Page 55 of Cowboy Stolen Kiss for Christmas

Laura’s mother pressed a kiss to her temple. “Would you like me to make you a cup of hot tea or coffee?”

“Yes, please.” She was desperate for something to warm her from the inside out. “I don’t care which. Just surprise me.”

“I’ll help. I could use a shot of caffeine myself.” Lucy followed their mother to the break room in the back.

Laura gave her father a grateful look. “Thank you for bringing our family to Pinetop.” She could only imagine the number of friendships he’d been forced to sever in the process. For him, the move had been the end of a whole way of life.

“It was the right thing to do.” His voice was flat with conviction.

“Was it hard?” She moved closer so she could lean her cheek against his arm.

“At first, but it became easier as we watched you and Lucy settle in.” A faint smile curved his lips. “You deserved a better life. Pinetop is everything we wanted for you girls and more.”

“What about Texas?” She playfully elbowed him.

“I’m still getting used to the idea.” He shook his head woefully at her. “A little patience, please?”

“Ames wants you and Mom there for Christmas.” Her voice was beseeching.

“So I’ve heard.”

“You mean he’s already asked you?” Laura leaned away from him in astonishment to get a better look at his expression.

Her father treated her to a mock glare. “Every time that boy approaches me, he’s got another request.” He spread his hands. “May I marry your daughter? Would you like me to build you an in-law suite in our new home? Will you visit for Christmas? Demands! Demands! Demands!”

“Oh, you have it rough, Dad!” Laura shook her head in mock sympathy. “A future son-in-law who keeps you in mind with every major decision he makes. So rough!”

“I know.” Her father tucked her against his side again. “Like I said, it’s going to take some getting used to.”

EPILOGUE

December

It was Pinetop’s most favorite time of year again. The shop owners on Main Street kicked off the winter season with yet another parade. It was followed by a Snowball Jamboree. Since the first snow of the year had yet to blanket the mountain, baskets of handmade plush snowballs were handed out to the children, and a highly energetic snowball fight ensued in Town Square.

The official tree lighting ceremony was placed on the calendar, and a flurry of preparations began for the St. Nicholas Dance Off that would follow later that evening. The dance off was a new event. Pinetop’s event committee was always coming up with more ways to celebrate the holidays. All the young singles in town were really looking forward to it.

In the meantime, a very special event was taking place for two no-longer-single residents. Technically, one of them was no longer even a resident. Laura and Ames were getting married.

And today was the day.

Laura stood in the dressing room off the vestibule of the First Church of Pinetop, hardly able to believe it was finally her turn to be a bride.

After one very big false start on my way here…

As soon as the thought popped into her mind, she forced it away, not wanting to give Brex and his accomplices any undeserved head space on such a special day. They’d been transferred to a higher security prison in Phoenix, so they weren’t going to be causing any more trouble for her and Ames. Regardless, she was looking forward to moving to Dallas and putting more miles between them.

Lucy glided her way to adjust her wedding veil. “Dare I ask what that little pucker on your forehead means?”

“You don’t want to know.” Laura shivered and willed all final thoughts about the jewelry robbers out of her mind.

“It’s over. He can’t hurt you anymore. None of them can.”

“I know.” Laura gave Lucy a reassuring nod in the mirror. She should’ve known her sister would be able to pick up on her fretting. They’d always possessed an uncanny ability to read each other’s thoughts.

“You deserve this, so try to be happy,” Lucy begged softly. “Please be happy.”

“I am.” It was true. Laura’s gaze dipped to the antique lace gown they’d picked out together at a local resale shop. If there was any truth to the story, it had been donated by a celebrity singer while passing through town to perform at Castellano’s. “I’m so happy I can hardly stand it,” she confessed. That was the part that scared her the most. She hadn’t realized it was possible to feel…so much.

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