The Cowboy's Christmas Courtship

by Brenda Minton

  “Pearls are very pretty.”

  Gage walked back into the kitchen. “Layla, don’t answer her.”

  “You okay, Gage?” His mother stood, her smile dissolving into a frown.

  “I’m fine. Layla, that was Slade. We need to leave.”

  Her heart thumped hard, and she stared up at him, searching for more information.

  “Gage, tell her what’s wrong. Can’t you see you’re scaring her?”

  Yes, Layla thought, she was scared. Her legs were weak and she couldn’t breathe. Gage closed his eyes just briefly.

  “I’m sorry. Layla, Brandon skipped school today. He’s fine, but they were in an accident. Ran a truck through a fence. Slade has them out at the Tuckers fixing the fence, and Mr. Tucker said he won’t press charges.”

  “Why did he call you?” Layla’s voice shook. She didn’t want to be shaky. She had to be strong. This was her life, her brother and her responsibility.

  “Layla, you don’t have a cell phone.” His voice was rational. Reasonable. And too soft. The way it would be if he was talking to someone about to lose it.

  “But he’s okay?”

  “He’s fine.”

  She carried her paper plate to the trash, put her glass in the sink and turned, trying desperately to hold back her tears. Seven-year-old memories rushed to the surface. Angie Cooper put an arm around her shoulder.

  “He’s okay,” Angie whispered, holding her close.

  “I know.” She fought for a deep breath. “I know.” But in that moment, it reminded her too much of that night.

  * * *

  Gage had missed it, that panic, that fear. He shouldn’t have. He should have remembered that not that long ago a trooper had asked Gage’s parents to go with him to Tulsa to break the news to Layla.

  “I’m sorry.” He reached for the hat he’d dropped on the counter. “I should have done that differently.”

  “It’s okay.” She sucked in a breath, and he could tell she was pulling herself together. “Let’s go. I can drive my truck, if you have other things to do.”

  “I don’t have anything else to do.”

  “What about my mare?”

  “She’s fine in the barn.”

  She nodded, turning to Angie and Myrna Cooper. “Thank you for lunch.”

  “You’re so welcome, Layla. And don’t forget about Christmas.”

  They were walking out the front door when it dawned on Gage. His mom had invited Layla to Christmas at Cooper Creek. He was used to his grandmother meddling in the romantic lives of his siblings, but his mom usually stayed out of it. Or at least gave the appearance of it.

  “Gage, you really don’t have to drive me.”

  “I know that, but I want to.”

  She nodded but continued to stare out the window as they drove. “He’s a good kid. I didn’t have problems with him until the past year or so.”

  “He’s a teenager, Layla. He needs a man to give him a little guidance.”

  “I know.” Her voice was soft. He reached for her hand and she clasped his fingers tight. “It’s my fault. I grew up keeping people out, and then when I needed them, I didn’t know how to let them help.”

  “Old habits are hard to shake.”

  She smiled at him, finally. He thought about that smile, then decided it was better if he didn’t. When they pulled up to the scene of the accident, the old truck driven by Brandon’s buddy was sitting in the field. Brandon was busy pounding fence posts back into the ground.

  “I want more for him than this. I just hope he wants more.”

  A dozen thoughts ran through Gage’s mind, about growing up, realizing a person wanted more out of life. But he didn’t know how to express it so it made sense.

  “He’ll grow up.” That’s all he said as he got out of the truck.

  Brandon glanced their way as he pounded another fence post. He finished and swiped at his brow. Layla just stood there looking at him. To Gage she looked half mad, half brokenhearted.

  “Layla, I know I messed up.” Brandon pulled his ball cap a little lower on his dark head. He shrugged in his hoodie and looked to Gage. “I should have known better.”

  Layla sighed. “You do know better.”

  “Yeah, I do.” He looked down at the ground and then at his sister. “I’m sorry.”

  “I know you are. But there are consequences.” She looked from Gage to Slade to Brandon. “I think you’ll have to stop riding bulls.”

  “But...” Gage said at the same time as Brandon.

  Layla silenced them both with a look. “For the next month, no bulls. Brandon can do chores for Mr. Tucker, and he can continue to work at Cooper Creek. He can’t go anywhere with Jason.”

  Jason, Brandon’s friend, looked a little sheepish. Gage wondered where his folks were.

  “Fine.” Brandon went back to pounding posts.

  “Seems to me you’re getting off pretty easy, Brandon.” Slade McKennon, soon to be Gage’s brother-in-law, had that voice of authority Gage admired. Both of the boys lowered their heads and kept on working.

  Brandon said, “Yes, sir.”

  It took another hour for them to get the fence repaired. Jason got in his truck and headed across the field to a gate. Brandon turned to look at Layla.

  “Get in Gage’s truck. He’ll give us a ride home.” She walked up to Mr. Tucker. “He’s all yours. Any chores you need done, you let him know. I’ll have him get off the bus here, if that’s okay with you.”

  Mr. Tucker nodded and looked at the teenager. “After he’s done, I can give him a ride home. Or to Cooper Creek. Mondays and Thursdays I can use some help. Those chicken houses I’ve got take a lot of my time. My wife has been on me to take her to dinner once in a while. Brandon can help me get work done and that’ll keep the missus happy.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Tucker. If there are any other expenses, just let me know.” Layla slowly trudged along the fence line to Gage’s truck.

  Gage followed them to his truck, knowing full well that Layla couldn’t afford to have any other expenses piled on top of the ones she already had.

  Brandon had to know that. So why did the kid keep getting himself into trouble?

  Gage climbed in his truck. Layla sat in the middle between him and her brother. That meant the whole ride back to her place, their shoulders touched and her sweet scent teased. He had more troubles than Brandon Silver ever dreamed of.

  Chapter Eleven

  Friday night at Vera’s started out busy, but then the Mad Cow cleared out. The sky looked iffy, and people were worried about sleet. Layla looked out the window at the light coating of white sleet already covering the sidewalk. A block down from the Mad Cow, headlights flashed on the road. It looked a lot like Gage’s truck.

  She hadn’t seen him for a few days, not since the day after Brandon’s accident. Gage seemed to have gotten it when she told him he no longer owed her anything. The day after Brandon’s accident, Gage had brought her mare back, unloading a dozen bales of good hay with the horse. And then he’d left, telling her he had to drive livestock to an auction outside of Tulsa.

  “Do you want to help me decorate the tree?” Vera asked, walking up behind her.

  Layla smiled at Vera’s reflection in the window. “Of course.”

  “Have you put a tree up yet?”

  “Not yet. Maybe next weekend.”

  “It’s only a few weeks till Christmas.”

  “I know.” Layla spied the box with Vera’s tree. “Let’s decorate.”

  “Layla, why don’t you kids spend Christmas with me and my family?”

  “We’re fine, Vera. The Coopers invited us over.”

  “Then you should go. Honey, they won’t notice two more. The more the merrier on Christmas.�
��

  “Thanks, Vera. I’ll think about it.”

  Vera’s dark brows arched. “No, you won’t.”

  With a smile and a little chuckle, Layla started to put up the tree. And while she worked, Vera set up her nativity collections. She had several. She bought them in different parts of the country, and she loved them.

  Vera loved Christmas. She overdecorated every year with tinsel, garland, glittery decorations and lights. Soon the inside of the Mad Cow would look like Christmas had exploded all over the small café.

  But it was more than the beautiful decorations. Vera loved Christmas because she loved Jesus. Every day, every hour, she lived her faith. Over the years Layla and others in the community had been touched by that strong faith.

  Vera walked away from the nativity on the counter by the register. She peeked out the window and shook her head. “That sleet is coming down pretty hard. You should probably head on home.”

  “It would only take a few minutes to decorate the tree.”

  Vera glanced to the window and then back at the tree. “No, I’ll do it in the morning. You take that extra fried chicken for you and Brandon.”

  “I’m not really hungry and he’s probably already eaten.”

  “Layla, honey, you need to eat. You’re pale and you’re losing weight.”

  “I haven’t felt so great this week. It’ll pass. But I’ll take the chicken home for Brandon.”

  “I’d be happier if you went to a doctor for a checkup.”

  Layla shook her head. “I can’t.”

  “I know you have no insurance, but it isn’t worth risking your health.”

  “I’ll be fine in a day or two.”

  The sleet was really coming down. Layla shivered at the thought of driving home in the cold and snow. The heater on her truck didn’t blow especially warm, and the defroster had a hard time clearing the windshield.

  “Go home before the roads get slick.” Vera hurried to the back and returned with containers of chicken.

  “I can stay and help you close up.”

  “No, I can get this. And you have farther to go than I do.”

  Layla decided not to argue. Not only was it pointless, but Vera was right. “Thanks, Vera.”

  “You’re welcome. And promise me that you’ll stay home tomorrow if you’re still feeling sick.”

  “I promise, but I know I’ll be fine.”

  “Of course you’ll be fine.” Vera handed her the container of food. “But in case you aren’t...”

  “I’ll call.”

  Vera let her out the front door and then locked it behind her. Layla hurried to her truck, sliding a little on the sleet-covered sidewalk. The sleet stung her cheeks as she ran. She cranked the truck’s engine a few times and finally it roared to life. Headlights flashed through the cab. A big, blue Ford truck pulled next to her. She rolled down her window as the driver’s side window on the other truck lowered.

  “I just dropped Brandon off at your place and saw that you weren’t home yet.” Gage smiled, and something inside her relaxed.

  No, she couldn’t do this. Couldn’t feel this. She fought for something to say, some way to dismiss him. She didn’t have time for a broken heart. She didn’t have the energy to stop him from storming into her life and taking over.

  Gage was still talking. She blinked a few times and refocused as he said something about following her home.

  “You don’t have to.” She could make it the short distance to her house without the truck dying. She told him so.

  “I’m sure you can,” he answered. “But I’m still going to follow you. I want to make sure you get home safe.”

  “Really, I do this every day. And you’re probably ready to get home.”

  Gage let out a sigh. “Layla, you’re just about the most stubborn woman I’ve ever met. You do what you want, but you can’t stop me from going in the same direction as you.”

  And for whatever crazy reason, she smiled. And he smiled back.

  “Fine, Gage, follow me home.”

  “Are you going to make me a cup of tea?”

  “I thought you were following me, then heading on to your house?”

  “Why would I do that when I’m obviously going out of my way to follow you home?”

  She didn’t answer. She couldn’t. Instead she rolled up her window and eased out of the parking lot with Gage a safe distance behind.

  Safe? There was nothing safe about the man. And yet, she smiled all the way home.

  When she pulled into her drive, he followed. He parked next to her, getting out before she did. She had to rummage in the seat for her mail, gather up the containers of chicken, grab her purse and open her door. But he had her door open and stood there, tall and broad-shouldered in his heavy coat, his face shadowy in the dark night.

  “Let me carry something.”

  She handed him the containers of chicken.

  “Thank you.” She remembered her manners.

  They walked up the steps together, stomping to shake the sleet off their shoes before entering the house.

  “No tree?” Gage asked as they walked through the door.

  “Not yet. I haven’t really had time.”

  “I can cut you down one.”

  She shook her head. “Nope, we’re done, Gage. You don’t owe me anything. You never owed me.”

  “What are you talking about?” He took off his hat and raked a hand through his dark brown hair. He tossed the hat on a coffee table, as if it belonged there. As if he belonged.

  Layla looked at that dark hat, and then back to the man standing in front of her. Once, a long time ago, he’d been a boy. A teenager with acne and a big smile. He’d loved all the girls, flirting and conquering their hearts as if he’d been a conquistador taking new lands for his country.

  Now? She didn’t really know him now. She didn’t know why he was standing in her living room with that puzzled half smile on his face.

  “Making amends, remember?” She walked on to the kitchen. He followed, setting the chicken on the counter. He leaned against the counter, arms folded across his chest.

  “Yeah, making amends.” He nodded.

  “You thought you owed me something. You needed to feel better about yourself. Right?” She ignored the soft smile on his lips. “You never really owed me. I haven’t thought about high school and what happened since. Well, not since high school. My life has been too busy to sit around and worry about a silly game you played with...”

  “With your heart.” He didn’t smile.

  “Sure, but that was ages ago. It’s over. You’ve been great, helping me with Brandon. He loves you, the Coopers and your ranch.”

  “And our bulls.”

  “Yes, your bulls. He thinks he’ll make a great bull rider someday.”

  “He could. He has talent.”

  “Gage...” He still had the ability to undo her common sense. She definitely needed him out of her life so she could get back to her normal routine.

  “When I got hit by that bull in Vegas—” he looked down at the floor “—I could have died. When I think about that, and how I’d been treating people... It made sense to me that I should right some wrongs.”

  “Gage, you need to deal with this. Deal with your anger toward God.”

  “Why do you think I’m angry with God?”

  “I’ve seen you walk out of church mad. The night Reese spoke about his blindness, you left. Not just the church, but Dawson.”

  Gage scratched the back of his neck and then, without asking, pulled cups out of the cabinet and filled them with water.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Making tea. Chamomile. My mother says it’s very calming.”

  “We’re going to have tea?�
�� As if they had tea every day. She watched the cowboy in his flannel shirt and faded jeans as he limped around her kitchen.

  “Where’s your brother?”

  “Probably in his room.”

  “Should you check on him?” Gage put the two cups in the microwave.

  Yes, she should check on Brandon. She should do a reality check on herself, too.

  * * *

  Gage watched her walk out of the room, then he slumped, resting his elbows on the counter. He wasn’t no old house dog, hanging his head because he couldn’t find the bone buried in the backyard. He was a grown man. A grown man who was real good at skating in and out of life.

  He loved being on the road. He loved getting on the back of a bull and riding until the eight-second buzzer. New places, new people, new challenges. Those were the things he loved.

  As soon as they got through Christmas, maybe New Year’s Eve, he’d be on the road again, shaking off the dust of this town and people who thought they knew him. Most people didn’t. Not really.

  But Layla, with a few sentences, had just undone him. Man, she’d seen right to the heart of him. That scared him.

  It scared him almost as much as looking into her eyes and knowing her in a way that a lot of people didn’t.

  He’d never gotten that close to a woman. He’d dated a lot. Women he met at rodeos. Models representing different products. Daughters of stock owners or sisters of other riders. Those were the women he went out with. They ate dinner, they laughed, maybe they kissed a little. And then he ended it.

  He didn’t know their favorite colors, their middle names, or their secrets. And he didn’t really care to.

  They didn’t know him, either. They didn’t know his anger or his fears. They sure didn’t bring up his faith.

  She had walked back into the room on silent feet, taking him by surprise. He stood straight and smiled his best charmer smile. And she didn’t respond. She stood there in soft sweatpants and a long-sleeved T-shirt, bunny slippers on her feet, giving him a look that said she wasn’t falling for it.

  He pulled the cups out of the microwave and tossed the sopping tea bags into the trash. He stirred a little sugar into each cup and held one out for her.