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“It’s only four feet tall though,” Georgie said, her nose wrinkling up.
“It’s going in the window; the window box will make it look a lot taller. I can’t wait to pull out the cookie ornaments we made.”
“What?” I asked, sounding like a doofus. “Cookie ornaments? As in ornaments that look like cookies or cookies that will be ornaments?”
Bree smiled. “Ornaments made to look like cookies. Gingerbread men and women to be exact. I have a friend that has a small business. She casts different objects out of clay, paints them, cures them, and then sells them online. So we,” she motioned to the other women, “had a create and paint party a few weeks ago. Kaylyn put everything in the kiln after we were done and, voila, we now have ornaments.”
“That is cool. I wouldn’t mind trying that.”
“Next time we go, you are coming. A girls’ night out. No kids, no men, just us, a bottle of wine, juice for you, and some laughs.”
“Juice?” I laughed. “I’ll take a sprite, thank you.”
That sent everyone into a fit of laughter. This was nice.
Danny slipped over the back of the couch, gave me a scorching kiss, then headed out the door to help the guys bring in the wreaths and garland.
My heart hammered as I watched him go.
It was exciting being able to be a part of the little things that would transpire over the next week or so to get the farmhouse and the outlying buildings looking Christmas ready. My family had their own traditions, so adding to what I already loved about this season was making my heart fill with so much love and joy.
I’d made the right choice coming home. I was seeing that more and more every day. It paid to listen to your instincts. Mine had not only led me home, but it led me back to the man I’d had my heart set on since we were kids.
My prince of horses and tomfoolery.
5
Daniel
Why did I let her go home last night? I missed her like crazy, and it’s only been a few hours.
Since Keisha came back into my life, I’ve tried my best to keep my head in the right place. The feelings that have blossomed for her were overwhelming. I’ve always known she was mine, just never thought I actually had a chance. Knowing I did—it made life so much more.
Falling in love with your friend could end wrong on so many levels. I’d seen it happen, and I didn’t want that for us. I’d have been happy to have her in my life as a friend if there was nothing more to it.
Thankfully, she and I were ready for more.
We’d spent the last week decorating the ranch and then moved to her farmhouse and helped her mom set up all of their decorations. I was so very thankful that they didn’t go as crazy as Ma and Georgia. I swear, it was like living with Clark Griswold this time of year. Except I was the one climbing on the roof and risking my neck.
Looking around the McCall home as I slid out of my truck, I couldn’t help but smile. The lights around the porch were still on, twinkling on this gloomy, cold morning. Hurrying up the front steps, I rubbed my hands together to warm them before raising a hand to knock on the front door. It suddenly opened; Mrs. McCall jumped back as her dog started to bark.
“Daniel, sweet heavens. I didn’t hear you pull up.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you or Winston.” I squatted down and scooped up the little ball of fur. His yips settled as his tongue found my cheek. “Yuck, enough of that.” I chuckled, putting him down so he could run out into the yard.
“It’s all right. Keisha is in the kitchen. Come on in.”
“Actually, if I could talk to Mr. McCall for a moment, then I will find her.”
She watched me, her curiosity showing in her eyes.
I grinned, having a good idea where her mind went just now. I’d overheard her and Ma talking—making plans, just in case—the other night. I was pretty sure they already had china patterns picked out, the wedding planned, and the blueprints for a house out on the property line.
“It’s ranch related. Pops sent me to get something from him,” I said, trying to dissuade her from thinking it was more. For now at least.
Her face fell slightly before she nodded. “Very well, he should be out in the big barn—supervising everything—with the boys. They’re getting ready to go out to the back pastures. So, go on, hurry.”
I chuckled again. “Yes, Ma, Pops does the same. Thank you.” I made my way off the porch and around the house. The bitter cold of the morning slapped me in the face as the big barn came into view. Ducking my head, I pushed through it and pulled open the door, slipping in before too much of the cold followed.
