One Tough Christmas Cookie (The Reindeer Wrangler Ranch Christmas Romance Book 1)

by Lucy McConnell

  Faith went on to explain that getting the chocolate out of his system was a good thing, but that she wanted to keep the cat to monitor him for a few hours. He might become dehydrated. Hazel was civil but cold, and in the end, she walked out without a backward glance for her feline or the mess he’d made.

  Faith moaned. “The first thing Dad needs is a vet tech.” In her office, the techs took care of all the bodily fluids. She settled Mr. Cuddle-kins in an observation crate with a bowl of water and then cleaned up the mess. All the while, her mind was on what Hazel had said about sleigh rides meaning something to the Nichollas family. She couldn’t puzzle it out. What exactly did it mean, and what did that say about the way Caleb felt about her?

  Was he trying to tell her he more than liked spending time with her—that he might even love her? She wasn’t sure how she felt about him jumping to exclusivity without telling her.

  Chapter 27

  Faith

  Five days until Christmas and Dad had had enough of the rehab facility. He’d called Faith, begging her to break him out of jail.

  Faith swiped Hazel’s card through the reader while she cradled her phone against her cheek. Normally, she wouldn’t take a personal call during work hours, but Dad only called in emergencies.

  “Watch him, and if he starts vomiting again, bring him back immediately,” she told Hazel.

  “I will.” Hazel hadn’t been too happy when Faith had called to recommend Mr. Cuddle-kins stay the night, but it couldn’t be helped. He’d become dehydrated and needed an IV.

  “Oh—and keep him out of the fudge.” Faith said it as she would have to any other customer. Hazel stuck her tongue out and marched out of the building.

  Faith laughed at the response. It was childlike and said a whole lot about why Caleb didn’t see a future with that woman.

  “Who was that?” Dad demanded.

  “Mr. Cuddle-kins and his owner.” Faith smiled. She’d always talked about the pets first and then given the owners’ names second—as if the people belonged to the animals. It reminded her that she’d become a vet because she wanted to help those who didn’t have voices. So often they hurt but couldn’t tell you why. Figuring that out made her feel in tune with their needs, and they became the primary focus of her life. “He had a bad reaction to her bacon fudge.”

  Dad coughed and then said, “I hate that stuff. The bacon is rubbery and the fudge weak.”

  Faith burst out laughing. “You’ll be happy to know I forbade her from bringing it to you anymore.”

  “Bless you, child.”

  She checked the schedule and didn’t see another patient for at least fifteen minutes.

  “So, when can you pick me up?” Dad asked as if it had already been decided.

  “Christmas Eve, like the doctors said.” Even though Dad was sick of being cooped up, he was right in going to the care center instead of home with her. Frankly, she was a little scared for him to be out of there. What was he going to do if he had another heart attack? Who would be here to help him?

  “That’s just three days away. I’ve always been a fast healer. Come get me.”

  She smiled at his grumpy-but-trying-to-be-persuasive tone. It was a side of her father she hadn’t seen before, and it was endearing. “Sorry, Dad. I don’t know what to tell you. I don’t feel good about bringing you home early.”

  He harrumphed.

  She glanced around, and her eyes landed on the tinsel garland Caleb had snuck over here and hung around the window. “But the place looks great. Caleb and I decorated yesterday—we even put up the tree so we’d be ready for you to come home for Christmas.”

  “Caleb, eh?” He rubbed his whiskers; the hair was bristly enough that the phone picked up the sound. The shaving kit she’d gotten him couldn’t have been a better idea. “I’ll call ya back.”

  He hung up quickly, and she shook her head. He had something up his sleeve, though she wasn’t sure what. She saw a batch of borderdoodle puppies for their shots, all ready to go to their new homes on Christmas, and she was checking the supply closet to put in an order when the phone rang again. She glanced at the number and answered with “What’s up?”

  Dad ho ho ho’d into the phone. “I need a ride.”

  Her shoulders dropped. “Dad, I’m not breaking you out.” His earlier call was sweet, but constantly asking was wearing on her patience.

  “We’ve been invited to dinner at the reindeer ranch tonight. I’d be much obliged if you’d come get me instead of making one of the boys come out and pick me up.” His tone was lighter. Having something to look forward to must be good for him.

  “Wait—we’ve been invited?” She pressed her palm to her forehead. “Dad, did you invite us for dinner at someone else’s house?” How humiliating. She’d worked hard to keep a professional relationship with Caleb’s family, not pushing too far into their personal lives because she wasn’t going to do more than Christmas-date their son. If she ever had to come back here to help Dad again, she didn’t want things to be awkward. And nothing made for an awkward relationship with a guy’s mother more than playing with her son’s heart. Faith might not have kids, but she had a protective instinct for animals. If Caleb’s mom’s mother bear was anything like Faith’s, she was in trouble.

  “Abner invited me.”

  “Uh-huh—and what did the doctor say?” She pulled out the box of wound tape and counted the spools. Not enough to get through another month. Making a note on the supply list, she put the box back on the shelf and continued.

  Dad grumbled about her not taking his word. “He says it’s fine as long as I don’t overdo it. I figure you can drop me at the steps and pick me up there too.”

  “Great—so I’m your chauffeur now?”

  “You’re my date for dinner—they told me to bring a guest.”

  She huffed a laugh. “How can I turn down an invitation like that?”

  “Come on, girl. It’ll be fun. The Nichollas family is always welcoming, and Abner and Anna are no slouches in the kitchen.”

  Curiosity was a funny thing. Like an elf on the shelf, it appeared in the strangest places, and hers arrived at that moment. She’d seen the Nichollas family at work, and she wanted to see them at rest—like observing animals in their natural habitat. Some of the family dynamics were apparent on the ranch, but they changed when Abner and Anna were together. It was almost like the two of them were a force for good in their home. She had no idea what that looked like or how to reproduce it, which she’d like to—one day, when she settled down.

  On top of that, she wanted to see Caleb. He was training Rudy that afternoon and wasn’t sure he’d be much company after, which was why he’d come out this morning to decorate the tree. Apparently, the reindeer was stronger than they’d originally thought. Rudy took well to what they’d done so far and was on his way to becoming one of the “lead reindeer.” Which was a funny phrase to use. Faith was constantly picking up new vocabulary from her time with Caleb. Time she cherished.

  “Okay, I’ll go.” She warmed at the idea of spending the evening sitting next to Caleb.

  “That’s holiday!” Dad cheered, making her laugh.

  “What’s the dress code?”

  “Christmas sweaters.”

  She laughed again. “Of course it is.” They worked out the details, and she hung up.

  A worry snagged at her thoughts and wouldn’t let go. What if Caleb didn’t want her to come for dinner? The invitation hadn’t come from him. She quickly dialed his number. He didn’t answer, so she sent a text.

  Dad got us invited to dinner at your house tonight. I hope you don’t mind.

  She stared at the phone, wondering if she should just cancel and offer to take Dad to a restaurant in town. They could reenact the Christmas lunches they’d shared over the years. Memories of the silence between them haunted her. Okay, maybe not reliving the past, but trying again on new ground. Just when she was about to make the call, her phone beeped.

  Caleb: That�
��s great. Can’t wait to see you. ;)

  She hugged the phone to her chest. Okay, then. It was settled. She was going to dinner at Reindeer Wrangler Ranch. She only hoped Caleb’s parents were as accepting as he was, because there was so much riding on this dinner.

  Officially meeting the parents was another couples’ holiday experience she and Caleb were going to have, only this was one that hadn’t been on either of their lists. She hoped the butterflies in her stomach calmed down before then, or she wouldn’t be able to eat a thing.

  Chapter 28

  Faith

  “Watch out!” Dad yelled.

  Faith pulled the steering wheel back and had them in the middle of the long stretch of road out to the ranch. She’d been obsessing over tonight and how dinner was going to go with Caleb’s family. Was she supposed to act like his girlfriend or pretend that they weren’t kissing up a storm every time they got together? “Sorry,” she said to her dad.

  “What’s with you tonight?” Though Dad looked festive in his red sweater with tan trim and a pair of neatly pressed jeans, he was jittery. Which didn’t help Faith’s nerves one bit.

  “I’m nervous.” She put her hand in front of the heater vent to dry off her sweaty palm.

  Dad’s shoulders softened. “What for?”

  She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. He had a knowing smile on his face, and yet he was pale. “I’m worried about you—if you must know.” She reached over and patted his knee. “You had a major heart attack not long ago, and I’m scared.”

  Dad put his hand over hers. She was always surprised at how large they were, how big his knuckles seemed. He said he’d built up some muscles working on a dairy farm in high school. If it was genetics, she’d missed that gene. Her hands were dainty in size, though capable with animals, and they disappeared inside her dad’s.

  “I’m not going anywhere for a while—quite a while if I can help it.” Dad squeezed her hand. “I’ve been given a second chance with you, and I want to take it.”

  Tears stung, blurring the already hard-to-see road in the headlights. “Me too, Dad.” Their open conversation about the past had done them well. It served as a foundation for their future relationship, which she hoped would be close. He hadn’t asked her to stick around any longer than Christmas, and she was waiting on an invitation. Even though they were talking more and doing real communication, she was still timid and not ready for rejection. So she hadn’t put herself out there and offered to stay. If Dad sent her packing, she might just break. But if she left like planned, then she was emotionally safe and could come back when he asked without feeling like she was overstepping.

  The other reason she was nervous enough to space out and almost drive them off the road was that she was worried about her reception at the ranch. Hazel’s words, a sleigh ride means something to those men, had run on repeat through her mind all afternoon. Surely Caleb’s family knew he’d taken her on a sleigh ride. Not knowing their expectations was like walking on rocks over hot lava—one slip and she was a goner. Her hands shook, and she gripped the steering wheel to keep from giving away how scared she was that the tentative relationship she and Caleb had going was about to be shredded.

  The giant gate to the ranch appeared in the high beams, and she gently tapped the brakes to slow down.

  Dad leaned forward as they went under the metal-and-wood structure. “I always loved that entrance. Makes you feel important just driving through.”

  Faith nodded. “The first time I saw it, I wondered what they were keeping in here that deserved such a big introduction.”

  Dad chuckled. “Do you get it now?”

  She thought about Dunder’s quiet majesty and Rudy’s sweet and determined personality. Then there was Sparkle, with her princess attitude, and Lucky, who pulled a sleigh as if he were the lead in a parade. They were special and worth the grand entrance into their world. “I think I do.” She smiled at him.

  Faith pulled right up to the front steps of the house, as instructed, and put the truck in park. “Let me come around and help you out.”

  Before she could unbuckle her seat belt, Abner was outside—sans coat—and hurrying down the steps. He swung Dad’s door open and gripped Dad’s hand as if they were about to arm wrestle. Only there was no competition in Abner’s soft blue eyes. Instead, they were filled with deep joy. “It’s good to see you, old friend.”

  Faith’s nerves lessened at the kindness in Abner’s tone.

  Dad used his other hand to clasp the back of Abner’s. “It’s good to be seen.” They shared a look that was full of brotherly love and gratitude that they had more time together.

  Faith wanted to hug them both.

  “Let’s get you in by the fire.” Abner helped Dad out of the truck, and he paused to wink at Faith. “We’re mighty happy to have you for dinner tonight.” Then he shut the door and patted the side of the truck.

  Faith warmed at his welcome. Between Abner and Caleb, she had two friends. The rest of the crew remined to be seen. She parked behind a green Ford and then hurried to the house.

  Just as she got to the door, it swung open and Forest grinned, motioning for her to step inside. He had on a deep green sweater with a Santa face on the front. The beard was made of something fuzzy that begged rubbing. Forest did just that as he grinned at her. “I’m mighty thankful you’re here tonight.”

  “Oh?” Faith went to take off her coat, and Forest reached out to help her. She wasn’t used to men doing those types of things and accidentally smacked him in the chest as she took her arm out. “Sorry,” she mumbled.

  Forest didn’t even acknowledge that it had happened. Which was just as gentlemanly as helping her with her coat. He hung it on a peg near the door. “See, Mom was planning on leftovers tonight, but when she found out you and Doc were coming, she pulled out all the stops.” He leaned a little closer. “You saved me from reheated asparagus.” He shuddered.

  Faith found herself smiling at his antics. “I do what I can for the benefit of mankind.”

  Forest’s smile widened as if her answer delighted him. He offered his elbow. “I have a feeling you and I are going to get along famously.”

  She linked her arm in his and followed him into the kitchen and dining room area, finding a hive of energy.

  Dad was in a rocker by the fireplace, talking to Pax. He seemed content, and some of the color was back in his cheeks now that he was out of the cold. Every time he paled, she wondered if his heart had stopped pumping. That fear would take time to get over.

  Abner and Anna were at the stove, stirring and checking timers. Faith wished she could sit and observe them together, but Forest pulled her right up to the game table where Jack was waiting, rubbing his hands together. “Ever play reindeer poker?” He shuffled the deck in front of him.

  Faith looked for Caleb. “Um, no?”

  Jack scoffed. “What’s my brother doing on those dates?”

  She bit her lip to keep from blurting out an answer as a hundred sweet kisses flooded her thoughts.

  Forest burst out laughing as he fanned her blushing face. “We don’t want details. Have a seat.” He pulled out her chair and she sat down.

  She hiked up her courage and asked, “Where’s Caleb?”

  Jack jerked his head toward the back door. “He’s training.”

  “He should be done soon, though,” Forest jumped in. “He asked us to entertain you until he got done.”

  Faith smiled to herself. It was nice of him to make sure she had company. “So, reindeer poker?”

  Jack dealt three cards to each of them. “Same rules as Texas hold’em, except we use reindeer cards.” He flipped over the deck to reveal a reindeer king with Christmas lights strung in his antlers.

  Faith laughed. “I think I can get the hang of it. What do we bet?”

  “Christmas M&Ms, what else?” Forest shoved a bowl of red and green candy her way. “Reds are five and greens are ten.”

  She nodded, noting the amounts an
d then reaching for her cards. They played, trading piles of candy with each hand and betting crazy amounts because it was candy. Forest was a ham, doing everything possible to keep the attention on himself. But Faith couldn’t fault him for it, because he was always careful to make sure she was treated like a lady. Jack was a bit on the cocky side, a good bluffer the first time. As soon as she figured out he was more confidence than skill at cards, she called his bluff and earned a good-sized pot in the process.

  Even though she was having a great time, she looked at the back door every few minutes, longing for Caleb to get there.

  “Hey, Jack.” Forest winked at Faith, letting her know he had a joke up his sleeve.

  “Yeah?” Jack shuffled his cards.

  “How many brothers does it take to distract Faith from Caleb?”

  Faith’s neck warmed and she squirmed in her chair.

  “How many?” Jack asked.

  “I don’t know. It can’t be done.” He winked again.

  Faith pressed her lips together.

  “Good thing Caleb just got here, or Faith might have whiplash from looking at the door all night.” Forest pushed up from the table as Caleb came in, his eyes locked on Faith’s.

  Her chest tightened and it was like he’d sucked the oxygen from the room, he was so handsome. Shy and uncertain how to greet him in front of his family, she ducked her head.

  Caleb took Forest’s seat and touched her cheek. “You look beautiful in that ugly sweater.”

  She laughed, relaxing at his touch. “Thanks.” She glanced down at the gingerbread man with a broken leg. The gumdrops on his belly were made from fuzzy balls, and there was actual tinsel above his head.

  Jack stood. “Thanks for the game, Faith.”

  “You’re leaving?” She didn’t mean for any of them to rush off.

  He looked at Caleb. “I’m just giving him some time with you before my family swallows you whole at dinner.”