Page 52 of Moonlight Over Montana

“Thank you everyone for coming to another Grace Star Ranch holiday meal prepared in large part by the incomparable Quinn with a little help from everyone else in the room.”

A smattering of laughter filled the air.

“And Daphne for changing things up with how we share this time together. I think this setup will become a new part of our tradition here.” Her gaze slid from one person to the next. “It’s been a busy year. We’ve had some adventures with construction on the new dude ranch section. And if you missed the rumor mill, we’re on track to open in May. There is one thing I want to assure you. All major holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter will always be reserved for our family, which each person sitting at this table is a treasured member of.”

A couple of hoots rang out in response to her last statement.

“In addition, we’ve had our share of joy. Our palomino horse family is expanding thanks to Jed, Tate, and Zak. Vegetables on our table are courtesy of our very own Polly. And today we welcome two more people into our family fold, Maggie and Susie Brady, who found their way to the ranch due to a horrible fire but they’re here safe and sound and it’s because of Maggie that we’ve all had to add some extra walking into our days with her baked goods.”

A few of the guys started to chant, “Maggie. Maggie.”

Annie held up her hand. “Just thank her later for I have one more announcement regarding family.” She looked at Linc and he took her hand.

Maggie could feel her smile grow. She knew what Annie and Linc wanted to share.

“In March we will be welcoming the next generation to our family. Linc and I are going to have a baby.” Tears filled her eyes as Mary rose to her feet and wrapped her arms around her. She was saying something, and Annie was nodding.

“Mary just asked if I was serious that she was finally going to be a Gigi, and of course that is a heck yeah.” Linc walked around Annie and gathered the old woman in his arms as she wept tears of joy. “So on this day, we all have so much to be thankful for. But I want you to know from the bottom of my heart, and I speak for Linc, Mary, and Daphne, we would not be the family we are without each and every one of you.” She placed her hand over her heart and her voice was thick with emotion, said, “Thank you.”

The moment she sat down, everyone began to talk, and food was temporarily forgotten in the excitement of the announcement. Maggie was amazed. If she hadn’t seen the reaction of all who were gathered around this table, she wouldn’t have believed it. Looking at Susie, she too had tears in her eyes. She mouthed, I love you, Momma, always and forever.

26

Stuffed from his toes to the brim of his hat, Jed walked home with Maggie and Susie to cabin number six. He was studying the sky before they went inside. “There’s a bad storm brewing.”

Maggie gave him a worried look. “Tonight?”

“No, I’m guessing it will hit us later tomorrow night. If you need any supplies, we’d best go into town first thing in the morning and get what you need. Blizzards are bad in town, but out here, we can get cut off for a couple of days. So we need to make sure we’re self-sufficient.” He glanced at Susie. “Maybe in the morning you can help me bring in extra wood and we’ll stack more on the porch.”

She glanced at Maggie. “I was going to that sleepover this weekend. Can I still go?”

“Honey, if Jed’s right, I’d like to have you with me, where I know you’re safe.”

She pushed open the door with a bang. “I can’t believe you’re going to let a little snow be a buzzkill.” Not waiting for them to come in, she slammed the door.

Maggie’s face went from blank to anger in a heartbeat. “Jed, I’m sorry but I need to get inside and talk to my daughter. It seems not only has she forgotten her manners, but also her common sense when it comes to winter weather.”

Taking her by the shoulders, he pulled her in for a tender kiss good night. “Call if you need anything. I’m going to check on the horses one last time, but I’m around.”

“Thanks for understanding. I really had a great time today. Thanks for asking me to come.”

“You and Susie belong here, Mags. You heard Annie, you two are family.”

She went up the steps and gave him a small, sad wave before going inside. He lingered at the bottom of the stairs, wondering if Susie would storm out and take off to parts unknown on the ranch like she did when they first moved out here. Instead of heading to the barn, Jed crossed the short space between the cabins and sat on his porch. He had time to wait and see what might happen next.

Later that night, his cell phone pinged. He glanced at the screen and smiled.

Meet me on your porch…

He didn’t have to be asked twice. He pulled on a hooded sweatshirt, jeans, and his boots and without turning on the lights went out the door. Sitting on the bench was Maggie. She held up a mug and he could see wisps of steam rising in the glow of the moon. Sitting next to her, he took the mug, kissed her cheek, and wrapped his arm around her all in one fell swoop. “This is a nice surprise.”

“After talking with Susie, I was too keyed up to sleep so naturally I thought to text you.”

“Because you think I never sleep?” He sipped the chocolaty beverage; it was delicious and he could taste a shot of peppermint schnapps lingering in the background. This was his kind of cocoa.

“No, because when I looked out the window, I saw a light on and you moving around. I figured if you were still up, we could spend some time together.”

“I like how you think.” He tapped his mug to hers. “Want to talk about the fight with your daughter?”

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