Her Christmas Cowboy

by Maggie Carpenter

  “Yep, that’s fine with me,” Wes agreed.

  “Then I’m coming with you,” April said defiantly.

  “You stay here,” Connor said sharply.

  “Yes, you stay here, April,” Izzy piped up. “Come back into the kitchen and help mommy and me. She just said she doesn’t have enough hands.”

  Connor’s eyes had narrowed, telling April not to argue, and looking down at the hopeful expression on Izzy’s face, April let out a resigned sigh and took her hand.

  “All right, Izzy. Show me what needs to be done. I’ll be happy to stay and help, but I’ll probably have to leave in a few minutes,” she said, shooting a determined glance back at Connor.

  As Izzy led April into the kitchen, Connor and Wes stepped out the front door leaving Lance alone in the foyer. For a moment he wasn’t sure what to do with himself, then decided to follow his friends outside.

  “All right, Connor, let’s hear what you have to say,” Wes said, sounding like the police chief he was, “but remember, I’ve had an important citizen make a serious allegation and I’ve gotta do my job.”

  “I understand, I do, believe me,” Connor replied, managing to maintain his calm demeanor, “and I’m gonna to tell you absolutely everything that’s happened. You know me, you know I’m a straight shooter, but you don’t have to take my word for it. I have my own evidence to back up what I’m gonna tell you.”

  “Like I said, let’s hear it,” Wes repeated, walking across to the porch swing. “You don’t mind if I sit down a spell while I listen?”

  “Of course not,” Lance replied, stepping forward and brushing the snow off the wooden seat with his hand. “You want some coffee?”

  “Nope, I wanna hear the story. Go on, Connor. I’m listenin’.”

  Slowly and in complete detail Connor relayed all that had happened, starting from the night he had first met April in his bar a month before. When he’d finished he produced his cellphone, and pulling up the texts between April and Richard he handed it over.

  “I also have the video from the tavern. It’ll show April’s arrival late last night. You’ll see the state she was in, and you’ll hear the fear in her voice. You’ll also see the Churchill’s bangin’ on my door, and if it was Edward doin’ the bangin’ you’ll be able to get a good look at him. He sure as heck won’t be sportin’ a broken nose. You can talk to Becky at the diner, she’ll tell you he was fine when he was there. I’m kinda surprised they forgot about bein’ seen there.”

  “You’ve given me a lot to think about,” Wes frowned. “I probably shouldn’t say this, but that Churchill family is a strange bunch, everyone livin’ under the same roof like they do, but hey, there’s no law against it. Edward still has that broken nose, though, and there’s a bronze with his blood on it, and from what April just told me, it’ll have her fingerprints on it. I can’t ignore evidence like that, Connor, but if that film shows him in one piece last night, and Becky can verify how he was when she saw him this mornin’, and if April hasn’t been back to the Chateau…”

  “She hasn’t,” Connor insisted, “she’s been with me every moment since I found her on my floor, but you know she was stayin’ at the Chateau. She told me about the bronzes. All the Churchill’s had to do was smear Edward’s blood on it and-“

  “Stop right there,” Wes said holding up his hand. “I know, I know. I’ve got the picture. An easy setup.”

  “Can’t you at least let her stay for Christmas dinner?” Lance interjected. “She’s not goin’ anywhere. Connor and I will bring her to the station after we’ve had our meal and the kids have opened their presents.”

  “The thing is, I’ve got Peggy waitin’ at home with all the relatives,” he complained.

  “What can I do to assure you that April isn’t goin’ anywhere?” Connor asked. “She doesn’t even have a purse, or money, or I.D. Like I said, she lost her bag in the storm walkin’ to my place last night. She can’t go anywhere even if she wanted to, and I’m more interested in gettin’ justice for her than I am anything else. I’ll download all the footage on to a CD and bring it with me.”

  “Okay, okay, Connor,” Wes said standing up. “You’ve convinced me. I know your word is good, and she didn’t strike me as a girl who would go around bonkin’ folks on the nose, but that’s off the record, ya hear?”

  “Yeah, of course,” Connor nodded.

  “You, on the other hand, that’s another matter. I can see you punchin’ a guy in the nose all day long!”

  “Like I said, I had to defend myself and protect her,” Connor declared.

  “Tomorrow you and April be at the station at 10 a.m. with all your stuff, and we’ll see if we can’t get this thing sorted out.”

  “Thanks, Wes,” Lance said gratefully. “I don’t think Izzy would have forgiven you if you’d pulled April outta here.”

  “That little girl is somethin’ else,” the police chief remarked. “All right fellas, you have a Merry Christmas and I’ll see you in the mornin’.”

  Lance and Connor stayed on the porch until the police car had driven off, then Lance kicked the snow with his foot.

  “This is a mess,” he grunted. “Those Churchill’s, I’ve heard they’re real mean. They’re not gonna let this go.”

  “I’m not scared of them. April and I have the truth on our side.”

  “That’s not what I’m worried about,” Lance grimaced. “You just watch your back for a while.”

  “I think this is all gonna work out just fine,” Connor said confidently.

  “You sound real sure of yourself.”

  “I am. I just have that feelin’, but right now I need to have a word with my girl.”

  “You want me to go in and send her out here?”

  “Would you mind?”

  “As long as you don’t take too long. Annabelle’s about to serve up dinner and we don’t want it gettin’ cold.”

  “Two minutes, that’s all I need,” Connor assured him.

  “All right, but no more, or she won’t be happy with either of us.”

  Connor watched Lance walk back in the house, and wandering to the porch swing he settled in and gazed out at the ranch around him. In spite of the unfolding drama, he imagined how his own ranch was going to look, but a moment later the door opened and April stepped out, interrupting his thoughts.

  “I should have put my coat on,” she frowned. “It’s cold out here.”

  “You’ll be fine,” he said rising to his feet. “This won’t take long.”

  “Lance said the police chief left and I can stay for dinner. That’s great, but right after our meal I’m going to the station to tell them I hit Edward with that bronze,” she said vehemently. “There’s no way I’m going to let you get into trouble for that. This whole thing is my fault. The only reason you punched him was because of me, so I’m to blame. That’s it, Connor. I’ve made up my mind.”

  “You finished?” he asked, raising his eyebrows.

  “I have. Like I said, that’s it. Now I’m going back inside.”

  “Hmmm,” he murmured, tilting his head to the side and frowning at her.

  “What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

  “I’m just wonderin’ how hard I’m gonna have to spank you when we get home?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “I’m gonna spank you ’til you see sense.”

  “You’ll do no such thing!” she protested.

  “You listen to me, little lady,” he said, lowering his voice and gripping her upper arms. “I appreciate you wantin’ to keep me outta trouble, but I’ve got this handled. I’ve got all kinds of ways of makin’ this go away, you hear me? And even if I didn’t, do you think, for one, single, solitary second, I’d let you take the blame for me punchin’ that joker? Hell, I’m proud of it. That yokel has had that comin’ for a long time.”

  “But, Connor-“

  “Don’t you but Connor me,” he scolded. “We’re gonna go back in that house, we�
��re gonna have a real nice time, and then we’re leavin and goin’ home, and I’m gonna spank you real good.”

  “Why?”

  “Cos I wanna make sure you’re not gonna do or say anythin’ stupid when we go to the police station in the mornin’.”

  “We’re going in the morning?”

  “Yep, and you’re gonna do exactly what I tell you, and you’ll be sittin’ on a tender backside to make sure you do. You understand?”

  She stared up at him for a moment, then leaned into his chest, and putting his arms around her, he hugged her tightly

  “You okay?”

  “Yes and no. You just made my knees weak, and I think I feel a bit faint,” she whispered.

  “I’m still gonna spank you.”

  “You don’t have to. I get the message.”

  “Yes I do. I don’t make empty promises. Now let’s get you back inside. We’re not talkin’ about this again until we’re back home. Got it?”

  “Uh-huh, I’ve got it. I’ve got everything,” she sighed, then looking up at him she added, “and you take my breath away.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  Izzy had been so thrilled with her pony she had stood completely speechless with her mouth open and her eyes bulging until Lance had picked her up and hugged her. Half-an-hour later, back inside the house, the new puppy was brought into the room and had caused a riot, leaping from box to box as the kids tried to catch him. The puppy thought it was a great game and led everyone on a merry Christmas chase. It was early evening when the kids finally began to tire and were put to bed, but it was a while later that Connor and April said their goodbyes. Carrying their gifts they ambled out to the car and found the night was clear but very cold, and as they began the drive home April cuddled against him until the heater began take affect.

  “What a wonderful day,” she said happily. “I’ll never forget it. Those kids are incredible, but I’m not surprised with parents like Lance and Annabelle. They’re such lovely people.”

  “Yep. It was a great day, even with Wes arrivin’ on the doorstep.”

  “Can you please tell me why you think my big mess is going to be okay? I don’t see how, and we can debate it all you want, but I’m determined you’re not going to be arrested for punching that creepy Edward.”

  “Is that right?” he said, keeping his eyes on the road. “Didn’t we have this conversation?”

  “I guess,” she mumbled, “but you still haven’t answered my question. What did you mean when you said the whole thing was handled?”

  “You know I have camera’s around the bar, inside and out. It’s gonna be real easy to prove Edward was just fine last night, and that you’ve been with me ever since you collapsed on my floor.”

  “Of course!” she exclaimed. “Your security cameras!”

  “And I’ve already shown Wes the texts you exchanged with Richard.”

  “But don’t they prove I stole the car? I admit I took it in those texts.”

  “It proves you felt you had to take the car to run for your life,” Connor declared, “and you used the word, borrowed. I’m truly shocked the Churchill’s forgot about that, but it’s possible Edward decided not to tell them.”

  “He would do something like that. He’d push ahead knowing it would scare the crap out of me at least for a while. I’m sure he would.”

  “I think you’re right,” Connor agreed.

  “But the cameras? How could they not have considered them?”

  “How would they know about them? As you pointed out there are no signs anywhere, and the Churchill’s have never been to my bar. They have no idea those cameras are up.”

  “I feel so much better,” she sighed. “You’re right. The whole thing is going nowhere. What a relief.”

  “Silly girl, about to confess to something that’s so easy to disprove.”

  “I panicked, but I meant what I said. I’d happily take the blame for Edward’s busted nose. This is all my fault.”

  “Dammit, April, it’s not your fault, and it’s not my fault. It’s that crazy Churchill clan that’s to blame for everything.”

  “I can’t wait to go shopping tomorrow and get some clothes,” she said, deciding to change the subject. “It was so kind of Annabelle to lend me a pair of jeans and a shirt until I do.”

  “Yep, she’s a sweetheart,” Connor agreed. “Wow, look at that moon.”

  Gazing through the windshield April stared up at the huge white and grey globe hanging low in the sky.

  “Oh, my, gosh, I’ve never seen it look so big. It’s gorgeous.”

  “Like you,” he said putting his arm around her shoulder.

  “Connor,” she sighed. “You are such a romantic.”

  “Don’t tell anyone,” he chuckled, turning down a road that would take them down the main street.

  “Um, isn’t your house in the other direction?”

  “Yep.”

  “Where are we going?”

  “Back to my bar.”

  “Really?” she smiled, sensing he had something special I mind. “May I ask why?”

  “You’ll see.”

  The compelling silver moon seemed to be guiding them, and a short time later as they pulled into the parking lot and climbed from the car, she gazed up at the sky.

  “It’s almost as if its white light is blessing us,” she said softy.

  “I know what you mean,” Connor replied walking around and hugging her. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen it so bright. Come on, it’s freezin’ out here. Let’s get inside.”

  Walking quickly up the steps he unlocked the door, and walking inside he flicked on a switch that turned on the lights above the bar, then leading her to the jukebox he fished in his pocket for some coins, deposited them, and made his selection.

  “What’s this all about?” she asked as he moved her to the dance floor in front of the riser where the bands performed.

  “You’re gonna find out in about two seconds,” he purred.

  The opening bars of, We Danced, floated around them, and the rich, warm voice of the singer began to fill the room.

  “We both had this vision,” he whispered in her ear, pulling her into his arms and moving her across the floor, “and now we’re gonna make it a reality.”

  Closing his eyes he felt his heart soar. She was moving with him as though they were one, and he had an overwhelming feeling that it mattered that they were dancing to the song to which they’d both felt connected.

  April felt weightless. Connor was moving her effortlessly, and the deep soulful voice of the singer and his lyrics were touching her as they’d never touched her before. When the music came to an end and silence fell over the room, she leaned into his chest and sank into his powerful hug.

  “That was sheer heaven,” she murmured. “I never wanted it to end.”

  “Yep, it was,” he sighed. “The perfect end to this amazin’ Christmas day.”

  “I’m so glad you brought me here for that dance,” she said pulling back and gazing at him. “I don’t know why I’m saying this, but it was important.”

  “Yeah, Angel, it was, real important. I just don’t know why, but I guess that part doesn’t matter.”

  Drawn by the sparkle in her eyes and the energy in the air, he lowered his lips and kissed her, softly at first, then pressed a little harder, and as his cock stirred he broke away and pulled back.

  “I wanna be with you in my big comfortable bed,” he grinned. “If I keep kissin’ you, we’re gonna end up climbin’ that staircase behind the kitchen and sleepin’ upstairs.”

  “I’d like to sleep in your big comfortable bed as well,” she murmured, “but I hate to leave. I’ll always remember this moment.”

  “Me too, and we can remember it together whenever we want. It’s on camera.”

  “Oh, that’s right. That never occurred to me. How absolutely wonderful. Will you burn me a CD?”

  “Of course I will,” he promised, “now let’s get home and get naked.”<
br />
  “Yes, please,” she said softly.

  Arm-in-arm they ambled across to the front door, and he paused and looked back as he flicked off the lights, then locking up he hurried her through the chilly night to the car.

  “That was truly magical,” she sighed as they settled in and he started the engine.

  “Yes it was, and it’s hard to believe Christmas is over for another year.”

  “Sure is. I wish I could just stay in this town forever,” she mumbled under her breath.

  “Sorry, I didn’t hear you.”

  “I said I feel like I’ve been here forever,” she lied, “but now I’m loving it, and I guess I’ll have to stick around a while longer. I don’t think your police chief will want me leaving until everything has been resolved. Will that be a problem? I can always go back to the The Yellow Inn.”

  “A problem? Are you kiddin’? You stay as long as you want. Just be prepared to have a hot backside more often than not, startin’ in about ten minutes.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “You didn’t think I’d changed my mind, did you?”

  “Um, kind of.”

  “I told you I don’t make empty promises, and we’ve still got the mornin’ at the station to get through. Yep, you’re goin’ over my knee.”

  “Are you joking?”

  “Just cos I’m smilin’ doesn’t mean I’m jokin’,” he said with a wink. “When we get home we’re gonna wash off the pony and the dogs and the kids, then I’m gonna take you into bed, put you on your hands and knees and smack your ass.”

  Though she was staring at him with a look of protest, her stomach was doing a delicious polka, and she could feel a flood between her legs.

  “No comeback?” he asked, glancing at her as he turned off the road and stopped at the gates to his home.

  “None that I can think of,” she muttered.

  “Huh. That’s a first.”

  “The night’s not over yet,” she quipped.

  “There you go," he grinned as he rolled down the driveway and into his garage.

  They carried in their gifts, and except for the jeans and the shirt Annabelle had lent April, they left everything on the dining room table, then holding hands they climbed the stairs and entered his bathroom. Turning on the faucets he glanced at April’s reflection in the large mirror over the granite counter as she slowly began to undress. Feeling his eyes she looked up, smiled, and stepping out of her slacks she walked over to him and put her arms around his neck.