Page 7 of Cowboy's Christmas Girlfriend

“Are they snow globes?” Ann reached for hers, but didn’t quite take it. Suzanna set it in her hands.

“Surfing Santas,” she said. “Merry Christmas from Miami.”

“I wanna surf!” Ann held up her snow globe for Will to see. Beth took hers cautiously and peered into its depths.

“I love it,” she said. “There’s little shells on the beach. And Santa’s sack is full of fishies.”

“We should take those inside before you slip and drop them,” said Will’s mom—and what was her name again? Patty? Petunia? Suzanna cringed inwardly at the thought of guessing wrong.

“We should head in too,” said Will. “I can show you your room.”

Suzanna followed him, her head in a whirl. An enormous dog joined them at the front door, thrusting its massive nose into her hand. She scratched it behind its ears, taking comfort in its warmth.

“We’re just up these stairs here, and your room’s on the right. There’s a bathroom if you—hey. Are you okay?”

Suzanna leaned on the dog, sucking in a deep breath. “I’m good,” she said. “Just kinda freaking out.”

“Freaking out?” Will seemed baffled—and small wonder, the way he’d embraced the crowd in his front yard. He’d been expecting them, she realized. This was normal to him, five hundred of his nearest and dearest here to welcome him home.

“You did great,” he assured her. “Mom loves you already, and those snow globes were a hit.” Will took her by the arm and ushered her to her room. His grip was gentle but firm, and Suzanna leaned into it. She just needed a minute, some space to catch her breath. Once she’d done that, she’d be good to go.

“Oh, shoot,” said Will. “Two thirty already? That makes me late.”

Suzanna stopped in the doorway, anxiety spiking anew. “Late? Late for what? I made you late?”

“No, not your fault.” He squeezed her arm again. “I’ve got a meeting with my HVAC guy, looking into a new system. Will you be okay if I…?”

“Sure.” Suzanna straightened up, feeling steadier. It felt good to know she wasn’t the only one off her game. “Go on. I’ll get settled.”

“Are you sure? I can put him off. It’s just, this meeting’s kind of a big one. Putting in this new system, it’s a lot to take in. It’ll mean a whole grid update, and then there’s the risk—if it doesn’t meet our needs; if it goes down…”

Suzanna looked into Will’s eyes, all stormy with worry. She smiled bright as she could, and told him “Go. Meet your guy.”

Will flashed her a look that was pure gratitude, and then he was gone. Suzanna sank down on the bed and beckoned the dog to her. He came lolloping over and jumped up next to her. She buried her face in his big, hairy shoulder.

“Your name’s Lucky, right?”

Lucky whined.

“You think if we hug a while, I’ll catch some of your luck?”

Lucky made a grunting sound, which Suzanna took for a yes.

3

Will froze halfway into Suzanna’s room, one hand on the doorframe, the other flying up to cover his mouth.

“Oh, excuse me. I thought you said ‘come in.’”

“I did.” Suzanna did a wiggle, rooting under the bed. Her jeans-clad ass stuck up fetchingly, jiggling to and fro.

“Did you, uh, lose something?”

“One of my Uggs. I wanted to wear them for the big snowball fight. Sarah was just here explaining the rules.” She straightened up, smiling, pink-cheeked with exertion. “I swear it was right here, but—how was your meeting?”

Will blinked, bemused at the sudden change of subject. “My meeting? Oh, with the HVAC guy? He didn’t wait around. I’m ten minutes late, and he’s off like a shot. You’d think he’d have stuck it out a little longer, or at least—” He broke off abruptly, choking back his frustration. “This isn’t your problem. Now, what did you lose?”

“My Ugg.” She bent down and retrieved a soft sheepskin boot, the kind Mom wore as slippers on cold winter nights. “I had ’em both right here, but the left one’s walked off.”

---