The Best Cowboy Christmas Ever

by June Faver

  While he wasn’t especially thrilled to be in such close proximity to someone who needed an antibiotic, he did step inside to keep from cooling off her house. “Here you go, ma’am. Doc says to take it until it’s all gone and to call her if you’re not feeling better in a couple of days.”

  “I sure do appreciate you for comin’ all the way out here. Can I give you a cup of coffee to warm you up?” She was pale and her eyes were puffy, but she gazed at him hopefully.

  “Thank you, ma’am, but no. I have to get to the office.” He turned back to the door. “You get well, now. Y’hear?” He stepped outside and hurried to rejoin Smokey in the truck. “Good boy. Let’s head to the office.”

  Derrick had been deeply concerned about the fact that someone in New Orleans was accusing the woman he loved of grand theft. While he had no doubt that Angelique was innocent, he wanted to get to the bottom of the accusation. Who had it out for her?

  When he pulled up in front of the sheriff’s office and opened the driver’s side door, Smokey was ready to join him. His whole body was wagging in anticipation of adventures to come. “Let’s go, buddy.”

  The dog followed him into the office and received a lot of attention from the two deputies inside.

  Shep Collier and Randy Miller squatted down to pay homage to the dog, patting him and scruffling his ears.

  “Are you keeping this dog?” Shep asked.

  “No, I’m dog-sitting until the Lawsons are able to get home. I know they must be missing him.”

  “Aww, he’s a good dog.” Randy stood up and went to the front desk. “Got some calls for you, Sheriff.” He gathered a few notes from the desktop and handed them off to Derrick.

  He took the messages and went back to his office, with Smokey close on his heels. Settling behind the desk, he returned the calls and then sat, tapping the end of his pen against the wooden desktop.

  He pulled out the alert and gazed at the image of Angelique. It was a casual photo, maybe taken by Angelique’s mother or this Remy guy. She was smiling.

  He punched in the number for the New Orleans Police Department. When the call was answered, he asked to speak to someone who could tell him about the case against Angelique Guillory. He was put on hold, where a mechanical voice advised him that, if it were an emergency, he should hang up and call 911 immediately.

  He was about to hang up when the line was answered.

  “Hello! This is Cormier. You got somethin’ ’bout this Guillory woman?”

  Derrick was put off by the man’s gruff manner. “No, but I’m in law enforcement, and I wanted to make sure I had the details right if I’m going to distribute this to my men.”

  There was a long silence.

  “Do you always check out each alert that crosses you desk?” The voice sounded skeptical.

  “Not always, but this girl is really cute. If she makes it to Texas, I want to personally arrest her. You know…pat her down to make sure she’s not armed and dangerous.” He gave out a mirthless chuckle.

  “Yeah, she’s a hottie, all right.” Cormier chortled along with him.

  “Did she work in a jewelry store? How did she get her hands on all those trinkets, anyway?”

  “No, she stole trinkets from one man… A family frien’, as I understand it.”

  Derrick considered this. “What were they doing? Playing dress-up with a hundred thou worth of jewels?”

  “Hah! No, this is an old Nawlins family we talkin’ ’bout. The old man was friends with this girl’s mama. If you happen to see this young lady, gimme a shout. I would jus’ love ta get this one wrapped up real quick.”

  “Lots of pressure, huh?”

  Cormier made a scoffing sound. “That’s an understatement. That ol’ guy wanna cut my heart out if I don’t get on it.”

  “That sounds crazy. Who is this old coot?”

  “Aw, he be one scary sumbitch. They say Benoit done kilt a lotta men…men who jus’ evaporated…an’ I don’ wanna do that.”

  “Um, no. I’m sure not. Well, thanks for the information. I’ll give you a call if anyone around here spots her.”

  “Yeah, you do that.” Cormier disconnected.

  Derrick sat staring at the phone for a long time. He turned to the computer and typed in the name Benoit and New Orleans. Immediately he got images of an overweight older man with a thick mane of dark hair that had gone white at the temples. There were newspaper articles showing him attending a lot of social events. There was a wife, but she had passed away. He had apparently been investigated for a number of crimes, mostly violent, but had been exonerated across the board, usually because witnesses did not come forward or disappeared.

  “Evaporated…” Derrick whispered aloud.

  Chapter 18

  “Just what is it you expect me to do?” Misty crossed her arms over her chest. “I will do whatever you want. You’re my husband, and it’s your family we have to keep the peace with.”

  “Aw, honey.” Yes, Colt sounded like a very tall and muscular child. “I don’t know. Just play it by ear.” He sank down into a cushy chair, pulling her into his lap as he went.

  Misty rolled her eyes. “Christmas is coming on fast. I do not want to ruin Christmas. My little brother Mark has had enough bad holidays. We both have.”

  “What can I get you for Christmas? Money is no object.” He placed a kiss on her cheek.

  “You can’t buy your way out of this one, Colt. Thanks to you, I have platinum cards in my purse. I might go on a spending spree that will make you cry like a little baby.”

  “I don’t believe you. You’re way too frugal to go on a spree.” He gave her another kiss. “But I go to work with my dad most days. I’m depending on you to pick out gifts for Angelique and her little girl. I don’t have the time or the inclination to go shopping.”

  Misty looked at him, deliberately cool. “You do know I have a job, don’t you? I have to open the office for Breck. I have to be there in thirty minutes.”

  She slid off his lap, shrugged into her jacket, and wrapped a wool scarf around her neck. She pulled her leather gloves out of her pocket and put them on. “Well, I’m sure this mess will still be here when I get home. I’ll see you later.” She leaned in for a kiss.

  “Aw, Misty. I’m going to see what Dad needs done, and then I’ll be back here. We’ll figure it out together.”

  She rolled her eyes again and headed for the door. “C’mon, Mark. Don’t make me late.”

  “I’m coming.” Mark came running down the hallway, struggling to get his jacket on and clutching his laptop.

  “I’ll see you both later,” Colt said. He wrapped his arms around Misty and gave her another kiss and tousled Mark’s hair. “You all stay safe out there.”

  “We will. Put your cap on, Mark.”

  Mark pulled on a knit cap, and the two of them went out the door, across the covered porch, and into her truck.

  She looked up to see Colt on the porch. He raised a paw in farewell. She smiled and waved back. My hubby.

  She knew he would have mended some more fences with his dad by the time she got home…and might have an idea of how to mend fences with the woman he was now willing to admit might be his half-sister.

  Mark’s sad mood seemed to have lifted somewhat. She planned to situate him at the long work table where she often put together legal documents or sorted forms. She wanted to help him with his essay, but thought it would be better to let him solve the problem for himself. It was her goal to make sure Mark had the support to become a strong and independent man.

  He hadn’t had good male role models until she married into the Garrett family. Now they were all there for him. But it was up to her to help him deal with their past.

  * * *

  Gracie couldn’t possibly smile any wider. “Look at what Gran and I made.”

  “Whatever it is
smells fantastic.” Leah pulled her daughter into her arms for a mega hug. “I’m so proud of you for being such a great helper.” She kissed the top of Gracie’s head. “And thank you for being such a great big sister.”

  “Aw, Mommy. You always say that.”

  “And I always tell the truth.” Leah picked up her baby son and nodded toward the kitchen. “Show me what you made.”

  Gracie almost bounced all the way to the kitchen, where Gran was washing a pan.

  “There you are. I figured you would want to try one o’ Gracie’s pecan tassies.” She put the pan in the draining rack and dried her hands on a dishtowel.

  “See, Mommy.” Gracie gestured to the kitchen table, where several items were arranged on cooling racks.

  “Wow! This looks like a spread from Southern Living or Better Homes and Gardens.” She put JT down, and he immediately started crawling toward Gracie.

  “Ain’t it purty?” Fern Davis stood to one side, with her hands on her hips and a big grin on her face. “She done a darned good job.”

  “Gran mixed it up, and I poked the dough into the mini muffin pans.”

  Leah was so impressed to see the miniature pecan pies created when the dough was pressed onto the edges of the mini-muffin tins, the filling was added, and crushed pecans were sprinkled on top. “I remember you making these with me, Gran. I’m so glad you’re carrying on the tradition with our best girl here.”

  JT was pulling himself up.

  Gran’s face crinkled up in delight. “I remember too. We made them every year.”

  “Good memories, Gran.” Leah was grateful to have spent so much time with her beloved grandmother.

  “I’ll bet your grampa is going to love these.” Gran untied her apron and hung it on a peg in the pantry.

  “And we’re going to make another kind this afternoon,” Gracie said. “This is going to be the best Christmas ever.”

  Leah nodded. “You know what? I think you’re right.”

  * * *

  Angelique and Gabrielle were parked outside of Leah’s house. It was so lovely that Angelique sat staring at it. It looked like Leah. Very pretty and well kept. She could see the love that had gone into creating this dwelling.

  She sat gripping the wheel, wondering what her life would have been like if Remy were alive. If his father hadn’t been a criminal. If he had been born to a normal family, they could have been married. Maybe they would have an adorable house to raise their daughter in. She leaned over, resting her forehead against the steering wheel.

  It did no good to look back. What was done was done.

  She couldn’t go back even if she wanted to. New Orleans had nothing to offer her now. Her precious mother was dead. Her beloved Remy was dead.

  Remy had rejected everything his father stood for. He refused to be inducted into his father’s criminal network. When he had taken his inheritance from his mother and opened a restaurant, Alphonse had been furious. That Remy and Angelique were working alongside each other to make it successful was another source of irritation. Angelique and Remy would open the restaurant early and begin cooking up the special dishes that had brought them a loyal following. She would make crepes, light and airy, and filled to order. And beignets. The little pillows of spicy sweetness would melt on one’s tongue.

  There was a knock on the driver’s side window, jerking Angelique out of her reverie. Leah was standing outside, wrapped in a blanket of some sort, and gazing at her with concern.

  “Are you all right?”

  Angelique arranged a smile on her face. “Oh, just daydreaming.” She opened the door and stepped out to give Leah a hug. “Good morning, although it’s a little late to say that.”

  “Not at all. Come on inside and sample some treats my grandmother and Gracie have been working on.”

  Angelique released Gabrielle from her safety seat and kicked the passenger door shut before following Leah into the cheery kitchen. “Oh, what smells so good?”

  “Tassies!” Gracie announced gleefully. “Gran and I made them.”

  “Hello, Angelique,” Fern called out. “We’re a-bakin’ up another batch o’ cookies now. Gonna have some goodies to give out.”

  Angelique inhaled the aroma, trying to name the spices tickling her senses and reminding her of long hours in the kitchen. “I should make something to add to the goodies. I can make my mom’s pecan pralines. Those are pretty good.” She squatted down to help Gabrielle out of her insulated jacket before she sweated through her clothes.

  Once released, Gabrielle looked around and then raced to Gracie’s open arms. “Gwacie…I pway with you now.”

  “Come play with me, Gabi.” Gracie gave her a big hug. “Let’s entertain JT.”

  Gabrielle squatted down beside Gracie and peered at JT.

  That girl is amazing. Leah’s baby son was in a small mesh playpen by Gracie, and she had been playing with him. Now she was keeping both young ones busy.

  Leah slipped off the little blanket-like thing she had slung around her shoulders and folded it neatly.

  “That’s really pretty.” Angelique reached out a hand to touch the soft yarn.

  “Oh, it’s a throw. We make them for various charities. We want to help.”

  Angelique smiled. “I’m sure the caregivers appreciate that.”

  “The little blankets we make for the neonatal ICU go home with the babies, so they have something from us to take with them.” Leah motioned for Angelique to sit at the table. “Want some coffee or hot cocoa?”

  “Yum. I’d love to have some of your cocoa.” She slipped off her jacket and spread it over the back of the chair before sitting down.

  Leah brought two cups and seated herself at the table. “Sounded like a good idea to me.”

  Fern hustled over with a small plate featuring several kinds of cookies. “You girls oughta try some cookies with that there cocoa.”

  Angelique’s eyes widened. “These look wonderful, Miz Fern. Like they came from some high-end bakery.”

  Gracie brought Gabrielle close to the table and pointed to the cookies with a chocolate kiss in the center of each. “I mostly made those. I hope you like them.”

  Leah raised her hand. “Wait! No peanut allergies?”

  “None.”

  Leah breathed out a deep breath. “I’m a worrywart. People can be allergic to so much stuff.”

  Angelique selected one and took a big bite. “So good.” She broke off part of the soft cookie and gave it to Gabrielle. “You’re going to love this. It’s yummy-nummy.”

  “Nummy,” Gabrielle repeated, stuffing it in her mouth.

  “You know, if you wanted to join us in baking some special goodies, you could do it over here to surprise Big Jim. You must have some special dishes to contribute to the Christmas dinner at your dad’s place.”

  Angelique sat up straighter. “Really? I’d love to make some pralines. Dad has tons of shelled pecans on hand.”

  Fern rolled her eyes. “Whoo-ee! I’d sure love to have some real pecan pralines. I ain’t had any in forever.”

  “That’s a great idea, Angelique. Bring your pecans over, and I bet we have all the other ingredients.” Leah made a sweeping gesture. “Our kitchen is your kitchen.”

  Angelique grinned her appreciation. She broke off more cookie to share with Gabrielle, reflecting that her dark mood had been lifted somewhat. She was able to set aside the dark and disturbing images of Remy and Alphonse, at least for the moment.

  She realized that, other than her mother and Remy, and her mother’s friends, she had never really enjoyed a close friendship with anyone, let alone someone closer to her age with children, food, and other interests in common.

  She wondered if Leah would be so kind if she knew what Angelique was running from…if she knew that Gabrielle’s father was the son of the scariest man on the planet.


  She cast about to find some topic of conversation. “Um, did I tell you that Big Jim got me on a horse yesterday?”

  Leah stared at her, wide-eyed.

  “It was hilarious. I was so scared.”

  “Not a horse person?”

  “Oh, it was scary, but Dad is so sure he can make me into a horsewoman. I don’t want to disappoint him.”

  Leah smiled. “Your dad would be proud of you, no matter what.”

  Angelique wondered if that were true. What would happen if her past caught up with her? Would Big Jim be able to forgive her for her sins of omission if Alphonse Benoit found her here?

  * * *

  Misty got off early and thought she might do some reconnoitering at Rancho Garrett. With Mark in the car, she thought she had a good excuse to drop by Leah and Tyler’s house to chat about the Garrett family and Mark’s project.

  “My Family Christmas” by Mark Dalton.

  That was the title.

  She thought Leah and Tyler could help out and maybe pave the way for a more united holiday without the war zone her husband had inadvertently created.

  When she pulled up in front of Tyler and Leah’s house, she saw that Angelique’s vehicle was parked out front. It seemed Angelique was here too.

  The two besties.

  Time to rain on the party. “Come on, Mark. Let’s visit our family.”

  When she and Mark had trooped up on the porch, the sound of their footsteps on the wooden deck must have alerted those inside of their arrival.

  Gracie threw the door open. “Mom! It’s Mark and Misty.” She gestured for them to enter. “Everybody’s in the kitchen.”

  Mark romped ahead behind Gracie, leaving Misty to bring up the rear. Mark squatted down beside Gracie to play with the two youngest of the family.

  “Hi, everyone,” Misty said, a smile plastered on her face. Leah greeted her warmly as did her grandmother, but Angelique sat at the table as if frozen.

  Misty imagined she was in Breck’s office, dealing with a client reluctant to talk. “Hey, Angelique. How are you doing?” She chose the chair next to Angelique to seat herself.