The Best Cowboy Christmas Ever

by June Faver

  “Honest, Son! I don’t know what it is that you got against my Angelique. She’s just about the sweetest little gal ever born.”

  Colt couldn’t suppress a derisive snort. “Is she, Dad? Well, how come she didn’t make your acquaintance until now? Didn’t it occur to you to check into her background? I mean, she showed up here without even a phone call.”

  “Now listen here, Son. I have no reason to doubt her. She is my daughter. She is the daughter of my college girlfriend. She is Sofie’s and my child. I’m sorry I didn’t know about her, but now that I do know, I will never deny her. Angelique and Gabrielle are very precious to me.”

  Colt pressed his lips together to keep from blurting out something else to anger his father.

  “Just hold the damned door steady so I can get this hinge screwed on.” Big Jim changed the drill bit to a screwdriver bit and drove the screws into place. He stood and gave the gate a shake to make sure it was fastened securely. “That oughta do it.”

  “Until the next time Thunder decides to kick it down.”

  “Well, when he does, I’ll fix it again.” It was obvious that Big Jim was barely controlling his anger.

  “Look, Dad, I didn’t mean to upset you. I was hoping to talk some sense into you before you make a huge mistake.”

  Big Jim turned on him, his face red and a vein standing out in his forehead. “Just what is it you’re so fired up about? Are you afraid she’s going to be in my will? Are you so greedy for the land that you would begrudge your sister a share?”

  Colt reeled as though his father had struck him. “I can’t believe you said that. I’m not greedy. I just don’t believe that she’s in any way related to you.”

  “She is my daughter.” Big Jim’s voice was a whole octave lower in pitch and his jaw was tight.

  “Okay, I know you believe that. You want to believe it.” Colt took a wide stance and fisted his hands at his waist. “If you truly believe this woman is any kin to you, why don’t you have a DNA test to make sure?”

  Big Jim took a deep breath as though steeling himself. “Because I am sure.” He swallowed hard. “Colton, I’m gonna ask you to leave now, and don’t come back until you have adjusted your attitude. You are my son, and Angelique Guillory is my daughter. Get used to it.” He gathered his tools and headed for the house, leaving Colton staring after him with a burning sensation in his chest.

  * * *

  When Derrick picked Angelique up at Tyler’s house, she appeared to be shy. He figured she was embarrassed to be sneaking around when she was a grown woman, but she was living in her father’s house, and he seemed to be less than enthusiastic about the budding relationship. Derrick hoped to be able to show Angelique that he was proud to be seen with her and wanted to deepen their ties.

  “You’re sure you want to keep Gabrielle tonight?” she asked Leah.

  “Of course. Go on now. You deserve a night out.” Leah made shooing motions with her hands.

  When Derrick handed her up into his truck, he assured her that he would bring her back to Tyler and Leah’s house whenever she wanted.

  Angelique enjoyed the beautiful countryside as they drove toward Langston. The moon was rising, and it cast a glow on the snowy scenery. There must have been a million stars strewn across the night sky, and all of them were twinkling for her pleasure.

  “Beautiful night,” she said.

  He glanced at her and reached for her hand, placing it on his thigh. “Not nearly as beautiful as you are tonight.”

  A flush of warmth filled her insides. “I’m glad you think so, Derrick.”

  He shot her an appraising look. “I swear…you don’t actually have any idea how gorgeous you are, do you?”

  “Me? I’m just…”

  He shook his head. “In high school, there were a ton of girls who didn’t have anything near to your looks, and they were so full of themselves. Always preening and posing…But you…” He heaved a deep sigh. “You’re the real thing. You could be on magazine covers or the movie screen.”

  Angelique shook her head. “Oh, come on now.”

  “No, I’m serious. I spend all my time looking at you, wondering what you could possibly see in me when you could have any guy you want.”

  “Please, stop. You must be in love with me.” She stopped short. “I mean…”

  “You’re probably right.” They had entered the town of Langston, and in no time he was pulling up to the steak house. “Hope you’re hungry.” He got out to go around and open her door.

  Angelique was stunned by his comments, and even more stunned by his admission that he might be in love with her. This was going to be an interesting night.

  She enjoyed the meal at the steak house. Apparently the cook had been taking lessons from Big Jim, although this steak had a slightly different seasoning. Perfectly prepared as well as anything she had dined on in the city.

  People stopped by the table to say hello to Derrick and be introduced to his companion.

  She had to accept that this was a small town and people knew people.

  After dinner Derrick drove her to his ranch, which he insisted on calling “only a small place.” A little over one hundred acres sounded huge to her.

  When he opened her door and held out his arms, Angelique felt as though she was committing something serious to this somewhat serious man. She slid down off the seat and into his embrace. He took a moment to hold her, pressing a sweet kiss against her lips, but then hurried her inside because of the drop in temperature.

  When she sucked in a breath, it chilled her insides, but she was inside his warm house in no time.

  There was a dog now, in addition to Meow, the cat she had met the last time she was there. The cat regarded her solemnly, but the small dog approached, wagging its tail.

  “That’s Smokey. I guess I’m dog-sitting for an elderly couple.” Derrick gestured to the cat. “Meow is finally beginning to accept Smokey. It was touch-and-go for a while there.”

  Angelique thought it was a good sign that a man could be bothered to take care of pets. In truth, he seemed to be taking care of a great deal of the county.

  He helped her out of her outer layers and shed his gloves and fleece-lined jacket.

  They stood looking at each other for one agonizing moment, and then he kissed her. Kissed her like he really meant it. Kissed her in a way that blazed a trail from her lips all the way to her girlie parts. Oh, mama!

  And then her clothes began to fall off.

  It seemed the kisses were causing them to fall in a heap at her feet. Angelique pushed away, gazing up at the man helping her out of her garments. “Wait! One of us is wearing entirely too many clothes. Start stripping, cowboy.”

  Derrick grinned and sat down on the sofa to wrest off one of his boots. “Getting out of the boots is the hardest part.” He got the second one off and then stood up, but Angelique stepped forward to help him. Something about taking off a man’s shirt was distinctly exciting, but she found that he had a thermal undershirt beneath it. The thermal knit clung to all his muscles, emphasizing his well-developed chest and arms.

  “Nice,” she purred. “Do you work out?”

  He chuckled as he slipped it off over his head, treating her to a nice display of rippling muscles. “Like at a gym? The answer is no. I work, period.”

  Good answer.

  He scooped her up and carried her to his bedroom at the rear of the house. When he placed her in the middle of his bed, he took a moment to remove the rest of his clothing before joining her.

  He trailed kisses down her body and found her most sensitive areas to pay special attention to, using his tongue to bring spirals of orgasm swirling through her body. She wanted him inside her. But she didn’t want him to stop what he was doing.

  He broke away to sort through a drawer in the bedside table, producing a condom.

>   She took it from him and applied it to his erection, thrilled that he was so well-endowed.

  He entered her gently and quickly brought her to a full orgasm. But he wasn’t finished.

  It had been so long, she was ready to detonate fast, gripping him with her thighs and arms. She arched against him, her nipples taut against the light swirl of chest hair. By the time he climaxed, she had lost count of hers. She was damp and breathing heavily. “Yeah!” She wanted to say thank you, but thought that was not appropriate. Instead, she lay contented in his arms.

  He snuggled the bedding around her, and pulled her closer. She wanted to clean up, but she wanted to be held more. Somehow, cuddling with Derrick Shelton felt like the best thing she had done in a while.

  * * *

  That night, Colt shared with Misty the exchange between himself and Big Jim earlier that day. They were watching television, but when he started relating the conversation, she turned it off.

  She felt heartsick that her husband was so hurt by his father’s words. “I can’t believe he’s being so obstinate. It’s as though he’s taking this Angelique woman’s side against you, his own son.”

  Colt shook his head. “It’s like he has blinders on.”

  Misty laid her head on his shoulder and tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. “You have to let him make a fool of himself, Colt. He’s not going to listen to you or anyone else.”

  “I never thought my own dad would take some stranger’s side over mine.” He swallowed hard. “I mean, he always used to value my judgment.”

  Misty hated that Colt, always the big, strong man, let Big Jim’s comments get to him. “I’m sure he’ll come to his senses eventually.”

  “Did I tell you that he asked me to leave?”

  She patted his arm. “Yes, you did. It’s okay. I’m sure he didn’t mean it.”

  Colt brushed her away, standing abruptly. “Yes he did. He told me not to come back until I, quote, ‘change my attitude.’ How am I supposed to react to that?”

  Misty watched him pace around. She felt helpless, knowing her husband was as stubborn as his father. “Colt, it’s almost Christmas. You don’t actually think your dad is going to ruin Christmas over this, do you?”

  Colt stopped his pacing, seeming to consider her words.

  Encouraged, she went on. “Big Jim is like a kid at Christmas. He loves to make sure everyone has a great time. You know how he plans his little surprises for the children? And he’s always made it a big deal that the family goes to church together. Tomorrow is Sunday, so do you think he’s going to demand that we sit somewhere else in church? Think about it.”

  Colt heaved out a big sigh. “I guess you’re right. I don’t think he’s going to make a scene at church.”

  “You’ll see,” she said. “I’ll bet he’s regretting his words. He’ll be glad to let it all smooth over.”

  Colt just stood there frowning. He raked his fingers through his hair. “I hope you’re right.”

  Chapter 12

  Big Jim felt the emptiness in his huge, sprawling ranch house. He got up early, as usual, and took a shower. He shaved and got dressed for church. The silence in the house seemed to press in on him as he made coffee. When it was properly brewed, Big Jim poured himself a cup and sipped it as he strolled around his vacant domain.

  He realized he was a people person. He was a family man. But what happened when that family grew up, found their mates, and didn’t need him any longer?

  Big Jim drew the heavy drapes aside and stood gazing out at the beautiful countryside. What had happened to his dream? Oh, yes. He and Elizabeth had planned to grow old together after the boys were raised, but who knew she would be killed in an accident aboard a church bus returning from a women’s retreat?

  When Angelique had appeared with Gabrielle, it was just what he needed. Some people who needed him. More family.

  He finished off the coffee and rinsed his cup, leaving it in the sink. Then he donned his jacket and Stetson and headed for his truck.

  Today he was especially mindful of his surroundings. As he headed for the highway, everything he was seeing belonged to him. The land, the trees, the little creek that was now iced over. All except for the land he had given to Tyler and Leah for their home…and the land he had given to headstrong and uncooperative Colton and his wife, Misty.

  Big Jim was especially disturbed that Colt was so antagonistic toward his very vulnerable half-sister, Angelique. Colt was usually quite willing to espouse the underdog, but something about Angelique seemed to really get under his skin.

  Could he be jealous?

  Big Jim’s lips tightened as he turned onto the highway and headed into Langston to attend the church he had been a member of since boyhood.

  He considered the possible reasons for Colt’s antipathy. Perhaps he was angry that Big Jim would include Angelique and Gabrielle in his will. Or perhaps he was infuriated that his father had a relationship prior to his marriage to Elizabeth, and that the relationship had produced a beautiful daughter. Maybe his feelings were related to his loyalty to his mother and thoughts that there should have been no other women in Big Jim’s life other than her.

  Big Jim was one of the first to arrive at the church. He parked close to the entrance and hiked up the steps. There was a light breeze blowing, and the chill nipped at his ears. Once inside, he greeted a few of his neighbors and one of the Sunday school teachers who taught Gracie’s class. He realized he was being unusually gregarious due to his lonely state. Sad situation for an otherwise self-confident man.

  In due time, Colt opened the door and followed Misty inside. Misty saw Big Jim and averted her gaze.

  Okay, so that’s how it is.

  Colt, however, approached with his hand outstretched. “Hi, Dad. Glad to see you.”

  Big Jim was a bit taken aback. Was this the same sulking and angry man he had left in the stables only the day before? “Uh—good to see you too, Son.”

  Misty offered a weak smile.

  “Why don’t you two go on inside and stake out our usual pew?”

  “Sure, Dad.” Colt took Misty’s arm and headed inside.

  Slowly, people began to fill up the church. They entered stamping the slush off their boots or shoes and unwrapping scarves from their necks. Parents ushered children back to their appropriate Sunday school classes.

  “Grandpa!” A redheaded comet burst into the building and headed for Big Jim Garrett. His granddaughter, Ava, made a crash landing, tackling him around the knees.

  “There’s my girl!” Big Jim picked her up, kissing her cheek in the process.

  She squeezed his neck with great enthusiasm. “I love you, Grandpa.”

  He gave her a serious look. “I’m sure I love you much more.”

  “Aw, Grandpa. You’re so silly.”

  He set her on her feet and greeted Beau and Dixie.

  “We’ll see you inside, Dad,” Beau said. “Gotta get Ava to her Sunday school class.”

  Dixie lifted a foil-covered plate. “I made cookies with my own two little hands.”

  “And they are so yummy,” Ava insisted.

  Dixie was not known for her cooking abilities, so Big Jim was proud of her for her efforts. “Good for you.”

  Finally, Tyler opened the door and Leah entered, carrying JT, with Gracie and Fern Davis close behind. Tyler closed the door and made a beeline for Big Jim. He held Gabrielle in his arms. “Good morning, Pop. You’re looking good.”

  “As are you.” Big Jim leaned down to give Leah a hug and kiss, and then the same treatment for Gracie. “Oh, look at my grandson, all bundled up.” He held out his hands, and JT reached for his grandpa. He was wearing a tiger-striped fleece outfit with ears on the cap. “Come here, my little tiger boy.”

  Big Jim’s chest warmed with joy. His family was here. Well, almost all of them. “
Where is Miss Angelique this fine morning?”

  Leah and Tyler exchanged a glance. Both shrugged in unison.

  Big Jim frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  They both smiled and headed inside the church.

  “Come on, Dad,” Tyler said. “Let’s get settled.”

  Big Jim followed with JT, concerned, but since both Leah and Tyler seemed amused, he tried not to worry.

  He took a seat next to Misty, noting that she was unusually quiet. She gave him a faint smile, but clung to Colt’s arm.

  Big Jim let that fact settle in his brain as he unzipped JT’s tiger suit and peeled the boy out of his fleece layer. His fine, dark hair swirled around his head like a cloud of fluff. Big Jim smoothed it a bit before dropping a kiss on top of JT’s head.

  Leah took Gabrielle from Tyler and sat down next to Big Jim. She began removing the girl’s outerwear too.

  Gracie squeezed in between Leah and her grandpa, grinning as she snuggled under Big Jim’s arm. “Love you, Grandpa,” she whispered.

  He dropped a kiss on her forehead. “Love you more.”

  Almost all of the church was filled. People were still taking kids back to classes, and some were milling around, greeting friends.

  Big Jim wondered if Angelique was ill or perhaps she was only sleeping in. He twisted around in time to see Angelique enter the church…with Derrick Shelton, and he had his arm around her. They were both grinning and looking all googly-eyed at each other.

  Suddenly the whole picture was clear.

  Angelique Guillory had spent the night with Sheriff Derrick Shelton, and they were basking in the afterglow. Anyone who had eyes could see it, yet Derrick waved and greeted the many fellow churchgoers. He was acting all proud of himself and of Angelique. He introduced her again and again, all the while keeping an arm around her.

  Big Jim saw the joyful expression on Angelique’s face. She was truly happy to be wrapped in Derrick’s embrace…and whatever they had done the night before had brought about that happiness.