The Cowboy Comes Home

by Roni Adams

  "Santa, that's not nice,” she scolded.

  Tyler looked into her overly bright eyes and flicked his gaze to the swell of her breasts. “Santa is always nice, Mrs. Claus,” he said loudly, then softer for her ears only he promised, “But he's willing to be naughty if you want."

  She stiffened in his arms and looked away. For several minutes they danced in silence.

  "I miss snow,” she said suddenly.

  Tyler frowned, wondering where that had come from. The words of the song finally registered with him. Oh right, Teddy and Susan were singing White Christmas in duet.

  "You used to say the winters in New York were awful, and you couldn't wait to get out of the cold."

  She shrugged. “I know, but this time of year there's something magical about it."

  "Remember when we were kids, and you used to wish every year that it would snow on Christmas?"

  That was obviously the wrong thing to say. She narrowed her eyes, looked away and put a considerable amount of distance between their bodies. When the song ended, she jerked away.

  "Santa? Would you like to get started?” Susan's voice carried across the room.

  Tyler nodded and, before Beth could get too far, reached out and grabbed her hand, pulling her back to his side. “Mrs. Claus, it would appear time for us to distribute some presents."

  She tried to pull her hand free but he held firm until she stopped struggling. The smile on her face was forced and didn't meet her eyes. He shook his head slightly. There was no way he was going to make anything right with her if he had to watch every word he said. For a few minutes there, he'd had some hope, but now she was as cold as the snow she longed for.

  Tyler released her hand as they reached the thrones at the front of the room.

  Sara, who couldn't be an elf this year if she tried, waddled over. “We're going to have the kids come up and tell you what they want one at a time. Then we'll lead them over to the present mountain and help them find their gifts."

  "Thank you, Mrs. Weston. Santa will be certain to remember you this year with something extra special."

  "Just make sure it isn't this baby too early, that's all.” She signaled to Susan for the first names to be called.

  One by one, the kids climbed onto Ty's lap. The older ones shook his hand and smiled shyly. After a few minutes of talking with Santa, they scampered over to Sara and the elves who helped them find gifts in the mound of brightly wrapped boxes.

  When the last child had his gift, Tyler stood up and moved about the room. There were batteries to be installed and tiny parts to be assembled. Even some of the ranch hands like Sam were out there lending a hand. The grizzled old man's eyes lit up when a little girl pressed her lips to his cheek.

  Teddy was at the piano, a golden haired child on his knee, while Susan stood behind them and turned the pages for the carols. The young girl must have known how to play as she held her fingers daintily on the keys as Teddy looked on.

  Sara and Buck stood arm in arm talking with Mrs. Anderson.

  In the far corner, he caught sight of Beth opening the large book. Several kids scampered to sit at her feet. He watched her as she acted out each part, her eyes bright as she turned the pages. Six kids. They'd once said they would fill their home with kids and animals, at least six of each.

  She lifted her eyes and met his gaze. For half-a-second, an old familiar look passed between them, and then it was gone. Tyler wondered if he'd just imagined it. His heart squeezed, remembering when she'd look at him like that every day.

  He leaned in, wanting to get as close as he could to hear the soft tones of her voice.

  "And this is Santa's favorite part in the whole story.” She looked up and Tyler blinked. He'd been listening to her voice but not the story. He furrowed his brow. Her short red fingernail pointed to a line in the book.

  "Don't you know that Bumbles bounce?” he recited, and the kids laughed.

  She finished the story, but once again Tyler wasn't listening. Memories washed over him. So many little things ... his favorite story, her Christmas wishes. Their lives were intertwined; they shared a past. How was he going to move on if all that was really gone?

  His chest was heavy and tightened. Was this how Beth felt when she came home and he was gone? Tyler swallowed, hard. He'd always known it would be hard on her, but until this moment, he didn't really understand that scary feeling of loss—everything that had been left behind, discarded, and faded in a pile of broken dreams.

  He glanced down at her soft blonde hair, wanting nothing more than to run his hand over the glistening strands. I have to make it up to her. He couldn't even think about what he'd do if she wouldn't give him a second chance.

  "Chow's on!” LoneStar owner, Bill, rang jingle bells from the dining room, signaling the buffet was ready. The kids raced towards the doorway. He held up his hand to make them stop running and form an orderly line. They obeyed immediately.

  Slapping his hands together, he addressed the children, “Go for it."

  They ran into the dining room, giggling and laughing.

  "I heard there's enough food in there to feed a third world country,” Sara said, picking up someone's doll that had been set aside.

  "Good, then we won't have to worry about you going hungry,” Tyler teased and received a smack in the arm.

  "I may be hugely pregnant, but I can still take you."

  Tyler laughed and followed the kids into the formal dining room. The table was laden with every kid food imaginable, tamales and tacos, empanadas and barbecue, and there would be plenty of cookies after this for dessert. Flo stood next to Sam helping fix plates and clean up minor spills. Their adored housekeeper was in her element, and Tyler watched her eyes fill with warmth and tenderness. Nothing made Flo happier than filling bellies with food.

  He laughed at Beth as she forked barbecue into her mouth.

  "A little hungry Mrs. Claus?"

  She glanced up and shrugged. “I love Flo's food."

  "I know, here.” He held out a large forkful and she shook her head but he insisted. “Go on, you know you want it."

  She leaned forward and took the fork between her lips. Tyler couldn't help but enjoy the sight of her bright red lips closing over his fork. Sauce trickled down her chin and, without even thinking, he leaned forward and lapped it off with his tongue.

  "Oooh, Santa is kissing Mrs. Santa,” one of the kids exclaimed.

  Tyler grinned and glanced to the side. “Santa loves kissing Mrs. Claus. Want me to do it again?"

  The kids cheered and encouraged him. He took her plate out of her hands and set it along with his on the table. Though her eyes warned him not to, he ignored her. She wouldn't make a scene in front of the kids. He pulled her into his arms and dipped her dramatically over his arm the way Teddy had under the mistletoe.

  Pressing his lips to hers, he tried to make the kiss funny for the kids. They giggled as he smacked loudly, rubbing his mouth back and forth over hers. She kept her mouth closed tight.

  Her eyes were anything but warm and welcoming as he swung her back on her feet.

  "Santa you got lipstick all over you,” another little girl yelled on a giggle.

  Without making eye contact, Beth handed him a napkin. He wiped his mouth, his heart sinking even lower in his gut at her indifferent reaction.

  An hour later, Tyler watched the last of the children parade out the door. Flo and Sam had put all the leftover food and some other goodies in the bus for them, and Mrs. Anderson now stood thanking them both.

  He turned to see if anyone forgot anything and a jolt coursed through him as if he'd stuck his finger in an outlet. Beth was bent over in front of his throne, picking up scraps of paper and ribbon. The bright red panties were like a flag to a bull. His body jerked into awareness, and he couldn't stop the groan that emitted low in his throat.

  As he watched helplessly, she stood up and tossed some decorations into the garbage bag. He crossed the room and plopped down onto his throne. Ca
tching her hand, he tugged until she tumbled onto his lap.

  "Why don't you tell Santa what you want for Christmas?” He placed his gloved hand on her thigh and tried to reach up under her skirt, but she swatted his hand away. She struggled to climb off. He held her firm.

  "Come on Ty, the kids are gone, let go."

  He frowned. “What's wrong?"

  "Nothing's wrong. I want to get out of this tacky costume."

  "I'd be more than happy to help you out with that.” He wiggled his eyebrows but she only frowned once more and struggled harder against his hold.

  "You better sit still or Santa will have something harder than a candy cane."

  She glared. “That's your problem."

  He lifted one eyebrow. “Ouch."

  She shrugged and tossed her short hair. Unable to stop himself from remembering what she felt like in his hands, Tyler's gaze drifted to her chest. He caressed her bared thigh. “Don't you have anything to say about what happened in the pantry?"

  She gave him the coldest stare he'd ever seen and brushed his hand away. “Thanks. I was out of batteries."

  Tyler frowned. Why was she talking about toys? Then, as the meaning sunk in, his jaw dropped in shock and his hold slackened. She scampered away without a backward glance.

  * * * *

  Beth pulled the door to the LoneStar open and hurried inside. The Bar and Grill was semi-empty, which was exactly why she came when she did. Sheriff Ralston sat at the bar drinking coffee and chatting with Bill, the owner. Both men turned and smiled as she stepped closer.

  "Hey, Doc Beth. What brings you here this afternoon. The patients getting to you? Need a drink?"

  Beth grinned. “Nope. Been pretty quiet, even with Grant gone.” She turned to Bill. “I decided it was time for Bill to have his Christmas gift."

  The bartender's eyebrow shot up. “A gift for me?"

  She unzipped her coat and pulled out the two kittens, holding them up for him to see. “These two need a home and"

  Bill's eyes lit up like the lights on the River Walk at Christmas, but he didn't reach out to touch them. He looked scared as his eyes darted to each little grey face. “I don't know, Beth. You know how hard it was for me to lose Dusty. I'm not sure I'm ready..."

  Beth walked around the bar, opened the half door and moved to his side. She held one kitten out and he automatically reached for it. “These guys were abandoned. I've hand nursed them since they were about two weeks old. They need someone who won't just turn them into barn cats."

  Bill lived above the LoneStar by himself. His old cat Dusty had died the summer before, and Beth knew these kittens were exactly what Santa needed to bring the town's favorite bartender this year. She watched as he held the tiny fur ball up to his face and studied the kitten. “Well, maybe one of them would be okay."

  Beth shook her head and shoved the second kitten towards him. “Nope. They're a package deal, my friend. Inseparable. Two brothers and I'm not about to break up the family."

  She grinned and tossed a glance over her shoulder at the sheriff who was smiling. Beth picked up the coffee pot and refilled his cup then grabbed one for herself. “So, what's new, Conrad?"

  She walked back around to the other side of the bar and settled onto the stool next to the large man. A few years older than she, Conrad had gone to school with her sister Diane. Personally, Beth always thought he was a bit full of himself, but he definitely was the right man for the job he held.

  "Oh, you know. Murders, gang violence, armed robbery. The usual happenings in Sweet Meadow.” Conrad grinned and sipped his coffee.

  Beth grinned. “I see you're just exhausted from all that pressure."

  Conrad laughed. “Hey, you try dealing with the Calkins. I had another domestic disturbance out there this morning at four A.M."

  Beth shook her head. “Those two have been fighting since the fourth grade. Lord knows what possessed them to marry one another and have kids."

  The sheriff nodded. “There's times like that when I'm grateful to be single, ain't that right, Bill?"

  Bill had his head down but smiled from ear to ear. “I suppose,” he muttered.

  Beth's insides warmed as she watched the other man study his new pals. She sipped her coffee and set it down. “You two are full of it. I know darn well that if a busload of eligible women rolled into town, you'd be the first ones in line."

  "Behind Cord you mean.” Bill smirked.

  "Yeah, behind Cord,” Beth agreed. “Of course, then there'd be Teddy, who would be there for entirely different reasons."

  "That one doesn't need a busload of women to show up, somehow they find him. Pulls them out of the dang woodwork I swear,” Conrad complained and pushed his cup away. “Well you two, thanks for the break, but I can't let this town think the sheriff is off on another break. Who knows what trouble could erupt?” He picked up his hat and stood. “By the way, Beth, how's Tyler doing? Heard he was home for the holidays.” His gaze into her eyes was steady.

  She lifted her chin. “He's fine, no problem. It's ... fine."

  "Well, if it doesn't go fine, you let me know.” He put his hand on her shoulder and squeezed. “I'd be more than happy to straighten that boy out."

  Beth blushed, although she had to admit, it felt good to know so many people were on her side. She swung around on her bar stool. “How's Marshall doing?"

  Conrad paused in mid-stride and pointed his finger at her. “He's fine and healthy, and we don't need any strays finding their way to my place this holiday season. So put that idea back in that pretty little head of yours."

  She laughed. “I was just asking, that's all. Just asking.” Last year a straggly German Shepard had found his way to her. Firemen have Dalmatians and the police have German Shepherds, so she'd reasoned it made sense that he had to go to the sheriff. Fortunately, Conrad had agreed, eventually.

  Beth sipped her coffee and watched the kittens behind the bar tumble and chase each other.

  Bill wiped down the counter in front of her. “How's Grant doing?"

  "Good, I think.” She set her coffee cup down. “I haven't talked to him as much as I thought I would. He must be busy with the family. I was worried, a little, at handling everything myself, but things are pretty calm."

  Bill poured her more coffee. He reached behind him and pulled out a container of homemade cookies and set a couple on a plate next to her. “Eat these—but quietly. If the health department ever catches me serving Flo's homemade cookies, they'll have my license."

  Beth took a big bite of a bell-shaped treat loaded with homemade frosting. “She meant for you to have them at your place, not the bar."

  "If I had them at my place, I'd weigh five hundred pounds. Does she forget I live alone?"

  Beth frowned. Poor Bill. All these years, he'd never met anyone. Conrad, too, for that matter. Two more great guys. Why couldn't she have fallen in love with either of them? At least they knew where home was and wanted nothing more than to stay in Sweet Meadow.

  "I heard Tyler's thinking about staying put, not leaving after Christmas.” Bill rinsed glasses in the small sink behind the bar.

  The knife in her heart twisted harder and she caught her breath. “Yeah, that's what he's saying, but I don't think so. He's not interested in staying here; all he ever talked about was getting away and never looking back. Heck, Bill, he never even came home last Christmas. When Cord tried to call him, he wouldn't even answer his phone."

  Bill shrugged. “That was bad. Don't know what it is about him. Me, I can't imagine living anywhere else."

  She nodded. “Me either.” But part of her felt guilty. There was certainly a time when Tyler's dream and hers were the same. They couldn't wait to grow up and get out of town. There was more to life than Main Street, Sweet Meadow. She'd wanted the same thing as Tyler: to find out what life was like if you weren't part of the Double B, weren't part of the most influential family in this part of the state.

  The problem was, she'd had her turn out in t
he world. At Cornell, she'd been a complete stranger to everyone. It didn't matter who her family was or what her last name was; she was just another veterinarian student. Even most of her professors wouldn't have known her if she bumped into them at the store. She'd found out first hand how cold and lonely life could be. Coming back home, where you couldn't go anywhere without seeing someone you grew up with or someone's folks or someone's grandparents, was like a warm blanket wrapping around you. She never knew how much it meant until she'd lost it.

  She picked up her cup of coffee and finished it off. Susan was right. If Tyler had stayed and wanted her to go with him, she would have had a really tough decision. If she'd gone with Tyler, would she have been so homesick that eventually she would have been forced to choose between home and him? What choice would she have made? She'd like to fool herself into thinking it would have been love conquerors all, but was that really what would have happened? Would she have grown to resent him for making her pick one or the other?

  She'd never know ... because he never let her make that choice. He'd made it for her and that was the worst part of the entire mess. She drained her coffee, glanced at the time on her cell phone and sighed. “I gotta get back. Thanks for the coffee and cookies."

  Bill picked up one of the kittens. “Thanks for these guys, Beth. You know I'll take good care of them."

  She winked and walked away. “Let me know if you need anything. Probably see you Saturday night."

  Her phone vibrated as she pushed the door open and stepped outside. A text message from Cole, Mare in labor.

  She ran the rest of the way to her truck, mentally checking off what she'd need and assuring herself it was all there in the back so she didn't need to stop home first. A quick text back and she was flying down the road toward the Pritchard ranch.

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  Chapter Five

  Beth's truck flew passed his. Tyler lifted his hand and waved, but she ignored him and kept on going. His first inclination was to go after her and demand she talk to him. Since the day of the Christmas party, she'd been avoiding him. He'd love to corner her and force her to talk, but that wasn't going to fix this. The best he could do was give her some space, so he kept driving towards town and tried to put her annoyance with him out of his mind.