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“By watching it ThanksgivingandChristmas?”
I nodded. “It’s either that orThe Sound of Music.”
Maverick faced the TV, hit a few buttons, then turned off all the lights as the beginning of my favorite movie started.
Sitting down, he pulled my feet into his lap and started to massage. “I’m going to have this whole movie memorized word for word, you know.”
I snuggled into the pillow and felt my body relax. When Maverick spoke again, I jumped awake, only to find him still massaging my feet, albeit very poorly, since he was engrossed in the movie.
“I cannot believe he said that about Elizabeth. What a douchebag!”
Grinning like a woman totally in love, I let out a soft sigh and fell back to sleep.
Epilogue
BRADLY
The snow had started to come down faster and harder, and on the way home, I passed a bunch of familiar cars heading back to Shaw Ranch. By the time I pulled into my family’s ranch, everyone had left. I put the truck in park, and was about to turn it off before I noticed a light on in the barn across the pasture. On that side of the ranch was the grow-and-pick farm that was in my mother’s family. It was now run by my mother and uncle.
“Who in the hell would be in the barn on Christmas night?” I asked myself, putting the truck back into gear and heading that way. I pulled my phone out and called my father.
“Hey, are you back yet? Brock said it was really coming down out there, and now they’re calling for blizzard-like conditions.”
“Yeah, I’m back. Dad, someone’s in the barn on the farm side of the ranch.”
“Really? That’s strange. I guess it might be Mackenzie.”
“Who?”
“Mackenzie Reeves. Have you not met her yet?” Dad asked, sounding confused.
“I don’t really go to the farm much, or at least I haven’t since I’ve been home. I figured it was staffed lightly during the winter months.”
“It is, but they have the greenhouse now.”
Frowning, I asked, “What greenhouse?”
“Jesus, Brad, do you notevergo to the farm? Your uncle and mom had the greenhouse built last spring.”
Guilt slammed against my chest. I’d just never been interested in that part of our ranch. Growing up, I’d spent most of my spare time at Uncle Ty’s, learning everything I could about bulls and bull riding. I had chores to do on the Littlewood Ranch, but Avery had always helped on the farm side, and I helped on the cattle side. I knew it bothered my mother that I’d never shown any interest in farming, and now I was regretting that.
“Ididn’tknow about it. I’m sorry, Dad.”
He sighed, but didn’t reply.
“I’m going to drive over and make sure everything is okay.”
“Your uncle should be there at the house. Maybe it’s him.”
“He went on a cruise with Lori, the new girlfriend. Remember?”
Dad was silent for a moment, then said, “That’s right. Well, in that case, I’m sure it’s just Mackenzie, but if you want to check it out, go ahead.”
“I’ll text you on my way back.”
“Sounds good.”
Hitting End, I drove slowly on the snow-covered road and parked in front of the barn. I got out and jogged over to the door, entering quietly. The sounds of Christmas music filled thespace, and I couldn’t help but smile. A few horses popped their heads up to see who the newcomer to the party was.
