A Texas Holiday Reunion

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  “You know me well.” He opened the file for the store first.

  Keeping her eyes on Mom, Resa dived in. “Did y’all ever think of going public with the company stock?”

  Mom laughed. “Emmett actually came up with that a few months ago, talked your father into bringing it up.” She rolled her eyes. “Along with setting up our corporate offices in some ridiculous San Antonio high-rise.”

  “Your mother set me straight in no uncertain terms.” Dad grinned. “Helped me remember that we’re a local, small-town, family company. Fortune five hundred doesn’t fit us.”

  “I’m so glad y’all are back.” Resa was all teary. From relief, and the bomb she had to drop. “Sorry to hit you with business so quickly.”

  “I had the time of my life on our cruise, but there’s no place like home.” Mom clicked her heels together with a grin. “And business is part of that.”

  “Are you tired?”

  “Maybe a little jet-lagged.” Dad set the report aside. “Looks like somebody did an excellent job during our absence. I knew you could handle it. Be honest, how much was Emmett here while we were gone?” Dad’s tone was grave. He obviously wasn’t expecting much.

  “He was here every time we were shorthanded.” Okay, so that was only once, but still the truth.

  “I knew he could do it.” Mom’s smile was priceless.

  And now Resa had to single-handedly rip it off her face. She set a mug of coffee beside each of her parents, then carried hers over and claimed the seat by Dad.

  “About Emmett. I have to tell you something.”

  “If it’s bad news, can it wait until after Christmas?” Dad sighed.

  “It really can’t. But it’s actually good. Sort of.” Good that they got Cheyenne out of the deal. Bad that they’d missed out on having her all these years.

  “Just tell us.” Mom sipped her coffee. “I don’t want anything hanging over us for two days.”

  “I invited Colson and Cheyenne over after lunch. They’ll be here in a few hours.”

  Her parents looked at each other, then her.

  “Colson is here?” Dad frowned. “Did we miss something while we were gone?”

  “It’s not what you think. There’s nothing going on between Colson and me.” She quickly explained about Juan’s leave and Colson filling in during his absence.

  “You should have called us.” Mom added another spoonful of sugar to her coffee. “You were supposed to call us if anything went wrong. Why didn’t Juan say anything before we left?”

  “Juan and Mac worked it out, and he didn’t say anything because he knew y’all would freak out and cancel the cruise.”

  “We would have,” Dad admitted. “But it would have been the right thing to do. You shouldn’t have been here dealing with all of this alone.”

  “I’m fine. The ranch is fine. The store is fine.”

  “It must have been a shock when Colson showed up with Cheyenne.” Mom rounded the island, settled on the other side of Resa at the breakfast bar.

  “To be honest, I almost swallowed my tongue.”

  “I guess we should have told you.” Mom patted her knee. “But you were so heartbroken.”

  “Y’all honored my desire to never hear his name again.”

  Dad sighed again. “We weren’t sure how to handle things. Never could decide if you were better off kept in the dark or knowing the truth.”

  “I’m not sure myself.” Clueless about Cheyenne, she’d been angry and hurt, which had effectively killed the love she’d felt for Colson. If she’d known why he’d married Felicity back then, she might have still loved him, and ended up pining for a man she couldn’t have. It was a toss-up. “You did what you thought was best. I’m okay with that. None the worse for wear.”

  In the end, Felicity had ripped their love out from under them with a lie. But if Colson hadn’t married her, what would have become of Cheyenne?

  Resa sipped her coffee, willed it to settle her nerves. “Have y’all ever met Cheyenne?”

  “No.” Mom shrugged. “Every time we got together with Mac about the business, either here or in San Antonio, Colson was never around.”

  “She’s a living doll.”

  “We’ll look forward to meeting her.”

  Resa drew in a calming breath. “She has coloring similar to mine—dark hair, blue eyes. In fact, several people mistook her for my daughter over the last three weeks.”

  “Felicity had dark hair and so does Colson. I don’t remember either of them having blue eyes, but Colson’s mother did. Not piercing like yours, but blue nonetheless.” Mom fiddled with her coffee cup. “I wish Mac and Annette could join us for lunch. I should have called them.”

  “They’re coming for the big meal tomorrow.” Resa reached for her parents’ hands. “This is important.”

  “You’re making me nervous.” Mom clasped her fingers. “Please, just tell us what’s going on.”

  “Felicity cheated on Colson.”

  “That’s terrible.” Mom frowned.

  Resa’s gaze bounced back and forth between them as she waited for them to put it together. Nothing. “With Emmett.”

  Mom’s hand went to her heart. “You mean—?”

  “Cheyenne is Emmett’s daughter?” Daddy’s jaw dropped. “Our granddaughter?”

  “Yes. Colson’s bringing her over for lunch, so y’all can meet her.”

  “Does Emmett know?” Mom’s chin trembled.

  “This is the hard part. Apparently Felicity told him when she learned she was pregnant.” Resa squeezed Mom’s fingers. “And he dumped her.”

  “Oh my.” Her mother’s tears came.

  Resa let go of their hands and passed her a tissue. “Felicity passed the child off as Colson’s and he married her. He didn’t know the truth until shortly before her death.”

  “But that was—” Daddy clenched his teeth “—two years ago. He’s known all this time and didn’t tell us?”

  “He had no idea Emmett knew about the baby all along. He was afraid Emmett would take Cheyenne away from him if he learned he was her biological father. For three years, Colson thought she was his. By the time he learned the truth, she was his—in his heart. He hated hurting us, hiding the truth, but he couldn’t bear the thought of losing her.”

  A muscle in Daddy’s jaw flexed. “So what now?”

  “Emmett still has no desire to be a part of her life.” She filled them in on the trip to Dallas with Colson, the custody agreement, Cheyenne’s visit with Emmett. “Emmett signed the papers yesterday. Cheyenne knows I’m her aunt, that y’all are her grandparents, but she thinks Emmett is her uncle. Colson wants it to stay that way until she’s older. Until he can figure out a way to explain that her biological father never wanted her.”

  “I should’ve jerked a knot in that boy’s tail years ago.” Daddy closed his eyes. “I guess he’s not staying for Christmas.”

  “He promised me he would. He’ll be back tonight. Hopefully, we’ll have a nice Christmas gathering tomorrow. Colson is bringing Cheyenne, and Annette and Mac are coming, too.”

  “And we’re all supposed to tiptoe around the fact that our son is an irresponsible, deadbeat dad.” Resa’s father spewed out a heavy sigh.

  “Maybe we can hash that out tonight, when Emmett gets back.” Mom tried to remain positive, but her faith in her son was obviously waning.

  “It’s not complete selfishness. I mean, yes, he’s not interested in putting himself aside to raise a child, but he also knows Cheyenne is better off with Colson,” Resa stated. “He knew back when Felicity initially gave him the news that he wasn’t father material, and felt Cheyenne would be better off without him.”

  “So he wants what’s best for her. And for himself.”

  “I’m sorry.
” She patted Daddy’s hand. “I know you’re disappointed in him. I am, too. But you have a granddaughter and she’s the sweetest thing.”

  “Resa is right.” Mom dabbed at her eyes. “Our first grandchild.”

  “And we’ve missed out on knowing her for five years.” Daddy’s hand fisted.

  “Let’s focus on the positive, Duncan.” Mom mopped her face, then hopped off her stool. “I need to go freshen up before they arrive. Oh my, we don’t even have any Christmas gifts for her.”

  “I bought some things.”

  “Oh, good. Will you take care of the soup while I get myself together?”

  “Sure.” Resa stood, rounded the island, lifted the lid to stir. “Mmm, tamale soup.”

  Daddy stayed at the breakfast bar, his shoulders slumped.

  “Please don’t be angry or sad. Let’s just forget the years we lost, forget our disappointment and focus on Cheyenne and what a blessing she’ll be in our lives.”

  “I’m trying, sweetheart.” Her father stood. “Maybe I need to go jog on the treadmill, blow off some steam.” He patted her hand as he headed for the stairs. “I’ll get it together before Cheyenne arrives, I promise.”

  He might. But at the moment, Resa wanted to rage at her brother. He should have been the one here in the hot seat, confessing his sins. But he’d begged her to clear the air for him before his arrival tonight. And she’d done it. Just like she’d always tried to smooth things over for him.

  “Please ease tempers, disappointment and hurts, Lord. Help us to have a peaceful family Christmas. Put our focus on Cheyenne, on You and counting the blessings You’ve given us.”

  Peace eased the tension in her shoulders.

  In a few hours her parents would meet their five-year-old granddaughter for the first time.

  Her cell chimed and she checked the display: William Abbott. “Hello?”

  “Resa, I’m sorry to bother you again, but I’m having the same issue I had yesterday. I’ve been trying to get in touch with Colson Kincaid, but I’m not getting an answer on his cell. I know he’s living at your folks’ home, so I’m wondering if you’ve seen him.”

  “He’s moved to the Chasing Eden Dude Ranch since my parents got back today. If you can’t reach him there, he’s coming here after lunch, so I can tell him to call you.”

  “Yes. Please do that.”

  She knew just how to break the news.

  * * *

  Dread boiled in Colson’s chest as he pushed the doorbell. Only yesterday he’d strode into this house whenever he wanted, slept here, ate here. But Duncan and Maryann were home now, waiting to meet Cheyenne.

  “Do you think they’re home, Daddy?” Cheyenne fidgeted.

  “They should be.”

  The door swung open and there stood Resa. Her loveliness took his breath away. If only her brother didn’t stand between them.

  “Hey, Cheyenne.” She knelt to her level. “Ready to meet my folks?”

  “Uh-huh.” Cheyenne nodded, hands clasped in front of her, twisting her upper body from side to side.

  “They’re in the great room.”

  “That’s my favorite room.” Cheyenne tugged on his hand. “Let’s go meet my new grandparents, Daddy.”

  It was incredible how much she’d blossomed in just three weeks, from a shy young girl who ran from strangers. He loved her new openness, but in truth he just wanted to scoop her up and run himself.

  In the great room, Duncan and Maryann sat side by side on the sofa.

  Maryann gasped. “Oh my goodness, she looks just like Resa at that age.”

  “’Cause she’s my aunt.” Cheyenne clung to Colson’s leg.

  “I promise we don’t bite.” Duncan chuckled. “Especially not our first grandchild.”

  “I’m Cheyenne.” She let go of his leg, inched toward them. “It’s awful nice to meet you.”

  Maryann patted her lap. “I’ve wanted a little granddaughter for years. Wanna sit on my lap?”

  “Or maybe just here between us till you get to know us better.” Tension eased from Duncan’s features and a genuine smile took over.

  Cheyenne grabbed Resa’s hand. “Can I sit on your lap?”

  “Of course.” Resa led her to the couch.

  Duncan and Maryann scooted apart, made room for them. Resa settled between her parents, and helped Cheyenne onto her lap as the child sized up the hovering adults.

  “I really like your dress.” Maryann adjusted the lace hem. “Pink is my favorite color.”

  “Mine, too. How come you’re crying?” She eyeballed her grandmother.

  “Well, like I said—” Maryann leaned forward, grabbed a tissue from the box on the coffee table “—I’ve wanted a granddaughter for a long time. So I’m happy.”

  “Oh, they’re happy tears.”

  “Definitely.”

  “You remind us so much of when Resa was little.” Duncan patted Cheyenne’s knee. “Now she’s all grown up, so we’re thrilled to have a little copy of her.”

  “I have lots of grandparents.” Cheyenne looked around at her captive audience. “Grandpa and Nette are awesome. And I like Gramps Nigel. But Mimi makes me nervous.”

  Colson tried not to cringe. He’d have to break the news to them soon.

  “I’ve known Hyacinth my entire life.” Maryann dabbed at her eyes. “It’s just her way. But I’m certain she loves you. How could anyone not love you?”

  “Can I still sit in your lap?” Cheyenne peered up at her.

  “Of course, sweetheart. I’ve waited my whole life to hold my first grandchild. And I’ll try not to get you wet.”

  “It’s okay.” Cheyenne crawled into Maryann’s lap. “Daddy says happy tears are the best kind.”

  Resa stood and gave Duncan room to get closer. Cheyenne didn’t even notice, so taken with these new enamored adults.

  “Your French braid sure is pretty.” Maryann smoothed a few wayward strands back in place.

  “Resa showed Daddy how to do it.”

  And just like that, he was back in that moment. With Resa braiding Cheyenne’s hair that first time. His fumbling hands grazing hers.

  She still got to him. But if he couldn’t trust her with Cheyenne, he sure couldn’t trust her with his heart.

  Resa strolled over to the Christmas tree, then knelt and started digging out presents. “Since everyone will be here tomorrow, we thought now would be a good time for Cheyenne to open her gifts from us.”

  “Y’all got me something?”

  “Of course we did.” She stood, arms full of brightly wrapped boxes, set them on the coffee table, then swiped at the knees of her slacks.

  Would they spoil her just as badly as Hyacinth had Felicity and Lucinda? Colson wondered. He’d have a talk with them before things got out of hand.

  “We got y’all something, too.” Cheyenne grinned at all the presents. “But not this much.”

  “Since we’ve been gone, Resa did our shopping for us, and she might have gone a little overboard.” Duncan handed her a box. “But we’re just so happy to have a granddaughter. This one’s from Resa.”

  “Open it first.” Resa knelt on the floor next to her mom.

  Cheyenne tore into the paper. “A shell book like yours. I love it. Now I don’t have to borrow yours. Thank you.”

  “But we can still study the book together and sort shells when we get some new ones.”

  “We need to get some new ones soon.” Cheyenne clasped the book to her heart.

  “Open these next.” Maryann handed her a package wrapped like a huge piece of hard candy with the paper twisted at each end and a ribbon holding it in place. Then pointed to another just like it.

  Clinking sounds emerged as Cheyenne unwrapped the paper to reveal a huge bag
of shells. “I love shells.”

  “Resa told me. We picked these up for her during our cruise, but decided ya’ll can share them. One bag is from Greece and one from Portugal. I put notes inside, so we’d know which was which when we sort them.”

  Ten minutes later, a pile of wrapping paper and ribbon littered the floor. Three dresses, a coat, a pair of shoes and a new Barbie... Considering the fact that the McCalls had missed out on Cheyenne’s first four Christmases, Resa really hadn’t gone crazy with it.

  “Here’s yours, Colson.” Duncan held a box wrapped in faded blue toward him. Not Christmas paper.

  “Me? You didn’t even know I was here and you certainly didn’t have to get me anything.”

  “He picked this up for you a long time ago and the way I see it, we owe you the world for taking care of our granddaughter all these years.” Maryann leaned her head against Cheyenne’s.

  Colson’s heart warmed as he accepted the gift. The McCall’s weren’t holding it against him that he’d kept Cheynne from them.

  “Open it, Daddy.”

  He tore the paper away to reveal a book. “The Faraway Horses.” Reverence took his breath. “By Buck Brannaman.”

  “Who’s that, Daddy?”

  “He’s a really great horse trainer. So great, he inspired a movie. And inspired me.”

  “Is that The Horse Whisperer guy?” Resa picked up wrapping paper, stuffed it in a large trash bag.

  “I went to one of his clinics after high school. It changed my life.” He ran his hand over the cover. “Thank you.”

  “I bought that book the spring you worked here and had a friend who attended one of his clinics get Buck to autograph it for you. Was gonna give it to you, but never got around to it,” Duncan murmured.

  Because he’d left.

  “And you kept it all these years.” Even though he’d broken Resa’s heart. Colson opened the book, ran his fingertips over the signature.

  “I couldn’t bring myself to throw away an autographed book, so it ended up in the attic. Forgotten. Until today.”

  Colson closed the book, met Duncan’s gaze. “I’ll treasure it.”