Country Christmas Magic by Cathy McDavid

Author:Cathy McDavid
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2020-09-22T12:24:43+00:00

Epilogue

Eleven months later

“Okay, everyone squeeze in just a little closer.” Jewel motioned with her hands. Once the group of ten individuals had done as she requested, she bent and checked the viewfinder on her camera. “Looking good.”

Behind them, the Christmas tree twinkled merrily, the lights blinking and the gold star on top shimmering. Red and green strands of garland hung from the fireplace next to the tree, along with brightly colored stockings—one with her name on it, one with Tanner’s, one with Ava’s and the last one with no name and just a bow.

Jewel had started decorating their new home the Saturday after Thanksgiving in order to be ready for this combined Bridwell–Saunders portrait session. That way, they’d all have copies in plenty of time to include with their Christmas cards.

“Mama!” Ava called from Tanner’s arms and wriggled her fingers at Jewel. “Mama!”

“Be right there, baby girl.” She fiddled with the camera settings.

Jewel was nothing if not a perfectionist. She had a reputation to uphold. Her photos regularly appeared in other publications besides Oklahoma Rodeo News. And in addition to her job at Sweetheart Ranch, she’d developed a growing side business that included portraits.

“You might want to hurry,” Tanner said. “The kids are getting restless.”

He was referring to not just Ava but Daniel and Rosalyn’s two. Their daughter had started kindergarten this past fall, and their son was a rambunctious three-year-old who, according to his mother, terrorized his preschool classmates.

As anticipated, Daniel’s world championship title had been rescinded. He didn’t seem to mind much. As of his last checkup a month ago, his cancer remained in remission. He’d started taking online college classes and, with no lawsuit filed, was spending two days a week at Bridwell and Associates learning the ropes. His mood swings and anger issues were under control. The improvement to his and Rosalyn’s marriage could be seen in their tender exchanges whenever they were together.

“I am hurrying.” Jewel set the camera’s timer, marveling at the amazing changes she and Tanner had experienced this past year. The complete opposite of the previous two Christmases.

News of Tanner’s innocence had spread almost as quickly as the cheating scandal had originally. With his name cleared, he’d returned to bull riding. He’d had a rough start, being sorely out of practice, but as of late November, he’d qualified for the National Finals Rodeo in Vegas. He wasn’t betting on himself to win, claiming he’d be happy just to make it to the final round. Maybe next year, if he didn’t hang up his spurs. Tanner swore he liked being a husband and dad too much to keep leaving home most weekends.

Jewel and Ava would continue going with him when her schedule allowed and if the rodeo wasn’t too far away. There’d always be a few pictures she could later submit with the prospect of selling. Most of her days were spent at Sweetheart Ranch, capturing the happiest day of people’s lives.

The place had become even more special to her since her and Tanner’s marriage last June.

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