Page 77 of Christmas with the Cowboy

“No way! For real!”

On cue the Keller siblings headed for the barn, Spence leading the way, where they found Lex in the stall with the sorrel mare, her arms wrapped around the horse’s neck.

“I was in here day before yesterday, and there was no horse.” She frowned as she tried to figure out how they’d gotten the animal there without her knowledge. “Nobody came yesterday, so how…?” She shot a look at Trenna. “Lost animal. Very clever.”

Reed decided not to tell the whole story just yet. Instead, his hand found Trenna’s as he said, “Surprise.”

Lex laughed and buried her face against the mare’s mane. “Does she have a name?”

“Duffy called her the Red Mare, so you have a clear field,” Daniel said.

“I’ll have to think on it. I can’t wait to call Lissa and Avery. I’ll need pictures.”

“I’m going to see about lunch,” Audrey said. “Merry Christmas, sweetie. It’s been a good one.” She glanced at Trenna and Reed as she spoke, and Reed held Trenna’s hand a little tighter. She’d been quiet and he had a feeling that despite them figuring out that they belonged together, the situation with her father was still eating at her.

“It’s been a good Christmas,” he said a little later, after his sister and brothers had retreated to the house and Daniel was instructing Lex as to how to introduce her new mare to Boomer.

“Best one I’ve had since…I don’t know? Fifteen, sixteen years ago?”

Reed bent to kiss her, and she wound her arms around his neck where they belonged, pressing against him. “When my dad gets back, I’m going to do what I can to figure out what he’s up to. If he plans to barrage you with little lawsuits or…whatever.”

“No.”

“Why?”

“He’ll tip his hand. And when he does, we’ll figure something out.” He dropped his forehead to hers. “He’s your dad. It complicates things.”

“You’re my guy,” she pointed out. “And I don’t want him messing with you and your family.”

“We’ll work through it.” He smiled, but he was dead serious as he said, “Do you believe me?”

Trenna pressed her lips together, then took the leap. “I believe you. I believe in us.” Her arms tightened around him, and he sensed the trust in the simple gesture.

“Then all is well.” He gave her another sweet kiss. “Merry Christmas, Trenna.”

She smiled against his lips. “Merry Christmas, my love.”

The End