Wrestlin' Christmas: (Sweet Western Holiday Romance) (Rodeo Romance Book 2)

by Hatfield, Shanna

  “All out or all in,” repeated in her thoughts as she did the dinner dishes. Cort offered to help, but she told him to spend his time with Jacob. The two of them hung the snowflakes Jacob made in the living room windows. The silence in the house soon filled with her son’s giggles followed by Cort’s deep laugh.

  Unable to hold back a sigh, Kaley examined her choices.

  All out meant Cort needed to leave and not come back, ever. A clean break would be the best way for Jacob to get over him. The love he stirred in her heart would forever be there, but she’d survive. In time, Jacob would heal, too.

  All in with Cort meant she had to let go of her fears and accept the friendship and love he so willingly offered to her and her son.

  Caught in limbo, somewhere between accepting and rejecting him hurt them all, created unnecessary tension, and left her depressed. The situation couldn’t continue much longer as it had been since they returned from Las Vegas.

  Confused and uncertain, Kaley wished she was strong and sure like Kenzie. Remembering what her friend shared earlier that afternoon, she decided Kenzie had flaws, too.

  Not like hers, though. Her friend would never forget about her son and lose him at a rodeo, no matter the circumstances.

  While images from the past few weeks battered her thoughts, Kaley fought down the urge to scream.

  In need of fresh air, she finished the dishes, put on her coat, and jammed her feet into her boots. Quickly sticking her head into the living room, she announced she was going for a walk and hurried out the door before Cort uttered a word.

  Hurriedly tugging her gloves on her fingers and wrapping a scarf around her ears since she forgot her stocking cap, she strolled past the barn.

  Buford kept her company as she trudged up a small hill and stopped at the top, gazing upward. The deep blue sky glittering with stars looked like a navy velvet gown set with thousands of rhinestones.

  Breathing deeply, she let the quiet of the night seep into her soul. Mindless of the cold or the snow that would soon soak through her jeans, she sat on the frozen ground and pulled her knees beneath her chin.

  The dog whined and flopped beside her, sharing his warmth.

  “I’ve sure made a mess of things, Buford.” Absently rubbing the dog’s head, she gazed out over the ranch. Her ranch. Jacob’s future.

  If it weren’t for Cort and the hard work he’d put into it, Kaley had no idea what she would have done. Before he came along, she’d been toying with the idea of selling it and moving to town because she had no other options.

  In possession of only the most basic notions about farming and ranching, she would have lost everything without the assistance of neighbors like Tate who had helped her muddle through the last two years.

  Once Cort arrived, the improvements on the place began immediately. Beyond painting and repairs to the house, barn and outbuildings, he’d fixed miles of fence, culled the cattle, and made the place look like someone cared about it again.

  The arch over the entry gate stood tall and proud with the ranch sign firmly anchored overhead. It swung on sturdy new chain instead of the rusted links that held it a few months ago.

  Uncertain when or how he’d done it, Cort had leveled the driveway. Smooth and even, he must have had gravel hauled in.

  She wondered what else he’d paid for and not mentioned.

  Shortly after he arrived, she figured out he wasn’t working for the paltry wages she paid. At the time, she had no idea why he agreed to work for her when he clearly didn’t need the money.

  The first day he stood on her porch, hat in his big hands, she saw the pain in his eyes, the broken pieces in his spirit. She easily recognized it in him because she saw the same thing every time she looked at the reflection in her mirror.

  Cort had not only helped her heal, but he’d also found healing for himself.

  Thanks to his care and attention, Jacob returned to the land of the living. For two years, her little boy seemed lost to her. Nothing she did or said reached him.

  Within days of Cort’s arrival, he began giggling and smiling, acting like a normal five-year-old instead of a solemn old soul who’d witnessed more than his tender years could process.

  As she stared into the cold, starry night, Kaley thought about where her life had been, where it was now, and where she wanted it to go. Surrendering to her need for help beyond her own abilities, she turned her thoughts into prayers.

  Tears dripped down her chilled cheeks, but she gained a measure of peace. No matter what the future held, she wanted Cort to be a part of it.

  Kaley decided to let go of her doubts and worries, and take a leap of faith that everything would work out for the best.

  With a much lighter heart, she rose to her feet and rubbed Buford on the head then slapped her leg. “Come on, boy, let’s go home.”

  The dog raced her down the hill and she stopped a moment to admire the Christmas lights providing a twinkling welcome along the outside of the house.

  All was quiet as she stepped inside the kitchen and removed her outerwear. Quietly opening Jacob’s door, she checked on her son. He slept soundly, so she pulled his door shut and went to her room, taking off her cold, wet clothes and stepping into a hot shower.

  Towel-drying her hair, she slipped on her robe and slippers then quietly went to the kitchen to make herself a cup of tea.

  The steam from the cup rose around her in fragrant plumes as she lifted a cookie from the plate of treats Kenzie had left and opened her mouth to take a bite.

  Unexpectedly, Cort stormed into the room carrying his duffle bag.

  Alarmed, she set down the cookie and tea, gaping at him in shocked surprise.

  “What are you doing?”

  He thrust his arms into his coat sleeves and tugged on his boots. “Leaving.” After shoving a hand into his pocket and coming up empty, he dropped the bag and disappeared toward his bedroom.

  Rooted to the kitchen floor, his declaration left her dazed.

  Pickup keys in hand, he returned and grabbed the bag then settled a hat on his head.

  “I’ll still do the feeding and chores, but I can’t stay here. Not like this.” Cort gave her a defeated, disillusioned glare. “You made it clear you can’t stand to be around me. I don’t know what else to do, Kaley, besides make this goodbye.”

  “Cort, I…” Kaley spluttered, searching for the words to make him stay.

  “Just save it. My ego and heart can’t take hearing any more about how you can’t be in a relationship with me despite your undying devotion. If you really loved me, you’d do whatever it takes to make this work instead of pushing me away and using Jacob as an excuse. The truth is you’re scared to trust anyone with your heart. Until you admit it, I can’t be here.”

  Cort moved to the door and twisted the knob. He turned back around, shaking his head. “There’s one more thing you should consider. Instead of convincing yourself I distract you from Jacob, focus on how good it would be to share that responsibility with a real partner. Someone who loves him every bit as much as you do.”

  “Cort, wait…” Kaley hurried around the counter and placed a hand on his arm, but he’d gone beyond the point of listening.

  “Have a nice life, Kaley.” A cold blast of air whirled into the room as he jerked open the door. “Tell Jacob I love him.”

  “Don’t go. Don’t go!” a small, rusty voice called out.

  Cort spun around, dropping the bag he held in his hands, watching in wide-eyed astonishment as Jacob ran across the room.

  “Don’t leave me!” the boy cried as Cort kicked the door shut, dropped to his knees, and hauled the child into his arms.

  “Jacob! You can talk!” Cort held him to his chest while hot tears coursed down his cheeks.

  “Oh, my sweet baby,” Kaley sobbed, joining them on the floor. She wrapped her arms around her son from behind, raining kisses on his head. “Jacob, I can’t believe it. You spoke!”

  “Mama, don’t let him go. I want Cort her
e.” Jacob’s voice sounded croaky from his prolonged silence. All the love his little heart held glowed from his eyes as he looked at Cort and wiped the tears from the big man’s cheeks. “Please don’t go.”

  “Partner, I’ll stay as long as you want me to,” Cort whispered, finding it hard to speak with emotion and elation churning through him.

  “Forever.” Jacob reached out a hand to his mother. Kaley took it and kissed his fingers. The boy smiled and placed her hand in Cort’s, then folded their fingers together. “With Mama.”

  Cort looked at Kaley and she smiled through her tears, nodding her head in agreement.

  “Do you mean…?” Cort rose to his feet with Jacob perched on one arm, Kaley’s hand still held in his as he pulled her up beside him. “Are you saying…?”

  “I’ve been trying to tell you I’m sorry. I made a huge mistake. I’m a cowardly idiot and I don’t want you to leave. Stay.” Kaley squeezed Cort’s hand with both of hers. “Please stay with us, Cort. Like Jacob said — forever.”

  Cort sat at the table with Jacob on his knee and Kaley close beside him. The two adults couldn’t get enough of hearing Jacob’s childish voice.

  When his eyes drooped and he fought a huge yawn, Cort grinned and stood with the boy in his arms.

  “I think we better get you to bed, Jacob. It’s been an exciting evening.” Cort carried the child to his room with Kaley leading the way.

  “Yeah,” Jacob whispered, leaning his tired head on Cort’s shoulder.

  Kaley straightened the covers on Jacob’s bed then pulled them over him when Cort laid him down, lovingly tucking him in.

  She sat on the edge of the bed while Cort stood beside her with his hand on her shoulder.

  “Jacob, you’ve given us the best present we could ever ask for.” Kaley kissed both his cheeks then his nose.

  “I been practicing talking, but it sounded funny. I wanted to surprise you.” Jacob yawned again as his eyes drifted shut. “Love you, Mama.”

  “I love you, baby.” Kaley brushed his bangs away from his forehead and placed a kiss on his cheek.

  Cort leaned down. “Have good dreams, son. I love you.” He kissed Jacob’s forehead.

  “Love you, Daddy,” Jacob whispered, closing his eyes.

  Cort stood and looked at Kaley with questioning eyes. He’d never expected the boy he loved like his own to call him daddy.

  Hearing the words from Jacob’s mouth completely melted his heart and filled him with a sense of awe and wonder.

  Concerned how Kaley would react, she smiled at him and nodded her head encouragingly. When she held out her hand, he clasped it in his.

  The two of them watched Jacob sleep for long moments before partially closing his door and going to the living room where they could sit and talk.

  After Kaley sat on the couch, Cort went to the kitchen and returned carrying his duffle bag. He dropped it on the floor, unzipped the top, and pulled a small box from inside.

  Slowly kneeling in front of her, he opened the lid and held out the box.

  Tears stung her eyes as she looked first at a beautiful diamond ring then at the handsome man offering it, offering himself to her.

  “Kaley Catherine Cordova Peters, I fell in love with you the moment you opened the door and asked if you could help me.” Cort slipped the ring on her hand and kissed her finger. “You have no idea how much you have helped me these last few months. Because of you, I changed for the better. I opened my heart and fell in love with you and that incredible little boy in there. Would you please do me the honor of becoming my wife and letting me love you, and him, for the rest of my life?”

  A moment of panic made his heart thud erratically when Kaley stared at the ring, not saying a word as more tears rolled down her cheeks. Just when he thought she’d say no, her arms encircled his neck. “Yes, Cort! Yes! Yes! Yes!”

  On his feet in record time, he swept her into his arms. When their lips met, Cort tasted the next fifty years of happiness on his tongue as their mouths blended in passion, hope, and love.

  Chapter Twenty

  “Where are you two headed?” Cort asked as he walked inside the kitchen and saw Kaley and Jacob slipping on their coats.

  “It’s Christmas Eve. You shouldn’t ask questions,” Kaley said with a teasing light in her sparkling blue eyes. She kissed the dimple in his chin then gave him a coy glance and batted her long, dark eyelashes at him. “We’ve got some things to do in town. We’ll be back in time for lunch.”

  “Take your time.” Cort picked up Jacob and tossed the boy in the air, making him giggle.

  “Do it again, Daddy,” Jacob pleaded.

  No matter how many times he said the word, Cort would never tire of hearing Jacob call him daddy. Every time he did, it made his heart thump with pride and joy.

  Happily obliging the boy’s request to toss him again, Cort set Jacob on his feet, tickling his sides before walking the two outside and over to Kaley’s car.

  “Be good and mind your mama.” Cort grinned at Jacob as the boy scrambled into the back seat and buckled himself in.

  “Yep.” Jacob adjusted the cap on his head just like he’d seen Cort do many times.

  Cort walked around the car and bent down as Kaley fastened her seat belt. “Drive careful, Kaley, and enjoy yourself. The stores should be a crowded, crazy mess today.”

  She shook her head. “Thanks for reminding me. In all the excitement, I forgot to buy a few things that must be purchased before Santa arrives tonight.”

  Cort kissed her cheek then lingered on her lips.

  When the kiss became more involved than he intended, he finally pulled back, giving Kaley a rakish smile. “That should hold you until you get home.”

  “You shouldn’t do that in front of impressionable young minds.” Kaley inclined her head toward the back seat where Jacob giggled.

  “You don’t mind, do you, partner?” Cort asked, glancing at Jacob as he leaned further into the car.

  “Nope. Mama doesn’t either.”

  “Oh, you two.” Flustered, Kaley started the car. She enjoyed Cort’s kisses and attention, but wasn’t accustomed to such open displays of affection. “Enough of your nonsense. I’ve got shopping to do.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Cort stepped back and started to close the car door. “Do you want me to go with you?”

  “No!” Kaley yelled. She couldn’t pick up Cort’s gift if he tagged along with her. That was the reason she had to go to town. “I mean, you have stuff to do here, especially with your family coming today.”

  “Right.” Cort gave Kaley one more quick kiss then shut her door, watching her back out of the carport. He waved as she started down the driveway.

  He had no intention of going with her because he had Christmas surprises that needed his attention. As he hurried around the corner of the house, Buford bumped into his knees.

  “Down, boy.” Cort pushed at the dog when he jumped up on his coverall clad legs. “Santa’s coming to town tonight and we’ve got a lot to do.”

  One big leap took him up the porch steps. Cort hustled in the back door and removed his outerwear.

  Kaley spent hours cleaning the previous evening. Appreciatively glancing around the house, it looked and smelled festive. The fragrance from the big fir tree in the living room mingled with the scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a spicy Christmas candle she’d burned while they ate breakfast.

  Since the night Jacob spoke, Kaley no longer seemed burdened down with care. He could see a light shining in her as she worked to make this Christmas magical for them all.

  Jacob speaking again was nothing short of a miracle and they all viewed his ability to talk as a special gift. The doctor had been both thrilled and surprised, proclaiming the boy healthy when Kaley took him in for an examination.

  Regretful it took him almost leaving for the boy to speak, Cort was happy with the results all the same.

  About to marry the woman he loved, he was also getting a cherished son in the bargain
.

  As a delivery truck arrived with his gift for Kaley, Cort sent a quick text to Tate then helped the men unload the deluxe craft center he’d ordered from a store in Richland. Aware that Kaley planned to run into town that morning, he’d timed the delivery for shortly after her departure.

  Tate promised to help him assemble the unit and set it up in Kaley’s craft room. If Cort could keep her busy the rest of the day, it would be a surprise Christmas morning.

  Since they were getting married right before the Christmas Eve service that night, he didn’t think he needed to worry about keeping her occupied.

  Cort took the first piece of the unit out of the box and screwed two pieces together as Tate arrived with his foreman, Monte, and two other hands. The men removed their boots before trooping inside the kitchen.

  “Thought we could do this faster with more help.” Tate tossed his coat on a chair and opened a box.

  In no time at all, the men had the pieces set up in the craft room. Perplexed by the pile of storage tubs and boxes in the hall, Cort wasn’t sure what to do with them. “I’ll see if Celia can help me with this part later.”

  “Won’t Kaley notice the two of you working in here?” Tate asked as he helped Cort anchor a large freestanding cupboard to the wall.

  “Not if she’s busy with other projects.” Cort grunted as he tightened the screws.

  “Kenzie could run over to help. She wouldn’t mind,” Tate offered as he and Monte held a large shelf while Cort tightened the brackets. The other two men installed the drawers in a cabinet.

  “She’s got enough to do with her family at your place.” Kenzie’s mom, stepdad, and sisters arrived the previous afternoon with plans to stay until New Year’s Eve.

  “I’m sure she wouldn’t mind coming. She could bring Lacy and Lindy. I’m sure the twins would be thrilled to help.” Tate took out his phone and sent Kenzie a text. “That way you don’t have to worry about doing this later.”

  “Okay, but you have to make sure the twins don’t spill the beans.” Cort gave his friend a warning glance. “You know those two girls chatter like magpies.”