The Cowboy's Christmas Plan

by Shanna Hatfield

  Calling Trey from the mall, they told him they were shopping and not to wait up for them because they’d probably be late getting in.

  It was close to nine that evening when they drove back to the business and parked across the street. Both men and women loitered along the sidewalk outside. Leaving their cowboy hats in the pickup so they could blend into the crowd, Trent and Travis walked in the door, somehow not surprised to find themselves in a strip club.

  “Well, I guess we know what those imports and specialties are, don’t we?” Travis said, looking around the room.

  Going to a table in a far corner, they sat down and waited. A scantily clad waitress came over and asked what she could get them. She took their orders and gave them a strange look.

  Returning with their drinks, she eyed them suspiciously.

  “Anything else I could get you?”

  “Actually, there is,” Travis said, leaning back in his chair and turning on his charm. He watched the waitress change her body language in response to his inviting smile. She was now leaning toward him, waiting for him to go on. “We heard there is a girl named Marcy that works here who is really something. Is that true?”

  “Marcy?” the waitress stood up and huffed impatiently. “She’s not half as good as me, sugar, and that is a fact.”

  “Would you be interested in proving that point?” Travis asked, playing the part of strip club patron for all he was worth.

  Before she could answer, Trent asked, “What exactly do you girls do, other than waitressing?”

  Shooting him a glare that said she thought he was about the dumbest man she’d ever encountered, the waitress cocked one hip and bent over so her nearly bare chest was just inches from Trent’s face. “Anything you want.”

  “You’ll have to forgive my friend. He doesn’t get out much,” Travis said, reaching over and pulling her onto his lap. She threw an arm around his neck and toyed with his hair. “So you waitress, you strip. What else?”

  “On occasion, we might be an escort to one of the gentlemen who frequent our fine establishment,” the waitress said.

  “And Marcy does that too?” Trent asked, earning another glare.

  “Yes. She also has been known to meet guys in the back room for the right price, if you get my meaning.”

  “We get it,” Travis said, looking her over from head to toe and making her smile. “We may want to talk later about some of those unique services you offer.”

  Standing up, the waitress winked at him and started to walk off. Before she did, Travis grabbed her hand. “Hey, do you know someone named Jonesy?”

  The waitress laughed. “Jonesy? He runs this lousy joint when he isn’t busy pretending to be an attorney. Something about getting kicked out of law school.”

  “Thanks for the info.”

  After the waitress left, Trent looked at Travis in disbelief. “Was all that part of your military training?”

  “Well, where else do you think I learned how to act like that,” Travis said. “I feel like I need hosed down with disinfectant just from sitting in here. Do you think I really wanted her on my lap? But we got the information we were after.”

  Trent chuckled.

  The two brothers sat waiting. Their patience paid off when they spotted Marcy working tables across the room. As unobtrusively as possible, Trent pulled out his phone and snapped a few photos. Even in the dim light, it was easy to distinguish Marcy’s features. On a winning streak, they also saw Jonesy making his way around the tables and snapped a few photos of him. Leaving a tip on the table, they hurried out to the pickup and started toward home.

  Although exhausted, Trent and Travis were up early the next morning, filling in Trey and Cadence on what they discovered the night before.

  “A strip club!” Cadence said in shock. “You two tracked her down in a strip club? I can’t believe you went in there. I can’t believe she works there.”

  “We’ve got her now, darlin’,” Trey said, swinging Cadence around in the kitchen, much to her surprise and that of his brothers. Stopping his sashay across the kitchen floor, he turned loose of her and smacked the counter. “What sane judge would award custody to a woman who works in a strip club, lives in a dive, and pretends she is an upstanding citizen?”

  “We’ve even got photos,” Trent said, pulling out his cell phone and showing them the photos he took.

  “This is awesome,” Trey said, slapping both Trent and Travis on the back. “You two are the best.”

  “I agree,” Cadence said, giving them each a kiss on the cheek. “A strip club… I just can’t believe it.”

  Calling Peter as soon as they thought he would be up, Trey filled him in on the news. Trent sent the photos to Peter and they agreed to meet at the courthouse a little early to go over the details of the hearing in light of what these amateur investigators discovered.

  Pulling up at the courthouse a few hours later, Cass was chatting up a storm, oblivious that life as she was coming to know and enjoy it could be drastically altered in a few hours, depending on the judge’s decision.

  Cadence had dressed her up in the blue velvet dress she wore to the Christmas program. She looked sweet and angelic as she walked into the courthouse with them, carrying a little bag with her new princess books from Peter, her stuffed rabbit and a coloring book.

  “Is Grammy coming today?” Cass asked as they sat on a bench to wait.

  “Grammy?” Cadence asked.

  “You know, Trey’s mommy, Miss Denni. She told me yesterday I could call her Grammy. I’ve never had a Grammy before. I like her,” Cass said, taking her bunny out of the bag and playing with its floppy ears.

  “I think that is real nice, Cass. You call her Grammy all you want,” Trey said, sitting down on the other side of Cass. “But she had to work today, so she won’t be able to come.”

  They were only there a few minutes when Peter arrived. Viv and Joe kept Cass busy while Peter, Trey and Cadence talked with Travis and Trent.

  Before long, Cass was taken to meet with the judge. She looked frightened, so Cadence gave her a hug and told her to go visit with the nice man and answer all his questions and not to be afraid.

  Cass smiled and waved her fingers as she disappeared through a doorway down the hall. The rest of them walked into the courtroom, waiting for the hearing to begin. Marcy and Jonesy showed up just a few minutes before ten, looking smug and confident.

  As they took their seats, Trey dropped his hand down to the bench, burrowing between the hem of his gray sports coat and Cadence’s navy suit jacket until he found her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. She squeezed back and rubbed her thumb along his palm. He turned his head ever so slightly, giving her a tender smile.

  If it wasn’t for this woman with whom he had fallen madly in love, he wouldn’t be sitting here fighting for custody of an orphan he barely knew existed six months ago. Now, he couldn’t imagine his life without either one of them in it. He wanted more than anything to make their ties to him permanent. Cass’s through adoption and Cadence’s through marriage. He had plans, big Christmas plans, and he prayed he’d be able to see them through.

  The judge entered the courtroom, holding Cass by the hand. He told her she could sit with anyone she wanted, so she ran over and climbed onto Cadence’s lap. She held up a candy cane and said the “nice man” gave it to her.

  Giving Cass a warm hug, Cadence looked at the judge, waiting to see if he would have Cass taken out of the courtroom. He waved his hand at Cass, motioning it was fine for her to stay.

  Taking his seat, the judge looked around the room and nodded.

  “I’d like to keep this as short and painless as possible, so let’s get started. Mr. Thompson, Miss Greer, I’d like to hear from the two of you why you want joint custody of this child. It is my understanding that up until a few months ago, you lived in Seattle Miss Greer and were not acquainted with the child at all. Is that correct?”

  “That is correct sir,” Cadence said, still holding Ca
ss.

  “And Mr. Thompson, you knew of the child, but not the child on a personal level. Is that correct?”

  “Yes, sir, that is correct,” Trey answered.

  “So why do the two of you, who have only known each other a few months, want joint custody of a child you barely know who is of no relation to you at all?”

  “Because we love her,” Cadence said, hugging Cass.

  “What benefit is there to the two of you in gaining custody of this child?”

  “The benefit is an endless supply of love, laughter, warm hugs and sticky kisses,” Cadence said, trying not to get teary-eyed. “Spilled milk, bed-time stories, getting asked why a hundred times a day, and watching her face light up when she learns something new. The benefit to us is not missing out on all the things we didn’t even know we wanted or needed before we met this little girl.”

  Trey placed a gentle hand on Cass’s leg as she swung it back and forth from where she sat on Cadence’s lap. Clearing his throat, he said, “Cass is a bright, sweet little girl who just needs a chance to grow into the person God has planned for her to be. We think we can give her a good foundation for that growth. We can provide a happy, healthy, loving home for her. The benefit to us is a very precious gift - the love of a child. We would never take that gift lightly, sir.”

  The judge took down some notes but didn’t say a thing. Finally, he raised his head and looked at Cadence.

  “Miss Greer, you have known Mr. Thompson for how long?”

  “Three months, sir.”

  “And you have been his housekeeper and cook for how long?”

  “Three months, sir.”

  “And you have been in love with him for how long?”

  Cadence blushed, a fiery red, but answered honestly. “Three months, sir.”

  “I see. And Mr. Thompson, you would say you have known Miss Greer for that same time period as well?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “And she’s been working for you for three months?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “And how long have you been in love with her?” Trey felt his collar get too tight and sweat trickled down his neck. Swallowing he answered the question.

  “Three months, sir.”

  “And your intentions toward her are honorable?”

  “Absolutely, sir.”

  “And don’t you think, if you want to give Cass a stable and loving home, it would be a good idea for the two of you to make a commitment to each other? How can I trust you to be committed to this child you’ve had in your care for just a few weeks, when you can’t commit to each other after a couple months when it is as plain as the nose on your face that the two of you are in love with each other.”

  “Yes, sir. I mean no, sir,” Trey stammered. Peter hadn’t exactly warned them the judge would be so direct or personal in regard to their relationship.

  “Well, spit it out, son,” the judge said, sounding annoyed.

  “Yes, sir, Cady and I love each other. Yes, we are capable of making a commitment to each other, but we both felt that taking care of Cass and getting things settled with her took precedence over everything else.”

  The judge looked at him over his glasses with a frown. If Cadence didn’t know better she was sure she saw him offer her a quick wink. But that was impossible. Not with the way he had them rattled, not with that gruff demeanor.

  Turning to stare at Marcy he held her gaze until she started to shift uncomfortably.

  “Miss Gianotti, were we able to verify your employment?”

  “Yes, sir. I believe Mrs. Bisbee, Cass’s case worker, spoke with my employer yesterday.”

  “I see,” the judge said, then eyed Barbara. “Mrs. Bisbee, did you speak with her employer yesterday?”

  “I did speak with someone at a Jones Imports and Specialties in Portland who confirmed Marcy is employed there. He was not perfectly clear on her duties, though. She has mentioned several times that she is a waitress, but her employer said he runs an import business, so the two pieces of information aren’t quite matching up.”

  “Miss Gianotti, or Mr. Jones, would either of you care to shed light on the subject?”

  Neither Marcy nor Jonesy were speaking. They sat glaring at each other, wondering how they were going to talk their way out of this tangle of lies.

  “I believe I can shed some light on that subject,” Peter said, standing up. “Mr. Jones, would you like to join me in front of the judge, please?”

  Jonesy reluctantly got up and walked with Peter to the judge’s stand. Peter took out his phone, pulled up the photos Trent sent earlier that morning and showed them to Jonesy who turned white.

  “I can share these photos or you and Miss Gianotti can drop the act right now and never bother Cass again.”

  Admitting defeat, Jonesy studied the toes of his scuffed shoes as he said, “Miss Gianotti is withdrawing her request for custody.”

  “I think that is a very wise decision,” the judge said. He then ordered her to sign a statement waiving her custody rights. The county clerk notarized it in front of the courtroom full of attendees.

  “I hereby grant full custody to Timothy Andrew Thompson and Cadence Vivian Greer,” the judge declared. Leaning Trey’s direction he motioned him to approach the stand. “And if I were you, I’d get busy putting a ring on that gal’s finger. Quit wasting time, boy.”

  “Yes, sir,” Trey said with a crooked grin. “Thank you, sir. You have no idea what this means to us all.”

  “I think I do. I’ve got two adopted daughters of my own. Now take those gals of yours out to celebrate and have a Merry Christmas.”

  “Yes, sir! Thank you, sir!” Trey said, shaking the judge’s hand. “Merry Christmas!”

  As the courtroom erupted with clapping and cheers, Cass clapped, too.

  “Why are we excited, Cady?” Cass asked as Cadence stood up, still holding the little girl in her arms.

  “Because the nice judge said you get to stay with Trey and I for a long, long time,” Cadence said, giving the little girl a dozen kisses on her cheeks, making her giggle.

  “Yipee!” Cass said, putting her arms around Cadence’s neck and squeezing tight. “Santa made my wish come true and it isn’t even Christmas yet.”

  “What was your wish, sweetie-pie?”

  “To stay with you and Trey forever and ever.”

  “Really? That is what you wished for Christmas?” Cadence could hardly believe what Cass was saying.

  “Yep. I love Christmas and Santa Claus and you!” Cass gave Cadence another hug then leaned out to Trey when he walked up, giving him a hug as well.

  “We love you, too, sweetie-pie” Cadence said, hugging them both.

  The tapping of the judge’s gavel and his booming voice telling them to take their frivolity out of his courtroom, chased them all out into the foyer.

  Cadence noticed Marcy standing by the door, looking hurt and angry. Walking over to her, Cadence put a gentle hand on her arm.

  “Marcy, if you ever want to see Cass, I’d be happy to meet you here in The Dalles, or even bring her to Portland. You are her aunt, after all.”

  “Fat good that does me,” Marcy said, shaking off Cadence’s hand. “Just take care of the kid, okay?”

  “We will, Marcy, and please do think about getting to know Cass.”

  Marcy shrugged and jerked on her coat, but Cadence could see the sheen of tears in her eyes. As she walked toward the door, she looked back and gave the slightest nod of her head.

  “That was pretty big-hearted of you, honey,” Aunt Viv said as she put an arm around Cadence. “I’m proud of you, Cady. You’ve turned out to be quite a woman.”

  “Thanks, Aunt Viv. If I grow up to be half as wonderful as you, I’ll be doing just fine.”

  “Oh, honey, you know just how to butter me up. I think Joe and I should buy lunch. Let’s go celebrate. Besides, we’ve got lots of plans to make since tomorrow is Christmas Eve and all. We need to…”

  Cadence foun
d herself carried along with her aunt’s plans and caught sight of Trent packing Cass. She wore his cowboy hat and Travis was trying to help her stuff her arms into the sleeves of her coat. Trey was attempting to shake Peter’s hand while Uncle Joe was slapping him on the back.

  Smiling, Cadence felt wrapped up in the chaotic love of this group of family and friends. It was a cozy, comfortable feeling unlike any she had experienced before, but one she hoped to know quite well in the coming years.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  God has a plan for all of us,

  but He expects us to do our share of the work.

  Minnie Pearl

  If every single person at the Triple T Ranch had been magically transported to the North Pole and left smack-dab in the middle of Santa’s toyshop, Cadence didn’t think they could have been any more excited than they were Christmas Eve. Even the dogs seemed to notice the holiday magic floating in the air.

  Cadence had been up long before dawn working on preparing food for Christmas Eve dinner as well as Christmas Day.

  The Thompson boys were all in fine form that morning, joking and teasing, hiding Christmas secrets, and running in and out so much that Cadence thought they might as well put a revolving door between the mudroom and the kitchen.

  Denni and Nana would arrive after lunch and stay until the day after Christmas. Aunt Viv and Uncle Joe were coming for dinner that night and again for the big Christmas meal tomorrow.

  The hands were heading off to spend time with their families. Those who hadn’t left yet were wandering in for one last goodbye and another handful of Christmas treats.

  Cass, sweet little Cass, could hardly sit still and kept talking about Santa sending her Christmas wish early and how it would be the best Christmas ever.

  After sitting her down at the counter, Cadence put Cass to work cutting out gingerbread cookies. They both snitched a piece of dough and giggled.

  “Did you and your mom make anything special for Christmas?” Cadence asked, curious if Cass had enjoyed much celebration for the holidays before.

  “No. Mommy said she couldn’t cook,” Cass said, cutting out a gingerbread tree.