Blue Montana Christmas by Hildie McQueen

Author:Hildie McQueen [McQueen, Hildie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-12-04T06:00:00+00:00

Upon arriving at the large family home, Julian wasn’t sure how to act. In truth, most of his life it had only been him and Alexander. And although they never showed it physically, there was no doubt in Julian’s mind Alexander loved him as much as he loved his brother.

The Coles were different. The patriarch, Hank, hugged and kissed his grown sons without hesitation. The matriarch seemed to be the one who doled out responsibilities to each member of the family, while at the same time was generous with demonstrations of affection.

Julian bristled when Hank Cole neared, not prepared for how they’d be treated this day. The man seemed to sense his apprehension and kept his distance. “Come on in boys. Time to eat.”

They joined the huge group in the large dining room. There were more than enough chairs around the table, which could sit twelve easily. Julian figured they must entertain often.

The discussion centered on the plans for the day and what everyone was going to do for the next couple days to ensure the safety of their livestock from predators and the elements.

Everyone seemed to have different roles and what they concentrated on. Grayson mostly horses, while Ashley and his father managed a large herd of cattle. Bronson worked in town and the other man, Josiah, worked at the ranch with the Coles.

The wives maintained a separate conversation often laughing at inside jokes. He overheard talk of gifts and sewing. It was interesting how they had a rhythm of the conversations separating and intermingling at times.

He occupied himself with buttering his biscuits and observing.

“Since you’ll be here for the foreseeable future, you need to earn your keep,” Hank addressed him and Alexander. “Can you ride?”

For some reason the men gave Josiah a pointed look and he rolled his eyes. Perhaps the man could not ride at one time.

“Yes sir,” Alexander answered for them, annoying habit of his brother’s. “We can.”

Julian looked to the older man. “I don’t mind working to pay for room and board. Whatever I can do. I am not as familiar with riding as Alexander and admittedly know nothing at all about ranching.”

“What did you do back in Virginia dear?” Elizabeth asked.

“He is an actuary,” Alexander replied with pride. “Very good at numbers.”

Bronson perked up. “Is that so. I may have some tasks for you then.” The man’s blue gaze went to his father. “Seems he’s more like me.”

“My son,” Elizabeth said, “is the family accountant. He is also very good with mathematics.”

Julian had felt a bond of sorts with Bronson since meeting him, and now he understood the reason.

“I’ll be glad to help.”

While eating he slid glances at the women. Every single one of them was beautiful in a very different way. He’d not considered being around women while in Montana. He was inexperienced in interacting with the fairer sex and they made him nervous.

In the small shop he worked at it was only he and his boss, with an occasional visit from clients. All male.

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