Over her shoulder, she glimpsed Clint and Hillary following behind them on another UTV. “So what’s the story with your dad and Hillary?”
“I’m not sure.” Matt veered northward, his expression taking on a more serious air. “I know they were friends in high school. She left Ouray, but recently moved back to be near her daughter and grandkids.” He glanced her way. “Do you remember Mrs. Ward and the Miner’s Café?”
“Yes.”
“That was Hillary’s mother. Hillary’s daughter Celeste now owns Granny’s Kitchen. She married Gage Purcell.” Gage was an old schoolmate of theirs.
She shoved her gloved hands between her knees for the added warmth. “Talk about full circle.”
“I’ve got to admit, it was pretty weird seeing Dad and Hillary together at the store like that.”
“Why?”
He shrugged. “She’s not Mama.”
“I see.” If there was one thing she knew for certain, it was how much each of the Stephens boys adored their mother. “Well, is Hillary a bad person?”
“No.” The corners of his mouth tipped upward again. “Actually, from what little I’ve been around her, she’s pretty good at putting the old man in his place. As you witnessed today.” He made a sharp turn.
Laughing, Lacie grabbed hold of the roll bar to keep her from sliding into Kenzie. “I suspect Mona would approve, then.”
“I’m still surprised Dad wanted to come with us.” Matt eyed the rearview mirror as though checking on the vehicle behind them. “After the way he tried to deter me earlier. As if cutting down a tree was the stupidest thing he’d ever heard.”
“Don’t take it personally.”
“How can you say that? Even Hillary came to my defense.”
“Yes, but I don’t think his avoidance had anything to do with you. I think it’s because it reminds him of your mother.”
She knew she’d struck a chord when he didn’t respond. He simply blinked, continuing to stare straight ahead.
“Bringing in the Christmas tree was something you always did as a family, right?”
He nodded. “Mom picked it out and Dad would cut it down.”
“So without Mona at his side, it’s not the same. I mean, think about it, Matt. They were married for how long?”
“Forty years.” He brought the vehicle to a stop near a wooded area. “You might be right, Lace.” He turned off the ignition and reached an arm across the back of the seat to squeeze her shoulder. “Thanks.”
Between the warmth of his touch and the intensity of his gaze, her heart pounded.
Finally, his focus shifted to Kenzie. “Now let’s go find us a tree.”
“Yay!” Kenzie couldn’t unbuckle her seat belt fast enough, so Matt helped her as Clint and Hillary pulled alongside them.
Clint killed the engine. “You sure this is where you want to look?”
Matt grabbed the chain saw he’d put in the bed before they left the house. “Mama always seemed to find some good ones in here.” He eyed the wooded area. “Since it hasn’t been touched in a few years, thought there might be something worthwhile.”
“Let’s give it a go, then.” Clint climbed out of his vehicle.
The five of them moved into the woods where barren deciduous trees mingled with junipers, firs and pines.
“Look, Kenzie.” She saw the wonder in her niece’s eyes. “This is way better than the store, isn’t it?”
The little girl nodded.
“But unlike the trees at the store,” Matt said, “no two are going to be the same. They could be tall and skinny, short and fat, full, skimpy...you just never know.”
Hands buried in her pockets, Lacie continued beside him. “I’m not sure what I’m looking for exactly, but I’ll know it when I see it.” Something full, perhaps, but not too wide, with a straight trunk.
“That’s how it usually goes, Lacie.” Clint’s voice echoed from behind them. “You know it when you see it.”
Kenzie gasped then. “Look at this.” She picked up a pinecone as though she’d found the greatest treasure ever.
“Pretty cool,” said Lacie.
Squinting against the sun, the child peered up at her. “Can I keep it?”
“If it’s okay with Mr. Clint.”
“Sure you can,” he said.
Leaves crackled beneath their feet and snow remnants crunched as they moved deeper into the thicket. Overhead, a couple of magpies chattered back and forth.
“That’s a nice one there, Clint.” Hillary approached a squatty blue spruce. “You said you didn’t want a big one.”
Matt’s father moved closer and circled the tree that didn’t quite reach his six feet. “Don’t see any big holes.” He stepped back, continuing to scrutinize the conifer in question. “I believe it’ll do.”
“Oh, good.” Hillary appeared especially pleased.
“Well, that was easy.” Matt approached with the chain saw.
“Everyone get back,” hollered Clint as the saw roared to life.
Within seconds the tree crashed to the ground. The women watched as Matt and his father loaded it onto the trailer.
“Looks like it’s our turn, Lace.” Matt rejoined her and Kenzie.
Along with Clint and Hillary, they resumed their search and in no time Lacie was eyeing a substantial Douglas fir. Not too fat at the bottom, perfectly tapered...
“This one looks good,” she and Matt said in unison.
How about that? They actually were in agreement.
Except when she turned, she saw that Matt was looking at an entirely different tree. And while it was still a Douglas fir, it was way too wide with branches so close together it would be hard to place the ornaments.
“I think this one over here would fit in your living room better.” She pointed to her tree.
“Are you kidding? That’s way too skinny.”
“No, it’s not. Sure, it’s not fat like that tree—” she aimed a finger at his selection “—but at least there’s plenty of room for ornaments.”
“What are you talking about? Do you see all those branches?” He took hold of his tree. “You can get a ton of ornaments on there.”
“But your tree is flat on top,” she continued. “How are we going to put the star on?”
“Trust me. The star will fit just fine.” He looked at his father and Hillary. “What do you two think?”
Arms crossed, Hillary lifted a shoulder. “I’d have to go with Lacie’s tree.”
“What?” Clint frowned. “Look how full Matt’s tree is.”
Matt swiped a hand through the air. “Forget it. There’s only one person whose opinion really matters. Kenzie, what do you think?” He turned to the spot where she had been.
Lacie’s heart dropped. “Where’s Kenzie?” She jerked her head right and left, scanning high and low.
“She was just here.” Matt looked every bit as stricken as she felt. He set the chain saw to the ground. “Kenzie?”
“Oh, no.” Lacie gripped his arm. “The river.”
Eyes wide, he looked at his dad and Hillary. “Stay here in case she comes back. Come on, Lace.”
Turning, they ran in the direction of the river.
Blood roared in Lacie’s ears. Tears stung the backs of her eyes. Why had they not seen Kenzie wander away?
Conviction pricked her heart. Because you were so consumed with finding the perfect tree that you weren’t paying attention.
A sob caught in her throat. God, help us find her. Please, let her be okay.
Her foot caught on a branch and she fell flat. Air whooshed from her lungs.
Matt helped her up, his expression more panicked than she’d ever seen. “You okay?”
“I’m fine. But we have got to find—” Over Mat
t’s shoulder she spotted Kenzie. “There she is.”
He turned. “Oh, thank God.”
They rushed to her side.
“Kenzie, sweetie.” Lacie dropped to her knees, trying to catch her breath. “We didn’t know where you were. You’re not supposed to run off like that.”
“Are you all right?” Matt asked.
“Uh-huh.” She smiled as though she didn’t have a care in the world. “I finded the perfect Christmas tree.” Her little finger pointed.
Both Matt and Lacie turned to find a tree unlike either of the ones they had chosen. The blue spruce was spindly and misshapen with more bare spots than branches. And while it wasn’t quite a Charlie Brown Christmas tree, it was far from perfect.
Matt glanced from the tree to Lacie to Kenzie, then back to the tree. “That’s the tree you want?”
“Uh-huh,” said Kenzie.
He looked at Lacie.
She shrugged, knowing that she would have done just about anything for Kenzie right now. “If it’s the one she wants...”
“I hear ya.” His smile echoed Lacie’s relief. “I’ll go get the chain saw.”
Chapter Eleven
After a lunch of chili and corn bread at the ranch, Matt, Lacie and Kenzie returned to his house to decorate their tree. Lacie helped him carry it into the house, set it up and now, as he finished stringing the multicolored LED lights they’d bought in Montrose, she pulled a pan of break-and-bake cookies from his oven. After all, what was a tree-trimming party without cookies and cocoa? Even if they were both instant. She just hoped the decorations would perk up that sad little tree.
Not that she or Matt really cared anymore. Today was all about Kenzie.
“Cookies are done,” she hollered from the kitchen.
“So are the lights,” Matt responded.
Perfect timing.
She quickly transferred the cookies to a plate then joined Matt and Kenzie in the living room.
He knelt beside the tree, in the corner, near the bookcase as they’d discussed last night. “Are you ladies ready?”
“Yes!” they responded in unison.
Hand perched on her hip, Kenzie looked rather impatient. “Hurry up, Matt.”
He laughed. “Okay, here we go.”
A split second later the humble tree glowed with brilliant shades of red, green, blue, yellow and orange.
Kenzie gasped, tilting her head all the way back so she could see the top of the tree that almost reached the nine-foot ceiling. “Pretty.”
“And we’re not even done yet, small fry.” Matt joined them at the coffee table. “Your aunt Lacie is going to add some of that ribbon we bought, then we get to put on the ornaments.”
She stared up at him very matter-of-factly. “Don’t forget the star.”
“That’s right.” He lifted Kenzie into his arms and started back toward the tree. “And since you’re going to put it up—” he hoisted her over his head “—we’d better make sure you can reach.”
Laughing, she stretched out an arm as he moved her closer. “I toucheded it.”
“Good.” He lowered her into his arms again. “Then you got the job, kid. Now, what do you say you and I chow down on some of those snowman cookies while Lacie puts the ribbon on the tree.”
“Okay.” She wriggled free.
Armed with a large spool of burlap ribbon and scissors, Lacie moved toward the tree. “You guys had better leave me some.”
“Aww, do we have to?” Matt handed a cookie to Kenzie.
“Yes, you have to.”
“Man. You hear that, Kenz? The boss says we can’t eat all the cookies.”
Her niece scrunched up her nose. “You’re so silly, Matt.”
Watching the two of them, one would think they’d known each other forever. Kenzie seemed as comfortable with him as she was with Lacie. And Matt...?
The look of horror and desperation on his face when he realized Kenzie was missing was unlike anything Lacie had ever witnessed. And it said a lot about the depth of love he felt for his daughter.
But not only had he been there for Kenzie, he’d been there for Lacie, too. She couldn’t imagine what she would have done without his help. Then again, if it weren’t for him, she and Kenzie wouldn’t have been there in the first place.
She glanced up at the tree. Nor would they be here, getting ready to decorate and celebrate this most wonderful time of the year. And considering the fact that Kenzie was completely unaware anything bad had happened, things still looked pretty special in her eyes. Meaning their goal had been achieved.
When she’d finished adding the ribbon to the tree, she stepped back to inspect.
“Hey, it’s looking better already.” Matt came alongside her and she inhaled the aroma of fresh air and chocolate.
Talk about a powerful combination.
“Thanks.” Setting the remaining ribbon and scissors on the table, she eyed Kenzie enjoying the last of her hot chocolate—in the living room, no less. Definitely a special occasion. “Looks like we’re ready for the ornaments.”
Kenzie carefully set her cup down on the coffee table then grabbed the massive container of shatterproof ornaments they’d bought at the store. Shiny balls, glittering balls, red ones, silver ones, some with candy cane stripes... And light enough for a five-year-old to carry.
Matt turned on some Christmas music and suddenly Lacie felt as though she’d been transported back in time. The tree trimming, the cookies and cocoa, the music... Just like when she was little and her family would gather.
Now Kenzie would have those same memories. Thanks to Matt.
When all of the ornaments had been placed on the tree, Lacie removed the glittering silver star from its packaging. “This is all that’s left.”
“That’s your cue, small fry.” Matt lifted Kenzie into his arms as Lacie handed her the topper. “You’re going to stick it on top of this branch right here.” He pointed.
“Okay.”
Lacie readied the camera on her phone as Matt lifted Kenzie into the air.
Click. Click.
“I did it,” said an excited Kenzie as Matt returned her to the floor.
“You sure did.” Lacie knelt beside her. “And it’s perfect.”
Matt took a step back. “Actually, it really is.” He motioned for Lacie join him.
“Well, I’ll be.” If she hadn’t seen it, Lacie never would have believed that between the ribbon and the ornaments, this once-pathetic-looking tree was more perfect than anything she’d ever seen.
She held up her phone and snapped another picture. “You two get over there now.”
They did and she took a couple more shots.
“Hey, do you have a timer on that thing?” Matt asked.
She glanced at her phone. “I think so. Why?”
“So we can get one of all three of us.”
She located the timer, he set the phone on the TV stand and lined up the shot, then they all hurried to get into place in front of the tree. Matt and Lacie on their knees with Kenzie standing in between.
The flash went off.
“Let’s see what we got.” She hurried to retrieve her phone with Matt at her side. A couple of taps and there on the screen was a perfect picture of all of them and their perfect tree.
“I like it,” said Matt.
So did she. Perhaps more than she was willing to admit, even to herself. They looked like a real family. A notion that sounded better every time they were together. Matt’s attentiveness to Kenzie was undeniably attractive. Especially when he turned that same attention toward Lacie.
Just then, her phone rang and her friend Jill’s name appeared on the screen.
“Sorry.” She glanced at Matt.
“You go ri
ght ahead,” he said. “Come on, Kenzie, let’s pick out a Christmas movie.”
“Hey, Jill.” Phone pressed to her ear, Lacie moved into the kitchen.
“Lacie. Oh, how I’ve missed you.” Jill had also been one of her coworkers.
“Aww, thank you, Jill.”
“I’m serious.” She could envision her friend pouting. “Work isn’t near as fun without you.”
She eyed the darkening sky outside the window over the sink. “It’s not like it was my idea to leave.”
“I know. But I heard some news I wanted to pass along to you.”
Lacie straightened. “What is it?”
“I was talking to another designer who told me about a builder down in Colorado Springs who’s looking for someone.”
“Really?” She leaned against the counter. “The housing market is booming there.”
“Which is why they’re in need of someone with experience.”
“Well, I definitely have that.” Almost a decade’s worth. And while she’d hoped to find something in the Denver area so she could keep Kenzie in the same daycare with her friends, perhaps this was God’s way of nudging her in a different direction. Considering she’d already given up her apartment... “This could be just what I’m looking for.”
She took down the info. “Thanks, Jill. I’ll give them a call tomorrow.”
She ended the call with a renewed sense of optimism. Yet when she returned to the living room and saw Matt and Kenzie cuddled up on the couch, staring at the TV, something twisted inside her.
Perhaps what she was really looking for was right here in Ouray, after all.
* * *
Matt came in from work the next day, smiling when he caught sight of the Christmas tree. Aside from that brief scare with Kenzie, it had been one of the best days he’d had in a long time. Even Dad hadn’t been able to dampen his spirits. Then Lacie told him about that job in Colorado Springs.
He strolled across the room and plugged in the lights. Even if he lived to be a hundred, he’d never forget decorating this first tree with Kenzie.
Taking the phone from his pocket, he pulled up the images Lacie had sent him last night. Kenzie and him in front of the tree. Him, Lacie and Kenzie. He stared at the photo. How could Lacie even consider a job on the other side of the state? Sure he understood that she needed a salary and that her given career field was better served back east, but that would mean separating him from Kenzie when he’d already missed out on so much. Didn’t that count for something?
The Deputy's Holiday Family Page 11