A Christmas Homecoming (Bar V5 Ranch)

by Melissa McClone

  “Aren’t you going to see what’s inside?” he asked.

  Nodding, she lifted the lid, pulled back tissue paper, and saw a hardcover version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. She opened the front cover to see gilded pages, a satin ribbon bookmark, and illustrations inside.

  “Oh, it’s beautiful.” The perfect gift from her modern-day Ebenezer. Though Josiah wasn’t really a Scrooge. Someone who hated Christmas would have never planned this date. She hugged the book to her chest. “Thank you. It’s the perfect gift. I can’t wait to start reading it.”

  Every page, each word, would remind her of tonight. Satisfaction flowed through her. Ellie wanted to feel this cherished and adored forever, but an image of the December calendar marked with the days remaining flashed in her mind.

  Don’t think about that.

  She placed the book on the table.

  Josiah lifted her hand and brushed his lips across her knuckles. Crackling-flames-in-a-fireplace sensations shot from her fingers to her toes. Spiced hot apple cider seemed to be flowing through her veins.

  “I want this to be a special Christmas for you,” he said.

  “It already is.” She felt as if she could float up to the ceiling. “This Christmas is going to make me forget the not so good ones growing up.”

  Best ever. She had no doubt.

  Chapter Fourteen

  The next two days passed in a sugarcoated confection of shared glances, hot kisses, and hanging out together between Ellie’s shifts. She’d never been happier.

  Josiah had been tired on Wednesday, so he skipped the Buck’s Place meeting. On Thursday night, she cuddled next to him in the great room and watched A Christmas Carol on television with others at the Bar V5. She ignored thinking about the future and focused on the present.

  That was enough.

  Friday, after lunch, she walked out of the pizza parlor in Marietta with Josiah, Eli, and Dustin. “I’ll meet up with you guys at Grey’s Saloon after I finish my errands. I have a list as long as the Yellowstone River to check off.”

  “Good luck with that.” Dustin checked the time. “We’ll drive the van over to the medical center.”

  “It’s not far.” Josiah sounded fed up with the coddling. “Let’s walk.”

  Eli and Dustin glanced at her as if seeking confirmation.

  She raised her hands. “Don’t look at me. Josiah knows what he can and can’t do.”

  “Then we’re walking.” Eli adjusted his cowboy hat. “We can hit the feed store afterwards.”

  Josiah kissed her cheek. “See you at Grey’s.”

  The three set off to the medical center.

  The door to Married in Marietta, the bridal store next door to the pizza place, opened, then closed, but Ellie didn’t see anyone go in or come out. She’d first been inside when Caitlin was trying on wedding gowns and then to be fitted for the bridesmaid’s dress she’d wear at Charlie and Zack’s wedding this spring.

  The store’s romantic décor made Ellie think of hearts, flowers, and happy endings. A chandelier hung overhead. French-inspired furniture sat on a blush pink carpet. The gowns on display, a variety of styles and fabrics, let brides-to-be dream about what they would wear on their wedding day. She’d been dreaming about that day since she was a little girl.

  She noticed a sleeveless dress in the window. So pretty with a satin bow centered on the waist. Siena would look beautiful in the gown. Not that her friend had a boyfriend or was dating anyone.

  Ellie laughed. She could imagine her friend’s reaction if she told her about the dress. Siena didn’t believe in daydreaming, but in making dreams come true.

  Turning to walk over to Main Street, Ellie glimpsed lace out of the corner of her eye. She looked back at the window and saw a gown.

  Gorgeous. Her breath whooshed from her lungs.

  The A-line design was elegant, yet simple.

  Organza Chantilly lace, if she remembered correctly from when Charlie was trying on gowns. Elbow length lace sleeves. A sweetheart bodice with a lace overlay that rose to the collarbone. An inch-thick band of beads and pearls circled the waistline like a belt giving just enough sparkle. She reached for the dress.

  Her hand hit the window.

  Oops. Ellie pulled back her arm. She looked around, but no one was there to see what she’d done.

  Good. She could stare for a few more minutes and not draw anyone’s attention.

  Sheer perfection. That was the only way to describe the wedding gown.

  Ellie had dreamed about getting married many times, though she’d never seen a dress she’d wanted to wear more than this one. She imagined herself in it, the skirt swishing around her feet, walking down St. James’ aisle toward a groom in a tuxedo. She’d only pictured him from behind in all her fantasies. Except now...

  This wasn’t some random guy.

  This one had a face.

  A name.

  Her heart slammed against her chest.

  The picture was so clear, the music, the flowers, the people in the pews.

  And him.

  Josiah.

  Each heartbeat reverberated through her. A siren sounded in the distance. A car drove past. A couple entered the pizza parlor.

  Ellie forced herself to breathe. She stared at the wedding dress.

  Thinking about marrying Josiah—a man she barely knew—was silly. He came from a different world and was completely out-of-reach.

  An impossible dream.

  But a lovely one.

  Ellie imagined them together, a family with smart children who looked like him, a dog, and a couple of cats.

  A cozy warmth flowed through her. Reality had never stopped her from dreaming in the past. She wouldn’t let it now. This was a really awesome dream, one she wanted to enjoy for a long time.

  For the third Sunday in a row, Josiah joined the wranglers in their bunkhouse. The Broncos were playing the Steelers in Pittsburg. He’d never watched this much television, let alone football. He’d never had the time before.

  Dustin clapped. “Come on defense.”

  Zack placed a tray of nachos on the beat-up coffee table, in between beer cans, potato chip bags, and a bowl of snack mix. “The Broncos need a pick-six.”

  An interception run back for a touchdown would be great, but Josiah was having trouble concentrating on the game. He kept thinking about Ellie. She was attending a Christmas party with her parents, and would be back at the Bar V5 tomorrow. A day earlier than usual so they could spend time together and that made him happy.

  Josiah took a long pull of beer. He’d never had to accommodate someone else’s work schedule. He didn’t like having to do that with Ellie.

  Dustin muted the sound on the tortilla chip commercial playing. “I got a call this morning. Brooklyn’s present is ready, but the saddle pad and extras we added to the order means we’re short four hundred dollars.”

  Zack cursed. “I don’t have any spare cash with the wedding.”

  “Me, either.” Eli swore.

  “I’ll cover it,” Josiah offered.

  The three wranglers looked at him.

  “Brooklyn’s a smart kid. Cute, too,” he added. “She mentioned wanting a pink saddle. I’m happy to help out. Saves me from having to shop myself.”

  High fives went around the room.

  Zack gave him a thumbs-up. “You’re a lifesaver, dude.”

  Eli nodded. “You’re letting us save face with the wee cowgirl.”

  “Definitely,” Dustin agreed. “If there’s anything we can do to help you, name it.”

  That gave Josiah an idea. “Any of you free Wednesday afternoon?”

  “Ty’s good about giving us time off if he knows ahead of time,” Zack said. “What do you need?”

  “I’d like to surprise Ellie and the kids who attend Buck’s Place with a special Christmas outing, but it’s not something I can pull off on my own.” Josiah had seen a flyer for a place when he was in Marietta on Friday. “I could use some help.” />
  Zack opened a can of beer. “We’ve got your six. Meg is the best event planner around. She’ll be all over this.”

  Josiah raised his beer to the three men. He loved seeing Ellie laugh and smile. He couldn’t wait to see the expression on her face come Wednesday.

  On Wednesday afternoon, Ellie wheeled a cart with three plastic bins full of crafts, games, and gifts into the Marietta Hospital. The snow flurries had stopped, but holiday spirit filled the air. She couldn’t wait to set up for the party.

  She opened the door to the community room. Josiah and Willa were there, much earlier than expected, but so were Eli, Dustin, and Meg.

  “Surprise,” they shouted in unison.

  “What’s going on?” Ellie asked.

  Meg pointed to Josiah. His smile looked sweeter than the candy bouquets Ellie had made for each of the kids and volunteers. Familiar butterflies filled her stomach. “So...?”

  “We’re having a party.” He walked toward her. “Not here. At Santa’s Wonderland on Copper Mountain.”

  A riot of excitement and panic exploded inside Ellie. Her muscles bunched. She didn’t know what to say or think or... “There are rules. We can’t take the kids out of the hospital. Not without forms and—”

  “Right here.” Smiling, he waved a stack of papers in the air. “Meg tracked down parents to get forms filled out and contact information. We have everything we need. Leslie, Ty, and Zack are out by the vans waiting for the kids to show up.”

  A snowball-sized lump formed in Ellie’s throat. She struggled to breathe. As her muscles loosened, the others left the community room. Dustin wheeled out the cart. Josiah stayed behind with her.

  “I’ve dreamed about doing something special for the kids, but I’ve never had the money or the volunteers.” Tears fell from Ellie’s eyes. She couldn’t stop them. She wiped her cheeks. “But you...you. T-thanks.”

  “It’s okay.” He cupped her face with his hand. “I read your plan, sweetheart. When I heard about Santa’s Wonderland, I knew that was the place. I figured this was a check you’d let me write.”

  “You know me well.” This man, this sweet, generous man knew her like nobody else. He understood her. He saw her and these kids. She kissed him. “Come on, we’d better get outside. Once the kids show up, they’ll be anxious to get going.”

  “The kids or you?”

  Laughing, she headed out the door. Josiah followed, linking his hand with hers.

  On the drive to Copper Mountain, the kids sang Christmas carols and played games. Savannah won the alphabet one. Clayton found a new friend in Josiah. The two talked the same language—video games. Ellie’s heart soared at the children’s happy faces.

  The vans parked. The kids streamed out. They stood wide-eyed, mesmerized by the newly renovated steam engine that would take them up the mountain to Santa’s Wonderland. No doubt Molly Dekker, a kindergarten teacher, was up top making last minute preparations.

  Gabriel Morales, Molly’s fiancé, was one of the three brothers in charge. He corralled the kids near the train.

  “Ready to visit Santa’s Wonderland?” Gabriel asked.

  The kids, wranglers, and Josiah whooped, clapped, and hollered.

  Clayton hadn’t left Josiah’s side since getting out of the van. Josiah didn’t seem to mind, talking and laughing with the teen, as they waited to board.

  Several kids tugged on Josiah’s arm wanting his attention. She’d never seen a man multitask so well. Must be a skill he used at work. He talked to each one, and delighted smiles brightened the children’s faces.

  Watching him with the kids left Ellie breathless. She wondered what he’d be like with his own children someday. The thought sent her temperature rising. She moved closer to keep anyone from wandering away.

  Gabriel put on a conductor’s hat. “All aboard for Santa’s Wonderland.”

  The kids rushed onto the train. The only exception was Clayton, who stayed next to Josiah.

  The boy said something to Josiah, who laughed and high fived the teen. Ellie watched, thrilled that the two had made a connection. She had a feeling that would be good for both of them.

  Josiah spoke to Gabriel, shook his hand, and handed the man an envelope. Was that payment for their outing? Josiah had mentioned a check.

  He glanced over at her. “Come on, Ellie.”

  She made sure no one had been left behind and then walked toward the entrance to the train.

  Josiah tugged on Clayton’s hat. Grinning, the teen stepped onto the train.

  Ellie’s heart seemed to grow bigger by the second, tingling and fluttering and then hammering, until she couldn’t deny the truth any longer.

  She was in love with Josiah.

  Her pulse sped, racing like a dog sled team in the Iditarod. Her legs went weak, but she forced herself to keep walking.

  Love.

  She loved him.

  Josiah Whittaker was everything she wanted in a man, for a husband, and for the father of her children. He was funny, caring, kind, and generous. He listened to her, really listened, and used what he heard to make things happen.

  Like this outing with the Buck’s Place kids.

  Feeling like today was the first day of a new chapter in her life, she joined Josiah at the doorway to the train car. Everyone else was onboard except the two of them and Gabriel.

  Josiah put his arm around her. “You look happy.”

  “Very.”

  “Your nose is pink from the cold.” He kissed the tip. “Do you know what you’re going to ask Santa to bring you for Christmas?”

  Ellie nodded. Him.

  Being at Santa’s Wonderland made Josiah think there might be something to the Christmas magic Ellie had mentioned. Or maybe the overload of hot cocoa and cookies was the reason he kept saying Merry Christmas.

  He enjoyed seeing the Buck’s Place kids’ big smiles. Some loved the reindeer petting zoo. Others thought Santa was the real deal when they visited him. A few couldn’t get enough of the holiday crafts and activities.

  Josiah’s favorite part was watching Ellie. With kids to chaperone, he’d spent no time with her, but he’d caught glimpses. She hadn’t stopped running after kids, brushing off snow from knees, and giving encouragement.

  Now, back on the train after two jam-packed hours of fun, Ellie was at the front of the car with the young girl who’d wanted to take home a reindeer. Crocodile tears had fallen from Savannah’s eyes when she couldn’t.

  Josiah sat in the middle of the car, in a seat by himself. Most of the kids around him were falling asleep, but a few played on their cell phones or talked.

  “A good day.” Zack stood in the aisle. He rubbed the back of his neck. He’d been in charge of the teenaged boys. No doubt that crew had kept the army vet busy. “Looks like Ellie calmed Savannah.”

  “I don’t know how Ellie keeps going.” Josiah looked her way. She smiled with the same enthusiasm as when they arrived. “She never stops giving.”

  “Ellie doesn’t have a choice. She’s gone through what these kids are going through, and Buck’s Place keeps her connected to her brother.” Zack got a faraway look in his eyes. “I lost friends in Iraq and Afghanistan. One family started a foundation in their son’s name. Doing that helped them with their grief, and let them turn their tragic loss into something beneficial for others. Ellie’s doing the same thing.”

  “I worry about her,” Josiah admitted. “She doesn’t seem to keep anything in reserve for herself, whether it’s with these kids or at the Bar V5.”

  “That’s where you come in.”

  He drew back. “Me?”

  “Your job is to keep her in check. Make sure she doesn’t give her entire self away.” Zack looked at Ellie and then at Josiah. “It hasn’t been very long, but the two of you are good together.”

  This outing showed Josiah how well their strengths complemented each other. They did make a good team. She brought out a part of him that he hadn’t known existed, a part that enjoyed voluntee
ring and making kids smile. Showing up for the photo op, as Nate called it, wasn’t enough. Josiah wanted to get his hands dirty, or in the Buck’s Place case, sticky. “Never thought I’d say this, but I got lucky being sent to the Bar V5 to recover.”

  “You sure did.” Zack’s lopsided grin made the man look like one of the teenagers he’d been in charge of this afternoon. “And just think, if things work out with Ellie, how lucky your kids will be. You can afford a pet reindeer.”

  Whoa. The air flew out of Josiah’s lungs as if he’d been punched. Thinking about he and Ellie having kids hurt his brain.

  And squeezed his heart.

  “Something’s going on in the back,” Zack said. “I’m going to check it out.”

  The man walked away, but all Josiah could think about was Ellie and him. Together.

  It wasn’t...possible.

  He had Whit Tech, an eighty hour a week job, responsibilities. What he was doing in Marietta wasn’t real. This was a vacation, nothing more. He and Ellie had fun together, but...

  A wife and kids didn’t fit into his real life...into Whit Tech. He didn’t have time for a family. He wouldn’t be able to give them what they needed, not if he wanted to keep his company successful.

  Ellie walked up the aisle toward him, an ever-present smile on her face. Her gaze met his, and he saw stars in her eyes.

  Freakin’ stars.

  The kind that spoke of love and happy endings.

  Forever stars.

  He couldn’t give Ellie forever. He wasn’t sure what would happen at the end of December.

  Not good.

  She deserved to have her dreams come true. That wouldn’t happen with him. He couldn’t give her what she wanted.

  Crap. What was he going to do?

  He had no idea what to say. He couldn’t talk to her when she looked so dreamy, like he was the source of light and heat in her universe.

  He stood, turned, and walked to where Zack was with the boys.

  The back of Josiah’s throat burned. His muscles ached. He thought he might be sick.

  Whit Tech was all he needed. The company was his family, his life. There wasn’t room for anything or anyone else.