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“We could live on the ranch?” West dropped a big clump of tinsel between his feet. “We could be cowboys, just like Uncle Will?”
Tad turned to West, and Sarah’s heart sank. She knew that expression, that set of his jaw. He was mulling over how to say no. How to let West down easy, and—
“Okay. That sounds good,” Tad said.
Sarah’s jaw dropped. Had that been a yes? West ran to Tad, cheering, and flung himself into his arms. When he pulled back, they were both covered in tinsel.
“We’re going to have so much fun.” She was still flabbergasted but wanted to make the most of their visit. “We’ll make pie and shortbread, and…who’s at the door?”
“Probably your mom,” said Tad. “To babysit West, remember?”
Sarah gasped—karaoke! She’d almost forgotten. “It’s seven already?” She ran for the door, and Tad crouched to help West de-tinsel his shirt. Then Tad’s boots were missing, and Sarah’s coat, and everyone was pounding up and down stairs.
“Where are my mitts?”
“My jacket, my hat…”
“Come on, we’ll be late. Chop-chop, one-two.”
West came up to Sarah as she laced up her boots. “Aunt Sarah?”
“Mm-hmm?”
“I was thinking…” He tugged at his sweater. He had it on inside out, seams on display. “You know Christmas stockings? How you hang them up empty, then they get filled with candy?”
“I sure do,” said Sarah. “What’s your favorite candy?”
“Sour worms,” said West. “But you know my friend Billy? From riding class? He said it’s not Santa that fills up the stockings, that your mom has to do it. And I was wondering, is that why I always get socks?”
Sarah straightened up, blinking, unsure what to say. “Socks? In your stocking? So, socks in a sock?”
West giggled at that. “Yeah. Socks in a sock. I think Dad’s doing that, and he’s doing itwrong.” West glanced at Tad to make sure he wasn’t listening. Sarah was quite sure he was, but she just laughed.
“Well, that isn’t right. Stockings are for candy.” She raised her voice slightly. “Maybe this year, you’ll get some.”
“Okay, champ,” said Tad, zipping his jacket. “You be good, okay?” He bent down and kissed him, and then they were off, hurrying down the driveway and piling into Tad’s truck. They pulled up at Vince’s bar shamefully late, and hurried inside to catch the end of the kids’ show. Will was packing off Beth and Ann with Aunt Nancy, and he caught sight of Sarah and jogged over to meet her.
“You missed our big group number,” he said. “But I think you’ll like my solo.”
Sarah shot him a narrow look. “Why does that sound ominous?”
“I’m sure it’s all in your head.” He tipped her a sly wink and dove into the crowd. Sarah started after him, but he was already gone. Tad came up next to her, shaking his head.
“What was all that about?”
“I’m not sure,” said Sarah. “But Will’s planning some dirty trick, you can count on that.”
“Let him play dirty.” Tad leaned in close to murmur in her ear. “I’ve heard him sing, and he’s not bad. But we’re better, and that’s a fact.”
Sarah leaned up and kissed him, and her confidence soared. Their duet was a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and as for Tad’s solo…he sang like an angel. Will couldn’t compete.
The kids finished singing and Sarah joined in the applause. Little Rose and Tim Carson were no match for Ann and Beth, but their rendition ofFrosty the Snowmanhad at least been enthusiastic. Uncle Vince took the mic and tapped it twice for attention.
“And that wraps up our kids’ program—our best yet, I think—which means it’s time for Will Carson, withWhat Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”
The bar erupted in hoots and cheers. Tad let out a shout.
“Son of a—”
