Catching the Cowboy by Shanna Hatfield

Author:Shanna Hatfield
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wholesome Hearts Publishing
Published: 2020-06-09T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

UP AN HOUR EARLIER than usual, Hud quietly filled a cup with coffee, pulled on his boots, and went out to take care of the morning chores. When he finished, he climbed on the four-wheeler and drove across the road to the Lazy J, surprising Jossy as she fed her horses.

“What are you doing here at this time of the morning?” she asked, allowing him to take over the job while she checked the water tank.

“I thought I’d help you so you’d have more time to spend with us today.”

Jossy gave him a studying glance as she worked. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with the way you can’t seem to keep your eyes off Emery, or how her family makes you nervous, would it?”

“No,” Hud barked, wondering when his sister got so perceptive. The laughter that spilled out of her only served to further irritate him.

“I do believe you protest a little too quickly and ardently for that denial to be true.”

His scowl darkened. “Do you want my help or not?”

“I do, and thank you for coming over, Huddy. Do you think Cricket will have her candy all eaten by the time we get over there?”

“I doubt it. That basket was overflowing, and you know Grammy’s rules about only eating two pieces before breakfast.”

An hour later, they walked inside the mudroom, teasing each other. The aromas of his grandmother’s breakfast casserole blended with the scent of cinnamon from the French toast she’d mentioned making.

His stomach rumbled as he walked into the kitchen to find it full of people.

“Happy Easter,” he said, smiling at his guests, then lifting Cricket in his arms. She still wore her pajamas, and her hair was a mess, but her eyes shone brightly, anticipating the gifts the Easter bunny left for her.

“Can we see our baskets now, Daddy?” Cricket squirmed until he set her down, eager to run into the living room.

“Maybe we should eat breakfast first.” Hud rubbed a hand over his jaw, pretending to consider the option, then looked over at Emery and winked. In a dress the color of ripe peaches with her hair styled into a loose knot at the back of her head, she looked lovely. Tendrils framed her face and accented her beautiful blue eyes. He had a hard time pulling his gaze away from hers when she smiled at him.

“Stop teasing this poor child,” Lisa said, placing her hands around Cricket’s shoulders and pulling her close. “She’s been dying to see what was in her basket for almost an hour.”

“Then let’s go take a look.” Hud held out a hand to Cricket. She grasped it and skipped beside him as he strode down the hall to the living room.

The gifts appeared to have multiplied overnight. More festively-wrapped packages rested beside each basket.

Cricket dove into her basket with an excited squeal. She popped a marshmallow chick in her mouth, then unwrapped her new Easter dress.

“Oh, Grammy! Look!” She held the pale pink dress against her chest and spun around on her toes.

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