Arizona Country Legacy--A Cowboy for Christmas by Cathy McDavid

Author:Cathy McDavid
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2020-09-01T13:17:15+00:00

Epilogue

Christmas Day

Gabe couldn’t remember seeing this many people gathered around the dining room table for Christmas dinner. The tradition of limiting the holiday meal to immediate family and friends was over. There were so many people they had had to set up an extra table.

In addition to Gabe’s brothers, his mother and his tio Lorenzo, Cara was there with her mother and stepfather. Violet had also been invited, as well as the McGraws. All of the McGraws. Reese, naturally, her father and Aunt Louise, along with Reese’s cousin Megan, her husband and—this was really incredible—Celia.

During one of their many moments alone over the past few days, Reese had told Gabe that, rather than wait until spring break, Celia had asked to come for Christmas. Reese had mustered up her courage and told her father about Celia, only to learn he’d known all along and couldn’t wait to meet his granddaughter.

After that, the pieces had fallen into place. Celia’s parents were able to wrangle three airline tickets, and they’d arrived yesterday for a week-long visit. Gabe had been honored and touched to be included in the family reunion. It was a moment he’d remember all his life.

As was this special holiday. He and his brothers still had a long way to go in repairing their relationship. Years of animosity didn’t disappear overnight. And the ranch remained at financial risk, though no more steer had come down with red nose. There were bumps in the road ahead for Gabe and Reese, as well, one being her father’s illness. Yet with all that, the future looked brighter than it had for a long, long time. Since before his father had become ill.

“Mommy,” Celia asked Megan in a bright voice, “can I go riding tomorrow? Reese invited me.”

“You’re welcome to come with us,” Reese added.

By us, she meant her and Gabe. He’d thought the idea was a good one when she’d mentioned it earlier.

“None of us have ridden much,” Megan said, a bit dubiously.

“We have plenty of horses for beginners,” Gabe said. “We promise to take it slow.”

“All right.” Megan smiled.

“Yippee.” Celia nearly spilled her milk in her excitement. “Can Grandpa come, too?” She turned to Theo.

“I’ll watch.” He stroked her hair, his face that of a man ten years younger. Meeting his granddaughter was responsible.

Beneath the table, Gabe felt Reese’s hand clasp his. He didn’t have to look at her to know she was deeply moved.

He squeezed her fingers in return.

“Here’s to our many blessings.” His mother raised her glass in a toast, which everyone readily joined in. “And to a happy, prosperous New Year.”

When Gabe clinked glasses with Reese’s, their eyes met. He couldn’t say it at the table, but he tried to convey what was in his heart.

She must have understood, for she mouthed, “I love you.”

The two of them had a chance at a future together, one of their own making. For Gabe, it included him and Reese and their brand-new combined family. The possibilities were endless.

Had his father known all along this would happen? Gabe liked to think so, and that he approved.

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