Page 48 of Cowboy’s Christmas Baker

“How?” Harrison heard himself ask.

“Declan is a fine young man,” Aunt Alice said. “But Mallory deserves someone who appreciates her, someone who looks at her the way you do.”

Harrison’s jaw almost dropped. He thought he’d been doing a pretty good job of hiding his feelings.

“Don’t worry,” Aunt Alice said, her eyes twinkling. “I don’t think she’s noticed yet. But only because she’s trying her best not to.”

Harrison nodded slowly.

“Anyway,” Aunt Alice said. “I won’t tell you how to run your life, but now that everyone knows the Hawkins boy is off the market, it’s probably going to be open season on that young lady. She’s got plenty of admirers in this town, believe me.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Harrison practically growled, suddenly furious at the idea of anyone else sniffing around the bakery after his girl.

Aunt Alice’s brows raised slightly and then she laughed, with such a fond look on her face that he hardly felt insulted for being laughed at.

He probably deserved it anyway. He had no right to be so jealous over Mallory when he hadn’t even asked her out himself.

And he knew that he shouldn’t, given all the responsibilities he had on his shoulders right now.

But he also knew that none of that mattered, because he was definitely going to, the very next chance he got. No way was he waiting for some other guy to make a move on her first.

“Listen,” Aunt Alice said. “Change of subject, but your uncle put a few things out on the porch for you. It’s just some extra tools and things that might be a help around the new place, nothing fancy. Anything you don’t want, you can bring back or donate, okay?”

“Thanks, Aunt Alice,” Harrison said. “I’ve been meaning to take inventory over there.”

“You’re probably overwhelmed just getting into the routine,” she said, nodding. “And that’s the other thing. Any of the boys would be more than happy to come lend a hand whenever you need. We’ve got good farm hands again, now that Baz Radcliffe has sold off some of his properties. So if Jacob, Shane, Ian, or even Chris Bell could be of use, just give us a ring.”

“Chris Bell?” Harrison asked.

“He’s married to our sweet Grace,” Alice said fondly. “And they’ve got a little daughter, Izzy.”

“Wow,” Harrison said, shaking his head. “So Natalie’s brother is married to Shane’s cousin. Small world.”

“It sure is,” Alice said, her eyes twinkling.

“Well, thank you for the offer,” Harrison said. “I just might give a call sometime soon.”

“See that you do,” she said with a smile. “Now go see what your uncle set aside for you.”

She patted his arm, and he kissed the top of her head before heading down the center hall for the front porch.

“Where are you off to?” Mallory’s voice floated down the hall to him just as he was putting on his coat.

“Hey,” he said, turning to her.

“Are you trying to sneak out without us?” she teased, catching up to him.

“Nope,” he said. “My uncle put some stuff on the porch for me to take back to the farm. I figured I’d carry it out to the truck now so you and Katie don’t have to wait on me later.”

“I’ll help,” she said lightly, grabbing her coat from the hook.

“Thanks,” he said, pulling his own coat on and trying not to overthink things.

But his mind was racing as he pushed open the stout front door and stepped out onto the porch with Mallory beside him.

We’re alone out here…

The evening was clear and bright. Stars twinkled over the farmhouse lawn, and cold, crystalline air filled Harrison’s lungs, making him feel more alert as his heart pounded.