Page 17 of A Heart Falls Cowboy Christmas

To the right, Caleb leaned on the counter, a long neck beer in one hand and a dilapidated stuffed bunny toy in the other. He spoke with Walker, a mirror image to him, leaning back in that same relaxed position, their two boys playing with trucks at their feet.

Walker’s Carter was now eleven, but he hadn’t outgrown wanting to make five-year-old Tyler happy as they scooted their trucks out of the kitchen and toward the already set dining room table.

High chairs and an eclectic collection of adult chairs—twenty-one in total—circled the massive oak surface, and a knot formed in Ginny’s throat. So many people. So much family. Especially when the ladies and teenagers were summoned from the basement.

“Dinner’s ready,” Luke called. “Come and get it.”

Conversation flowed as food was passed. Babies and children added their voices to the melody that was a family gathering, and all of it was a touch of perfection.

When the dirty dishes from dinner had been stacked on the counter and pie and ice cream brought to the table, Luke rose to his feet, clicking his spoon against his glass.

He waited until the rumble of noise died down, his sharp Stone features taking in the gathered group with a hint of a smirk on his lips. “We had tears by the graveside this morning, which was fine since a lot of them were happy tears from sharing good memories. We’ve had laughter this afternoon, and now it’s time for another thing—a celebration.”

Caleb frowned. “What are we celebrating?”

“Another chair at the table later this year.” Luke tugged Kelli under his arm. “We’re expecting another baby mid-August.”

Cheers broke out, and laughter. Hugs and more hugs and babies being passed from one set of arms to another until Ginny was the last person to squeeze Kelli tightly.

“You good?” she whispered. Kelli’s first delivery had been traumatic to say the least.

Kelli nodded then answered quietly. “Doctor is going to keep a close eye on things, but he’s pretty sure we can avoid another C-section. Determined to avoid an emergency one.”

“Good.” Ginny hugged her again. “I’m excited for you.”

“I know you are.” Kelli rolled her eyes at Luke and Tucker beside them. “These two, however…”

Sure enough, Tucker smacked Luke on the arm. “Congrats.”

Luke grinned wider. He didn't say anything, just offered his own overenthusiastic smack to Tyler’s back.

“They’re like teenage boys,” Kelli complained, tugging Luke back to the table before he and Tucker could get into a full-fledged wrestling match. “Celebration concludes with pie and ice cream. Everyone sit.”

It was late once the dishes were done. Ginny held hands with Tucker as they walked in the wintry darkness across the yard to their own house. Lights on the railings of the house glowed and made the whole world into a winter wonderland.

It was time, Ginny decided. She’d planned to do it in the morning, but in light of the evening’s revelations, now was better.

Still, it wasn’t until they were tucking a sleeping Demi into bed that the moment felt right.

“Good night, my heart.” Tucker leaned down and kissed Demi on the forehead. “Sweetest of sweet dreams.”

Ginny kissed their little girl as well, then stood, looking down at the peacefully sleeping little girl, ruffling her curls gently with her fingers. “Tucker?”

“Yeah?” He had moved to the pile of baby clothes that needed to be folded and put away.

“Need to tell you something.”

Without stopping what he was doing, he answered, “I love you too, Goddess.”

She laughed quietly, turning to face him. “I’m glad, but this is a you need to look me in the eye so I can tell you something moment.”

He twisted with the little purple jumper he’d been folding still in his hands, a line creasing between his brows. “Sounds serious.”

“Good serious.” She stepped into his personal space, put aside the jumper, then slid her arms around his neck. Instantly, he embraced her back, hands around her hips. “I’m pregnant.”

His grip tightened for a second. “Get out. Really?”

“Really, really.”