“Then things will be no worse off than before. All we can do is try,” Rush said. “Let’s go.”
Rush had the radio on in the Hummer. Burl Ives was singing “A Holly Jolly Christmas.” Conner didn’t feel very jolly this morning. He forced himself to look pleasant as Rush drove along the lane to where it looped back to join the highway. The distance took a few extra minutes, but the heavy-duty tire tracks would open up the road for others who might need to venture out.
“Travis tells me you broke up with Megan,” he said.
“It was more like Megan broke up with me.” Conner gazed through the windshield at the snowy landscape. Trees, fields, fences, buildings, and vehicles were covered in a thick blanket of white.
“Care to tell me about it?” Rush asked.
“Maybe later. It’s complicated. And I’m feeling like I got dragged by that bull all over again.”
“That bad, huh?” Rush turned onto the main road and headed back toward town.
“That bad. I thought I’d found something real with her. But I said the wrong thing at the wrong time, hit a sensitive spot, and kabloom!”
Rush couldn’t hold back a chuckle. “Too bad, partner. You’ve broken your share of hearts. Now it’s your turn to bleed.”
“Well, just so you know, I haven’t given up. Megan’s one in a million. But she told me in no uncertain terms not to call her. She sounded like she meant it.”
“Did she tell you why?”
“Yeah, she did. I was a jerk. I can’t blame her for getting upset.”
“Wow. What did you say?”
“Not much. Just being my old insensitive self.” Conner wasn’t ready to tell the full story. At least he could respect Megan’s secret enough to keep it to himself.
“I remember her saying she didn’t plan to be at the Christmas Ball. Too bad you won’t have a chance to see her there and mend some fences.”
“Yeah, too bad,” Conner muttered. Actually, Megan would be there, but not as herself. And she probably wouldn’t give him a second look. The crazy part was, after a year of holding out, dreaming, and fantasizing about the bewitching singer, it wasn’t the woman with fake hair, false eyelashes, and movie star makeup he wanted. It was sweet, sensible Megan with her cute pixie haircut, sparkling brown eyes, kissable pink lips, and caring disposition. For him, she would be the perfect wife—and, damn it, a life with her was what he wanted. He loved her. And if he could talk her into taking him back, he’d be on one knee as soon as he could buy the ring.
* * *
For the people of Branding Iron, the last Saturday before Christmas was the most celebrated day of the year. For those who didn’t mind waiting in line for a feast, the day started early with a fancy buffet at the Branding Iron Bed and Breakfast. The B and B would close in time for people to finish eating and get to the parade, which started at 10:00.
The afternoon would be spent getting ready for the biggest event of all, the Cowboy Christmas Ball, held every year in the decorated high-school gymnasium. There would be live music and lots of dancing, games for the children, and a long plank table sagging with donated casseroles, salads, breads, and desserts. Everyone would be in traditional western costume—the men dressed as cowboys or gamblers, the women in long western-style gowns.
Last year, Megan’s parents had stayed home all day. This year, Megan was determined to get them out of the house and into the festivities, or at least some of them, starting with the breakfast.
“Are you sure I’ll be all right?” Her mother tended to be anxious about leaving the house, especially if it involved meeting people.
“You’ll be fine,” Megan said. “The weather’s warming up, the roads are clear, and I already spoke with Francine about parking the van in the driveway, next to the restaurant. There’s even a ramp for your wheelchair. And wait till you taste the food. It’s heavenly!”
“I ate there once with Katy’s family,” Daniel said. “It was yummy! I can’t wait!”
“It does sound good,” Megan’s father said. “And don’t worry, Dorcas. I know a lot of people from the school. They’ll be happy to meet you.”
Bundled into their coats, they used the lift to load the wheelchair into the back of the van and drove downtown to the B and B. Cars were parked around it for blocks, but, as promised, the driveway was clear. All they had to do was move the barricade with the RESERVED sign, drive in, and unload the chair.
Mouthwatering aromas greeted them as they came up the ramp and onto the porch. Daniel held the door open while his father wheeled the chair inside the crowded dining room.
Francine gave them a wave and a breezy smile. “Come on in. Megan’s already paid, and your table’s ready. Right over that way. You’ll see the sign.”
They headed for the empty table with another RESERVED sign on it. “I can’t believe you arranged all this, Megan,” Ed said. “And you paid. I was ready to do that.”
Megan smiled. “My treat. Sit down at the table. One of the servers will bring you coffee, and I’ll fill some plates for you and Mom.”
Daniel had headed straight for the food line and was now moving along the buffet table, heaping his plate with bacon, eggs, airy flapjacks, and crisp hash browns. As Megan waited in the line, she cast surreptitious glances around the dining room. Conner wasn’t here; neither were his partners. But, of course, he and Rush would be busy readying the sleigh and horses and getting them to town for the parade. With Travis still recovering, they’d have their hands full. Maggie was absent, but Tracy was here with Clara, sitting at a table with some friends.