“The big deal is that no one around here knows what I did in the service.” He put his hand on her arm to stop her and leaned closer. “No. One.”
The roaring in her ears became louder, but Jordyn successfully suppressed any outward reaction. “Chad, you’re making a mountain out of a molehill. I wasn’t asking for your medical bag. I just asked if you had a medical bag in the barn or something for emergencies. I didn’t mean anything by it.”
That caused him to pause. He cocked and his head and seemed to be replaying the event in his head, trying to remember her exact words. “No. You said, ‘get your medic bag.’”
“No.” Jordyn shook her head decisively, and then changed her mind. “Well, maybe I did. I was a little distraught at the time. But I simply meant to grab an emergency kit.” She didn’t look him in the eyes when she spoke. She couldn’t. But after a long silence, she did finally turn her gaze to his.
“Why would the fact that you were a medic be a secret? You should be proud of your service.”
He put his hand to his temple and then squeezed his eyes. “It’s not a secret. I just haven’t told anyone. There was never any reason to, because it’s no big deal.”
Jordyn was about to disagree with that statement when a voice sounded from outside the barn. “Chad? Are you in there?”
The door slid open and a woman stepped in, wearing a low-cut green dress and a coat of a slightly darker shade. She paused a moment as her eyes grew accustomed to the dim light, but she smiled broadly when she spotted Chad. The smile disappeared when her gaze shifted to Jordyn.
“What are you doing here?” The question was followed by a nervous laugh. “I mean, welcome back, Jordyn. I didn’t know you were expected home for the holidays.”
“Hi Trixie. I just got in yesterday. Nice to see you.” Jordyn managed to get the last few words out without them sounding too forced. “Sorry I can’t visit, but I need to get to the party to help Mom.”
She didn’t wait for either of them to answer, but slipped out into the cold winter air.
Chapter 12
For Christmas is tradition time—Traditions that recall the precious memories down the years, the sameness of them all.
– Helen Lowrie Marshall
As she reached for the door to the Lodge, Jordyn glanced back at the barn she’d just left, and winced at her own stupidity. Now she knew why Chad was so distant and preoccupied. Why had she assumed he was single and free? Just because he wasn’t wearing a ring didn’t mean he wasn’t involved with someone.
Then again, Trixie was the last person she thought Chad would be interested in. Yes, she was attractive and had a figure that made men look twice, but she’d already been married twice that Jordyn knew of. What in the world could Chad possibly see in her?
But as soon as Jordyn stepped through the door, all of those thoughts vanished. A wave of emotion surged at the sound of sleigh bells, bringing back a flood of memories from Christmases past. Her father had placed a pine swag with sleigh bells on the door of the Lodge after watching the movie It’s a Wonderful Life. But instead of an angel getting its wings when a bell chimed, he claimed that the ringing of a sleigh bell in Montana meant that a Christmas miracle was happening somewhere.
The pine swags on doors at Christmas became a family tradition and then a well-known legend throughout the region. Now everyone had them, and a few local charities depended on the money they raised at Christmas by making and selling the unique gifts to people from all over the world.
Jordyn stopped and took in the sight of the Lodge, one of her father’s proudest achievements. This was the “great room” as everyone called it—an expansive community room for hosting parties or teaching classes. Through the double doors and down a long hallway on the other side of the building was a restaurant-type space where most of the guests took their meals.
The great room hadn’t changed much, except that it seemed even larger than she remembered—and certainly more festive and welcoming. Two enormous stone fireplaces on each side of the cavernous space crackled and spit, throwing flickering light on the cluster of couches and chairs in front of them. The gigantic logs were blazing away now, but they would be allowed to burn down as the evening wore on so that guests could roast chestnuts. The smell would permeate the room and was a memory branded in Jordyn’s mind as associated with Christmas.
Jordyn watched some volunteers put finishing touches on decorations, laughing like gleeful children as they shared a joke. They’d done a good job of capturing her father’s vision for the room. Everything reflected warm Western hospitality and a cheerful holiday spirit that would make everyone feel welcome. One big family. That was his goal. It wasn’t enough for him to have a structure for people to gather. He wanted the opportunity to connect lives, deepen friendships, and ensure that everyone shared in the wonder of the Christmas.
Jordyn’s heart soared and sank at the same time. She was elated that her father’s legacy lived on, but was sad that he wasn’t here to experience it. She couldn’t help but feel his spirit, his generosity, and his love permeating the room. From the cowboy-style holiday stockings hanging on the mantle, to the strategically placed mistletoe for those who wanted to grab a kiss, his passion for Christmas was everywhere she looked.
The sound of a piano attracted Jordyn’s attention, and a slow smile spread across her face. This is where everyone would gather around throughout the night to sing Christmas songs and favorite hymns. The Cowboy Carolers, a group started by her father more than a dozen years earlier, would lead the chorus of amateur singers made up of the guests who cared to join in the fun.
Otherwise most of the music would be provided by a regular old-fashioned record player hooked up to a sound system. Jordyn’s father loved the crackling sound it made as it played old-time Christmas classics. And the antique contraption never failed to entertain children who were enthralled by the spinning discs of vinyl.
As she soaked up the nostalgic feelings of Christmases past, Jordyn noticed the oversized manger scene to her right, which elicited another wave of memories. The handmade wooden set was her father’s pride and joy, right down to the prism that hung in the window, casting a dazzling beam over the scene by day. A perfectly aimed light beam created the same effect at night.
Mr. Dunaway loved all the trimmings and excitement that came with the holiday season, but he also wanted the children to understand the true meaning of Christmas. Jordyn could picture him bending down low to explain the birth of Jesus to a group of children. He always ended by telling them that Jesus wasn’t the one putting the gifts under the tree, but it was His spirit that flowed into the hearts of those who gave freely without expectation. “Every time you spread joy, love, and light,” he told them, “you are celebrating the birth of Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas.”
Jordyn sighed and gazed around the room. Her father wasn’t here to put presents under the tree this year, but she could still feel his spirit at work, instilling joy and spreading his love. The sensation that he was near gave her an overwhelming feeling of peace and comfort that she hadn’t felt for a long time.
Mrs. Dunaway appeared from the kitchen area just then, carrying a tray of wine glasses, which she placed on a small table. “Oh, you’re back from the barn. Do you want to be the bartender tonight?”
Without hesitating, Jordyn nodded. “Sure. Let me get rid of these boots.” Jordyn knew that being given the title of bartender was a way for her to have a job without having much to do. With this crowd, there would be more consumption of hot chocolate and eggnog than wine and cocktails.
She hurriedly pulled off the boots she’d slid on over her pumps, and stashed them and her overcoat in a closet. “Does my hair look okay?”
“It’s beautiful? How’s the horse?”
“We started fluids. Chad’s waiting on the vet...I guess.” Jordyn glanced toward the door, secretly hoping that Chad would walk through it.
“Is something wrong?” Mrs. Dunaway had started to
turn away, but she returned at the tone of her daughter’s voice.
“No.”
“Are you sure?”
“Well, I’m just surprised, I guess...I mean I saw Trixie Wills...”
“Where?”
“In the barn. Looking for Chad, apparently.”
Her mother crossed her arms and pursed her lips. “I knew something was going on when she started hanging around here all the time. She’s no good for him. My goodness, she’s only been divorced for a few months!
“Unfortunately, it’s not up to us to tell Chad who’s good for him.” Jordyn forced a laugh as she unloaded the wine glasses from the tray. She tried to appear disinterested, but she knew her mother wouldn’t fall for the pretended indifference. It was hard enough to convince herself that she didn’t care. She knew she would never fool her mother.
“He’s like a son to me.” Mrs. Dunaway put her hand on Jordyn’s shoulder. “So I have every right to be annoyed. Chad isn’t the type to go for someone like Trixie.”
Then she became all business. “You should have everything you need here.” She nodded toward the table that would soon be overflowing with appetizers and baked goods and everything in between. “Just make sure you have fun!”
Before she could comment, Mrs. Dunaway headed back to the kitchen and the door opened again, creating another loud jingle.
“Hey, Jordyn!” Kristy’s cheeks were rosy and a beautiful smile radiated from her face. “I was hoping I’d find you here. Do you need any help?”
“You’re back already?” Jordyn let out a sigh of relief. “How’d everything go?”
“Really good. Thanks to you and Chad, Adam is doing fine.”
“Did Luke stay with you the whole time and bring you back?”
Kristy nodded, still smiling. “Yes.” She leaned forward and spoke in a whisper. “And he asked me to the Gala.”
“Wow, that’s nice. Funny how things work out.” Jordyn concentrated on arranging the wine glasses artistically on the table. “I guess you had a lot of time to talk on the ride to the hospital.”
“Yes. It’s funny, because we’ve been passing each other for the past two weeks and saying hello, but we’ve never really gotten a chance to talk.”
“He’s not from Montana?”
“No, he’s from Texas. He said he always wanted to visit Montana so he packed up his truck and took a road trip. He loves it here, and says he has no reason to go back.”
“In other words, he has a reason to stay.”
Kristy’s cheeks reddened, but she ignored the comment. “And he’s a perfect gentleman.”
“And he’s good looking,” Jordyn added.
“Oh, you noticed that too?” Kristy giggled like a schoolgirl, and then leaned closer to Jordyn, and nodded toward the door. “It’s like a Christmas miracle.”
They both turned and looked at the sleigh bells and then laughed as Jordyn gave her a hug. “I’m so happy for you. You deserve it after all you’ve been through.”
Kristy nodded in agreement. “I’ve had a hard time accepting that Brad is gone, but I think it’s time to move on... Strange, but I almost feel like Brad is telling me to go for it.”
She talked while staring into space, but then turned toward Jordyn. “How about you and Chad? You seeing any sparks?”
“Oh, yes. Plenty of sparks.” Jordyn let out her breath in one long sigh. “But not in a good way.”
“You two are too stubborn to see that you were meant for each other. You were with him all morning, right?”
“Yes—but not because he wanted to be. Anyway, I didn’t come back to the ranch looking for romance. I came to relax and spend time with Mom...Goodness, I didn’t even know Chad was here until this morning.”
“I’m sure he was surprised to see you too. And he’s not the type of guy that’s just going to come right out and admit that he missed you. It’s just not the way he’s made.”
“Maybe not, but he’s in the barn right now with Trixie Wills.”
“What?”
“You heard me.” Jordyn watched all the blood drain from Kristy’s face. “Wait. You knew about that too, didn’t you?”
Kristy looked down before meeting Jordyn’s gaze. “I knew Trixie had her eyes on Chad. I didn’t know she had her claws into him yet.”
“That’s not a very nice thing to say.”
“You know her as well as I do. She’s no good for Chad.”
Jordyn tried again to laugh it off. “That’s what Mom said, but Chad’s a full-grown man. I think he can make his own decisions on who he wants to spend time with.”
“But he’s been through so much...” Kristy looked away as if realizing she’d just revealed a secret. “I’m sorry. I really shouldn’t be gossiping.”
“What do you mean, ‘he’s been through so much?’” Jordyn couldn’t resist herself. Her mother had said something similar. She knew more about what Chad had been doing the past ten years than she let on, but she wondered what they knew.
“I know he was in the military,” she said innocently. “That’s not a secret, is it?”
“He doesn’t talk about his years in the service at all, but after he came home, he went through some tough times.” She lowered her voice considerably even though no one was close. “He was drinking heavily from what I’ve heard...until your mother got him to come here.”
That part was news to Jordyn, but she felt uncomfortable discussing it. She tried to put an end to the conversation. “He seems good now.”
“Yes. I think he’s really happy being back here.” Kristy looked back at Jordyn. “How did you know he was in the military? Have you been in touch with him?”
“No.” Jordyn moved a wine glass and then sat it back where it had just been. “I...umm...I guess Mom told me.”
More guests came through the door just then, their loud, jovial voices interrupting the conversation. They each carried an armload of gifts and headed for the tree as the sleigh bells jingled loudly for all to hear.
“Oh my goodness, more gifts,” Kristy said. “Look at that tree.”
The focal point of the room at this time of year was the fifteen-foot fir tree, decked from top to bottom with red bows and twinkling white bulbs. Hundreds of colorful packages spilled out onto the floor beneath it, along with dozens of deep-hued poinsettia plants that added an extra splash of color.
“I don’t think Dad knew what he was starting when he put that giant tree up in here.” Jordyn stared in wonder at the beautiful sight. Her parents had made it a custom to give a small gift to each guest—but that tradition had grown and expanded over the years. Even though each cabin was provided with a Christmas tree so families could celebrate the holiday privately, many of them enjoyed sharing presents with friends that vacationed here every year together. Some of the gifts would be opened tonight as a kickoff for the holiday. Others would wait until Christmas Eve. And then, as if by magic, Santa would arrive and this space would be overflowing again on Christmas morning.
The sight of the tree made Jordyn smile, standing as a symbol of happiness and joy that would be part of their guests’ memories of Christmas for years to come. Santa would make an appearance and everyone would line up to get their photo taken with him in front of the magnificent tree.
“It’s overflowing, that’s for sure,” Kristy said. “And it’s not even Christmas Eve yet.”
The sight of the gifts and the spirit of giving they signified was an uplifting sight. But both women knew that presents tied up with festive ribbons and bows were just icing on the cake compared to the deeper feelings evoked. Shawn Dunaway had made it his mission to nurture and inspire a sense of togetherness and community at his one-of-a-kind premier ranch. Every guest was made to feel pampered and loved, and more importantly, experience the feeling of being part of one big family.
“I love this time of year, don’t you?” Kristy looked over at Jordyn with a dreamy look of excitement and joy. “It’s so magical. Especially here at Painted Sky
. You just don’t know what kind of wonderful miracles are going to happen next. I think your dad knew he was onto something when he created that great tradition. It’s like if you believe deeply enough, a Christmas miracle will really happen.”
“It’s Christmas in the heart—” Jordyn said the familiar words that Shawn Dunaway lived by, and Kristy finished the sentence with her. “...That puts Christmas in the air.”
The door opened yet again and the bells jangled loudly. Both women laughed because it seemed like the people who knew the local legend seemed to open the door loudly, as if they could create a Christmas miracle by merely opening the door.
“Lots of miracles happening this year, I think,” Kristy said.
Jordyn forced a smile, and tried to get herself to believe in the magic again.
Chapter 13
He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.
– Roy L. Smith
Jordyn was surprised how much she enjoyed herself and how many faces she recognized from earlier years. Of course, some of those faces had been teenagers when she’d last seen them and now had children of their own. Others had been parents and now had grandchildren in tow.
She lost track of time as the room continued to rock with the laughter of revelers and the joyful appeals of children to open their presents early. Around ten o’clock someone came in and announced that it was snowing hard, causing everyone to rush for the door. Sure enough, big fluffy flakes fell, landing on the spreading limbs of the tall fir tree and enveloping it in a sea of swirling motion. A hush grew over the crowd as they stared at the magnificent site, and then the majority of the crowd hurried off to their private cabins to enjoy the rest of the evening with their families.
Jordyn stood outside in the cold night air, shivering but happy. She loved to watch it snow and loved the picture it would paint the next morning when the rugged landscape would be transformed into a crystalline vista of snow-covered tree limbs and an endless sea of white. A true winter wonderland.
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