of Joey’s pajamaed feet hurrying down the stairs. A smile automatically lifted her lips. “Merry Christmas, Joey!” she called as he ran into the parlor.
He ran to squeeze her with a big hug. “I was a good boy! You’re still here!”
Her eyes instantly teared up. She hugged him hard, her eyes closed. “Yes, I am,” she said solemnly. “I’ll be here every Christmas from now on.”
“You be my mother?”
Holding him close, Jill whispered, “Yes, Joey.”
“Oh, boy.” At that reassurance, his gaze slipped to the tree. “Wow!” Immediately, he sat down and grabbed a package.
Jill laughed and wiped the tears from her eyes. “Dustin! Eunice!” she called up the stairs. “I think Joey’s ready to open presents.”
“Tell him to wait one second!” Dustin hollered back down. “I gotta get dressed.”
Jill grinned. Yes, he had to get dressed this morning—she’d made sure of it last night. Christmas Eve had been a wonderfully romantic night to get married. It had been a dream come true for her. Jill gazed at the diamond engagement ring and wedding band Dustin had given her, still somewhat amazed. She had never thought she’d own anything so lovely. It had been a night to remember for everyone, even Joey, who had looked adorable in the wedding tux and little boots Dustin had wanted. Jill treasured the silvery memories floating through her mind, even more glad that her parents had seemed truly delighted for her and Dustin.
Eunice’s door opened. A moment later, she came downstairs wearing a robe.
“You won’t mind my informality, dear?” she asked.
Jill hugged her. “If you won’t say anything about me taking a nap this afternoon.”
Eunice nodded with satisfaction. “I still wish you two had taken a honeymoon. It’s what I want to give you for a wedding gift.”
“We will eventually. And I’m delighted with that idea.” Jill gave her a swift kiss on the cheek. “But right now, this is all either of us wanted.”
Dustin walked into the parlor, coming to kiss Jill on the mouth and sweep his mother into a quick embrace. “Merry Christmas,” he told them. Then he knelt beside his son with a hearty grin. “Hey, Joey! What have you got there?”
“Santa brought me a train. And a ball!” His smile was huge. Jill reached for the camera off the mantel and snapped a picture of the two of them, not even bothering to try to smooth Joey’s flyaway hair first. That was one of the things she loved best about the little boy she could now love as her very own.
“Open your gift from me, Dustin,” Eunice said, handing him a box. “It’s just a little something extra, but I think you’ll be needing it.”
His expression was puzzled as he opened it. “Thanks, Mother,” Dustin said, as he pulled a cellular phone from the box. He held it in his hand, then put it to his ear before he started reading the instructions.
She and Jill smiled at each other. “I guess it’s better than our old towel system,” Eunice told him. “Technology is catching up with us.”
“This’ll be great.” He really seemed pleased with the gift.
“You may not think so after we call you a few times,” Eunice teased. “So much for riding off into the distance to get some peace and quiet.”
“I’ve had all the peace and quiet I can stand,” Dustin stated. His gaze went to Joey. “I’m looking forward to watching cartoons with my son again.”
“Here, Jill,” Joey said, blissfully ignoring his father’s comment.
Jill took the small, soft package that Joey handed her, opening it to find a green-and-red wreath of his own handprints he’d pressed onto a woven cloth.
“Joey, I love it,” she said. �
��Did you do this all by yourself?”
Joey grinned. “Well, Daddy helped me. He’s better at that than stringing popcorn.”
Dustin chuckled. “But I’m learning.”
Jill scooted next to him on the floor, pressing her lips to his for a fast kiss. “I always knew you could do it.”
“Yeah.” He swiped one more kiss before pulling a piece of silver tinsel from the tree and looping it over her ear. “Luckily, I had a Christmas angel who believed in me.”
“I’ve always thought,” Eunice said from her place on the antique sofa, “that Christmas is a time for believing.”
“I believe,” he murmured against Jill’s lips.
“So do I,” she replied.
About the Author
USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Tina Leonard writes with humor, sexiness, and fun. With nearly 2.6 million books sold, she plans to keep writing books readers enjoy. Her writing schedule keeps her very busy with independent heroines and the heroes who love them. You can visit Tina at www.tinaleonard.com, www.facebook.com/tinaleonardbooks, www.twitter.com/tina_leonard, and “like” her at www.facebook.com/authortinaleonard
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