by Box Set
“I sure do.” Tamra smiled, wiping a tear from her cheek.
“Yep, a very nice addition.” Preston’s voice rumbled as he put his arm around his mother. “Let’s get going, I know you don’t want to be late. You don’t want Ms. Emilee getting there before us.”
“Oh no sir, I do not. Let’s get this sleigh on the way.” She giggled and finished zipping her coat before she pulled her hat on.
Preston held Holly’s coat for her as she slipped it on. Damn, every time he brushed against her or touched her, it sent electric currents rolling through her. How long would it be before his family noticed? What would they think?
He stepped away and offered Tamra his arm. “Come on Ma, I’ll help you into the sleigh.”
When they stepped outside, it was darker than Holly expected it to be. The moon reflected off the snow and the sky was full of stars. “I never knew there were so many stars in the sky.”
She turned to look at Preston. “How will we know where we’re going? Are we going on a road?”
Preston laughed. “Dancer knows the way. He could probably take us and bring us back without me driving him.” He helped Tamra and Clare into the back of the sleigh then turned and helped Holly into the front.
Tamra leaned forward and handed Holly a beautiful plaid blanket. “You might want to cover up with this once we get going, it’s going to be a bit breezy.”
“Thank you. I’m so excited.”
Preston climbed up and picked up the reins. “Everyone ready?” He clicked his tongue and Dancer started off, bells jingling.
Clare started singing and everyone joined in. Holly knew she was beaming from ear to ear, and she found herself wishing this would never end.
Chapter 8
Dashing Through the Snow
Dancer picked up his feet in a perfect trot, pulling the sleigh effortlessly through the snow, the sleigh bells making their carol come to life. Preston loved the way Holly’s eyes were dancing, and the smile on her face was so cute. He couldn’t believe this was the same woman who had shown up on their doorstep just days before. She’d arrived looking unsure of herself and almost afraid. The look on her face when she realized she’d be staying in their home had made her look alone and lost. What an ass he had been to her, and here she was, fitting in as if she was part of the family. If he wasn’t careful, she was going to break his heart when she left.
When Clare broke into “Jingle Bells,” Holly’s sweet, voice made his entire body hum. Shit, it could have been the thoughts of what that kiss did to him. No way in hell was he not having more time alone with this woman before she went home. Maybe he could talk Holly into staying behind this weekend when Ma and Clare went into town shopping. His heart sunk when he remembered they wanted to bring the sleigh again so Holly could have the experience of the old time Winter Festival. Still, he’d figure something out.
“Preston. What song should we do now?” Clare was so excited, she was yelling.
“Let’s sing ‘Christmas for Cowboys’ for Holly. I’m pretty sure she doesn’t know that one.” He glanced at her and she shook her head.
“Oh, you’ll love this one,” Tamra declared as they started the first verse.
He watched her face out of the corner of his eye. She turned a bit to listen to their song. Her face brightened and a sweet smile spread over her face as they sang the last chorus.
“That’s beautiful. I’ve never heard that carol before.”
“That’s because you’ve never been around cowboys before. Do you like country music?” Clare leaned forward.
“I do and you’re right, I’ve never even known a cowboy before. Another thing to cross off my bucket list.”
Clare’s eyes twinkled. “Yay. And I know what that is now. I looked it up. I’m going to start making a bucket list and crossing things off. I’m not waiting until I’m old to make one. I want to run out before I get old so I have no regrets.”
“That’s a good idea. I guess I better start making one for myself. Ma, you have one of those lists, too?” Preston chuckled.
“You know, I don’t. But I think I may have to make one. I might want to go visit the city one day.” She laughed.
Holly turned. “You’re always welcome to come visit me any time you like, Tamra. I don’t actually live in the city but close enough that I could show you around.”
“I might have to take you up on that. So, you rent out rooms too?”
“Oh, my goodness, no. I’m just inviting you as a guest to my home. Although I must warn you, I have a big, yellow lab, and he thinks he’s a lap dog.”
“He lives in your house?” Clare asked, eyes wide as she leaned towards Holly.
“Yes, he does. You guys don’t have a dog?”
Preston glanced at her. “Not right now. We had one, but he died about a month ago. We don’t have time to work with a puppy, so I’m trying to save the money to buy a young, already trained dog.”
Holly giggled. “What kind of dog are you looking for? You know you can rescue one from shelters?”
Tamra and Clare laughed.
“We need a working dog, something that can work cattle. We don’t keep a dog as a pet. I’m trying to save up to get one from a guy over in Steamboat Springs who breeds border collies.”
Holly’s brows were scrunched down. “You really use dogs to help you with the cows? I’ve seen that in movies, but I didn’t know you still used them.”
“Sure, even if you’re using a four wheeler, it comes in mighty handy to have a good cow dog. Chester was great. We had him for nine years.”
“I’m sorry you lost him. It’s hard to lose…” She trailed off.
“What?”
“When you lose a working dog, is it still hard like losing a pet?”
“Sure. They’re great dogs and even though we don’t keep them in the house, they’re still part of the family. Those dogs are very active, athletic, and great problem solvers. They don’t make good inside dogs because they are always looking for work to do, and it gets them in trouble.”
All too soon, the ride to the church hall was over.
“Holly, look.” He pointed to all the sleighs parked around the building.
Holly’s mouth dropped open, and her eyes grew wide as she took in the sight of the decorated and lit up sleighs and horses. Preston watched her as they pulled closer. Her head was going from side to side, trying to take it all in. He pulled back on the reins and steered Dancer into an empty spot so he could tie him to the post rail. Climbing down, he helped Ma and Clare before making his way around the back to help Holly.
He realized he was holding onto her just a little longer than he should when he glanced up and met Ma’s gaze. He dropped Holly’s hand and moved away to shake Thad’s hand as he started introducing everyone to her. Everyone was talking at once, making comments about each other’s sleighs and decorations.
Ms. Emilee walked up just then and gave Holly the once over before she smirked and turned to face Tamra. “Bringing guests with you now? I don’t think it will help much.”
“Hello, Emilee. This is a dear friend of ours, Holly Kane. Holly, this is Ms. Emilee.”
“Very nice to meet you, ma’am.” Holly smiled as she shook Ms. Emilee’s hand, only to be met with a scowl and a curt nod from her.
Preston cocked his head and raised his brow. Dear friend? Wouldn’t everyone wonder why they had never met Holly before? What was his mother up to?
As they moved inside, Preston took their coats and made his way to the wall with the coat hooks; he hung theirs on the closest one to the door and quickly made his way back to the women. The church hall had been decorated festively, and he saw the judges table set up in the usual spot off the left of the stage, giving the audience a full view of the stage. Everything was perfect. He stopped and watched as Ma talked to some of her friends, making her way around with Holly, who appeared to be taking it all in stride.
He leaned in and put his hand on her back. “I think we better fin
d a seat, ladies. Looks like Ms. Emilee is ready to get things started. Where are we on the list, Ma?”
“I think we go fourth tonight. Let’s grab that table there, shall we?’ She hurried to the table farthest from the judge’s table.
“Why is she moving so quickly?” Holly whispered.
“She wants to sit as far away from Ms. Emilee as possible. Woman gets on her nerves. To tell the truth, she gets on everyone’s nerves. She’s a bit of a snake ‘round these parts. Everyone puts up with her because she’s the mother of the town’s sheriff.”
Holly snickered. “I swear, sometimes I feel like I’ve stumbled backwards in time coming here.”
Preston chuckled quietly, nodding his head in agreement. “There are times.”
“The simple way of life here is so amazing. If that’s all I had to worry about was a smirking old woman, I would be in heaven. Everything seems simpler here, slower paced and more personal somehow.”
“I know what you’re saying.”
She reached out and touched his arm. “I’m rather jealous of the family life you have. I wish I’d grown up like you all.”
“I love our life here. I’m glad you do, too,” he whispered as they followed his mother through the others meandering around.
Ma leaned over as they sat down. “Look at that.”
Preston glanced where she was pointing. There stood Louise and her younger sister, Amber, all decked out in fancy dresses with their hair done and faces painted.
“Don’t they look beautiful?”
“Nope, not really,” he said, glancing at Holly, whose simple look left those other women lacking. Leave it to Ma, ever the matchmaker.
Her first sleigh ride! She was so excited she could barely contain herself. Riding through this glorious landscape, snow glistening, stars shining, Dancer stepping high, and the bells on his harness ringing loud and clear. Holly felt like she was living in a dream. Of course, having Preston sitting beside her so close was adding to her excitement. Who knew that a cowboy could be so damn hot? What stories she would have to tell April when she got back home.
Home. It seemed a long way off and rather lonesome when she thought about it. Singing the Christmas carols seemed to have much more meaning doing it this way. When they sang her the cowboy song, it was beautiful but sad at the same time.
When they got to the church hall, Holly didn’t think she could see everything she wanted to at once. She didn’t know people decorated their sleighs like this. Sleighs with decorations she never dreamed of anyone putting on a sleigh, heck, she was seeing sleighs that she didn’t even know existed.
When Preston helped her down from the sleigh, his gaze caught hers and her heart sped up. Suddenly, he dropped her hand, turned away to shake hands with an older gentleman, and introduced her. When he wouldn’t meet her eyes, she wondered what happened. Had she done something wrong? She glanced over at Tamra and saw her looking at him. Had she noticed something pass between them? Her heart thudded in her chest. She sure didn’t want to cause any problems with this wonderful family. Tamra motioned for her to come over to meet some of her friends.
They snagged the table farthest away from the judges’ table. When the first group was introduced and took the stage, Holly took the opportunity to glance around at the other people in the hall. She noticed a lot of them watching and listening to the performance, but she also noticed people whispering and glancing their way. Wonder why.
After the second group finished, Tamra leaned over. “You ready? We’re going to ace this tonight. I just feel it.” She patted Holly’s arm. “I can’t wait to see old Ms. Emilee’s face when she hears us sing.” She giggled.
Holly couldn’t help but giggle with her. “I guess I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”
“Okay guys, we’re up!” Clare clapped along with everyone else when their names were called. She looked at Preston. “You better do your best tonight. Don’t goof around.”
“Why would I do that?” He chuckled. “I’ll behave. Cross my heart.”
Making their way to the stage, Clare walked forward to the microphone. As soon as everyone stopped clapping, she smiled. “I’d like to introduce you to our friend, Holly Kane. She has graciously agreed to join us tonight, and I think you’re in for a treat. For our first song, we are going to perform ‘What Child is This.’ I hope you enjoy.”
The piano player started the first chords, and Clare started the first verse of the song with the three of them joining her. Holly noticed everyone turn all eyes on the stage, smiles spreading over their faces. Everyone except Ms. Emilee, who was scowling. When they finished, the crowd went wild, some even standing on their feet, clapping for their little group.
Clare was crying and smiling at once. She turned to Holly and grabbed her into a big hug. “Do you hear that? They loved us. Holly you made this happen. Thank you so much.”
“It wasn’t just me, it was all of us.” Holly hugged her back. She had never felt so wonderful after singing, even with the choir back home. Christmas seemed to be so alive in this little town, so real. Not like the cookie cutter Christmas back home. I haven’t felt like this in years. Her mind was pulled back to the present when Tamra and Preston started hugging her and Clare.
“Thank you, Holly! Do you hear that crowd?” Tamra winked. “Did you notice the sour puss on old Ms. Emilee?”
“Yes ma’am, I sure did.” They made their way back to the table, sat down, and listened to the other groups.
After the last one finished up, the judges put their heads together. Finally, one of them made their way to the stage to announce they had the winners. Everyone clapped and cheered.
“If you’ll all settle down, we can get to announcing them. In third place, we have Judy Susan Johnson, Merilynne Tracy Harold, Tom Alfred Lane, and Christopher Robert Lonnie. Come on up and get your ribbon folks.”
The group that sang last made their way back to the stage and were presented with their third place ribbons. As they made their way off stage, the announcer walked back up to the microphone. “Give them another hand, folks.” The hall broke out into another round of clapping. Once everyone settled down, he spoke again, “Who’s ready to hear second place?”
A few people made some funny comments and when everyone finished laughing, the judge got on with his announcement. “In second place, we have Brian Adam Jones, Haley Lee Smith, Cynthia Ann Jenkins, and Moses Ryan Murphy.”
The group jumped up and almost ran to the stage, one of the girls grabbing everyone’s arm as she passed them. Holly thought the girl looked like she was making her way onstage at the Oscars. Ribbons were presented and again, the judge asked for another round of applause as the group made their way off stage and back to their seats.
“Okay, now the moment you all have been waiting for. It was a unanimous decision, and we are very proud to give the first place ribbon to Clare Rachelle Carson, Tamra Lenora Carson, Preston River Carson, and Holly Candi Kane.”
Clare jumped up, her hand over her mouth as she pulled her mother to her feet. Preston pulled Holly’s chair back and helped her up. They made their way to the stage and received their first place ribbons and a Christmas plaque. Clare stepped forward to thank the judges just as Ms. Emilee stood and made her way to the coats hanging on the wall. Holly watched her slide her coat on and turn to shoot a nasty look Tamra’s way. Holly turned to see Tamra smiling and listening to her daughter, completely oblivious to the antics of Ms. Emilee.
By the time they made their way off stage, everyone was on their feet, milling around and congratulating them. Preston made eye contact with Holly and motioned for her to follow him. She slipped away while Tamra and Clare were in the limelight. She turned down the hallway where she had seen him disappear. He was standing at the end next to an open doorway. She hurried down the hall, glancing behind her with heart racing. When she reached him, before she could say a word, he pulled her through the doorway and into his arms, kissing her until she felt like she couldn’t breathe.
>
“What are you doing?” Her voice was ragged as her heart raced in her chest.
“What I’ve wanted to do for hours now. As soon as Ma and Clare are asleep, I want to be alone with you. I have to be with you. Tell me you will. I’ve never felt like this before. I feel like I can’t breathe when I’m away from you. Hell woman, I can’t breathe when I’m near you.” He put his forehead against hers. “Promise me.”
“I want you too. But we have to be careful. I don’t want to do anything to hurt your mother or your sister.” She breathed in his scent. How could he smell so amazing?
“We won’t. I promise. One more kiss and I’ll see you in the main hall. The women’s bathroom is right there.” He nodded across the hall and after kissing her breathless again, he walked out the room.
Holly stood for a moment, her fingers on her lips, trying to catch her breathe. Oh lord, what am I going to do? Now, I’m sneaking around like a teenager. A smile spread over her lips. She loved every second of this. She peeked around the doorway and saw the coast was clear. Running across the hallway, she went into the woman’s bathroom and locked the door. Checking the mirror, she wondered how she was going to erase the look off her face. Don’t worry so much, they’ll just think it’s the excitement of tonight. A girl can hope.
She opened the door and walked out into the hallway. Clare was coming around the corner with another teenager, her hands flying everywhere. “Oh Holly, there you are! We were wondering where you went. I told Preston you had probably found the ladies’ room. I’m going to go real quick so we can get going.”
“We’re leaving already?”
“Yeah, the storm started. The weatherman was wrong again.” She rolled her eyes and the girls broke out in laughter.
Holly hurried to the front of the hall to find Preston and Tamra standing by the door. “Clare said the storm is hitting?”
