The Deputy's Holiday Family

by Mindy Obenhaus

  The older woman perched her clasped hands over her smaller-than-usual belly. “Yes, those are some mighty fine cinnamon rolls.”

  “They are, indeed.” He stood. “Matter of fact, I’m kind of craving one myself. What do you say I go pick us up a pan?”

  Gladys looked like she’d just stolen the last cookie from the cookie jar. “Can you do that?”

  “Young lady, I have sworn to serve and protect. And I am here to serve you.”

  The woman snickered into her hand.

  “I’ll be back in a jiffy.” Amid the falling snow, he hurried outside to his Tahoe. Oh, how he loved that woman. And was glad to see her back to her old self.

  He pulled out of her drive and, a few minutes later, eased into a parking space near Granny’s Kitchen with a smile on his face and a song in his heart. Something that seemed to happen a lot more often lately. Between learning that he had a daughter and a restored relationship with his father, life was sweeter than it had been in a long time. Now if only Lacie would decide to stay in Ouray.

  He didn’t know what he’d do if she took that job in Colorado Springs. Probably follow them. Because the thought of living without her and Kenzie was more than he could bear.

  Thanks to Valerie, though, Colorado Springs might not even be a blip on Lacie’s radar anymore. He could only pray that job in Telluride would come through.

  Opening the door of his vehicle, he stepped out into the crisp late-morning air and continued onto the sidewalk.

  “Morning, Matt.” Kaleb Palmer, a wounded warrior and Ouray’s most decorated hero who was now owner of Mountain View Jeep Tours, looked a little weary.

  “Hey, Kaleb.” He shook his old schoolmate’s hand. “You doin’ all right? You don’t look so good.”

  Kaleb rubbed the back of his neck. “Ah, the twins are teething, so Grace and I had kind of a rough night.”

  “Yeah, from what I hear teething is tough enough with one, but you’ve got double trouble.”

  The corners of Kaleb’s mouth lifted. “We wouldn’t trade it for the world, though. Will and Whitney have brought so much joy into our lives.”

  “I hear ya.” Just the thought of Kenzie could brighten his spirits. “Hang in there and tell Grace I said merry Christmas.” He clapped his friend on the shoulder before he walked away.

  “Will do, buddy.”

  At the corner, Matt reached for the restaurant’s door handle.

  “Matt!”

  Kenzie?

  Turning in the direction of Main Street, he saw her happily running across the street all by herself as though she didn’t have a care in the world—and a truck moving rapidly toward her.

  His gaze jerked from her to the driver. She’d bolted so fast and was so small he knew the driver couldn’t see her.

  “Kenzie!” Lacie stood frozen on the opposite corner, watching the horror unfold.

  His heart jackhammered against his tactical vest. He had to get to his little girl before that truck got to her.

  Though adrenaline pushed him forward, his legs felt like lead as he rushed into the wet street.

  All around him, everything seemed to be moving in slow motion. Him, Kenzie... Everything except for that truck.

  He waved his arms wildly, desperately trying to get the driver’s attention.

  People on the sidewalks yelled for the man to stop. But he didn’t.

  All the while, a grinning Kenzie kept moving toward Matt, oblivious to the danger headed straight for her.

  God, I need Your help! Please don’t let my daughter die!

  A guttural sound he didn’t even recognize escaped his throat as he made a final lunge toward Kenzie.

  His arm made contact.

  He scooped her up and dove out of the way as the truck skidded to a halt.

  Clutching his daughter to his chest, he sat in the middle of the street, trying to catch his breath. Thank You, God. Thank You.

  The panicked driver exited the vehicle. “I’m so sorry! I didn’t see her.”

  Matt sucked in a large amount of bone-chilling air and held up a reassuring hand. “I know. You’re fine. Just move on.” He was too spent to worry about anything besides his little girl.

  Those who had been looking on began to clap as Matt stood and continued across the street with Kenzie still in his arms. He didn’t care about their applause, though. The simple fact that she was safe was all that mattered.

  Pressing his face into her jacket, he willed his emotions to remain at bay. Not only did Kenzie need him, Lacie did, too. And just as God was there for him, he would be there for them.

  The flow of traffic had resumed by the time he reached the corner. A frantic Lacie took Kenzie from him and hugged her tight.

  “Thank God, you’re all right.” Her watery eyes found his. “I don’t know what happened. I was holding her hand. She took off so fast...” After a final squeeze, she set Kenzie to the ground.

  The child who had been unaware of what was going on only a few seconds ago now pooched out her bottom lip as she slowly looked up at him, tears welling in her big brown eyes. “But I wanted to see you.”

  His heart nearly broke.

  He knelt beside her and took hold of her tiny hand. “I want to see you, too, Kenzie. But you’re too small to be crossing the street by yourself.” The mere thought of what could have happened clogged his throat.

  He swallowed hard. “Promise me that next time you will tell your aunt Lacie and wait for her to cross the street with you.”

  “I promise.”

  When he glanced up at Lacie, he noticed that all of the color had drained from her face.

  Uh-oh.

  He shot to his feet. “Lace, you okay?”

  She started to sway. Her eyes rolled.

  Lifting her into his arms, he said, “Kenzie, you stay right with me.” He moved to a nearby bench and watched as she climbed onto it before he sat down, still holding on to Lacie. “Lace, can you hear me?”

  Her head bobbed, sending her caramel waves spilling over her shoulders. “Yeah. I guess I just lost my breath for minute.”

  He eased Lacie between him and Kenzie. “I think we both did.”

  She wrapped her arms around the child and held her close, tears streaming down her cheeks, which were slowly regaining their color. “Thank you, Matt.” She straightened to look at him. “If you hadn’t been there—”

  He touched her cheek and brushed her tears away. “But I was. No thanks necessary.” He pushed the hair away from her face. “I’ve got your back, Lace.”

  She turned away then, but not before he realized just how much he meant what he’d said. He wanted to be there for her. To have her in his life. Her and Kenzie.

  His dad was right. He was in love with Lacie.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Lacie had never been more frightened in her entire life. Yet Matt had been there to not only save the day, but to help guide her through the aftermath. Just like he’d been there for her countless other times since she came back to Ouray.

  So when he suggested they attend church together on Sunday, she found it difficult to say no. Because, after what had happened in the middle of Main Street Friday, they shared a mutual understanding of just how much they had to be grateful for.

  Sitting with Matt’s father and three of his brothers, however, gave her pause. Wasn’t it enough that they were going to be with them at the ranch later this afternoon? It wasn’t that she didn’t like them, it was just so...familial. And she wasn’t quite prepared for that.

  Nonetheless, she supposed she’d better get used to it. After all, that was the whole reason they were going to the ranch. Kenzie was a Stephens, meaning Lacie would likely be seeing all of them a lot.

  When the service ended, she and Matt picked
up Kenzie from her class and made their way to his Jeep through a fresh layer of snow.

  “I love singing those old Christmas carols.” Lacie opened the passenger-side door. “There’s something about them that’s very comforting.”

  “I couldn’t agree more.” Matt carried Kenzie, who insisted on wearing her red patent leather Mary Janes despite the decent amount of snow that had fallen overnight and continued coming down. “It’s that sense of tradition, not to mention the true meaning of Christmas within their words, that makes them special.”

  He hooked Kenzie into her booster seat, which they’d transferred from Lacie’s SUV, before sliding into the driver’s seat. “Shall we grab some lunch?” Then, since they had yet to say anything to Kenzie, he mouthed the words, before we head to the ranch.

  “I suppose that would be all right.” Lacie adjusted her scarf. “I could go for a hot bowl of stew.” Even though it meant they’d be together the entire day. Something that seemed to be happening a lot more often.

  “No!” Kenzie pouted in the back seat. “I want to go home.”

  Lacie twisted to face her. “You don’t want to get some chicken nuggets?”

  “No.” Arms crossed over her chest, Kenzie adamantly shook her head. “I want to see Grandma.” Strange, since she usually loved to go out.

  Lacie glanced at Matt. “I’m not sure what’s gotten into her.”

  He put the vehicle into gear. “No point in making her go.”

  She shrugged and faced forward again, debating her next move. But since they’d already agreed to lunch... “I can make up some soup and sandwiches at home. If you’re interested.”

  He eyed her across the center console. “I’m a bachelor, Lace. I’m always interested in food. Especially the home-cooked variety.”

  When they arrived at her mother’s, Lacie unhooked Kenzie. “You want me to carry you so your feet won’t get wet?”

  Without responding, the determined child scooted past her and ran right through the snow to the house.

  A grinning Matt came alongside her as they followed. “I guess you have your answer.”

  Lacie shook her head. “She sure is acting weird.” Yet she couldn’t imagine why.

  “I wouldn’t worry about it.” He leaned closer. “She’s going to have a great time once we get to the ranch.”

  She bent in his direction. “True, but we’d still better keep that to ourselves until after lunch. Otherwise, we’ll never get her to eat.”

  Kenzie let herself in and by the time Matt and Lacie made it inside, she was already in the kitchen.

  “How was church?” Mom stood at the island, tossing a salad.

  “We learneded about baby Jesus.” Still wearing her coat with the mittens dangling from the sleeves, Kenzie crawled up onto one of the stools that lined one side of the island.

  Lacie closed the door, but waited in the living room, curious as to what her niece was up to.

  “You did?” Mom tried to act engaged.

  “Uh-huh,” Kenzie continued, more animated than usual. “’Cept He didn’t stay a baby. He growed up.”

  “He did?” Mom looked a little wary, her curious gaze shifting from Kenzie to Lacie and Matt as they approached the sofa.

  “And guess what?” Kenzie’s brown eyes were wide, as was her grin. She was in rare form today.

  “What?” Mom tried to mimic her granddaughter’s excitement, but failed.

  “He loves us this much.” Kenzie stretched her arms as wide as they would go, her mittens swaying to and fro.

  Mom didn’t respond, though. She simply focused on her salad. The thing should be good and tossed by now.

  Seemingly annoyed, Kenzie climbed onto the counter. She was not about to be ignored. Evidently, she had something to say and she was going to say it.

  “Young lady—” Mom looked horrified “—you know better than to—”

  Undeterred, Kenzie plopped down on her knees in front of her grandmother, laid a hand on either side of the woman’s face and forced her to look at her.

  Lacie had to put a hand over her mouth to keep from laughing. Glancing over at Matt, she noticed that he was every bit as humored about what was going on as she was.

  Nose inches away from her grandmother, Kenzie said, “And He loves you, too, Grandma.”

  Lacie’s mouth fell open now. If she hadn’t been here to witness this... But, boy, was she glad she was. She laid a hand to her chest as tears pricked the backs of her eyes. And a child shall lead them.

  Turning, she started for the hallway before she cried in earnest.

  Matt followed her.

  She pulled a tissue from her pocket and dabbed her eyes. “I don’t think I’ve ever been prouder of that little girl. Who knew she could preach like that?”

  “No kidding.” He smiled. “Though I’m pretty proud of you, too,” he whispered.

  She peered up at him. “Why?”

  “All these years, you were the one who saw to it Kenzie was in church. You helped instill those convictions in her and I, for one, really appreciate that.”

  Lacie gave a tremulous smile, her heart feeling as though it had been set beside an enormous bonfire. “And if Kenzie’s words happen to impact Mom, then even better.”

  After changing into clothes more appropriate for the ranch, Lacie returned to the kitchen to start on lunch. Now that Kenzie had accomplished what she’d set out to do when they left church, she was more interested in playing with Matt. So Lacie decided to wait until after they told her they were going to the ranch to talk her niece into changing. A little motivation never hurt to keep things running smoothly.

  She grabbed a can of tomato soup from the cupboard and cheese and butter from the fridge. All the while she could feel her mother watching her from the table as she slowly chewed her salad.

  Really? Who had a salad on a cold day like this?

  She dared a glance across the island.

  Her mother, that was who.

  Oh, well. To each her own. Lacie had too many other things to think about besides what her mother thought of Kenzie’s little sermon. Like the two job prospects she had looming out there.

  After putting the soup on to heat, she readied a skillet and opened the loaf of bread. She’d contacted the gentleman in Telluride, who’d seemed very interested, and sent him her resume. He’d promised to get back in touch with her tomorrow.

  In addition, she’d finally heard back from the company in Colorado Springs and had a phone interview scheduled with them for tomorrow afternoon. This was shaping up to be a busy week.

  Yet, as she buttered the first slice of bread, she couldn’t decide which job she’d prefer more. While staying in Ouray would be nice, there were so many more opportunities in the eastern part of the state. Then again, back there it’d be just her and Kenzie. Here, they’d have all kinds of friends and family. People who could help out, should the need arise.

  Lord, show me what You would have me do. Lead me on Your path.

  Mom brought her empty bowl to the sink as Lacie laid the first sandwich in the pan. The butter sizzled when it made contact with the heat, much like the feel of her mother’s gaze boring into her. It was only a matter of time before—

  “So did you put Kenzie up to that?”

  Spatula in hand, she faced her mother. “You know, Mom, I wish I could say I did.” She couldn’t help smiling. “But, like it or not, that was all Kenzie.”

  To her surprise, Mom didn’t respond. She merely lowered her gaze and walked away.

  * * *

  Matt couldn’t remember the last time he’d actually looked forward to going to the ranch. Sure there’d been a few times since his mother died that his presence had been requested and he’d forced himself to go, but his visits were always overshadowed by an enormous s
ense of dread at the thought of seeing his father.

  All these years, he’d never imagined his father had been hurting, too. That he’d wanted to reconcile, but had been just as afraid as Matt to make a move. And while Matt had feared the news about Kenzie would have deepened the chasm between them, it had instead brought healing and allowed them to start anew.

  Thank You, God, for redeeming something I thought unsalvageable.

  Now, as they headed toward the ranch, he could hardly wait to introduce his daughter to everything it had to offer. Fishing, exploring, climbing trees, riding horses and so much more. Not that they’d be able to do many of those things today, but now that the snow had stopped, they might get in something fun.

  “Are we there yet?” Kenzie wiggled in her booster seat.

  “Almost.” In the passenger seat of his Jeep, Lacie rolled her pretty eyes. “Imagine hearing that question over and over for five hours.”

  He shuddered. That alone should be incentive enough for her not to take the job back east, should they offer it to her. That and the fact that he didn’t want her to go. Because the more time he spent with her, the more he realized just how special she was.

  “Horsies!” Kenzie said as they approached the ranch.

  He peered at her via the rearview mirror. “Hey, how would you like to ride one of those horses, Kenzie?”

  Her arms shot straight into the air. “Yay!”

  “Wh—” Lacie’s head jerked in his direction. “You’re not serious about that, are you?”

  “Sure, why not?” He sent her a curious glance as they turned into the drive and continued under the arched sign. “I was a lot younger than her the first time I sat on a horse.”

  “Yeah, but you were around them your entire life. Until Monday, Kenzie had never even seen one up close.” Why was she getting so worked up?

  “Lacie, it’s all right. You know I wouldn’t do anything to put her in danger.”

  Her expression was incredulous. “Oh, you mean like you did Marissa.”

  “What?”

  “You know, the time you took her horseback riding and the horse bolted into the woods.” She shook her head. “Her neck was scraped and scratched from one side to the other from being dragged through the trees.”