The Rancher's Christmas Bride by Brenda Minton

Author:Brenda Minton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2017-01-10T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Marissa fought the urge to lean back into Alex’s arms. That would be a mistake. But these days she seemed to be an expert at making mistakes. She closed her eyes just briefly. What she needed was to go home, back to Dallas.

To what? Humiliation? Disappointed parents?

She opened her eyes and saw her grandfather sitting in the passenger side of Alex’s truck. He stepped out as they got closer and she could see the worry on his expression. He looked protective. The look took her by surprise.

“I’m sorry,” Alex whispered as they got closer.

She couldn’t let him take the blame. “I’m the one that took off on your horse. I...”

And she had initiated the kiss, hadn’t she?

“Don’t overthink it,” Alex said. His hand was warm on hers.

“Right. Of course.” She didn’t wait for his help. She slipped her right leg over the horse’s neck and slid to the ground. Bolt gave her a curious look but didn’t seem too offended by the awkward dismount.

Her grandfather joined them. The glare he gave Alex was long and hard. She was sure a lesser man would have been shaking in his boots. “The preacher asked me to bring her on in. He’d like to show her around the shelter.”

Alex rested a hand on Bolt’s neck. He nodded but he didn’t say anything as she walked away with Dan. They entered the church through a back entrance into the large kitchen and fellowship hall. There were women in the kitchen and children gathered around a tree that reached the ceiling of the dining room.

Pastor Matthews approached, his face split in a friendly greeting. “Hey, good to see the two of you. I saw you picking a tree and when you didn’t come inside I thought you’d left. And, Dan, I know you don’t want to miss this chili or the pies. All of this is a fund-raiser for the shelter as well as helping families in the community.”

“I guess I’m already owing you money for the tree and pony ride.”

“Well, come on in and we’ll see what else you might want,” the pastor said. “Marissa, good to see you again. I’m not sure if you’d be interested but the kids are looking for someone to help them decorate the tree.”

There were half a dozen small children and a plastic tub full of decorations. Marissa nodded and headed for the Christmas tree. Pastor Matthews followed.

“Kids, this is Marissa. She’s going to help you with the tree. All of you remember your manners and be respectful.”

“Yes, sir,” one little boy said, and saluted. “She can’t reach the top of the tree, though.”

The pastor chuckled. “Well, she can reach most of the tree. I’ll send someone to help with the higher branches.”

He left and she was alone with the children. They were immediately curious. But she was in her element; she knew how to talk to them.

They showed her the popcorn and cranberries they were stringing. Together they sat in a circle sharing stories about favorite pets, what they wanted for Christmas and things they missed.

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