A Cowboy's Christmas Reunion (The Boones of Texas 1)

“Lola?”

“Josie, get your head out of the clouds and look around you. Lola, from the beauty shop two stores down the street. She’s sweet on Carl.”

Josie was surprised, in a good way. “And Dad?”

“I have no idea. Your dad rarely has a harsh word for anyone. So, call her so your dad can get a love life. Then we can have dinner and drinks and talk about our nonexistent love lives.”

“Deal.” She’d call Lola right away.

“Good. Oh, hold on.” There was a pause. “Will next Friday’s story time work?”

“Yes, ma’am, Mrs. Upton. I’ll put it on my calendar.”

“Thanks. Gotta go. Duty calls... Kindergarteners, noses and peas... Bye.”

“Bye.” Josie laughed, but the phone was already dead.

She stared out over the freshly mopped wooden floors, her gaze drifting around the bakery. Lola Worley was a blue-haired sweetie. And, come to think of it, Lola had enjoyed a cup of tea and a small bear claw every morning since Josie had arrived in Stonewall Crossing five days before.

She packed up a plate of pastries, patted the flour from her clothes and walked quickly down the sidewalk to the Lady’s Parlor. It was cold out, surprisingly cold, but she’d been too preoccupied to think of grabbing her sweater. She pushed through the door, the smell of acetone and bleach stinging her nose. Four heads turned to look at her.

“Joselyn Stephens?” Lola stepped forward. “What a surprise.”

“Afternoon, Miss Worley. I thought I’d bring by some pastries for your patrons.”

“Don’t that just beat all?” Lola took the pastries, smiling. “What can I do for you, sugar? A haircut? Polish for your nails?”

Josie looked at her nonexistent nails before shoving her hands in her pockets. “I was wondering if you could help me.”

Lola set the plate on the counter. “Sure thing, sugar. With what?”

“My dad. He’s a little stubborn.”

“Just a little.” Lola Worley turned a very fetching shade of pink.

“Annabeth and I would like to go out this evening. Would you be willing to come over, take care of him? I won’t be late.”

Lola took in a deep breath. “I’d be happy to.”

Josie could tell that was an understatement.

“Anything else?”

“Well—”

“Go on, sugar. You’re among family here.” Lola patted her arm.

Josie looked around the beauty parlor, where chatter and laughter filled the air. “I’m swimming in all the gingerbread. Dad won’t sit so—”

“I’ve got a half-dozen grandsons I’ll send down this evening.”

“Lola, you’re an angel.” Josie nodded. “I’ll return the favor, if ever I can.”

“Aw, now, I don’t know about that, sugar. I’ll see you about six?” Lola asked.

“Yes. And thank you.” She hugged the woman before dashing out of the parlor and back to the bakery. Eli was waiting outside with a red-haired girl.

“You can go in. I know its cold out here.” She held the door open for them.