by June Faver
“We did,” Leah said, but offered up both cards.
Big Jim held them up to his ear. “Oh, tell me about it.” He feigned a worried expression. “Oh, the poor little things are crying.”
This sent both women into another fit of giggles.
Tyler came into the house then, laden with bags. “Here comes Santa Claus…” he sang out. “This is just Angelique’s stuff. My little darling has her stash in the truck.”
“We need to get home,” Leah said. “I came in to give you the wonderful magic cards and to gather Gran and my children.”
Big Jim gave her a hug and kiss on the forehead. “Your daughter is watching television, and your son is snuggled with your grandmother in her old room.”
Angelique and Leah went to find their children, and Tyler set the bags and packages down on the table. “Night, Dad. See you, Derrick. I’ll probably have to carry someone.”
Derrick gave a wave from his place at the table. He felt a stab of unaccustomed envy for his friend, the happily married family man. Beau was also happily married with a daughter. Only Colton remained childless, but he seemed to be happy with his wife, and Derrick supposed they would procreate at some point in time.
He had been content to take on the challenges of his job, but hadn’t really had time to search for that perfect woman with whom he could spend a lifetime. At least that was the excuse he gave himself.
He usually showed up at the Eagles Hall on a Friday or Saturday night when there was a live band, and he was known to dance with a few of the local ladies, but no one had snagged his attention. At least not to the extent that little Miss Angelique Guillory had. For the first time ever, he was thinking how nice it would be to have a sweet little one like Angelique’s daughter, Gabrielle.
Derrick swallowed hard. What was he thinking? He hadn’t spent much time with this woman, so he must be enamored by her beauty and her seemingly sweet personality.
Just then, she came into the kitchen, a broad grin on her face. “My precious little one is asleep in her bed. You and Leah’s grandmother must have worn her out.”
Big Jim gave her a hug and gestured for her to take a seat. “Did you have dinner?”
“Sure did.” She rubbed both hands over her middle. “Stuffed, in fact.”
“Well, it sure does look good on you.” Big Jim started to sit down and then stopped himself, meeting Derrick’s eyes. “Um, I think I need to go check on something in the barn. Angelique, will you entertain Derrick for me?”
She looked puzzled but nodded.
“I’ll be back in a while.” Big Jim shrugged into his jacket and left by the back door, pulling on his leather gloves.
Derrick understood that he was being given a chance to spend time with Angelique, without an audience for a change. “He sure nailed it.”
“Nailed it?” As she stared at him with her incredible blue eyes wide open and those luscious lips parted, Derrick had an overwhelming urge to kiss her.
“He said you look good, and I’m agreeing with him.”
She blinked and looked down at her hands. “Oh, well…thanks.”
“Angelique, I’m about to ask you out on a date, but I’m a little nervous because I don’t know if you’ve got someone special in your life.” He reached out to take her clasped hands in both of his.
She looked stunned.
He exhaled, just then realizing he was holding his breath. “I would like to take you to the Eagles Hall Friday night. There’s a live band out of Dallas, and they’re having a party to benefit a children’s facility.”
Angelique pressed her lips together for a moment, which caused her dimples to flash. “I-I can’t go out with you. I can’t leave my daughter.”
He held her hands and gazed at her, wondering how anyone could be so unassuming. “We can bring Gabrielle. The Eagles Hall is kid-friendly.” He stroked his fingertips over the back of her hand. “That is, if you would like to go out with me.”
“Oh, um…well, I haven’t been on a date in some time.” The beautiful grin returned. “I’m not sure I’m exactly datable.”
He raised her hand and brushed his lips over the back. “I would like to date you.”
Her cheeks took on more color. “I can’t imagine why…but I guess that would be okay.”
“So, I can pick you and Gabrielle up about six on Friday, and we can grab a bite at the Eagles’.”
“Um, sure.” Again the lips pressed together.
He hoped she would be able to relax and have a good time. He stayed at the table, holding her hand and chatting, until Big Jim returned from his supposed late-night errand.
Derrick took his leave and drove to his own much-smaller ranch, grinning all the way home.
Chapter 6
By Friday, Angelique was a bundle of nerves. She had no idea what to wear, or why it was okay to bring Gabrielle, or if she should be going on a date anyway. It was less than a year since Remy had… No, she couldn’t even think about the fact that he was no longer with her—or about the reason he was gone.
But the entire Garrett clan seemed to think it was a good idea. Big Jim informed her that most of the family would probably show up at the Eagles Hall. It was apparently the thing to do on a Friday night.
She tried to quiet the uproar going on in her stomach. Surely, things would go well if everyone was going along.
Leah was excited for her. “That’s great! Derrick is such a babe, and he’s a really nice man.”
Gran grinned broadly. “I knew that young sheriff feller was sweet on you!”
Angelique had a little trouble thinking of Derrick as the sheriff. The lawmen she recalled in New Orleans were all bought and paid for by Alphonse Benoit, her beloved Remy’s corrupt father. She didn’t know how such a wonderful and kind man could have been sired by someone as evil as the elder Benoit.
And now, this tall, broad-shouldered sheriff wanted to date her. How did that happen? She wasn’t sure she still remembered how to be “dated.”
“I brought you a pair of my jeans,” Leah said. “I don’t mean to be pushy, but you would probably feel more comfortable in denim.”
“Oh, thanks.” Angelique held up the pair of jeans, and thought the size should be fine, but wasn’t sure why they would be appropriate. She hadn’t brought much in the way of wardrobe, in favor of grabbing more useful things in her hurried escape from the Big Easy.
“And I didn’t know what your shoe size was, but I brought a pair of my old boots.”
Angelique swallowed hard. Now what? She gazed at the somewhat scuffed footwear. “I wear a seven-and-a-half shoe.”
“Cool. These are an eight. Just wear a pair of thick socks, and you should be fine.” Leah was grinning. “I doubt that Derrick will stomp on your toes, but better safe than sorry.”
Angelique nodded, totally confused as to the goings-on at this Eagles place. Sounded awful so far.
But by six o’clock, she was decked out to Leah’s satisfaction, and a bit nervous.
When Angelique emerged from her bedroom, Leah ushered her to the kitchen, where Big Jim, Tyler, and most important, Derrick sat around the table.
Derrick jumped to his feet, but Big Jim and Tyler greeted her with applause.
“You ladies look extra lovely tonight,” Big Jim said.
Tyler let out an earsplitting whistle. “Hot! They look hot, Dad.”
Judging by Derrick’s expression, he agreed.
Gabrielle was standing by her grandfather. “I gots a cookie!” she shouted and held up a sticky hand holding a mauled cookie. She was gnawing on it and rocking back and forth, holding onto Big Jim’s hand. She looked so content, comfortable with her grandfather…the good one.
“Hi, Angelique,” Derrick said softly. “You look…amazing.”
Everyone was grinning at her, so Angelique thought she must pass muste
r. “I’m ready if everyone else is. What time does this thing start, anyway?”
Big Jim let out a loud guffaw. “This ‘thing’ is ongoing. The Eagles serves great burgers and other refreshments. They close the kitchen about seven thirty, and the band tunes up at eight.”
Derrick reached out to take her arm. “You’ll have a good time, Angelique. I promise.”
They all bundled up and climbed into their various vehicles.
Angelique and Gabrielle rode with Derrick, and they got to chat along the way. Derrick told her about growing up on a ranch, and Angelique gave very little information about her past life in New Orleans. It was best that way.
Since they were fairly early, Derrick found a parking place close to the entrance. He climbed out and trudged through the snow to open the passenger door for Angelique. She stepped down into his arms, realizing she was standing way too close to a man who was gazing at her like she was the last cookie in the tin.
“We better get Gabi out of her car seat,” she said.
Derrick gazed down at her, his expression combustible. “Sure.”
Angelique flashed a smile and slipped her arms around his neck. “Oh, just kiss me before we both freeze.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Derrick drew her closer and brushed his lips against hers. His kiss started out gentle but deepened.
It had been a long time since she had been kissed, especially by someone who made her toes curl up in her borrowed boots.
When he drew away, Angelique realized the tempo she heard was her own heart trying to beat its way out of her chest.
Derrick gazed at her and tipped his hat before going to remove Gabrielle from her car seat. He carried the little girl and reached to take Angelique’s gloved hand. “Let’s get you ladies warmed up.”
Angelique couldn’t imagine how much warmer she might be without exploding. And yet, when she saw her daughter with her arms around Derrick’s neck, her heart warmed even more.
As they approached the Eagles Hall, she noticed that the exterior was decorated with Christmas lights but they weren’t turned on yet, as it was still daylight.
She tried to rouse her Christmas spirit, but she had been operating on fear for too long. Maybe if she could get through this one, she might believe in all this jolly stuff.
But somehow, seeing her precious daughter clinging to the neck of this gentle giant gave her hope.
Maybe, if she had escaped New Orleans, there might be a way to reinvent Angelique Guillory and find her real home in the heart of all this family.
Derrick held on to her arm as they climbed the steps to the Eagles Hall, but he stopped to stomp the snow off his boots, so Angelique followed suit. Once inside, he handed cash to the woman sitting at a card table by the door. She tore off two tickets for him, and they walked into the cavernous hall.
It was a huge space with a dance floor in the middle and long tables arranged around the room. There was a raised stage on the left, and Angelique could see a kitchen on the far side of the hall. Recorded Christmas carols were playing through the sound system.
“There they are,” Derrick said, and when Angelique followed in the direction he indicated, she could see Big Jim and Gracie and Fern Davis holding down a long table close to the dance floor.
Big Jim waved them over, a grin on his face. “C’mon over here, folks. We’ve snagged this table. Leah and Ty are getting us some hamburgers.”
“And I’m really hungry,” Gracie announced.
“She’s a growin’ girl.” Fern gave her a hug.
Angelique peeled out of her borrowed coat and arranged it over the back of a chair, then removed Gabrielle’s knit cap, fluffing her dark curls.
“Here,” Big Jim said. “Let me have my little Gabi.” He reached for Gabrielle, but she clung to Derrick’s neck. Big Jim drew back, frowning.
Derrick turned to Angelique. “Let’s go order some food. I think Gabi would like some dinner.”
Angelique had fed Gabrielle prior to Derrick’s arrival at the ranch, but thought it best not to mention it right then. “Oh, good. I’m really hungry.” She tucked her hand in the crook of Derrick’s arm, and they went to the kitchen area. It had a wide counter, and a few people were in line ahead of them.
“Look! It’s Angelique and Derrick.” Leah tugged on Tyler’s sleeve. “And doesn’t little Gabrielle look adorable?”
Angelique gave a little finger wave. “Hello, you two. What’s good to eat?”
Leah stepped closer. “It’s a very limited menu, but everything they serve is delish. I ordered a cheeseburger and fries.” She gave a little giggle. “Ty ordered two.”
Tyler patted his very flat stomach. “Big man needs big meal.”
Derrick nodded. “What he said.”
When they were able to order, Angelique chose her own cheeseburger with a side of potato salad, while Derrick got a couple of burgers with fries.
Derrick very seriously read part of the menu to Gabrielle.
“Finch fwies,” Gabrielle insisted.
By the time they returned to the table with their food, Tyler and Leah were dealing out the goodies to the others.
Angelique was digging into her food when she felt a presence. She looked up to find Colton and Misty Garrett staring at her, not quite frowning but definitely not smiling.
Cold. That best described their expressions.
Suddenly, Angelique’s food lost its appeal. She tried to swallow, but her throat felt tight.
“Over here, Son.” Big Jim was waving at the newcomers.
Thankfully, Colt’s attention was diverted and his stony expression morphed into one more pleasant as he ushered Misty toward where Big Jim was pointing.
Angelique heaved a sigh, but when she turned around, Derrick was frowning.
“Don’t let them get you down.” He watched Gabrielle grab a crinkle-cut french fry and cram it in her mouth. She was seated on his thigh, within grabbing distance of her food. “Want some ketchup on that, Gabi?”
Gabrielle held up the remains of the fry, looking hopeful.
Derrick selected a different fry and dipped it in a little ketchup, while Gabrielle ingested the rest of the one in her hand.
Angelique resisted the urge to wipe Gabrielle’s face, because to do so would interfere with the bonding process going on before her eyes.
“Colt’s trying to protect his dad,” Derrick continued in a low voice. “He’s always been the big brother, protecting the younger ones. Now, he’s under the mistaken impression that he has to protect Big Jim from you.” He looked up to meet her eyes.
“Me? What’s there to be afraid of?” A flicker of anger roiled in her gut. “Doesn’t he understand how thrilled I am to finally know who my father is…and to know that he didn’t know about me? I always figured he was some weasel who dumped my mom when she got pregnant.” She dropped her gaze and blinked furiously.
Derrick reached over to squeeze her tightly fisted hand. He had given Gabrielle another french fry, so his fingers were a little greasy.
This struck her as funny, so she had to smile.
“You better eat that cheeseburger, because the band is going to be tuning up soon and I’m gonna want to dance.” He winked at her.
She handed him a napkin. “Well, I suggest you wipe Gabi’s face, or you’re going to be wearing all that on your nice shirt.”
Fortunately, Gabrielle submitted willingly to Derrick cleaning her face and held out her little hands to have them wiped as well.
Angelique ended up taking Gabrielle to the ladies’ room to give her a wash-up. She was totally involved with her daughter, but when she turned around, she found Misty Garrett leaning up against the bathroom door, barring her exit.
Angelique put Gabrielle on her hip and took a few steps toward the door. “Excuse me.”
But Misty didn’t budge. “I
want to know what you’re up to. Why are you trying to scam my father-in-law? He’s a very nice man.”
Angelique inhaled and blew out a breath, trying not to upset Gabrielle. “He is my father. I don’t care if you don’t believe me. He knows the truth, so if you will please let us pass…”
There was a knocking at the door and someone was pushing on it.
Misty moved to one side, but stood with her arms crossed over her chest, still glaring.
“Oh!” It was Leah who pushed into the restroom. “What’s going on, girls?” Her head swiveled from Angelique to Misty and back again.
Silence!
Leah turned on Misty. “Listen, you have to stop being so mean. You and Colt have no right to be such asses.”
Misty’s mouth dropped open. “I cannot believe you said that. What’s the matter with you?”
Leah shook her finger at Misty. “What is the matter with you? Are you jealous that Dad’s got a daughter?” She fisted her hands on her hips.
Misty made a sound that was more like a squawk. “How could you even think I would be jealous?”
“Because that’s what’s wrong with Colt. He’s jealous that Angelique and Gabrielle make Dad so happy. Can’t you see that he’s just thrilled that she found him?”
“Wait! Please don’t fight.” Angelique clutched Gabrielle close to her chest. “I don’t want to be the cause of any fighting in the family.” She wasn’t able to keep the tears from spilling down her cheeks.
Leah slung her arm around Angelique’s shoulders. “Not worth getting upset about. I’m sure Misty and Colt will come to their senses.”
Misty emitted a huff and gazed at the ceiling.
“Because…” Leah paused for dramatic effect. “I’m sure they don’t want to ruin Christmas for everyone.”
Misty rolled her eyes and huffed out another huge sigh before slamming out of the restroom.
“Let me hold Gabrielle while you mop up your eyes. I’m sure you don’t want Derrick to be concerned.” Leah reached to take the child. “He and Colt have been friends since they were kids.”
