They’d chosen to gather here at Osprey House on Christmas Eve so they could travel the next day to whichever other family holiday they wanted to attend. Rogue and Kit were celebrating with their mothers and the Bowman newlyweds would be flying up to join them for the evening meal. After the holidays, Rogue planned on putting the merger deal before his brothers. If they went along with it, Elijah and Lucia would be moving to Kansas. He never thought they’d leave the Lone Star state, but he’d never really known what it was like to be part of a big family before. He didn’t plan on spreading the news around–after all he had a reputation to maintain–but he sorta liked it.
Rogue helped his brothers haul in more wrapped packages, one of them looking suspiciously like a bicycle the perfect size for a five-year-old. The women congregated in the kitchen. Lou, running at full throttle in his Santa apron, had all four ovens going, one with a turkey, one held a beef roast, and the others emitted the amazing scents of side dishes and desserts.
Wearing a red-and-black plaid dress, black leggings, and gold lamé shoes with tiny bells on them, Marliss shooed them out of the kitchen to the formal dining room, where hot plates bearing fancy appetizers sat on the sideboard, and a wide variety of cocktail options awaited them at the portable bar.
Lexie played bartender, and soon each of the women held glasses. “Non-alcoholic for me!” Kit exclaimed joyously as she took a sip. They nibbled on the appetizers, then filled plates of the delicious goodies and wandered into the living room, sharing the delicacies with their men.
“Looks like the gals have found the bar.” Rogue put the last of the colorful packages under the tree.
Jackson walked up to the group holding four heavy tumblers of Dusty’s finest single-barrel whiskey. He handed one to each of his brothers. “I’m thinking we should each say a few words. “Ladies?”
“Let’s hear the toasts,” Marliss urged as she and Lou walked into the room, each carrying their own glass.
“I’ll go first,” Lexie said, “if that’s okay. The best day of my life was the day Killian walked into it. “Like everyone else, we’ve had our challenges.” She looked at Killian. “I’m grateful for the man he is and for the future we have together. I love you, Killian. Merry Christmas.”
Everyone echoed Merry Christmas and took a sip of their drinks.
“One more thing.” Lexi let her gaze travel around the room. “The date for my one-woman show has been set for February fourteenth. Valentine’s Day. In Savannah. I’d like to invite you all to be there if you can make it. It’s a really big day for me.”
“It may sound corny,” Killian said, ‘but I feel truly blessed. I have a wonderful family, a perfect wife, and a life I wouldn’t trade for anything. That’s the best Christmas present of all.”
“Amen!” Rogue raised his glass. They all made agreeing comments and took another drink.
“And I have one more announcement to make.” Killian held out his arm and Lexie moved into the circle of it. “We’re adding another Walker to the mix. Lexie and I are having a baby.”
“Oh, my god!” Zoe rushed over and hugged Lexie. She was soon joined by the other women, adding their excitement to the mix. Kit joined the hug as they compared due dates.
“Guess there’s no question about your motility,” Jackson joked.
“I guess fertility runs in the family,” Rogue joked.
Killian grinned, remembering the conversation they’d had at the barbecue about the strength of the sperm of his prized stallions.
“Will you still be able to handle the show, being pregnant and all?” Rori asked. “That’s a lot to take on.”
Killian smiled down at his wife. “I’ll make sure she gets pampered and coddled. The hard work’s already done. The paintings are finished. Next week the shipping company is coming to crate them. Then the gallery will put together its catalogue, create the guest list for the special reception, and start the promotion.”
“We’re so excited for you,” Zoe said.
“And you know we’ll be there,” Kit added. “All of us.” She glanced at Rogue, he looked happy and that was worth everything in the world to her.
“Thank you so much.” Lexie blinked back tears.
“Well, bless you both.” Marliss hurried over and gave Lexie a hug. “I can’t believe you and Kit are pregnant at the same time! This is going to be so much fun!”
“Thank you, Marliss.” Lexie kissed the older woman’s cheek. “I hope you’ll be an honorary aunt to him. Or her.”
“I will, no matter what sex it turns out to be. I’ll just be excited to welcome two more Walkers into the clan.” Again, they raised their glasses and sipped.
Rori leaned in close to her cowboy. “Since it’s the ladies’ turn to toast, I want to let everyone know that I’ve never been happier. Thanks to Jackson. I’ve fallen in love for the first time in my life.” She raised her glass in salute to Jackson. “And for the last time in my life.”
Jackson pulled her close for a kiss. “You got that right, Rori darlin’. Merry Christmas.”
Everyone gave mushy “awws” and laughed as both Rori and Jackson blushed a little.
Zoe cleared her throat, gaining the room’s attention. “Since Lexi let the cat out of the bag, I might as well spill the beans.” She splayed her hand on her tummy and smiled. “Looks like it’s going to be a packed house at the next Walker Christmas gathering.”
Her announcement was immediately met with hugs, kisses, and too many congratulations to count. Grinning like the happiest cowboy on earth, Dylan shook hands with his brothers.
Kit raised her glass. “I’m grateful to be here and glad to put the trouble of the last few months behind us.” She didn’t elaborate, leaving it up to her husband what he’d share and what he’d choose to keep to himself. Sometimes Rogue Walker liked to play his cards close to his vest. “I’ve never been happier, and I wish all of you the same.”
Hunter chose that moment to trip and fall, and his wails rose to the rafters. The women all set down their glasses and rushed to his aid, carrying him into the big bathroom off the kitchen. In seconds, the cries stopped.
“That boy sure knows how to monopolize a woman’s time.” Dylan just shook his head as the other three Walker brothers smiled.
“As long as we have a minute here…” Jackson looked at each of his brothers. “It’s been a pleasure getting to know each of you. Despite all my doubts, I’m glad we’ve been able to work out the kinks in the company, and have grown to appreciate one another. And I do.” He raised his glass. “I appreciate you, and I’m happy to have you in my life.”
As a log shifted and crackled, they raised their glasses and drank as the women filed back in with Hunter in tow.
Killian stood for a moment, looking from one brother to the other. “It may sound corny,” he said, ‘but I feel truly blessed. I have a wonderful family, a perfect wife, and a life I wouldn’t trade for anything. That’s the best Christmas present of all.”
“Nope, not corny at all.” Dylan clapped Killian on the shoulder. “This time last year, I thought the road was the only life I had. Much as I love the stage and my band, you are my family.” He gestured to each brother with his glass. “If nothing else, I guess we owe Dusty a debt of gratitude for bringing us together.”
A solemn silence fell over them as they drank a toast to their father.
Rogue stood. “I have something to say.” The room grew so quiet you could’ve heard a pin drop. “This past year has brought a lot of changes for all of us. We’ve stepped out on faith to form an alliance none of us ever expected. We’ve faced challenges.” He held out his hand to Kit. “We’ve had to come to terms with our father, Dusty Walker, and his legacy.” Rogue chuckled, glad he could laugh about it now. “A man I scarcely knew did his best to destroy me. But what I’ve gained is so much greater than what I lost.” Smiling at Kit, he continued. “I have a beautiful wife, a baby on the way and…” He raised his glass to his brothers and their ladies. “I have
the best family a man could ask for.”
“Here, here!” Jackson cheered as the rest joined in with raised glasses and happy comments. “I think this calls for refills.”
Marliss, who was standing near, came forward with a tray full of drinks, when with a bang, the front door opened and a tall, thin woman walked in. Her long braided hair, a silvery gray, reached the middle of her back. Her long, black coat topped a pair of red cowgirl boots.
While the eight adults just stared, Hunter ran up to her. “Hi. Are you a new rel-a-tive, too?”
She smiled, her blue eyes softening as she crouched down to his level. “Yes, I am, young man. I’m your cousin Mercy.”
“Mercy?” The little guy shivered as a cold wind blew into the room. “Momma says we shouldn’t waste energy by leaving the door open.”
The woman stood and looked at the eight adults in the room. “She’s a wise woman.”
Behind her, a middle-aged man wearing a chauffeur’s cap walked in carrying wrapped packages. “Ma’am?”
“Under the tree, Barnes. Thank you.” She walked over to the brothers. “I just assumed I was still welcome. Although your father and his wife passed, I had a feeling you’d all be gathering tonight.”
Rogue elbowed Kit. “That’s who I was telling you about.”
Kit nodded. “I figured. I wonder where the girls are?” she asked for Rogue’s ears only. He shrugged.
Killian stepped forward. “Yes, ma’am. You’re more than welcome. May I take your coat?”
She shrugged it off, revealing a cheery red blouse and a long denim skirt. “Thank you.” Lifting a brow, she glanced at the other boys. “This one has manners.”
Dylan stepped forward. “Let me get you something to drink, then we’ll make introductions.”
“I know who you all are.” She held out her hand to the youngest brother. “Dylan.” She spoke the other brothers’ names as she grasped each of their hands in a firm grip. “I believe you’re all the family I have left. Am I intruding if I ask to spend Christmas with you?”
“Not an intrusion at all. You’re welcome any time.” Rogue gestured for her to join them in the living room. “We were in Colorado a few months ago.”
“Well, you should’ve stopped by. I would have been glad to see you.”
Mercy walked farther into the room. She winked at Dylan. “I’d do well with a few fingers of that whiskey your dad squirrelled away for special occasions.”
While Jackson fetched her a glass, she met the ladies, then they all sat in the living room while her chauffeur hauled her suitcase up the steps, as if this was indeed a regular occurrence.
“I’m Mercy Walker.” She announced it as if her name was her pride and joy. Sipping the whiskey, she relaxed in her chair. “I’ve got a good-sized cattle ranch in Colorado, and will expect you all to come for Easter, as was the arrangement between your father and me.”
She frowned for a few seconds. “My husband, Grover, was your father’s first cousin. Grover, he…passed away, gone nearly four years now.” Her strong jaw tilted up. “I have four daughters who are too busy this year to come home for the holidays.”
“We’re sorry to hear that.” Zoe raised her hand, looking like she might reach out and squeeze Mercy’s hand, then dropping it as if she thought better of it.
Mercy puffed out a breath. “The four of them, they work too hard. Honor is an assistant to the First Lady at the White House.”
“Oh, wow.” Rori blurted the words out, smiling. “That’s amazing.”
Mercy tipped her head. “She’s always been the serious one. Then there’s Faith. She’s a photographer. Always on the road, that one. And last but definitely not least, are my twins, Chastity and Courage. Courage works on a crab boat in Alaska. Chastity…” She shook her head. “I don’t rightly know what she does or where she is. I just hope she’s okay.”
“And none of them could make it home this year?” Kit asked.
“None of them have made it home since their father died.” Mercy stood, setting down her glass. “I’m going upstairs to freshen up. Thank you for your kindness in letting a lonely old lady join you tonight.”
The men stood. “Ma’am, you’re welcome any time.” Rogue sounded wistful. He could just imagine how Mercy felt, and he could definitely relate to the girls. When you’re estranged from a parent, it was always painful.
Mercy turned and walked up the steps, her back straight and proud, but stopped and turned to gaze over the group. “Thank you very kindly.” She looked from one to the other. “Maybe you can say a little prayer that I’ll find a way to reach out to my girls.”
Killian smiled. “We’ve all learned about reaching out.”
“And I’ve had some practice saying prayers lately,” Kit confessed. “I’ll put you on my prayer list.”
“Bless you all.” She walked up the stairs, her back straight and proud.
Once Mercy ascended out of earshot, the eight of them, plus Hunter, gathered close.
“That’s so sad.” Zoe lifted Hunter in her arms and cuddled him. “No one should spend the holidays away from their loved ones.”
Dylan drew his bride against his chest and kissed her temple. “Maybe her girls will come around. If us stubborn Walker men can move on from our past, I’m pretty sure anything is possible.”
“That’s true. We’ve proven how hard-headed Walkers can be.” He pulled Rori close to his side. “But not half as tough as these Red Creek women. They had their hands full when they set out to tame the Walker brothers.”
“Tame?” Rori set her hand on Jackson’s chest. “There’s no taming these boys.”
“I’m not so sure I’d want Rogue to be tame.” Kit winked at him, the seduction scene she planned for the night foremost in her mind. “I kinda like him wild.” Rogue took off his hat and held it in front of his waist, giving Kit a look that told her to change the subject before he embarrassed both of them.
“We’ve all got our hands full here in Red Creek.” Jackson took Rori’s hand in his. “But we’ve each found our share of happiness. We’ll have faith that Cousin Mercy and her girls will find the same.”
“This is a season of miracles.” Kit snuggled up to Rogue. “There’s no reason why we can’t pray for more.”
The evening was enjoyable, filled with laughter, love and plenty of good food. By the time Rogue and Kit made it home, the ground was covered in a light dusting of snow and their house looked like a Thomas Kincade holiday home, lit up by twinkling lights. “Are you sleepy?” she asked him, keeping her fingers crossed that he wasn’t.
With his own game plan in mind, Rogue assured her. “Heck, no. I’m wide awake and rarin’ to go. What do you have in mind?”
“Hot chocolate by the Christmas tree? I have an early Christmas present to give you.”
“Oh, really?” He mused. “What could it be? A new tie?” He hoped not, the last time he’d worn a tie was the day he’d walked into the lawyer’s office for the reading of Dusty’s will. And he didn’t plan on wearing another anytime soon. “Some good-smelling men’s cologne?”
“Nope, I like the way you smell.” As they entered the house, she pointed to the kitchen. “There’s some homemade mix in a jar on the counter. Just add warm milk and I’ll be back with your present in a jiffy.”
Rogue did as she asked, but he also went to the desk in the next room and retrieved a small box. Opening it, he took out a diamond necklace. With a big grin, he went to the tree and hung it on a low branch. “Now, where’s the afghan?” he mused. When he located it, he spread it by the tree. The necklace hung near where her head would be when he laid Kit down to love on her. “There, that should do it.” Hurrying back to the kitchen, he rescued the milk before it boiled over, poured it into two mugs and added the hot chocolate mix.
In the interim, Kit was in the bedroom. “Damn, I never could tie a bow.” She glanced at herself in the mirror. Every inch of her body had been pampered, lotioned, perfumed and waxed. The next to nothin
g bra and panties were new and Rogue’s favorite color–green. And wrapped around her like a beauty queen’s sash was a bright red bow. “I hope you like what I got you for Christmas!” she called to him. Actually, she really had a gift for him hidden in plain sight on a thin gold bracelet at her wrist - a wedding band. She hadn’t had a chance to get him one before the wedding, and Kit thought this would be the perfect moment to rectify that situation.
“I’m sure I will. Come on out, the hot chocolate’s getting cold!”
One last look. “Ready or not, here I come.”
Rogue sat down on the rug, waiting. He had no idea what she was up to, but he suspected whatever it was, he’d enjoy it. He was watching the door when she walked through. “Fuck, baby,” he breathed, going to his feet to meet her. You don’t let a woman who looked like this walk alone. “You’re breathtaking.” He framed her face and gazed into her eyes. “You’re all I want for Christmas. Hell, you’re all I want for the rest of my life.”
“Oh, you’ve got me.” She went on tiptoe to kiss his lips.
“And I don’t plan on wasting a moment.” With hands and lips, he worshiped her body–inch by delicious inch. As he caressed her, Kit cradled his head when she could reach it or worked at getting his clothes off when she couldn’t.
“I hate to untie this bow, but I want to get to the good part of my gift, what’s inside the wrapping.” Tenderly he undressed her, removing the sash and peeling off the lingerie. By the time he was through, she was quivering with desire.
“I think I need to lie down. You’re making my knees weak.” Shedding the last of his clothes, he helped her down on the afghan. She didn’t notice the necklace, but that was okay. They had more important business to attend to at the moment. Coming over her, careful not to crush her delicate frame, he kissed and nipped at her throat. He was planning on starting at the top and making his way down to the bottom.
Kit & Rogue (The Sons of Dusty Walker) Page 18