Ty: Contemporary Western Romance (New Horizon Ranch Mule Hollow Book 4)

by Debra Clopton

  “What?” she asked.

  “You. You sound happier right now than you’ve sounded in the last year and a half. Heck maybe the last four years. You love it there in that town. I’m not saying that I agree with you dropping out of the competition next year, but right now you sound good. You should talk to Ty and tell him what’s going on. Tell him everything. Give him a chance to be your guy.”

  Her guy. She liked the sound of that.

  Ty was running late coming into town. He’d had a horse that might be foaling tonight and he’d had to get her settled into the stall before he left. He wouldn’t be here long so he searched for Mia. He had kept his distance since they’d cut down the Christmas trees. But he’d been distracted thinking about her. Something was wrong with Mia, he was sure of it.

  “Yoo-hoo, Ty,” Esther Mae called from her position at the end of the sidewalk near the nativity scene. She was decked out in a red velvet dress, a white apron and a heavy green cape that draped over her shoulders to help ward off the cold air. A white bonnet partially covered her red hair. She was extremely colorful as she waved him over through the crowd.

  “Don’t you look nice this evening,” he said. “Are you Mrs. Clause?”

  She grinned mischievously. “Are you kidding? Santa is App and even though it’s pretend, I will not be pretending something like that. I’m actually Mrs. Mistletoe. I’ve been very busy this week sneaking mistletoe all over town.” She winked at him. “So be watchful, young man. It might come in handy.”

  He chuckled. “I think you’re the first Mrs. Mistletoe that I’ve ever met.”

  “I thought this up myself. Hey, Norma look who I found,” she called.

  Norma Sue hustled down the boardwalk like a woman on a mission. Ty instantly braced himself as her gaze locked onto him.

  The robust ranch woman clapped him on the shoulder. “You and Mia sure did pick us out a great tree. It’s down the street in the community center where Santa is set up. You should go see it. Mia is down there. I think she’s serving punch to the kids.”

  Did he have a sign on his chest that said he was looking for Mia?

  Esther Mae cocked her bonneted head and grinned. “And remember, I’ve put mistletoe everywhere.” She leaned toward him conspiratorially. “Even places you would not suspect–so keep an eye out for it.”

  “Ah, okay,” he said, and took a step toward anywhere but there. “You ladies have a great evening.”

  Norma Sue pushed her Stetson back off her forehead, exposing her bushy gray curls. “We’re trying to. Bring Mia back by for some marshmallows and hot chocolate. You two can sing Christmas carols together.”

  Okay, so there was no getting around the fact that he and Mia had bulls-eyes on them. Ty had managed for over four years to avoid having this happen. These ladies weren’t your average matchmakers–not that he kept up with them all that much but it was a known fact that if they connected you with someone things were going to happen. And those “things” involved walking down the church aisle.

  So that was a good thing, right?

  Ty gave them a tight smile. “I’ve got a mare I’m keeping watch on tonight so I’ll be heading out pretty soon. I just thought I’d come to town and see the festivities for a short time. And it looks like y’all have a great turnout despite the cold temperature.”“Makes for some good snuggling weather.” Esther Mae looked delighted about the cold air. “I tell you what, me and my Hank, we still like to snuggle by a good ole campfire.”

  Ty did have to admit that both Norma Sue and Esther Mae had marriages that still seemed to have spark to them. Though he knew both men pretty much let their wives get a little too heavy in the matchmaking role, he figured they knew when they were fighting a losing battle.

  He did too as he wished them a good night again and got out of there as quick as possible–and he didn’t go directly to the community center.

  Nope, he felt them watching him and he tried to throw them off his track by heading across the street to speak to a few friends. Then he made his way down that side of town and back across the street to slip into the community center. Sure they would know he was here but it didn’t hurt to make them wonder. He felt pretty silly, but he was a fairly low-keyed person and being watched and set up made him about as uncomfortable as it got.

  The minute he entered the building he felt the energy of the room. Excited kids were everywhere. The room was roaring with laughter and chatter and squeals of delight as kids ran and played while waiting to see Applegate Thornton aka Santa Clause.

  From the doorway he had a straight shot at the older man’s expression and despite the bushy white beard, the fluffy white wig and Santa cap App wore, it was apparent that he was grinning like a peacock. And to Ty’s surprise Stanley had dressed up like a big elf and was helping his buddy make kiddos smile.

  Awesome.

  And then he found Mia in the crowd and his heart surged with love. She was helping a group of ladies at a table handing out bags of candy to the kids and she was all smiles.

  He headed that way and had to fight not to swing her up into his arms. Boy, that would get some attention.

  “Hey there,” he said. “You look like you’re having fun.” She looked up and he saw a flare of something in her eyes that warmed his heart when she saw him.

  “I’ve had a great time. Want to help?” She handed him a bag of candy and pointed at the next kid in line.

  Ty handed the smiling boy the candy.

  “Thanks, mister,” the kid exclaimed as he took the candy then ran off to his mom a few feet away.

  “You having fun?” he asked her.

  “Oh yes. Not only is it warm in here, it’s fun to be a part of making the kids smile. I love the nativity program going on outside too. Jesus truly is the reason for the season but watching children playing and laughing makes me happy too.”

  “I agree.” She looked a lot more relaxed than she’d looked two days ago after he’d delivered her tree to her. She’d been anxious to get rid of him and hadn’t let him help decorate the tree like he’d thought they were going to do.

  More the reason to move slow and helping her hand out candy now was perfect. And so they spent the next half hour standing beside each other handing out treats to bright faced children and watching App and Stanley have the time of their lives listening to children’s Christmas wishes.

  The door opened about an hour later and Sadie and Maddie came into the room. They spotted him and came straight over.

  “Hey, Ty,” Sadie said, smiling huge as she looked from him to Mia. “So this is where you’re hiding out.”

  “Yeah, I was—” he started but Maddie broke him off.

  “Sadie this is Mia,” she said, grinning big as the state of Texas. “The one I was telling you about who helped decorate the town a couple of days ago.”

  Sadie chuckled. “Well, yes, I already figured that out.” She held her hand out to Mia. “Sadie Masterson, I’m married to Rafe. He’s one of the partners out at the ranch.”

  “And my husband Cliff’s twin brother,” Maddie added. They were both now looking from Ty to Mia with excited, assessing eyes.

  “I’m glad to meet you both,” Mia said, filling another cup of punch for a small girl who immediately ran away, sloshing some of her drink as she ran. Mia smiled. “She won’t have much left to drink if she’s not more careful.”

  “Thank you for volunteering for this,” Sadie said. “We’re actually here to relieve you. It’s our turn to have some fun and you two crazy kids need to go roast a marshmallow or something.” She smiled broadly.

  “You’re coming for Christmas dinner, right?” Maddie asked.

  “If you have room for me,” Mia said, glancing at him.

  “Oh, we have room,” Maddie said, her eyes were twinkling and Ty’s stomach knotted.

  They all talked for a little longer and then gave up their posts.

  “How about a quick cup of hot chocolate before I call it a night. I need to check on a
mare,” he asked her as he helped her put on her thick coat.

  “I’d love some. Is something wrong with the mare?” They walked out onto the sidewalk and paused to let several families with children pass by.

  He liked the concern in her voice. He told her about the mare he thought would foal later on that night. “Is the vet coming out?”

  “Na, I’m pretty experienced in helping if something goes wrong. But it’s going to be fine. If I was worried I wouldn’t be here at all.”

  Mia looked thoughtful. “Would you like some company?”

  He grinned and not just about her offer, but because he realized that she was standing beside a sprig of mistletoe. He got momentarily distracted–if he moved her over a foot he’d have the green light to kiss her–but he wasn’t planning on their first kiss being a public event so he controlled his impulses. “You certain you’re up for that? It’s going to be a long night.”

  “Ha, funny man. I’m up for it. I love it when new babies are being born.” She glanced down the street at the milling crowds that filled the lighted buildings and blocked off the road between the buildings. She nodded toward the gathering. “Maybe we need to go ahead and leave. Now that I know what’s going on I’m worried about the mare.”

  He was not going to gripe about leaving early and missing another interrogation by Esther Mae and Norma Sue. “I think that’s a good idea.”

  “Good. Because to tell you the truth dodging mistletoe is exhausting.”

  He laughed. “And here I thought you hadn’t noticed it.”

  “Are you kidding me? It’s everywhere. Do you know it was above the coat rack–but I was careful not to walk under it when you were helping me put on my coat.”

  “Well gee, thanks,” he drawled half teasing. What was he supposed to do? He’d been so intent on helping her put her coat on that he hadn’t looked up. Knowing she’d known it was there and had stayed clear of it didn’t help his current situation. She hadn’t wanted to kiss him.

  As he was mulling this over soft snow flakes began to fall again and squeals of delight ignited all along the street.

  It hadn’t snowed again since the day they’d cut down the tree. He flipped the collar of his sheepskin jacket up and tugged his hat a little snugger to give himself a moment more to digest the mistletoe situation. He was going to kiss Mia.

  They may have always only been friends but he was about to test that theory. The positive repercussions were worth the risk. He loved her and had for a long time.

  “You know what, I’d like to see the nativity scene before we leave.”

  She smiled. “Are you sure?”

  “I’m sure, if we hurry.”

  “Okay then, let’s go. I would love that.”

  They walked down the street to the live nativity scene. Three cowboys with guitars stood to the side of the rustic manger scene singing Away in a Manger. Many of the people were singing along with them.

  Mia leaned in close. “I see they replaced the live baby with a doll. They said if the temperature dropped too low they were going to do that. It’s certainly dropped.”

  “I was wondering about that.” He looked down at her. “How are you doing?”

  She tilted her face up at him and her cheeks were a pretty pink but she looked happy. “I’m fine. I wore a heavier coat tonight than the other day.”

  He was so tempted to brush his lips across hers, to wrap his arm around her and pull her close. “Good,” he said, his voice was gruff.

  “Yoo-hoo!” Esther Mae aka Mrs. Mistletoe hollered from the hot chocolate table. Norma Sue was grinning and Adela had joined her two friends to pass out warm beverages to the crowd. They were all smiling like kids who knew a secret.

  “Y’all come on over here for some hot chocolate,” Norma Sue demanded. “It’ll warm your soul and tickle your heart.”

  Ty was a little wary of the grinning trio but he’d set himself up for this by coming down here.

  Mia grinned. “You mean, grab and run. Times a ticking.”

  “Yes it is.”

  “Y’all look like you’re enjoying this chilly evening?” Esther Mae cooed when they reached the table.

  “Sure do,” Norma Sue agreed and held up a bag of marshmallows. “How about some marshmallows to roast on the fire?”

  Adela filled cups with steaming chocolate and handed the cups over to them. “This will warm you up,” the dainty woman said with a smile.

  “Thanks.” Ty accepted the cups then handed one to Mia. Their cold fingers brushed and warmth radiated through him despite the chill of her fingertips. “I think we’ll pass on the marshmallows. We have a mare at my place to check on so we’ll be leaving in a moment.”

  All three ladies looked jubilant.

  “Mia’s going to help you?” Delight radiated in Esther Mae’s voice.

  “I am,” Mia said. “I love seeing new foals.” She seemed oblivious to the rapt excitement on the three ladies expressions. Esther Mae was about to burst into applause at any moment.

  “I’m the same way,” Norma Sue agreed. “Me and my Roy Don have helped countless foals come into this world together and I never grow tired of seeing that new baby wobble to its feet and take its first steps.”

  “It’s a wonderful thing to share together,” Esther Mae added. She came around the table and leaned close for Ty’s ears only. “Here, just in case you need a little help.” She slipped something in his pocket then looked from him to Mia. “You’re not spending Christmas day alone are you?”

  “No, ma’am. I’m going over to the ranch to have lunch with Ty and his partners.”

  “Oh wonderful, that will be perfect.”

  Pretty perfect to him, Ty agreed then led Mia away. A few minutes later they loaded up and headed toward the ranch. Mia was following him in her truck as he led the way. She’d been the one who suggested she come along.

  It was going to be a great night.

  Chapter Nine

  Mia was filled with anticipation as she eased out of the truck. The stars were shining like bright jewels in the dark sky and as they’d driven away from town big snowflakes began to fall. In this area of Texas snow was a true treat. Snow that stuck to the ground and wasn’t wet mush was even more of a treat. As she eased out of the truck, being careful with her knee, a thrill raced through her seeing how the snow dusted the landscape in a white coating. And it was still falling.

  She held her palms out to catch a few snowflakes and smiled from the inside out. “It’s beautiful.”

  Ty smiled too as he strode toward her. “You look like a snow globe Christmas angel standing there. And yes, it’s beautiful. So are you.”

  Her heart raced at his compliment and the look in his eyes.

  Ty was a gorgeous man. That lean face with those expressive eyes and a smile that caused tingles of attraction to ignite throughout her. Danger signals clanged through her as a sigh escaped her lips… “I love snow globes. Tonight’s Christmas festivities in town would have made a sweet scene.”

  “Yes, it would have. Come on, Miss Snow Globe, lets go check on Velvet.”

  “I’d love to. I’m so excited.” To her surprise he draped a casual arm across her shoulders and walked with her toward the stable. It was everything she could do not to wrap her arms around him and breathe in the scent of him.

  She had it bad. So bad.

  They entered the stable and soft nickers from the horses welcomed them as Ty led the way down the center of the building to a stall where a gorgeous black mare rested in the soft hay.

  “Oh.” She halted and her hand went to her heart. “Oh, Ty, she’s gorgeous, and it looks like we got here just in time.”

  She was having a hard time keeping her eyes off of Ty. He was so perfect here. “I’ll check her out to make certain.” He opened the stall and zeroed in on the mare. “Hey there, Velvet. You’re doing good, pretty girl. Real good,” he murmured soothingly to the soon-to-be-mama. The mare nickered and raised her head to look at Ty as he knelt. It
was as if they connected in that look and the mama relaxed, at ease now that he was there.

  Mia loved the way the horse trusted Ty and she completely understood the feeling.

  After he finished assessing the situation he got to his feet and came out to where Mia waited. “I think everything looks good. We’ll wait out here unless she starts to fret too much.”

  “Sounds good. I’m so glad she’s doing so well.”

  “Me too.”

  He closed the stall's gate with a soft click of the metal latch and then led the way to the bench sitting on the far wall about ten feet across from Velvet’s stall. “We can sit here and still see Velvet, but give her some space too.”

  “Perfect spot.” Mia glanced back over her shoulder, afraid to turn her back for a moment in case she'd miss out.

  Excitement bubbled inside of her as she sat down on the bench. It was so small their shoulders touched–Mia was a fan of whoever had picked the bench. Not only did her shoulder touch Ty’s but also it was such a tight squeeze they were hip to hip. Mia willed her erratic heartbeat to calm down, which was an impossibility. Hands clasped in her lap she leaned back and tried relaxing beside Ty, who seemed as tense as she felt.

  “Have you heard from your uncle?”

  “I did. And, oh, Ty, he sounded so happy. It really startled me, I mean, he has always been so quiet and reserved, you know how he is. But something is different about him. He’s animated and that’s really, really cool.”

  Ty chuckled. “Love will do that, I think. Seems to have done similar magic on my partners who’ve all found love this year. All but Dalton that is.”