A Texas Christmas Wish

by Jolene Navarro

  * * *

  She had run into the mercantile to pick up some plates and cups for the Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow, and now she found herself cornered in the back between the glass doors and Anthony. She scanned the store but didn’t see anyone.

  He leaned in close. To anyone else it might look like an affectionate move. She stepped back. “Don’t touch me.”

  “Karly, what’s wrong? Come on. You’re not a high-strung teen anymore. I can see you’ve grown up. So what are your plans for Thanksgiving? You gonna be serving those rich ranchers?”

  “It’s none of your business.” She turned to go around him, but he slid in front of her.

  “You’re a mother now to a beautiful little boy. My grandson’s an amazing kid. I can see why people are tripping over themselves to help you.”

  “Bryce is not your grandson. I’m not going to let you use Bryce the way you used me when I was little.” She turned to step around him. “I take care of everything we need.”

  “Oh, I’m sure you do. You were always so resourceful after we lost your mother.” His hand gripped her upper arm.

  With a hard jerk she pulled her arm away from him. Her lungs froze, burning when she tried to take a breath. “I gave you a good life, and people loved helping us.”

  With a hard jerk she pulled her arm away from him. Her lungs froze, burning when she tried to take a breath. She no longer a six-year-old who had to rely on him.

  He nodded and smiled at her as if to reassure her. “I’ve been looking for you ever since you ran away. I took you in and raised you when no one else wanted you. You’ve been very ungrateful, Karly. It being Thanksgiving and all, it just isn’t right.”

  “The way we lived was wrong. You took money from people by lying to them.”

  “I showed you the world. You got to swim with dolphins and ride elephants. Here in Clear Water you’re just a maid, cleaning up after other people. That little boy of yours is a gift. You could have more. Better things.”

  “I’m not interested. We also lived in horrible conditions, at times not even knowing when we would eat or get evicted. You are not welcome in my life.”

  “You’re the only family I have left, and I’m getting older. I made mistakes in the past, but I did the best I could do. I kept you fed.”

  “Then, why do I remember mornings waking up hungry but you had a new bottle of whiskey?”

  “I had a bit of a drinking problem, but I never hurt you. I never hit you.”

  “No, you didn’t. You also never told me about my family in Hawaii. My father, Philip Morgan. Why did you tell me there wasn’t any family?”

  “Your father was dead before you were born. I saved your mother.”

  Dead. That was her fear, but what if he was lying? No one had come looking for her. “You need to leave. There is nothing for you here.”

  “I’m not leaving empty-handed. You live on that big fancy ranch.” He moved in closer. “I imagine you have access to some nice funds. And all the good church people are already talking about fund-raising when I told them how you’re struggling with medical bills, but too proud to ask for help. You don’t even have to steal or lie. These people are ready to open their wallets to you and poor little Bryce. You’re sitting on a gold mine.”

  “Karly?” Tyler’s voice from the front of the store had never sounded so wonderful.

  “I’m coming!” She grabbed the bag of cups and a jumbo stack of plates. The pretty ones she wanted were out of her reach, so she settled for the ones closest to her, hitting Anthony with them in the process. “I’m not taking anyone’s money.” Paper goods in hand, she shoved past him and marched to the front. She would find a way to get him out of town or she would have to leave. She didn’t want to leave.

  Tyler looked at her than glanced to the back of the store. “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah.”

  Vickie came out of the back and rung up her goods. She went to pay, and Tyler stopped her.

  “I’ll pay for it.”

  “No. I can pay my own way.” She knew she sounded harsh, but she could take money from anyone. “Maybe I shouldn’t go to Pastor John’s house for Thanksgiving. It’s all of the Ortega family.”

  He chuckled. “I think you might be considered more of a family member than me.”

  She handed the cash to Vickie. “Then, I’m paying my own way.”

  Vickie winked at her.

  Tyler put his wallet back into his back pocket. “Fine, but you really need to stop this nonsense about not being part of the family. And remember to be careful what you wish for. You just might get it.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Tyler had survived his first family Thanksgiving without his sister. He had expected the emptiness of her absence, but it surprised him that he’d really enjoyed being around the people had had grown up with. Watching Karly soak up the traditions and smiling through the whole chaotic event had made it worthwhile. Rachel was growing up and looking more like Carol. He really needed to be around more.

  This morning he had headed straight to the barns, needing something to center him after all the emotional ups and downs yesterday. He ran his hand along the smooth coat of the young stud, Lena’s only foal, Lena’s Jet-Setter.

  Working the three-year-old in the arena took him back to the days he’d ridden Lena. More important, he got away from the emptiness of being surrounded by family but missing the most important ones, the ones who were gone.

  They had bred Lena once, but the added weight had been too hard for her at the end, so they would only have one foal from her. He was a champ. The young stud had challenged him and embraced the action. The horse was the best of his dam and sire. Tyler could change his schedule in order to make the Houston show. He patted the horse’s neck. “Jet, your dam outshone them all the year I took her.”

  “Are you thinking of riding again?” Dub walked into the barn with his walker, Karly close behind. “You had a gift and now you’ve buried your talent. No good ever comes out of that, son. It’s been too long, Tyler. It’s time to come home.”

  Untying the lead, Tyler walked Jet to his stall. “Karly, should Dad be in the barns?”

  “The therapist said—”

  “What? You can’t talk to me, son?” His dad’s voice sounded gruff.

  “Dad, I promised John I wouldn’t start any fights.” Securing the latch, Tyler went back and retrieved the saddle and blanket. “So no, I’m not going to talk to you about my life. We just don’t agree. Leave it at that.” The door to the tack room got stuck so he kicked it, probably harder than he needed to.

  He heard his dad shuffle closer. He closed his eyes for a bit. Man, he’d never thought Dub Childress would ever walk with anything other than an I-own-the-world swagger. Of course, he’d also thought his mother would live longer than the three months.

  “Son, don’t take your anger out on an innocent door.” His bigger-than-life father stood in the doorway, not so big at the moment. “I wanted to go for a walk and I also need to talk to you, but you didn’t come in for breakfast. I’m forced to come track you down.”

  After making sure the saddle and equipment were clean and secure, Tyler took a deep breath and turned to his dad, who had been waiting patiently. “What about?”

  “It’s time we got the Christmas decorations out of storage. I want Bryce and Karly to have a real Christmas, the kind we used to have when your mom was with us. She’d like that.”

  “Dad, I only have a week before I have to go back to Denver.”

  “Then, all the more reason to get it done today.” Without waiting for a reply, his dad turned, hitting the frame with the cane and stumbling a bit before Karly steadied him. “We’ll be at the house waiting for you.”

  Tyler busied himself with making sure all the tack was in perfect alignment unt
il laughter brought him out of the tack room. After his eyesight adjusted, he found his father was showing Bryce how to hold the apple slice in his hand to feed Tank. Together they moved to the next stall and were greeted by Lena. The years slipped away, and he was the little boy learning about the horses from his dad.

  “Tyler?” Karly approached from behind him. A worried expression caused lines in her forehead.

  “What’s wrong?” He leaned a shoulder against the door frame and stuffed his hands into his pockets. “My dad giving you problems?”

  “I know how you feel about pulling memories out of closets. You don’t need to help get the decorations. I am more than capable of moving some boxes and stringing lights. I’m running into town so I can pick up a tree. You don’t need to go cut one down.”

  “I already promised the girls and Bryce I would take them out to pick out the tree. I don’t break promises.” Did she think he was irresponsible, also?

  “Okay. So you get the tree and I’ll get the boxes.” She gave him a tight smile before turning to leave.

  “Karly, is everything okay with your stepfather?” Stupid question. He already knew the answer.

  She stopped, but didn’t turn around. “He is not my step-father. Anthony wants to spend time with Bryce. I told him no. I’m still trying to figure out what to do next.” As she tilted her head back, the ponytail, long and silky, touched the base of her back. Her laugh sounded forced and dry. “I was a high school dropout and pregnant by the time I was seventeen. I have no right to judge anyone, not even him. Maybe he did the best he knew how.”

  He moved to stand in front of her. Wanting to cup her face in his hands, he settled for eye-to-eye contact. “Don’t let him off the hook. Look what you’ve accomplished. It’s amazing. I really don’t know how you do it. You have every reason to be bitter and blame the world. Instead, you find the beauty in everything and you keep going. You’re worried about my feelings over getting some old decorations out of storage.”

  He took a deep breath and clinched his jaw. What he really wanted to do was kiss her, but he had promised not to touch her again. So he took a step back and offered her his gratitude for helping him see the beauty of the ranch again. “My mother would be heartbroken that those boxes collected dust when they could be creating joy and memories. You are doing us a favor. All of us.”

  Shifting her gaze to the barn door, she took a step back. “Your father wants to go to the café and meet some of his friends. It’s good that he’s willing to go out in public. The therapist says he’s recovering at a phenomenal rate. Some people just want to hide and wallow in their misery. You don’t have to worry when you head back to Denver and to your flying.”

  Where was his brain? He was standing here thinking of kissing her while he also made plans to take off. “That’s good. It’ll make it easier when I leave for my trip.”

  “Will you be coming back?”

  “In four days. I asked to be switched to domestic flights so it will be easier to be at the ranch between trips, if Dad needs me.”

  “Okay.”

  They stood in silence for a moment.

  She turned toward the house. “Well, I guess I need to get going. Dub says we have to leave at four on the dot.”

  Falling into step next to her, he wanted to say something but was not sure what needed to be said.

  “Tyler, are you sure about taking Bryce to get the tree? Maybe I can get Maggie to take your father to town.”

  “I know how protective you are about him, and I won’t take his safety lightly. John and the girls will be with us. We’ll have fun. I think it might be good for him to do this without Mom hovering.”

  “You’re probably right. Thanks for convincing me to stay and giving Bryce a great memory.”

  “Not a problem.” He wished she would let him do more, but to what point? He was leaving Clear Water as fast as he could, and she wanted to grow old here.

  * * *

  The world looked different from behind the steering wheel of the ranch truck Dub insisted she use to drive him into town. It made her feel empowered and a little scared that she might roll over something without even knowing. Dub’s chin fell against his chest. He’d assured her he was strong enough for the short day trip, but he fell asleep almost as soon as they started driving back home.

  She smiled. Something about the strong, stubborn man sleeping was endearing. He worked so hard to take care of the people he loved.

  Of course her traitorous mind took her to Tyler, standing in the barn, putting his feelings aside to make sure Bryce would have his own special memories. She’d thought he might kiss her again, but instead he had moved away from her.

  She had a feeling he wouldn’t make a move after she’d made him promise not to touch her again. He never broke a promise. She would have to be the one to kiss him.

  What was she thinking? Ugh. He was leaving and she was determined to plant roots here. Her brain needed to have a good sit-down chat with her heart. She didn’t have time to mess with a relationship, especially one that was doomed from the get-go.

  Easing the truck through the ranch gates, she felt as if she was coming home. “Oh, Dub.” A gentle touch woke him up. “Look.”

  On the front porch of the brick ranch house, Tyler, Pastor John, Bryce, Rachel and Celeste stood around a large Christmas tree leaning against the window. Tyler had his hands on his hips. Bryce mirrored the stance. They scowled at the tree.

  “What are they doing?”

  Dub laughed. “They forgot to measure the tree and it’s too big for the house. They always look smaller out on the hillside. Park in the front drive.”

  The group all turned and looked at the truck. As she pulled up to the circular drive, the kids jumped off the porch. By the time she had the beast in Park and the engine killed, the two girls had Dub’s door open.

  Celeste, the youngest girl, grabbed her grandfather’s hand. “Grandpa, Uncle Tyler has to make the tree smaller. Ours was almost as tall but it fit in our house. It didn’t look so big in the pasture.”

  “Momma.” Bryce flew off the top step and ran to her. “I got to pick out the tree. Tyler said it was the best he’s ever seen, but now it won’t fit in the house.”

  Pastor John followed the kids, his face a bit red from the wind. “It’s been a great day, and now that the reinforcements are here, the girls and I are meeting Lorrie Ann to decorate our tree.”

  “But, Daddy, Grandpa just got here!” Celeste had her arms around her grandfather.

  Dub squeezed her. “Y’all come over for dinner tomorrow night.”

  Pastor John took his daughter’s hand. “Why not come over and we can serve all of you?” He smiled at Karly, making sure she knew they were invited, too.

  If he knew the whole truth about her past, would she still be welcomed?

  Tyler cleared his throat. “Before you go, I noticed a box we got from the attic you should have before you leave.” He held the door open for everyone to come inside.

  Once in the living room, he picked up a red-and-green plastic box with Carol’s handprints on the side. Tyler kept his face expressionless as he handed the box to his brother-in-law. “Mom kept a box with all of our school-made ornaments. I thought the girls would like to put them on your tree.”

  Celeste ran to her father’s side. “I want to see them!”

  Pastor John tucked them under his arm. “We will, monkey, as soon as we get home. Thank you, Tyler.” His eyes full of compassion, he hugged Tyler with his free arm, patting him on the back.

  Tyler ducked his head. “You should have had them five years ago.”

  “All in God’s timing.” He glanced at his oldest daughter. “I think this is the perfect year to hang these on our tree in our new house. What do you think, Rachel?”

  She nodded and went to hug her
uncle. “Thank you.”

  She kissed him on the cheek before stepping back, tears in her eyes—eyes that were so much like Carol’s it used to be hard to look at her. Now it made him smile to see a bit of his sister alive in her daughter.

  “Yeah, thank you, Uncle Tyler!” Celeste leaped up on him. Arms around his neck, she gave him a loud kiss. Hopping down, she hugged her grandfather, then headed for the door. “Come on, guys. I want to see the ornaments Momma made when she was little.”

  Laughing, Pastor John followed his daughters. “Ty, you’re good at distracting kids. It’s a skill. See y’all tomorrow.”

  Dub snorted. “It’s because he’s just a big kid himself.”

  Tyler rolled his eyes. “I’m going to get the tree ready for the house. Bryce, you want to help me while your mom gets the decorations unpacked?”

  “Cool, can I use the saw?”

  “Bryce—” Her concern was cut off.

  “Sure, we can take turns. I’m sure my arm will get tired.” He looked at Karly, his boyish smile melting her a bit. “We promise to be careful. Right, Cowboy?”

  “Yeah, Mom, we promise.” Joy lit up his face.

  “I’m counting on it.” She needed to work on saying no to those smiles.

  “They’ll be fine.” Dub’s gruff voice brought her back to the job at hand. Boxes, at least twenty, stood in the entryway and in the living room.

  “She loved decorating for Christmas. Half of the boxes are her nativity scenes. She had everything marked and labeled. Let’s start with those.”

  “Are you sure you don’t want to take a nap, Dub?”

  “I don’t need you to worry about me. I’m fine. I’ll nap after we get this stuff out. It should have happened before today, but I didn’t have any reason.”