Page 1 of The Curvy Girl's Christmas Cowboy
Chapter one
Peach
“I wasn’t sure you’d come,” Tiana Parker calls out as I scan the packed meeting room at West Palomino’s quaint City Hall. “I saved you a seat.” She taps the chair next to her and I make my way over.
My family owns the local Slice of Life Bakery. We usually donate cakes, pies, cookies, or whatever pastries are needed for our town’s charity events. But last week, Mom decided to put my name on the list of volunteers to help with the planning of our town’s first Christmas Hoe Down. Which is fine. She knows my winter break at the elementary school is coming up so my calendar is wide open. Who knows, maybe this will help get me into the holiday spirit.
I settle into one of the cold metal fold-up chairs still set up from last night’s City Council meeting. The smell of the warm cinnamon rolls Mom just dropped off, mixed with fresh brewed coffee scents the air. Tiana gives me an excited grin and turns to chat with Lexi West who’s out of earshot. I stifle a yawn, and scan past the American and Montana flags standing like bookends on either side of the stage, to the modest Christmas tree in the corner. It’s handmade string ornaments have seen better days, but with the twinkling lights and soft whispers of conversations around me, the usually sterile room feels warm and festive. Cozy enough for a nap. My second-grade class wore me out today.
“Lexi and I are in charge of the sleigh rides.” Tiana’s eyes sparkle with excitement. “Which committee did you end up on?”
“I have no idea what I’ll be doing,” I explain as Loretta Parker walks on to the stage. She’s wearing a pretty white sweater, camel colored beautifully cut slacks and stylish brown boots. Her thick grey hair is up in a bun. She’s one of those rare, ageless women who always look put together no matter where they are.
“Once again, I’d like to thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy lives to volunteer for our first Christmas Hoe Down,” her even voice and perfect enunciation fills the room. “If we do this right, I have a feeling this will become an annual, signature event for our precious town. We’re making progress everyone,” she adds with a happy lilt. Loretta pauses as her piercing blue eyes scrutinize the group and light up when they land on me. “Peach Jackson is here everyone.”
Oh boy. Wasn’t expecting an introduction. I shrink with a smile and give everyone a meek wave. Loretta is the matriarch of the famous billionaire Parker family and Tiana’s mother-in-law. She volunteers relentlessly and her family’s generosity has changed our town for the better. We have the Parkers to thank for our new hospital wing.
She runs through the list of committees and listens to their reports on the progress they’ve made since the last meeting. After about an hour it seems like Mrs. Parker and the group have all their bases covered. “Sleigh Rides,check,” she says flipping a page on her clipboard. “Bake sale,”finito.Craft fair,ready to roll. Now …” She lets out a frustrated sigh. “Unfortunately, I’m sorry to say, we no longer have a venue or a band.” A scattering of disappointed moans rumble through the group. “The Traveling Jamesons apparently signed a deal in Nashville, so they’ve bailed on us. And the barn at Williams Ranch is not available now that Arna and her beau are having a surprise Christmas wedding.”
“Shotgun?” I whisper to Tiana, who confirms with a nod.
“Thankfully, Travis Cassidy of Boondocks has generously offered to donate the drinks and pay for the bar staff,” Loretta continues, with her mind running a mile a minute. “My son Cash and his employees at the Wildcat Ridge Bar and Grill are still onboard to handle the catering. Peach?”
All eyes shift to me and I straighten, now wide awake, giving her my full attention. “Are you up for the task of finding a location and the music on such short notice? We have less than a month. I tried to recruit Rhett, but he and his band have a previous engagement.” I’m surprised her superstar son was even in the mix. He won another Academy of Country music award this year.
Music and venue?My head is spinning, but the words, “Yes. Of course. I can come up with something,” spill out of my mouth. I have no idea why I sound so confident. My brain searches for options but the truth is I’m not sure where to start. I can’t even remember the last time I went dancing. Audible murmurs of relief fill the hall.
“Perfect, and please thank your mother for donating the pastries and coffee for our gathering tonight. Meeting adjourned everyone. See you all next week.” As the crowd begins to dissipate Mrs. Parker strolls to me with a bright smile as Tiana and Lexi give me a wave and take off. “You’re a lifesaver, Peach. Thanks again for volunteering.”
“It’s my pleasure.” I cover my nerves with a grin. How on earth am I going to do this? The whole freaking town is relying on me.
“I don’t want you to think I’m putting this task on your shoulders alone.” She sweetly pats my arm. “I have someone in mind to help. Are you free Tuesday night to go over the details?”
“After six? We could meet at the bakery?”
“Excellent. See you then.”
Chapter two
Storm
I tiptoe into my dark bedroom and call out softly to Janine, “There’s toast on the counter.” Thankfully, she’s still asleep so I’m able to avoid answering any questions, likewhen will we see each other again?Fact is, I never know and I always have to fudge. But I’ve been honest with her and I’ve never made any promises. Janine knows whatever we have going on between us will remain strictly in the bedroom with no commitments. I’m not her man, and she isn’t my woman.
“Coffee’s ready too,” I add in a whisper. “Orange juice is in the fridge.” She stirs a bit, but doesn’t respond. It’s only five and still dark. I grab my jacket off the chair and sneak out of the room, holding my breath until I’m behind the wheel of my truck and cruising down my driveway.Clear.
I promised Greg I’d go out riding fences with him today. His family owns Harmon Ranch one of the oldest spreads in the state. They’ve hit a rough patch these last few years and are barely hanging on, so they could use the free labor. Greg and I have been buddies since Mrs. Wilson’s fourth grade class at West Palomino Elementary, and if he or any of the Harmons need me, I’m there. No questions asked.
I park my truck in the usual spot and see the lights are on inside. I glance through the large picture window next to the Harmon’s front door. Greg’s folks are chatting at the kitchen table, but I walk around to the back where I find Greg in the barn brushing his mare, Jo. He hears me the moment my boots crunch over the hay strewn floor and looks up with a wise ass grin.
“You ain’t smiling.”
I shoot him a deadpan look. “And why should you care? It’s the butt crack of dawn.”
Greg raises an eyebrow, his smirk growing wider. “You had a date with Janine last night.” He reminds me with a smirk, as if I don’t realize who I just slept with.
“Yeah, so? ”I reply nonchalantly, kicking a piece of straw off my boot.
“Knowing you, you should be grinning ear to ear.”
