The Best Cowboy Christmas Ever

by June Faver

  Big Jim released a big sigh. He was her father, and she was happy. That was all that mattered.

  Her face was glowing as she leaned over to give Big Jim a kiss on his forehead. “Good morning.”

  Big Jim composed himself quickly. “Good morning to you, my daughter.” He added the last for Misty’s benefit. He reached out a hand to Derrick. “And to you, Derrick. You’re looking good this morning. Sleep well?”

  Derrick’s eyes locked with Big Jim’s. “Yes, sir. Like a baby.”

  * * *

  Sunday morning in the Big Easy. The bells of St. Louis Cathedral rang out to welcome parishioners, as they had for almost three hundred years. Of course, the original building had burned down, but the site was designated for the church in the early 1700s by French engineers. The beautiful building towered above its neighbors, the Cabildo and the Presbytère. The cathedral overlooked the square with the bronze statue of General Andrew Jackson and the Pontalba Buildings with their frilly wrought-iron grillwork. Truly, this was the heart of old New Orleans.

  Alphonse Benoit slouched in his high-backed chair, listening to the church bells.

  His boyhood had been spent in Catholic schools, generally on his knees and memorizing Latin phrases. Et cum spiritu tuo.

  His parents had punished him when he had acted out at school, and they had brought him to the cathedral every Sunday. The tolling bells were calling to him, but he refused to answer.

  Perhaps when he had recovered his precious grandchild… Perhaps when he could take Gabrielle, he would return to his roots. He would be a good grandparent. Not the fearsome Alphonse Benoit whose very name brought a chill to those who knew of his exploits.

  The housekeeper brought his coffee and beignets, quietly setting the tray on the table at his elbow and withdrawing without speaking. The aroma of the chicory-laced coffee and spicy beignets brought him out of his reverie.

  He inhaled the spicy scent of the beignets and poured a cup of coffee, then set it aside to cool. He pulled himself to his feet, stretching out his stiff muscles.

  Alphonse went to the window, reinforced with bulletproof glass. The skies were gray and overcast. Ominous dark clouds hung low and heavy overhead.

  Christmas was a week away, and still he was alone.

  His wife and his only son were dead. His beloved girlfriend was dead. Only one reason for him to live, and that was to recover Gabrielle.

  He cursed again that Angelique had stolen Gabrielle from him, then went into his familiar reverie about how things would be when he finally found and retrieved her. He would raise her in this very mansion. She would be given the best education, study abroad as he had…and at his death, she would inherit everything he owned. His will had been recently updated to make sure his granddaughter would be his sole beneficiary.

  She needed to be prepared to take over his empire.

  Alphonse gazed out, unseeing, hands fisted, jaw tight.

  * * *

  Gabrielle Guillory was a remarkably good child. She sat quietly on her mother’s lap, looking like the angel she truly was. This behavior only lasted a short time. Gabrielle got squiggly very quickly and ended up being passed around, from her mother to Big Jim, back to Angelique and then to Derrick. She seemed to enjoy her throne, no matter whose lap she was reigning from. Her dark hair curled around her face, a contrast to her fair skin and incredible blue eyes.

  Angelique was proud of her daughter, not only for her beauty but also for her sunny disposition. Gabrielle seemed to really like her new surroundings and the new people in her life, especially Big Jim and her aunt Leah and uncle Tyler.

  Angelique had been raised Catholic, but she listened politely to this minister preach to his flock and prayed as a Catholic for the safety of herself and her daughter.

  After the church services, Big Jim gathered all of his family and they invaded the small, home-style restaurant called Kelli’s Deli. They shoved several tables together to make one long enough to seat the entire family, plus the sheriff.

  “I really love this place,” Leah announced. “It’s almost as good as Gran’s home cooking.”

  Fern Davis displayed a wide grin. “Why, thanks, sweetie. I do my best.”

  Leah leaned across the table to squeeze Fern’s hand. “Your best is the very best, Gran.”

  Angelique opened the menu, scanning the pages. Everything sounded good, and the place smelled like delicious stuff to eat. “What’s good here?”

  “Everything!” several responded almost in unison.

  “Well, that helps a lot.” Angelique waited until others had ordered and then went for the chicken-fried steak with cream gravy and french fries. She listened to the family chatter, easing into the comfort of the Garrett clan as much as she could when some of the family had accepted her and some had not.

  Derrick was a good friend of all three brothers. He sat beside her, chatting casually with Tyler and Beau, and also Colt. The only one remaining silent was Misty, Colt’s bride.

  On one hand, Angelique was offended, but on the other she was afraid. It wasn’t a popularity contest. Not everyone would like her, but at least they should admit she was Big Jim Garrett’s daughter. His illegitimate daughter, but his blood relation.

  She hoped that at least the nonbelievers wouldn’t go prying into her background and stir up the roiling miasma of her past.

  “How about the mac and cheese with a hot dog for Gabrielle?” Leah suggested.

  Angelique snapped out of her dream state. “Oh, yeah. She loves mac and cheese, don’t you, Gabi?” She addressed her daughter, ensconced in a high chair between her and Big Jim.

  Gabrielle nodded enthusiastically. “I wanna hot dog.”

  Angelique was regretting that the new outfit Gabrielle wore would have cheese all over it in no time, but the owner, Kelli, passed out plastic bibs for the little ones.

  “Y’all feel free to wear anything on my menu, or I can fit y’all out with a grown-up-size bib.” Kelli grinned at the table full of Garretts.

  Big Jim looked around. “I think we’re all pretty much wash and wear, but thanks anyway, Kelli.”

  They ate their meals with general enthusiasm. Kelli returned again to refill drinks and supply conversation.

  When they were finished, Kelli brought the check and Big Jim held out his hand.

  Derrick reached for his wallet and offered to chip in.

  “Derrick, you may not be a Garrett, but you got your arm around my beloved daughter, Angelique, and that’s good enough for me.” Big Jim gave Kelli his Visa card, and that settled the matter.

  Angelique felt relieved. Apparently her father was not a man to be feared. So she only had one scary grandfather to deal with.

  * * *

  Although Big Jim had offered to drive Angelique back to the Garrett ranch, Derrick informed him that they were going to hang out a while longer.

  That may have irked Big Jim, but he made a show of laughing it off. “You kids have a good time.”

  Tyler fixed Gabrielle’s car safety seat in the back seat of Derrick’s truck. “You thinking of something serious with Angelique?”

  “I don’t know how to answer that,” Derrick said. “I’m crazy about Angelique, but it’s early days yet.”

  “But you do care about her, don’t you?” Tyler gazed at him earnestly.

  “More than I have ever cared about any woman…except my mom.” Derrick grinned.

  “Oh, yeah.” Tyler grinned in return. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to pry into your relationship. It’s… Well, Angelique is my sister.”

  “Yes, she is.” Derrick took a step away and closed the truck door. “I wish you could have a talk with your big brother. I can’t imagine why Colt is being such an ass.”

  “No way! I’m staying out of that mess.” Tyler shook his head vehemently. “Even Misty is acting all huffed up. She’s
backing Colt all the way.”

  Derrick shrugged. “I don’t blame you for staying neutral. Misty is just being loyal to her husband.”

  “I guess, but I don’t want to get between Colt and Dad. Dad has made his decision, and he accepts Angelique without question. Dad knows that he had a, uh, relationship with Angelique’s mom, and he’s done the math. Besides, she’s got Garrett blue eyes and so does Gabrielle. Pop says Angelique is like a perfect combination of Sofie’s and his best genes.”

  Derrick chortled. “You don’t have to convince me. I’m Angelique’s biggest fan.”

  “Okay, here’s my last uncomfortable question.” Tyler leaned against the truck and crossed his arms over his chest.

  “Shoot.”

  Tyler cleared his throat. “How do you feel about Angelique having a child?”

  Derrick stepped back and fisted his hands at his waist. “What the hell kind of question is that?”

  Tyler held his hands up in a submissive gesture. “Hold on! I’m serious. My sister has a child. A beautiful child. Apparently, you’re dating her, whatever the hell that means.”

  “I am…dating your sister, who has a beautiful little girl. They are a package deal.” Derrick huffed out a sigh. “I don’t know what you’re after. You’ve known me all your life.”

  Tyler offered a little smile. “Exactly, and I’ve never known you to go out with a woman who had a child.”

  “So?”

  “So, maybe you don’t understand the obligations involved.”

  Derrick glanced back at the restaurant. Leah and Angelique were standing inside chatting, each holding her own child. “Obligations? I can’t believe you’re giving me a hard time. Leah had Gracie when you two met.”

  “I want you to understand the complications. It’s not just you and Angelique. It’s the three of you. Gabrielle will become attached to you. If you’re not serious about Angelique, I can’t let you hurt them.”

  Derrick felt as though one of his best friends had slugged him. “I have no intention of hurting either of them. I-I love Angelique.” He removed his Stetson and slapped it against his thigh. “The truth is, I don’t think she’s on board. I’m willing to give her some time, hoping she will—” He stopped abruptly, his face reddening. “I’m hoping Angelique will come to love me too.” He couldn’t believe he had made this admission to his friend. “Promise you won’t mention this to Leah. I’m taking it slow, hoping things work out.”

  Tyler slapped him on the shoulder. “I won’t say a word. Glad to know you’re taking it slow and easy…and glad to know that you love her.”

  “Just keep it to yourself, will you?” Derrick said. “It’s all up to Angelique.”

  Derrick and Tyler went back into the restaurant. Tyler gathered his wife, daughter, baby son, and Fern Davis and escorted them to his truck.

  Derrick stood gazing at Angelique and Gabrielle. His chest filled with warmth when Angelique smiled as if she were fond of him. “Ready?” His voice became husky.

  “I am. Let’s get home.”

  Gabrielle was walking in a tight circle around her mother, her head down as she paced.

  Derrick felt his brow furrow. “You want me to take you to Big Jim’s?” He had hoped to have more time with her.

  Angelique laughed. “No, silly. I want you to take me to your home.”

  * * *

  Colt was livid. He had a death grip on the steering wheel and had tuned out his wife’s chatter. Hopefully, she would get the message that he didn’t want to talk.

  He didn’t want to talk about Angelique Guillory. He didn’t want to talk about Derrick, his best friend growing up, looking all gaga about her. And most of all he didn’t want to talk about his dad, the formidable Big Jim Garrett, absolutely wallowing in the bullshit that little scam artist was shoveling.

  He turned in at the main entrance to the Garrett ranch, passing under the horseshoe-shaped arch emblazoned with the Garrett name overhead and bumping over the cattle guard. Ah, yes. Home sweet home. Only there was an outsider nestled in the bosom of the Garrett family…or at least huddled under Big Jim’s protective wing.

  Colton passed by his father’s ranch house, still dark, as apparently Big Jim had not yet arrived home.

  Misty was in the passenger seat, pouting.

  Colt knew he deserved it, but he was not in the mood for discourse. He didn’t want to be coddled or affirmed. He wanted to be wrapped in silence with his own dark thoughts.

  He passed the turnoff to his middle brother’s home. Tyler had built a very handsome house for his wife and children and for Fern Davis, Leah’s grandmother. Of the three brothers, Tyler seemed to have it all together. He had a music career and also maintained his status as a rancher.

  Only the youngest brother, Beau, maintained a separate residence from the Garrett compound. His wife, Dixie, had inherited her childhood home and ranch property, and they chose to live apart from the others. Of course, Big Jim had bestowed additional acres on them to equal what he had given the older two.

  Colt’s back teeth gritted together. He wondered what his dad would be presenting to the woman he accepted as his daughter.

  By the time Colt pulled into the drive of his own home on the ranch, he was a mass of simmering dark matter.

  He turned off the motor and headlights and sat glowering into the darkness.

  “Well, I’ve had about enough of this.” Misty didn’t wait for Colt to do the gentlemanly thing and come around to open her door. She opened it herself and slid down to the mushy ground. She slammed the door extra hard and stomped into the house.

  Colton drew a deep breath and blew it out forcefully. “Guh-rate!” He pulled the keys out of the ignition and pocketed them, before climbing out and following his ticked-off wife into their house. He would be doing a lot of making it up to Misty for a while. He figured he should do a little more online shopping. Wrapped presents under the tree should be evidence of his true remorse.

  Chapter 13

  Big Jim turned on the lights on his front porch. He had gotten a call from Tyler that he was bringing his grandmother-in-law over to spend a couple of days. Leah’s “Gran” wanted to do some serious baking, and using Big Jim’s monstrous kitchen would make it easier for her to carry out her plans.

  Big Jim was always happy to see the delightful little woman. In truth, he had not been looking forward to rattling around his house all alone. And the fact that she wanted to cook was even better.

  When Tyler pulled up in front of the house, Big Jim threw open the door and stepped down off the porch to bring Leah’s grandmother safely through the slushy snow and up the stairs. He waved at Tyler when they had reached the porch.

  “Miz Fern, I’m so happy to have you here.”

  Tyler climbed out of his truck and retrieved a small suitcase and two bags of groceries, and heaved them onto the porch. “Just a little baggage, Dad.”

  Big Jim took the bags inside as Tyler’s truck roared away from the house. “Miz Fern, you want to settle into your usual room, and I’ll take these groceries to the kitchen?”

  “That’s mighty nice of you, Big Jim. I shore do like to do some cookin’ in that nice, big kitchen.”

  “It wouldn’t be Christmas without your pumpkin pie, Miz Fern.”

  Her eyes lit up as a wide grin spread across her face. “Don’t you worry none at all, Big Jim. I’ll be making my pumpkin and my pecan pie for our Christmas dinner. But it’s the cookies and other goodies I need to make ahead.” She gave him a big wink. “So that’s what I’ll be workin’ on most all day tomorrow.” She peered at him over the top of her wire-rim glasses. “You don’t mind if I stay a couple of days, do ya?”

  Big Jim beamed at her. “Not if my kitchen smells like cookies.” He was grateful for the company. “And I hope you’re gonna make us some of your cornbread dressing for Christmas dinner.”<
br />
  She tipped her head to one side and placed her index finger against one cheek. She made a face as though she was considering his request. “Oh, I suppose I could make some since you asked so nice.”

  “I’m asking nice because I plan to smoke a big ol’ turkey, and a pan of your special dressing would make the perfect accompaniment.”

  She nodded, looking at him intently. “An’ yew gotta have some of my smashed potatoes. If I make gravy, it will taste so good on tha dressin’ an’ potatoes. T’wouldn’t be Christmas dinner without ’em.”

  Big Jim made appreciative sounds. “That sure does sound good, but don’t forget, Miz Fern…all the kids will be here and everyone will be bringing something. You don’t have to make everything.”

  “I suppose, but are you makin’ a list?”

  “Yes’m, and I’m checking it twice.” Big Jim roared with laughter.

  Fern blinked and then joined him in laughing.

  “Y’know, I had a feelin’ you was feelin’ a mite lonely, an’ I thought I’d come ta see you an’ cook up a storm in your big ol’ kitchen.”

  “You know, I’m really glad you’re here,” Big Jim said.

  * * *

  “Doggy!” Gabrielle squealed and made a run at Smokey.

  Derrick quickly stepped between the two. He scooped up Gabrielle and lifted her high over his head. “Here you go!”

  She giggled but kept pointing at Smokey. “I wanna pet the doggy!”

  Derrick sighed. “Yeah, that’s a doggy.” He hoped that Smokey would be cool with a small, excited child. But knowing the dog was used to living with an elderly couple, he was hesitant to let the two interact.

  Derrick tucked Gabrielle under his arm and carried her, football style, to his recliner. She was laughing and waving her arms wildly. He sat down and arranged the young girl on his lap, then whistled Smokey over. The dog came, wagging his tail. “Good boy,” Derrick mumbled.

  Smokey sat down by Derrick’s boots, looking hopeful.

  Derrick leaned down to scruffle the dog’s ears, and Gabrielle reached to do the same.