Page 22 of Cowgirl's Christmas Partner

Sarah glanced at Tad and saw he’d gone crimson.

“Just going for accuracy,” he said.

“I don’t know,” said Will. “Check out the big house, that porch swing, those lights. And there’s my truck, even, with Lucky in the back. Detail like that, I’d say you’ve fallen for our little corner of the world.”

“Or for us—at least,oneof us.” Aunt Val waggled her brows, teasing, and Tad looked away.

“That’ll do,” said Sarah. “Isn’t it about time for judging?”

“Now you mention it, yes.” Mom straightened up and clapped her hands for attention. “Everyone back to their stations, and we’ll get this show on the road.”

“I love this place,” said West, as the crowd dispersed. “I love living here and being part of the family. I always wanted a big family, but ours was just me, Dad and Gram. And now Gram went to heaven, so it’s just me and Dad.”

Sarah’s eyes darted to Tad. He stood stiff and blank-faced, and tension pooled in her guts. Would he shut down completely? Walk out of the room? West’s comment had been innocent, but Tad was so independent, so bent on doing everything for himself. She debated touching him. Would he shake her off?

“Don’t stress,” said Tad, surprising her. He reached for her hand, his warm smile returning. “Even if Will beats us, we’ll still be tied for first.”

Sarah opened her mouth to respond, but Mom cut her off, shouting over the crowd.

“Okay, today’s judging’s been the quickest on record, and that’s because we’re all agreed, there’s really no contest. Sarah, Tad, West, congratulations. And congratulations on your lead in the Christmas Games. You’d really have to blow it to lose that cup now.”

West burst out cheering. Tad not only cheered with him, but he lifted him high, tossed him in the air as he shrieked with glee.

“Well, after seeing this, the job’s his if he wants it.” Uncle Vince leaned past Sarah to inspect the gingerbread ranch. “If he can do for my bar what he does in ice and gingerbread, I’ll be the talk of Main Street.”

Sarah glowed. “That’s amazing. We haven’t even won yet, and Tad’s got the big prize.”

Tad caught her eye, smiling, and Sarah’s heart soared. Today had been perfect—she couldn’t have asked for more.

* * *

West conked out after dinner, nodding off halfway through his pumpkin pie. Tad scooped him up and carried him upstairs and returned a while later, the smile fading from his lips. Sarah rose to join him.

“Everything okay?”

“I don’t know.” Tad went to the window and leaned his head on the glass. Sarah came up behind him and slid her arms around his waist.

“Something you want to talk about?”

Tad made a strangled sound, not quite a laugh. Sarah could feel his tension across his shoulders and back. His breathing was shallow, his heart beating fast.

“It’s okay,” said Sarah. “You don’t have to—”

“Today was intense,” he said, the words spilling out in a rush. “What West said at the contest. I know he wasn’t saying I’m not enough, but—but it was a lot to take in.” He went quiet and stood watching the snow fall outside. When he spoke again, his tone had gone strained. “I know this sounds bad, but I’m not sure I’m comfortable withhimbeing that comfortable with a family that isn’t ours.”

“It doesn’t sound bad, just honest,” said Sarah. “Come on, let’s sit down.” She led Tad to the couch and sat down beside him.

“Don’t get me wrong—this place is great. It’s just, you’re all soconnected,and not just your family. It’s your friends, and this town. Everyone knows everyone, and you’re all bound together in this web of support. If I let West get used to that, and something goes wrong—if my business falls through, if we need to move on—I think it might break his heart.”

Sarah’s breath caught. “And what about yours?”

Tad shook his head. He studied the backs of his hands, his knuckles white and bloodless from gripping his knees.

“It’s okay,” said Sarah. “I shouldn’t have pried.” She wanted to, though, since she felt there was something real between her and Tad.

“It’s a fair question,” said Tad. “I’m just—it’s hard for me to put into words.” He loosened his grip on his knees and sat up straight. “My family, we loved each other, don’t get me wrong. My parents were there for me, whatever I did. But we turned to each other, just us in that house. I don’t know if it was a pride thing, a trust thing, or what, but my dad had a million mottos, all saying the same thing: you don’t reach for help beyond your front door.”

Sarah sat still, trying to imagine a life like that, so at odds with her own. “Maybe there’s pitfalls on both sides of the fence,” she said at last. “I’ve got the whole town on my side, but sometimes I’m not sure they really see me.”

---