The Cowboy's Christmas Baby

by Cathy McDavid

  “I want that, too.” Her smile returned. “Very much.”

  They parted ways then, she returning to Sweetheart Ranch and he to work. No peck on the cheek or hug marked their separation, though Jewel did touch his arm, and he brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. After reporting in with Ethan and giving him a brief summary of his talk with Jewel, Tanner vowed to himself to move heaven and earth, if necessary, to convince Daniel to come clean.

  CHAPTER NINE

  JEWEL SAT IN the recliner, Ava on her lap. After a few seconds of back patting, the baby let out a very unladylike burp.

  “Well. I take that to mean dinner is officially over.”

  Ava gurgled in response.

  Cradling her in one arm, Jewel stood and went over to the quilt she’d spread on the floor. Laying Ava on her stomach—it was way too early for bed—Jewel watched as she batted a stuffed frog. Quickly bored, the baby tried rolling over onto her side.

  It wouldn’t be much longer before she succeeded. Once that happened, Jewel would have to watch Ava even more closely. And what about when she started crawling? Or walking?

  The changes were happening practically daily. Changes Jewel would be sharing with Tanner.

  A warm glow filled her as she remembered their last conversation. He was innocent! He hadn’t tried to cheat.

  Just as quickly, concern dampened her glow. If only everyone knew the truth. She understood his desire to wait. That didn’t stop her from wanting to shout the news. He’d promised her they’d work things out. She had to believe him. Their future and Ava’s depended on it.

  As she watched, Ava stopped trying to roll over and grabbed for a bright yellow rattle. Fingers crossed, she’d stay occupied and awake until Tanner arrived, which should be soon.

  The O’Malley-Foxworthy family portrait was scheduled for this evening at six thirty. Emily had decided the glittering Christmas lights would make a nice background, and Jewel agreed. She had her eye on the Christmas tree in the foyer with its angel topper, or possibly the gorgeously decorated veranda.

  To fill the time until Tanner arrived at around six o’clock or so, Jewel tidied her quarters and checked on her refrigerated supply of expressed breast milk, satisfied there was plenty on hand for Ava’s bedtime feeding should the photography session run late.

  She was just finishing when her phone rang from its place on the counter. The “Grandma’s on the line” ringtone let her know the caller’s identity.

  “Hi, Mom.”

  “You sound in a hurry.”

  “Just cleaning up before Tanner gets here to babysit.”

  “Tanner’s babysitting!”

  “Well, he is Ava’s dad.”

  “Last you said, you weren’t comfortable with him watching Ava.”

  “He’s proving himself to be pretty reliable.”

  More reliable than her mother knew. She so wished she could tell her mom that she and Tanner were taking small steps forward. But then she’d have to reveal Tanner’s innocence, and she’d agreed to say nothing for the time being.

  “I’m glad, darling. I hated the idea of you two being at odds.”

  “Me, too.”

  Jewel’s mood had been soaring all day, and not entirely because of Tanner’s news. Their warm embrace continued to linger in her mind and on her lips. With very little encouragement, she might have kissed him. Might have.

  Without meaning to, she let out a contented sigh.

  “One of us is in a good mood,” her mother commented.

  “I am. Aren’t you?”

  “Very much. Your dad and I have picked ten homes to look at while we’re there.”

  “Ten. Wow!”

  “I’ll probably pick out ten more before we arrive next week. You know, you can research houses for sale online. Some even have virtual tours.”

  Jewel laughed. She supposed house hunting had changed in the thirty-something years her parents had resided in their current home.

  “I can send you links if you want,” her mom offered. She seemed to be having a grand time.

  “Sure.”

  “Better yet, you could come with us to look. The real estate agent is very nice and quite knowledgeable. I can’t imagine her minding you and Ava tagging along.”

  “Maybe. It’ll depend on my work schedule. The weeks between now and New Year’s are going to be hectic at the ranch. You won’t believe how many weddings are scheduled. There are now three on Christmas Day alone.”

  She filled her mother in on the ranch’s many nuptials. Granted, Jewel wasn’t the photographer for all of them. Some couples had hired their own or recruited a family member in order to save money. But she was working a good many of the weddings and possibly even more if anyone changed their mind at the last minute.

  “Any other reason for this good mood of yours?” Jewel’s mom asked. “Is it the barrel racing?”

  No, Jewel thought. It’s Tanner. He didn’t cheat.

  “Partly. My times are right back up to where they were last year. Ronnie’s convinced I’m ready to return to the circuit.”

  “Your hard work is really paying off.”

  “Ronnie deserves some of the credit. She’s a good trainer.”

  “You’re loving the photography, too. I can tell.”

  Jewel’s smile widened. “More than I imagined. I have a portrait session tonight with the owners of Sweetheart Ranch. That’s why Tanner’s babysitting.”

  “I must admit,” her mother said, “I had my doubts when you first announced you were going to Arizona. It does my heart good to hear how well things are going.”

  “I still haven’t decided between rodeo and photography.” If only there was a way for her to do both and be a full-time mother to Ava. “But I’m grateful I have a difficult choice to make. I could have bombed at both. Then where would I be?”

  “Not to change the subject, but how’s my beautiful granddaughter?”

  “At the moment, she’s growing restless.”

  Ava had begun to whimper. Jewel went over to the quilt, turned Ava onto her side, propped her up with a pillow, and gave her a teething ring. Though not yet getting teeth, she immediately stuffed the toy in her mouth and began gnawing on it.

  “Have you and Tanner been discussing custody at all?”

  “Some,” Jewel admitted. “I heard from my attorney today. She’s in talks with Tanner’s attorney. For the moment, we’re letting them handle all communication regarding custody.”

  “That’s probably for the best. Less chance of arguing.”

  “According to his attorney,” Jewel said, “he’d like to reside in the same state as me, either here or in Oklahoma.”

  “I’d think with his job and family being in Arizona and his brother’s serious health issues, he wouldn’t want to move away.”

  “Well, my attorney did suggest I stay in Arizona if at all possible. It would simplify whatever agreement we reach and give Tanner no reason to fight me for full custody.”

  “How do you feel about staying?”

  “I’m open to the idea.” After last night and Tanner’s hug, Jewel was more open than ever. “Of course, I’ll miss Justin and Cammie and little Erin,” she said, referring to her brother, sister-in-law and niece. “But with you and Dad living here half the year, they’ll be visiting.”

  She and her mom continued chatting, with Jewel’s gaze divided between Ava and the clock. Tanner should have been arriving at any moment.

  “I hope you’re finding some personal time to enjoy the holidays,” her mother said.

  “Trust me. Mustang Valley takes the holidays pretty seriously. You’ll be amazed when you get here. I swear, the whole town gets involved. Neighborhoods compete to out-decorate each other. Same with stores and businesses. On weekend nights, people in costumes sing carols outside the library. Homer�
�s church is having a pageant. I may take Ava to that. Maybe we can all check out the sights one evening when you’re here.”

  “Sounds wonderful! How can we refuse?”

  “You’ll love the ranch. It’s gorgeous and the honeymoon cabins are adorable. Too bad you can’t stay in one.”

  “That’s an idea. Your dad and I have an anniversary coming up.” Her mom changed the subject. “I’ve been looking at your online portfolio. I have to say, honey, your work keeps getting better and better.”

  “I think the subject matter helps. Photographing people on the best day of their life is, well, special.” She chuckled to herself. “Don’t laugh, but I feel like I’m contributing in some small way to their happiness.”

  “I’m not laughing. I can tell the work is satisfying for you and rewarding.”

  “It really is.”

  “If you ask me, you’ve made your decision. Obviously, photography is your passion. More than barrel racing.”

  Was it? Jewel had worked hard for years and invested a ton of money into her rodeo career. Did she want to return to it because it was her passion or simply because choosing photography felt like giving up?

  No. If Emily didn’t offer Jewel a permanent job, she’d be devastated. Part of her had been contemplating the possibility of doing both barrel racing and photography. But if she had to choose one...

  “I do love photography.”

  A knock interrupted her before her mother could respond. Tanner was here! Jewel’s heart gave a small tumble.

  “Gotta go, Mom. Tanner’s at the door.”

  “Tell him I said hello, would you?”

  “Will do.”

  Was her mother ready to forgive Tanner for what she believed he’d done? If Jewel had to guess, she’d say yes. Wait until her mother learned the truth. She’d be overjoyed.

  Disconnecting, she went to the door and opened it. Tanner stood on the landing holding a very large cardboard box with a smaller, flatter box on top of it.

  “What’s this?” she asked as he came in and set the boxes on the floor.

  “Pizza.” Grinning, he carried the smaller box to the table. “Have you eaten yet?”

  “I was going to grab a quick sandwich.” She lifted a corner of the pizza box, releasing the scent of garlic and pepperoni. Her stomach started to growl as her mouth watered. “This looks better and smells great. I haven’t had pizza in ages.”

  “Help yourself.”

  She removed two paper plates from the kitchenette cupboard. “What’s in the other box?”

  Crossing the room, Tanner knelt down beside Ava. “Emily caught me on the way here. She had a few leftover Christmas decorations they weren’t using and thought you might like to spruce up the place.”

  “How nice.” Jewel dropped the paper plates on the table, the pizza momentarily forgotten, and investigated the box. “I’ve missed putting up decorations. Even after I moved out of my folks’ house, I still decorated my apartment.”

  “I remember.”

  Yes, he would. He’d helped her often enough.

  While she dug though the box, Tanner set Ava in her baby seat. “Hey, gorgeous. How’s my best girl tonight?”

  Ava wiggled her arms and legs, her grin matching the one he wore.

  Jewel tried not to be enamored and, predictably, failed.

  Lifting several strands of red and green garland from the box, she studied the room, debating where to hang them. “If she gets hungry while I’m gone, there are bottles in the fridge and a jar of strained pears on the counter. Her spoon’s in the dish rack. Clean diapers, baby wipes and anything else you might need are on the changing table in the bathroom.”

  “We’ll be fine, won’t we, kiddo?”

  “I’m sure you will.”

  Jewel gave them a few minutes to play, the most her demanding stomach would allow, and picked through the box’s contents. She found an old but quaint nativity scene, a wreath for the door, a collection of whimsical nutcrackers, red and green candles, and a slightly misshapen two-foot-tall fake Christmas tree complete with miniature ornaments.

  To Tanner’s credit, his confidence with Ava was growing. He adored her, and the feeling was mutual. Not that Jewel blamed her daughter. He could be incredibly charming. She, too, had fallen head over heels for him a long time ago.

  Shaking herself out of her reverie, she said, “We should eat before the pizza gets cold.”

  He sat at the table across from her. Jewel served them both big slices, and they dug in. Small talk flowed easily. That the scene was very reminiscent of previous ones from their years together wasn’t lost on her. She doubted it was lost on Tanner, either, if she read his expression correctly.

  “Ethan offered me a job promotion,” he announced as he finished his third slice.

  Jewel had quit eating at two. “He did?”

  “Head barn manager. It comes with a nice raise. He’s having surgery on his bum leg and needs to take some time off.”

  She listened as he talked, carefully weighing each detail. “Are you taking the job?” she asked when he paused to wipe his hands on a napkin.

  “I haven’t decided. That will depend in large part on you. On us. And Ava’s custody. I won’t accept a job only to leave Ethan in a lurch by moving to Oklahoma after a few weeks.”

  “I hate to cause any problems for you and him, but I really want to hear from Emily before I make a decision.”

  “I understand. And so does Ethan. He’s giving me until after the holidays.”

  “That’s generous of him.”

  “He’s a stand-up guy.”

  “But what about working for your dad?” she asked. “Would you take the barn manager job only to wind up leaving for Bridwell and Associates?”

  “There’s no way Dad’ll let me join the company for at least another year. I could work as barn manager until then. I think Ethan would be agreeable with that. If all goes well, his leg will be better by then.”

  “You have a lot to think about,” Jewel mused.

  A steady job at Powell Ranch, one that came with a raise, made more sense than following Jewel home to Oklahoma where no job waited.

  Which, in turn, gave her a lot to think about. Staying in Arizona would make Tanner’s choices easier. It would also allow them to explore any potential relationship.

  Was that what she wanted? Possibly. But not until everyone knew the truth about what really happened with the bull riding judge. It was important for all their sakes, including Ava’s. She didn’t deserve to live under the shadow of a father whose reputation was wrongly tainted. And no way could Jewel and Tanner have a loving relationship, rebuild their shattered trust, with this conflict always between them. He needed to clear his name. Unfortunately, based on Tanner’s reluctance to make that fact public, she’d be waiting a while for that to happen.

  Hearing her phone ping, she pulled it from her pocket, shook off her disappointment, and checked the display. Emily had sent a text saying they were ready earlier than planned for the photo session.

  “I need to go.” Jewel typed a quick reply. “Duty calls.”

  “Wait. Before you leave.” Tanner closed the lid on the pizza box. “I was thinking we could take Ava to the Holly Daze Festival this weekend, if you’re not working.”

  Jewel hesitated. How she answered would send a clear message to Tanner about the direction she saw them heading and her willingness to go there.

  “I am working. On Saturday and Sunday.” She reconsidered her reply for only a moment. “But I’m free on Friday.”

  “Is that a yes?”

  “Can we get there when they open at five thirty? Ava usually starts fading by seven or seven thirty. That’ll give us a couple of hours.”

  His eyes lit up. “It’s a date.”

  A date. The word triggered mixed feelings of ea
gerness and trepidation.

  Kissing Ava on the head and Tanner on the cheek, she hurried down the stairs and to the ranch house, her mind a whirl. She and Tanner’s small steps forward had just turned into one big one.

  * * *

  JEWEL LET HERSELF into the main house through the back door. She’d been at Sweetheart Ranch long enough—almost two weeks now—that she no longer felt uncomfortable just walking in. Voices carried from the parlor to the kitchen, some she recognized and others she didn’t. Had Emily invited more than immediate family members for the Christmas photo session?

  Mild anxiety bloomed, and Jewel immediately chided herself. She had no reason to be nervous. She’d been doing well for the O’Malleys. They liked her and her work. This photo session would be no different.

  Must be Tanner, their upcoming date and the whirlwind course her life had recently taken setting her on edge. Today alone, she’d learned he was innocent and he’d announced a potential job promotion. All good news. Still, she was left feeling flummoxed and conflicted.

  If only she could get some kind of clarity about which career direction to take: rodeo or photography. She was more certain than when she’d first set foot in Mustang Valley. But if Emily didn’t come through with a job offer, then Jewel would have an even bigger decision to make about whether to pursue photography entirely on her own and where. Oklahoma or Arizona?

  She slowed her steps and willed herself to remain calm as she entered the parlor. She saw right away that the entire O’Malley-Foxworthy clan had assembled, including the children, and were wearing their matching holiday outfits. Also, there was a man and woman Jewel immediately recognized as the bride and groom from one of her first weddings at the ranch.

  Emily spied Jewel and waved her over to where she and the couple stood by the buffet. “Jewel. You remember Amaia and Enrico.”

  “Of course.” Jewel shook hands with the well-dressed middle-aged couple. “Nice to see you again.”

  Near the entrance to the foyer, the rest of the O’Malleys and Foxworthys scrambled to make last-minute wardrobe adjustments and smooth disarrayed hair. Except for Emily’s husband, Homer. He didn’t have enough hair to smooth.