It's a Christmas Thing (The Christmas Tree Ranch 2)

Tracy took the life-sized stuffed animal and stroked its silky fur. She recognized the exclusive brand, which she’d seen in high-end stores.

“I love him,” Clara said. “But he’s not as much fun as a real cat. That’s why I love the real Snowflake more.”

“He’s beautiful,” Tracy said. “Now you’d better put him back where he’ll be safe.”

* * *

“Come and get it!” Maggie called from the kitchen.

As they gathered around the table, Rush boosted Clara onto the box that had been added to her chair. When they were all seated, Clara recited a murmured grace. Then the bread and salad started around the table, while Maggie cut squares of lasagna and doled them out with a spatula. Bucket disappeared under the table to wait for a spill or a handout.

Seated across the table from Tracy, Rush stole furtive glances at her. Tonight she looked so tempting that it was all he could do to keep from devouring her with his eyes.

They’d been playing games since the night she’d called him about her cat—and Rush was getting tired of it. He wanted her, pure and simple. If she couldn’t get over her late husband, maybe it was time somebody gave her a nudge in the right direction.

As things stood, he had nothing to lose by trying. At best, he could move the relationship forward. At worst, she would freeze him out and slam the proverbial door in his face.

At least she’d shown up tonight, looking like a sexy angel. If that was a signal, he was ready to take a chance. Get the lady alone, and the next step would be up to him.

“Rush?” Maggie’s voice startled him. He realized he’d tuned out the buzz of conversation.

“I’m sorry, Maggie, did you ask me something?” he said.

She gave him a knowing smile. “I was just telling Clara about the Cowboy Christmas Ball a week from Saturday. It’s a lot of fun. You should plan on taking her.”

“Is it a real ball, like in Cinderella?” Clara asked.

“Sort of,” Maggie said. “Only it’s for cowboys, and it’s a lot more fun. The whole town will be there.”

“Can I wear my princess dress?”

“Honey,” Maggie said, “you can wear anything you want to.”

“That princess dress needs a trip to the cleaner’s first,” Rush said. “Remind me to drop it off.”

“Hey, I remember that Christmas Ball from last year,” Conner said. “The food was great, and I had a blast—must’ve danced with every single woman there, and some of the married ones.”

“I know,” Travis teased. “I was waiting for you to get beat up by some woman’s jealous husband.”

“Well, what about you two?” Conner gave Maggie a wink. “You were so wrapped up in each other that I was afraid the sheriff was going to haul you off for indecent conduct.”

“You were there, too, weren’t you, Rush?” Maggie asked.

“He was,” Conner said. “But all he did was stand around. He didn’t even dance.”

“I was looking for somebody,” Rush said, glancing at Tracy. “Somebody who never showed up.”

“I’ve never been to the ball,” Tracy said. “Steve’s—my late husband’s—law firm always had their annual party that night. And last year, as I’m sure you’ll understand, I didn’t feel much like celebrating.”

“Well, this year, you’re going!” Conner said. “And I’m getting in line for the first dance.”

“Not if I get there ahead of you,” Rush said.

Tracy glanced down at her plate, causing Rush to wonder if she was being pushed too far and too fast. “We’ll see,” she said. “I recall that the rule is traditional Western dress, with long gowns for the women. I don’t have anything to wear, and no time to get something made.”

“Not to worry. I’ve got a couple of extras,” Maggie said. “I’ll bring them by your house, and you can choose one. You might have to baste up the hem and tighten the sash, but you’ll be right in style. Before the ball, there’s a class to teach first-timers the dances, but I can show you the basic steps when I bring the gowns.”

“Thanks, that’s awfully nice of you.” Tracy still sounded hesitant, but nobody could say no to Maggie.