Page 9 of Between a Rock and a Hard Cowboy

“The challenge is that we decorate like they did that first year. Everyone helps. We get as much as we can from nature. Some store-bought purchases are allowed but only to enhance what we’ve gathered. Then we get together and celebrate in the spaces we’ve decorated, just like they did all those years ago.”

“But since we weren’t that into it as kids, Dad made it into a competition so we’d try and beat each other to win,” Wyatt explained.

“Then all the participants vote on who they think did their part best,” Linc finished.

“And you can’t vote for yourself,” Ethan added.

“Even though you try to anyway.” Linc leveled a glare on his brother.

Eva turned to Linc. “You participate in all of this…stuff too?”

“Every year.” He nodded.

“Even the year he was overseas for Christmas, although it was pretty half assed, if you ask me,” Ethan commented.

“I was decorating an Army tent in awar zone.” Linc scowled.

“Excuses, excuses…” Ethan grinned.

“So back to business…” Their dad stood and began handing out large envelopes to them all.

That was new. “What is this?” Linc frowned as he took his.

“Informational packets. Assignments. Dates for our events.”

“You put this together?” Wyatt’s eyes widened as he pulled out the spiral bound booklet.

“I had one of your assistants at the hotel help with it.”

That got a lift of Wyatt’s brows.

“Um, what’s this?” Linc asked as he stared at a page with the heading that said, “Teams” that had his name next to Eva’s.

“Since the girls are new at this. And since Olivia is laid up, I think it’s best to make teams for this year. Only for the decorations and events. Not for the Secret Santa gifts, which we’ll be picking next.”

“We’re a team,” Poppy squealed, glancing up at Ethan.

He beamed back at her. “I know.”

Linc glanced up at Eva, wondering if she’d gotten to the Teams page in her packet yet.

He saw the moment she noticed they were paired up. Her brows rose and her gaze lifted to meet his. He pressed his lips together and drew in a breath, fighting the urge to apologize for his father.

Given the wrestling match over who had control over the key the other day, it was obvious they both worked better solo than as part of a team. He knew she wouldn’t be any happier about the pairing than he was.

“Any questions?” his father asked, after having spoken more words at once than he ever had.

Eva drew in a breath. “Not right now, but I reserve the right to ask questions after I get through reading your manifesto and my assignments.”

“Understandable.” The old man nodded before looking around. “Now, where’s Rosie? I need a bowl or something to put the names in so we can draw.”

“Just use Ethan’s cowboy hat,” Poppy suggested.

“That’ll work.” He nodded as he took out a white envelope filled with tiny pieces of folded paper that no doubt Wyatt’s assistant had also supplied.

While his father prepared the drawing, Linc leaned toward Eva. “I guess we’ll need to meet. To make a plan.”

“Do we though? Have to meet? I’ll email you my list of suggested tasks. You add your list. We’ll divide up the duties. Deal?” Eva asked.

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