Page 59 of Two Risks I'd Never Take Again

While they talked in the kitchen, I wandered over to the Christmas tree. Laughter rang out behind me, and I was glad I’d chosen to be here... even if it made my friendship with Garrett even more complicated.

Growing up an only child,Christmas was usually quiet. Not this house. Several ranch hands lounged in their jammies, including Kent, who had the cutest kid. I’d seen Mason in the doughnut shop with Ava before, but now the pieces all fit together.

People chatted in small clusters as we sipped coffee and waited until it was time to open gifts.

Mad Dog smiled as he followed his daughter inside. “Sorry we’re late. Poppy’s plane was delayed.”

Mason, who had shown immense patience this morning, darted across the room and jumped into Poppy’s arms. “Merry Christmas!”

This was one huge happy family. Being a part of something like this would be—I wasn’t allowed to think about that. After sucking in a deep breath, I counted to five, hoping all the unallowed thoughts would swoosh out with the air when I exhaled.

My plan didn’t work.

Garrett ran his knuckles down my arm. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah. I’m just... happy. With everyone here, it feels so festive. Like family.”

He patted my leg. “I’m glad you’re here.”

Mason dragged Poppy and Mad Dog toward the Christmas tree. “Let’s open gifts.”

“Great idea.” Poppy handed him a present. “Why don’t you start?”

And with that, the gift giving began.

Watching the paper piling up near the tree and hearing the laughter made the day perfect.

When all the presents under the tree had been passed around, Lilith stuffed wrapping paper into a trash bag. “I think that’s it.”

Garrett stood. “I have one more. Let me grab it.” He ran outside and returned seconds later. “Dad, this is for you.” He handed Beau an envelope.

Beau’s brow knitted as he lifted the flap and pulled out the single sheet of paper. His blue eyes misted as he read. When he looked up, he smiled and blinked away the tears. “You changed your name.”

“You’re my dad, and this is my home.” Garrett wrapped his arms around Beau.

I wiped at tears as others gathered around Garrett, hugging him and patting him on the back. No one acted as if he were barging in where he wasn’t wanted. And the permanence of changing his name was truly a gift to his dad. That was clear.

Beau stood up. “Breakfast is in just a few minutes.” He crossed the room and sat beside me. “Parker mentioned you like to ride.”

“I do. It’s been a while, but I love horseback riding.”

“Good. Come with me.” He tapped Garrett’s arm. “You too. Let’s head outside.” Beau pointed at the door. “Lilith, I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

When we got outside, Beau climbed into the back seat of Garrett’s truck. Following his lead, we got into the truck.

Garrett pulled away from the house and headed in a direction I hadn’t been. Three minutes later, we stopped outside a barn. Beau hadn’t told Garrett where to go, which had to mean that he was in on the surprise.

Beau opened my door after getting out. “I hope you’re enjoying Christmas. It can get a bit crazy around here. In a good way. I love it. It’s my favorite holiday.”

“I’m loving every minute. And I’m thankful I could be here.”

Smiling, Garrett slid open the barn door.

Beau walked up to a stall, and a speckled horse stuck its nose over the side. “Merry Christmas, Tessa. This is Sprinkles.”

I must’ve blinked twenty times before the words registered. “You’re giving me a horse?”

“Yes. I’ll never forget what you’ve done for my family. You and Garrett are friends, but the way I see it, you’re family.” He stroked the horse’s nose. “We’ll keep her here and feed her.”

---