Saving the Cowboy's Christmas by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Author:Vicki Lewis Thompson [Thompson, Vicki Lewis]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ocean Dance Press
Published: 2024-11-02T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY

The heat in Rance’s eyes made Lani squirm in her seat. If only he could pull over and do something about it. Wishful thinking. He had to go to work and she’d have questions from her folks the minute she walked through the door.

Or not. As her parents’ turnoff came into view, their yellow truck pulled onto the main ranch road.

Rance beeped a greeting and her dad did the same. Her mom gave a wave.

“Looks like you’ll have the house to yourself.”

“It does. I’m not sure where they’re going. They didn’t have any specific plans for today.”

“Wish I could stay and steal a few kisses.”

“It would be more than a few and you know it.”

“Yeah, it would.” He made the turn. “Just as well I can’t stay. We don’t know where they’re going or when they’ll be back.”

Lani’s phone chimed. “We’re about to find out.” She quickly read the text from her mom. “They offer their congrats on the book. They’re heading to the barn so Buck can give them lessons in driving the sleigh. They want to take a turn on Christmas Eve.”

“Yeah? That’s awesome.”

“After that they’re going into town to meet with the committee for the event. The chair called this morning.”

“There’s a committee?”

“Evidently.”

“Clearly the idea’s taken on a life of its own. Shows you how little attention I’ve paid to anything but the book. That’s cool, though, about your folks getting involved.”

“I’m not surprised. It’s their kind of thing.”

“And I’m really sad I can’t stay.” He pulled up to her folks’ cabin. “Listen, I don’t think this pound cake idea will work the way I hoped. Between my book and Irving Quick, the gang will want to have a potluck tonight at Rowdy Roost. I can feel it coming.”

“Then no dinner at your house?”

“I doubt it. That doesn’t mean we won’t eventually have time alone. I’m determined to find a way. But you still need a pound cake.” He got out his phone. “What if I call and see if she’d have time now?”

“Okay, but I’d have no way to get… oh, wait. Kieran and Sara are at Lucky’s. That might work, depending on timing.”

“If not, someone else can run you home. I can check with⁠—”

“You know what? Don’t worry about it. If Granny doesn’t mind having me around, I’m happy to spend the day with her. Go ahead and call.”

He turned on his phone, which greeted him with a rapid set of pings.

She blinked. “Texts?”

“And even more voicemails. I turned it off so we could drive over here in peace.” He tapped the screen and waited as Granny’s phone rang. “That’s weird. Why isn’t she answering?”

“In the shower?”

“She likes to shower before dinner.” When the voicemail came on, he frowned and disconnected. “No point in leaving a message. She won’t find it.” He tapped the phone again. Still no answer. “We’re outta here.” Throwing the truck in reverse, he backed quickly around and hit the gas going down the lane to the ranch road.

He drove even faster once he made the turn, spraying snow, his jaw set.

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