Holding Out for Christmas (The Christmas Tree Ranch 3)

“I’m sorry. No family is perfect, but I’m grateful for the one I have.” Megan let Conner help her into the Jeep and waited while he went around the vehicle and climbed into the driver’s seat.

“My partners are my family now,” he said. “I can’t wait to have you meet them—and have them meet you.”

By the time they pulled up to the neat brick bungalow in the nicer part of town, Conner had briefed her on the people she’d be meeting. As they went up the walk, Megan scrolled through the names in her head, trying to remember who did what and who was with whom. Her stomach was fluttering. She would just have to wing it.

The door was opened by a tall, stunning redhead. Maggie the ex-mayor, engaged to Travis the ex-cop. So far, so good.

“Come in! I’m so glad to meet you, Megan.” Clad in jeans and a green blouse that matched her eyes, she stepped aside to usher Megan and Conner inside. “Oh, thanks!” she said as Megan handed her the wine. “The guys will be drinking beer, but I promise you, we women will love this.”

Two of the handsomest men Megan had ever seen were standing by the fireplace. The dark-haired George Clooney type would be Rush, the vet. The other, more of a Jude Law look-alike, would be Travis. They greeted her with friendly smiles.

“And here’s Tracy,” Conner said as a slim, blond woman walked out of the kitchen. “Come on, I’ll introduce you.”

As Tracy walked toward her, smiling, Megan stifled a gasp. She knew this woman. And what was worse, Tracy knew about her alter ego Lacy. One slip and the situation could get awkward.

Conner was oblivious to her discomfort. “Tracy,” he said, “this is my new friend, Megan. She—”

“But we’ve already met.” Tracy’s handclasp was warm and welcoming. “Remember, Megan? You drove Daniel to my house last year to get one of the kittens I was giving away. You told me you were a teacher—and then I discovered something amazing about you.”

Megan raised an eyebrow, her attempt at a warning glance. “That’s right, Tracy. I remember you very well. Why don’t you let me help you in the kitchen, and we can talk.”

Incredibly, Tracy appeared to have gotten the message. “That would be great. You can toss the salad while we catch up.” She tugged Megan toward the door and into the kitchen.

“Thank you.” Megan breathed a sigh of relief as the door closed behind them.

“What is it?” Tracy asked. “As a judge, I’ve learned to read people. I could tell you were uneasy. Did I say something wrong?”

“Not really. But I was afraid you might. It’s just that Conner doesn’t know about the other me—the woman who sings with the band. And I’d like to keep it that way.”

“Wow,” Tracy said. “So it’s sort of like having a secret identity.”

“What are you two whispering about?” Maggie had come into the kitchen. “Did I hear something about a ‘secret identity’?”

Tracy glanced at Megan. “Can I tell her?”

“You can tell her, but nobody else, especially not Conner,” Megan said.

“Don’t worry,” Maggie said. “I love a good, juicy secret, but my lips will be sealed. Tell me.”

“Cross your heart?” Tracy glanced toward the door to make sure it was closed.

“Cross my heart and hope to die.” Maggie made the gesture with her fingertip. “This had better be good.”

“Believe me, it is.” Tracy glanced at Megan, as if to confirm that it was okay to reveal her secret, then bent closer, her voice barely above a whisper. “Remember last year’s Christmas Ball and that terrific singer who performed with the band?”

Maggie chuckled. “How could I forget? Conner was out of his mind over her. He’s been counting the days, hoping he’ll see her again and—oh no!” She stared at Megan. “Oh, Lordy, I just put my foot in it, didn’t I?”

At the mention of Conner, Megan’s mouth had gone dry. Her stomach felt as if she’d just swallowed a fist-sized ball of glue. Against her better judgment, she’d begun to like the charming cowboy. But Lacy already had her hooks in him.

Sometimes I can’t stand Lacy!

“Megan, I’m sorry!” Maggie shook her head. “I’ve got a big mouth. Sometimes it just runs on and on. I can tell Conner likes you a lot. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have invited you here tonight, to meet his friends.”

“Don’t worry about it, Maggie,” Megan said. “Conner and I barely know each other, but I’ve already learned that he’s had plenty of girlfriends. He’s a charmer, but, believe me, I have no expectations.”

“Wait!” Tracy’s gaze darted from one woman to the other. “Maggie, you still haven’t figured it out, have you?”

Maggie blinked. “Figured out what?”