Page 22 of Cowboy's Christmas Girlfriend

“Me too,” said Ann. “You can really teach us?”

“I can,” said Suzanna, and dared a glance at Will. He wasn’t laughing—far from it. His smile was wide and grateful, and Suzanna stretched up to kiss him as the twins raced inside.

“I’ve got this handled, if you need to go,” she told him.

“I do have some chores waiting, a barn wall needing patching.” He bent and kissed her, and straightened her hat on her head. “I owe you one,” he said. “And if the twins take talent night, I’ll owe you double.”

“I’ll find a way to collect,” she said and gave him a flirtatious smile, making him grin back.

“Looking forward to it.”

Suzanna watched Will go, but only for a moment before Beth and Ann were back, dragging her inside. A wry grin tugged at her lips—who’d have thought that old jazz routine, once the bane of her existence, would wind up saving the day?

9

“You’ve almost got it,” said Suzanna. She picked Beth up one more time and set her on her feet. “You’ve got to keep spinning when you land. That’s why you’re tripping—you’re stopping too soon.”

“Like this,” said Ann. She twirled across the room, spun in the air, and tripped over her own feet as her toe found the rug.

“And that’s what happens when you don’t look where you’re going.”

Both girls broke out giggling. Beth tried one more spin, and this time she nailed it, twirling effortlessly into the kick. Will let out a whoop, already applauding. Suzanna gasped at the sight of him and nearly tripped, herself.

“Will? Where’d you come from?”

“I thought you saw me,” he said. He crouched down to catch the girls as they leapt into his arms.

“We’re doing it, Dad.”

“We’re real ballerinas.”

“Aren’t we jazz-erinas, if this is jazz?”

“You’re stars, is what you are.” He kissed both of their heads, bursting with pride. Suzanna was smiling down at them, pink-cheeked from exertion. Will winked at her, making her heart leap. “The chores are all done, and George is in my office, working. I thought we’d head to Taison’s early, help him and Kat set up for talent night.”

“Sounds fun,” she said.

“Oh, yeah, it’s great. Taison builds this whole stage out in his barn. Kat makes her puppy chow, and Mom brings the cider.” He gave the twins a push. “Go on, find your gramma, help her finish your costumes.”

The twins ran off, shrieking. Suzanna raised a brow.

“Puppy chow? Are there dogs there?”

“Not that kind of puppy chow.” Will slung his arm over her shoulders. “It’s a snack, chocolate and peanut butter, looks kind of like dog food.”

“Too bad,” said Suzanna. “I was picturing, you know, dancing dog acts. Dog trapeze artists; dog opera...”

Will chuckled. It was good being with Suzanna—having someone to laugh with, to brighten his days. It was more than he expected, but like Taison said, a good friend’s just someone you’re always glad to see. Someone who perks you up, like Kat did for Taison. Though, rolling up to Taison’s barn a short while later, Will had to admit his friend didn’t look too perked.

“Hey, Taison.” He hopped out of his truck and peered into the barn. “How’s the stage coming? Looking good from out here.”

“Not bad,” said Taison. He tipped his hat to Suzanna. “Good to see you again. What’re you doing for your talent?”

“Oh, funny thing...” Suzanna glanced at Will. “I kind of gave mine to the twins. I guess they’ll be representing our team tonight. I’ll be their cheering section.”

“Hey, everyone needs a good cheerleader.” Taison cracked his knuckles, pop-pop-pop in the quiet. “Anyway, that stage isn’t going to build itself. I’d best get back to it.”

“I’ll help,” said Will. “Unless, Suzanna—?”

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