Boughs of Holly
Page 15
Drake couldn’t argue with him. Instead, he finished gathering a few things he wanted to take home then pointed to the clock.
“What time is it?”
Nick studied the hands on the clock. “Five more minutes, then we’ll go. Right?”
“Absolutely right.” Drake ruffled the boy’s dark brown hair, a trait he assumed came from Nick’s father. The boy resembled his mother in every other aspect, from the shape of his face and chocolate-colored eyes to the sweet way he smiled and the habit of tipping his head to the side when he was thinking about something or teasing someone. If he had blond hair, like Angela, Nick would have looked exactly like her.
Thoughts of Angela’s luxurious blond locks and the warmth of her smile made Drake wish, for the millionth time, he could be more than her friend and occasional babysitter. He’d ask his brother or one of their friends for suggestions, but he had a strong idea that they’d just torment him instead of offer any help. In fact, Drake knew Drew would take great pleasure in taunting him since he’d so often done the same to his brother and only sibling.
Drake had no idea how he and Drew could be so different. Drew was always big and brawny while Drake was lean and gangly. Drew was quiet, shy, and reserved around people until he really got to know them. Drake tended to be the life of the party and could talk to anyone, anywhere, about anything. When they were younger, Drake was the one who rushed to the front of the line while Drew preferred to linger at the back.
Countless times, Drake had forced Drew out of his comfort zone, thinking he was helping him, but it only served to push Drew further into his shell. He’d finally learned to leave his brother alone and let him do his own thing. Drew had left home, gone to college, and returned to Faraday to take the position of full-time mail carrier in their small town where there was only one mail route. A couple of women took care of the rural routes and one worked the window at the post office, but they were all older and married.
Drake took a small bit of comfort in the fact his dating life was not any more pathetic than that of his brother or their two good friends, Seth Stafford, a local rancher, and Rhett Riggs, the owner of Faraday’s gas station and garage. The two men had gone to school with him and Drew and they’d remained friends over the years. Seth had never wanted to live anywhere except on the ranch where he’d grown up with his grandfather, Sam. Rhett couldn’t shake the dust of Faraday off his feet fast enough after he graduated, but once his uncle’s health declined, Rhett came back from Portland to care for eccentric Will Bolton. After all, Uncle Will was the only one in town, perhaps the whole state, who’d owned a camel. Upon his death, Will left everything he owned, included Lolly, their resident celebrity, to Rhett. The camel caused his friend plenty of trouble with her tendency to wander out of her pen.
“Can we go now?” Nick asked, breaking into Drake’s musings. The little boy pointed to the clock.
“Okay. Let me text your mom so she knows…”
“Knows what?” Angela Carol asked as she breezed into the classroom.
“Mommy!” Nick shouted and launched himself into her arms.
Angela hugged him close and kissed his cheek before she set him on his feet and drew him back against her with her hands resting across his chest. “Were you good for Mr. Miller?”
“Of course!” Nick looked up at her with a grin that no adult with half a heart could resist.
Angela kissed him on the forehead. “That’s my boy.” She looked up at Drake and smiled. “Thank you so much for letting him stay. I’m so sorry I was late. Someone’s dog got hit on the highway and they brought him in about five minutes before I should have left to pick up Nick.”
“It wasn’t a problem at all,” Drake said, giving her a reassuring look. “Nick’s a great helper.”
“Mom, come here! You need to help us,” Nick said, pulling Angela toward Drake’s desk.
Drake stepped over to his desk and placed a hand on top of the shoebox where they’d left the bird.
“A dove hit the window and knocked itself out. Nick and I put it in this box, but I figured you’d know what else to do to help it.” Drake slid the box toward her.
Angela slowly lifted the lid just enough to peek inside. “Looks like Mr. Dove is still sleeping. I’ll take him with me so I can keep an eye on him.” She turned to Nick and cupped his chin in her hand. “Grab your coat, baby. We need to get going. I promised Mrs. Burnside I’d stop by to check on a cat she says is staying on her back porch. She’s worried it might be hurt because it walks funny, whatever that means.”
“But, Mom, I’m hungry. Can’t we go to the café? Please?” Nick retrieved his coat and put it on while he begged.
“I’ve got dinner cooking, Nick, and snacks in the truck. The sooner we go see Mrs. Burnside, the sooner we can go home.” Angela handed Nick his backpack then turned to Drake.
“Thank you, again, for allowing him to stay. I know I shouldn’t ask you to do that, but I so appreciate your help, Drake.” She stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek.
Drake stood perfectly still lest he turn his head and make sure the kiss landed on his lips. When Angela moved away from him, he smiled at her, wondering if she could see his heart in his eyes. “You’re welcome, Angela. I’m always happy to help when I can.”
“I know. That’s what makes you such a good friend.” She squeezed his hand then turned to Nick, nudging him toward the door. Drake walked beside her carrying the shoebox with the bird. At the door, she took the box from him. “I’ll let you know how our feathered friend does later.”
Drake knew that meant she didn’t want to worry Nick in case the bird died. He walked with them to the outside door and held it open for her. “Sounds great, Angel.” Whoops. He hadn’t meant to call her that, even though she looked like one as she stood in a shaft of late afternoon sunlight. The golden streamers created a soft glow around her, like she wore a glowing halo instead of just her hair twisted back in a messy bun. With her rosy cheeks and perfect ivory complexion, he had no problem at all imagining her as a celestial being.
Afraid of what her reaction to his slip up might be, he bent down and grinned at Nick. “Hey, thanks again for your help, buddy.”
“Anytime, Mr. Miller. Bye!”
“Bye, Nick.”
Drake waved once then hurried inside, mentally kicking himself all the way back to his classroom. He’d better rein in his thoughts where one gorgeous vet was concerned or he’d end up losing her friendship. For now, friend status was better than nothing at all.
Available on Amazon!
Grass Valley Cowboys Series
Meet the Thompson family of the Triple T Ranch in Grass Valley, Oregon. Three handsome brothers, their rowdy friends, and the women who fall for them are at the heart of this sweet contemporary western romance series.
The Cowboy’s Christmas Plan (Book 1) — Cadence Greer’s plans for a happy-ever-after are quickly derailed when her fiancé runs off with his secretary a week before their wedding. Homeless, jobless, and jilted, she escapes to Grass Valley, Oregon, where she takes a job as a housekeeper and cook to seven cowboys on a sprawling ranch.
The Cowboy’s Spring Romance (Book 2) — Trent Thompson has carried a torch for the new schoolteacher since she moved to Grass Valley more than three years ago. Instead of asking her out, he’s dated every single female in a thirty-mile radius, giving her the impression he’s not interested in her at all.
The Cowboy’s Summer Love (Book 3) — Always the wild-child, Travis Thompson doesn’t disappoint as he rolls from one adventure to another in his quest to keep his adrenaline pumping. He needs a release for the tension constantly building inside him, especially after he discovers the girl he’s loved his entire life just moved back to Grass Valley.
The Cowboy’s Autumn Fall (Book 4) — Brice Morgan thought love at first sight was some ridiculous notion of schoolgirls and old ladies who read too many romance novels. At least he does until he meets Bailey Bishop at a friend’s wedding and falls hard and fast for the intrig
uing woman.
The Cowboy’s New Heart (Book 5) — Years after her husband died unexpectedly, Denni Thompson can’t bear to think of giving her heart to anyone else. With three newly married sons, a grandchild on the way, and a busy life, Denni doesn’t give a thought to romance until she meets the handsome new owner of Grass Valley’s gas station.
The Cowboy’s Last Goodbye (Book 6) — With his siblings and friends all entangled in the state of matrimony, Ben Morgan is more determined than ever to remain blissfully single. Despite his vehement refusal to commit to a relationship, he can’t help but envision a future with the sweet, charming woman who unknowingly captures his heart.
Books by Shanna Hatfield
FICTION
HISTORICAL
Baker City Brides
Tad’s Treasure
Crumpets and Cowpies
Thimbles and Thistles
Corsets and Cuffs
Bobbins and Boots
Lightning and Lawmen
Pendleton Petticoats
Dacey
Aundy
Caterina
Ilsa
Marnie
Lacy
Bertie
Millie
Dally
Quinn
Hearts of the War
Garden of Her Heart
Home of Her Heart
Dream of Her Heart
Hardman Holidays
The Christmas Bargain
The Christmas Token
The Christmas Calamity
The Christmas Vow
The Christmas Quandary
The Christmas Confection
CONTEMPORARY
Learnin’ The Ropes
Love at the 20-Yard Line
QR Code Killer
Rose
Saving Mistletoe
Taste of Tara
Friendly Beasts of Faraday
Scent of Cedar
Tidings of Joy
Boughs of Holly
Wings of an Angel
Grass Valley Cowboys
The Cowboy’s Christmas Plan
The Cowboy’s Spring Romance
The Cowboy’s Summer Love
The Cowboy’s Autumn Fall
The Cowboy’s New Heart
The Cowboy’s Last Goodbye
Holiday Brides
Valentine Bride
Summer Bride
Rodeo Romance
The Christmas Cowboy
Wrestlin’ Christmas
Capturing Christmas
Barreling Through Christmas
Chasing Christmas
Racing Christmas
Silverton Sweethearts
The Coffee Girl
The Christmas Crusade
Untangling Christmas
Welcome to Romance
Blown Into Romance
Sleigh Bells Ring in Romance
The Women of Tenacity
A Prelude (Short Story)
Heart of Clay
Country Boy vs. City Girl
Not His Type
CHILDREN’S BOOKS
Steve the Mule
NONFICTION
Farm Girl
Fifty Dates with Captain Cavedweller
Recipes of Love
Savvy Entertaining
Savvy Autumn Entertaining
Savvy Holiday Entertaining
Savvy Spring Entertaining
Savvy Summer Entertaining
About the Author
Hopeless romantic Shanna Hatfield spent ten years as a newspaper journalist before moving into the field of marketing and public relations. Sharing the romantic stories she dreams up in her head is a perfect outlet for her love of writing, reading, and creativity. She and her husband, lovingly referred to as Captain Cavedweller, reside in the Northwest.
Shanna loves to hear from readers.
Connect with her online:
Blog: shannahatfield.com
Facebook: Shanna Hatfield’s Page
Shanna Hatfield’s Hopeless Romantics Group
Pinterest: Shanna Hatfield
Email: shanna@shannahatfield.com
Check out the Friendly Beasts Pinterest board to see the images that helped inspire the story!