Page 74 of The Christmas Cowboy

“She didn’t want to ruin the surprise. And look, matching frames.”

“So we can hang them side by side. Where should we hang them?”

“They’re too pretty to hide away,” Liam said. “I’m sure there’s someplace in the den. Or maybe the dining room. Anyway, we’ll go look. Let’s take them downstairs with us so everyone can see them.”

*

Besides Maureen andLiam and Val, a bunch of people came for Christmas dinner at the McFarland ranch. Logan and Cici, Connor, Clint, Riley, and Val’s mom all showed up. Val had answered the door earlier, hoping it would be her family, including her father. But only Riley and her mom were there. As she hugged both of them she tried to hide her disappointment but she didn’t think she fooled either of them.

“Come in,” she said, taking the dish from her mother. “Is this what I think it is?”

“Death by Chocolate,” her mother answered. “I know it’s your favorite and Maureen asked me to bring a dessert. And don’t worry. There’s no liquor in it.”

“You’re the best, Mom.”

Later, after everyone exchanged presents but before dinner, her mother pulled her aside. “I’m sorry about your father. Riley and I both tried to get him to come but he decided he’d rather stay home by himself and eat peanut butter.”

Even though she was hurt, Val couldn’t help laughing at the image of her dad eating his peanut butter and jelly sandwich for Christmas dinner. “Are you going to take him something when you leave?”

“Absolutely not. Which serves him right. He is the most stubborn man alive.”

“I appreciate you and Riley trying to change his mind.”

She talked to Riley later, but only briefly about her dad. “Sorry about Dad,” Riley said.

“I know. He’ll either get over it or he won’t. It’s his loss.” Hers too but she wouldn’t think about that.

“You look happy.”

“I am. I think Liam really does love me.”

Riley laughed. “And you’re just now figuring that out? I could have told you that weeks ago. The man is totally crazy for you.”

“I’m crazy about him.”

“Tell me something I didn’t know.”

She suspected Riley had known about her feelings for Liam for a long time. “Did Liam tell you Trent is moving to California? And he’s not claiming paternity.”

“Really? That’s great. Except…do you trust him that he won’t change his mind?”

“I want to. He sounded like he meant it. I don’t think he wants the hassle of a court battle and I’m sure he doesn’t want to pay child support for the baby until it’s eighteen.”

“He’s always been a cheap bastard.”

“He said a bunch of crap about it being better for the baby for us to have him or her. But I think he just said that to make himself look better. But whatever. I don’t care as long as he’s out of our lives.”

“Do the others know?” he asked, gesturing to the people gathered around the tree.

“Liam’s family does. We told them earlier. And I called Mom last night after we saw Trent. I asked her to let us tell you.”

“I’m happy for you, Val.”

She hugged her brother. “Thank you. Now we just need for you to settle down.”

“Not anytime soon.” But she noticed he looked at Letty when he said it. Riley and Letty? They’d never gotten along when they were younger, and Letty had lived with them. She’d always thought Riley regarded Letty as another sister. Maybe she’d been wrong.

Chapter Thirty-One

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