“It did. Good job. How’d your juggling practice go?”
“Terrible, but they say a bad rehearsal means a good performance.”
“I’m sure you’ll be great. Even if—”
“Hayley!” Her mother’s voice rose over the hum of conversation. “Come down here and show Kendra and Jo your ring!”
The ring. She was so used to it already that she’d forgotten she had it on.
“Ring?” April leaned past Luke. “I didn’t hear about that. When did Badger give it to you?”
Hayley’s cheeks grew hot. “Yesterday.” She pushed back her chair because there was no getting around this display of her engagement ring. She had to do it.
“Yesterday?” April’s eyebrows lifted. “This is old news? Badger, shame on you. We chopped down Christmas trees together and I didn’t hear about this.” She looked at Ryker on her right. “Did you know?”
“Well, I—”
“You did! Both of you knew and didn’t say a thing to Kendra and me this afternoon. Is this a pilot’s code of silence thing?”
“It wasn’t mine to tell,” Ryker said.
“Or mine,” Badger added. “It’s Hayley’s ring. She has the say-so about spreadin’ the word.”
April let out a little harrumph of displeasure. “I suppose that’s reasonable. You two flyboys are off the hook. Hayley, on your way around the table, let me see, okay? I’m thrilled for you, girlfriend.”
Beside her, Ryker looked uncomfortable. “April, anytime you want to talk about—”
“Hey, no, I don’t. You and I are still getting reacquainted. We’re not ready for rings and such.” She took Hayley’s hand. “But this one is lovely. A sapphire, right?”
“Yes.”
April leaned on the table and engaged Badger again. “Great choice. It matches her eyes.”
“I—” He choked back his automatic response of I know. “I’m glad you like it.”
“Just so Hayley likes it.” April glanced up at her. “But what am I saying? What woman wouldn’t want a sapphire that sparkles like a mountain stream in sunlight?”
“I can’t imagine.” Hayley appreciated the goodwill coming her way, but once she severed the connection with Badger, the outpouring of approval would dry up like a puddle in a heat wave. That was as it should be.
She made the obligatory rounds to show everyone the ring. The exercise was illuminating. Four committed McGavin couples were at the table. Of those, only Mandy had a ring, and she was already married to Zane.
Yet Hayley had this knockout of a sapphire. Those who knew the story realized she and Badger hadn’t known each other long. She found herself babbling about long engagements, an idea borrowed from her father.
Her mom, though, was in her element. At last she had a daughter who was engaged to be married. When Badger had suggested this subterfuge, Hayley had pictured it as harmless fun to get her through the holidays without a series of mystery dates.
She hadn’t envisioned the waves of reaction that would touch so many lives. She’d never perpetrated a hoax in her life, unless she counted the time she’d told Luke that Freddy Krueger was real and would come after him if he didn’t share his stash of Milky Ways.
Her progression around the table was painfully slow, but eventually she made it back to her chair beside Badger.
He put his mouth close to her ear. “I’m so sorry. I had no clue.”
“I forgot I had it on.”
“Your mom didn’t.”
“No. But it’s okay.” She took a sip of the beer that had been placed at her seat while she was gone. “It’s Christmas. Weird things happen at Christmas.”
“They sure have this year.”
“Are you calling me a weird happening?”
“No. You’re all Christmas cookies and eggnog. The weirdness is on my side. I—never mind. The show is about to start.”
Hayley didn’t know much about Bryce McGavin other than his recent purchase of the Guzzling Grizzly and his good-natured guitar playing during his family’s Yule celebration.
But when he walked out on stage wearing a snow-white Stetson and a red silk shirt, she saw a star in the making. He invited Nicole to join him and she wore a matching Stetson and a green silk shirt.
Each had a guitar slung over their shoulder. They held hands and executed a deep bow to the audience. Then they launched into a rocking rendition of Winter Wonderland while a well-designed light show bathed them in swirling snowflakes.
The McGavin contingent went wild and Hayley joined in. She reluctantly admitted that she’d thought of Eagles Nest as a cute little town without much sophistication. Bryce and Nicole had talent and style that would dazzle an audience anywhere.
The show continued with one fantastic act after another. Fire chief Javier Ortega led Trevor McGavin and several other firefighters in a rousing rendition of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. Ellie Mae Stockton, an eighty-something woman Hayley recognized as a clerk from Pills and Pop Drugstore, performed a slinky version of Santa Baby that brought down the house.
Her dad was up next. At some point when she wasn’t paying attention, he’d changed into green spandex and a red cape. A huge G was emblazoned on his chest. Bryce came out holding up a placard that read Holy Hilarity, Godman!
She started giggling before he’d said a single word. Then he started firing one-liners so fast that she barely finished laughing about one before the next one hit. People couldn’t drink their beer because sure as the world they’d end up choking on it. At the end of her dad’s performance, he pressed his palms together, took a bow and left the stage amid thunderous applause.
When the commotion died down from that, Greg Paladin, owner of Paladin Construction, played a haunting version of Silent Night on his harmonica. Then it was Badger, Ryker and Cody’s turn.
Badger squeezed her hand. “Wish me luck.”
“You’ll be awesome.” Her attention was glued to the stage as three broad shouldered cowboys stepped into position with Cody in the middle.
The men each took several deep breaths and flexed their fingers. Then the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s version of Carol of the Bells poured from the sound system as red and green plates started flying.
Hayley was mesmerized throughout the song. She focused mostly on Badger but sometimes glanced at the other two. They flipped, spun and tossed those plates with dizzying speed.
It was over way too soon for her. She clapped wildly. Badger, Ryker and Cody returned to the table amid congratulations from everyone.
Once Badger had reclaimed his chair next to hers, she caught his face in both hands and kissed him.
His gaze warmed. “Guess I’ll have to put on a juggling demonstration more often.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “Maybe even a private one.”
“No, that would be selfish. You need to perform for an audience that appreciates talent like yours. That goes for all three of you.”
After that, Michael Murphy, co-owner of the bar, stepped away from his duties to sing Ave Maria in a stunning Irish tenor. And for the grand finale, the Whine and Cheese Club lined up on stage. They’d ducked into the bathroom earlier to put on their elf costumes. As Sweet Tee’s Let the Jingle Bells Rock filled the room with rhythmic Christmas spirit, the women let loose with their hip-hop number.
Hayley got a kick out of their loose-limbed rendition but she loved the reaction from Kendra’s sons. All four at the table were on their feet, whistling and clapping in time to the dance. The rest of the audience took their cue from the McGavin brothers and rose as a group to urge the women on. Energy flowed through the room in waves of joy.
She glanced back at Badger and his face was alight as he clapped and whistled along with the rest of the men at the table. He was clearly having the time of his life at this party.
The end of the song was greeted with a roar of approval. On impulse, Hayley turned back to Badger and gave him a hug. “Having fun?”
“I love this town,” he murmured. “I could live her
e.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Badger had surprised himself by announcing to Hayley that he could live in Eagles Nest. It had been a private thought and he didn’t normally say that kind of thing out loud. Luckily she hadn’t had time to react. The party had shifted into high gear following the talent show and had continued into the wee hours of the morning.
Just as well that she hadn’t had a chance to question him about his remark. He’d bid her a sweet goodnight before she’d left with her folks. The Bennetts traditionally spent Christmas Eve day together, just the four of them.
Hayley had wanted to preserve that. Consequently, Badger wasn’t scheduled to see her again until he attended the candlelight service. That was fine with him. He needed time to think.
Kendra had driven him to the Guzzling Grizzly and he’d offered to take the wheel on the way back because she’d looked tired. He, on the other hand, had been wide awake. He’d spent the drive heaping praise on her family and the generous folks of Eagles Nest. She’d listened with a sleepy smile.
By the next morning, he’d made his decision. He texted Ryker and asked for a moment to talk. Ryker invited him over to Olivia’s place where he and Trevor were working on April’s henhouse in a last-ditch effort to finish it.
When Badger arrived, Olivia’s front yard was covered with sawdust. The henhouse, which sat on a canvas tarp, looked about half done. Trevor had built a fancy one for Kendra a few months ago and this one looked as if it would be similar—a miniature Victorian on stilts.
Ryker and Trevor wore ratty old jackets, baseball caps and work gloves. Other than their jeans and boots, they didn’t look much like cowboys today.
Ryker handed Trevor a board he’d just cut before walking over to greet Badger. “What’s up? Your text sounded urgent.”
“It kinda is, but keep workin’. I’d offer to help, but this isn’t my area of expertise.”
“It’s not my strong suit, either.” Ryker headed back over to the henhouse and picked up another board. “Trev’s the boss man on this deal.”
“And how sweet it is, too.” Trevor lowered the nail gun he’d been using and turned to grin at Badger. “You here to help?”
“Nah, I’m here to get in the way. Looks good so far.”
Trevor lifted his cap, wiped his forehead on his sleeve and repositioned the cap. “It’s coming along.”
“You goin’ to paint it pretty colors like your momma’s?”
“Too cold. The wood’s been treated so it should hold up until spring. We’ll paint then.”
“It’s better that we aren’t going to paint it,” Ryker said. “April will want to choose the colors. She’ll be happy that it’s unpainted.”
Badger shoved his hands in the pockets of his jacket. “It’s good you know that about her.”
“I’d better know it after all the time we’ve spent together.” He turned to Trevor and held up the board. “Two inches off this one, too?”
“Yep. I need five more of those, so just keep cutting.”
Ryker motioned to Badger. “You can talk while I’m sawing but you’ll have to talk loud.”
“No problem.” He followed Ryker over to the table saw.
“So what’s on your mind?” Ryker turned on the saw.
Badger cleared his throat and yelled it out above the whine of the saw. “I’ve decided to work with you!”
Ryker turned off the saw and stared at him. “What?”
“I’ve made my decision. If you still want me to move here, I’d like to fly with you.”
Ryker typically wore what guys in the squadron had called his warrior face. But when he was happy, nobody could light up like Cowboy. He lit up now. “That’s awesome.” His voice was gruff with emotion as he put down the board and stuck out his hand. “Welcome to Badger Air.” Then he pulled him into a quick bro hug.
Trevor laid aside his nail gun and came over. “Did I hear right, Badger? You’re throwing in with this big lug?”
“Yeah.” He couldn’t stop grinning. “He needs me. His juggling skills have gone to hell since we broke up the act.”
Trevor nodded solemnly, although his mouth twitched. “Good move. I noticed last night he was the weak link.”
“Damned if I was! Genius over here bobbled my favorite thrift store find, the plate with the Christmas tree on it. I thought it was done for.”
“Nope. I was in full control, whereas if I hadn’t acted with consummate skill and dexterity, we would have been vacuuming up the pieces of that red and green platter you almost dropped.”
Trevor crossed his arms. “Clearly both of you morons need some serious practice before next year’s show.”
“They’ll do it again next Christmas?” Badger hadn’t counted on that. Talk about frosting on the cake. He’d loved that show.
“Definitely,” Trevor said. “Maybe you missed it because you were playing kissy-face with your fiancée, but Bryce announced it as everybody was leaving. Looks like we’ve got us a new tradition in Eagles Nest.”
“That’s great. Especially seein’ as how it was that show that jumpstarted me thinkin’ that I need to make the move.”
“I can see how that would happen. Last night was epic. Eagles Nest at its best.” Trevor punched him lightly on the shoulder. “It’ll be good having you around, Badger.”
“Thanks. But I’m gonna take off now and let you both get back to work.” He turned to leave.
“Hang on a sec.” Ryker glanced at his brother. “I’ll be back in a minute. I have a few questions for Badger.”
“Sure thing. Now that we’re this far along, I’m not worried. We’ll make it.”
“Hey, Cowboy, no need to iron out the details now. We can do that later.”
“This won’t take long. I’ll just mosey over to the truck with you.” He fell into step beside him. “I take it you’ve acclimated to the cold?”
“Aw, that was just a chicken-shit excuse.”
“’Cause you couldn’t see yourself disappointing your folks a second time?”
“Yes sir.”
“So what changed?”
“Remember what I said about badger bein’ my spirit animal?”
“Sure.”
“I just took that guy’s word for what it meant, but last night after I got home I looked it up online to double check.”
“Let me guess. It said you were a royal pain in the butt.”
“That’s about the gist of it. Badger goes his or her own way. Doesn’t worry about what others think. When I enlisted, I acted like Badger. When I came back, I quit bein’ myself. It’s time I got back to bein’ Badger again. If my folks get upset, if they decide to quit talkin’ to me on account of me doin’ what’s right for me, that’s on them.”
Respect gleamed in Ryker’s gaze. “Good plan.”
“Thanks. I like it.”
“What about Hayley?”
“I’m still thinkin’ about Hayley.”
“Oh, shit. Here it comes.”
“But see, I’ve got direction, now. I know where I’m goin’.”
“Right off a cliff.”
“Maybe not.”
“She still lives in Denver.”
“I know. But that’s not Timbuktu. And I’ll have a plane.”
“We’ll have a plane, and it won’t be available to fly your sorry ass to—”
“We’ll each have a plane.”
“Regardless.” Ryker sighed. “But I’m wasting my breath. I saw how you looked at her last night. Just take it slow, okay? Don’t say anything stupid or incriminating.”
“Like what?”
“If I have to spell it out…oh, what the hell. You’re gonna do what you’re gonna do. And if you crash and burn, I’ll just get you drunk and put you back together again.” Ryker smiled and gripped his shoulder. “It’ll be good flying with you again, Badger.”
“Same here, Cowboy.” Now that he’d made the decision, he couldn’t imagine why it had taken him so long. This was his p
ath. Always had been.
In Atlanta, he’d get to be a lawyer but that was about it. Oh, he’d also get to be Thaddeus Livingston Calhoun the Third. His folks had refused to call him Badger.
Out here he’d established that Badger was his name. He had both a commuter airline and a raptor nursery named after him. He had the freedom to be a cowboy, a pilot and a juggler. As time went on, he might find more designations to tack on.
After saying goodbye to Ryker, he drove back to town and parked on Main Street. Eagles Nest had looked inviting before, but now that he’d decided to live here, the place charmed the living daylights out of him. The holiday decorations sparkled brighter and the shop windows glowed with extra good cheer.
He stopped for lunch at the Eagles Nest Diner because he’d never eaten there and he wanted to check out the menu. The Guzzling Grizzly would always be his first choice, but it didn’t serve breakfast and sometimes he might want to go out for a stack of pancakes and some eggs over easy.
The subject of breakfast naturally took him straight to the subject of Hayley. Christmas was tomorrow and he didn’t have a gift for her. The ring didn’t count because she’d known about it.
But what to get her? More jewelry? No, that lacked imagination. Wait, she’d been enamored of the collectibles store. After finishing his lunch, he walked down there.
The shop was a cheerful clutter of vintage jewelry, classic board games, jigsaw puzzles, fancy teapots and Montana memorabilia. Badger strolled the aisles until he found the book section. Several Hardy Boys mysteries sat next to a row of Black Stallion books.
“May I help you?”
He glanced down at a small woman with white hair, kind eyes and a great smile. “I surely hope so.”
Her smile widened. “You’re Southern.”
“I am.”
“I have a really nice copy of Gone with the—”
“That’s good to know, but that’s not what I’m lookin’ for.”
“Of course you’re not. That was a knee-jerk reaction. What are you looking for?”
“I’m not sure. I want a gift for someone who came in here two days ago with her momma. She’s blonde, about so tall.” He held his hand under his chin.
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