My Kind of Christmas (The Christmas Tree Ranch 1)

“Hi, Connie.” She gave the woman a smile. “I was just talking to your daughter. You must be proud of her, getting a job, meeting new people, and learning new skills.”

“Oh, I am. But—” Connie dabbed at a tear. “This is such a hard adjustment. I’ve always assumed Silas and I would have Katy with us all our lives. Now, suddenly, she’s got a job, she’s got her own money, making her own decisions—she’s even got a boyfriend!”

The conversation had become personal, but between the crowds and the music, nobody appeared to be paying attention. And Maggie could tell that Connie needed to talk. “I know you’re worried. Any mother would be,” she said. “But I’ve met him and talked with him. He seems like a nice boy, hardworking, responsible, and well-mannered. And he really seems to care for Katy. Maybe you should get to know him and his family. His father teaches at the elementary school.”

“Oh, I’m sure they’re fine,” Connie said. “It’s just taking that step, welcoming him into the family. She’s so innocent, Maggie. I can’t stand the thought that she could be hurt.”

“I understand,” Maggie agreed. “This is a whole new world for her. I can imagine what it must be like for her, being different all your life and then finding someone who’s the same as you are.”

“Oh, I know.” Connie sighed. “Katy has the right to her own happiness. She has the right to be in love. But what if they want to get married, Maggie? What if she gets pregnant?”

“Everything I know about Katy tells me she’d be a loving mother,” Maggie said. “But I understand you have reason to worry. I’m out of my depth here. You need to talk to an expert on Down syndrome, most likely a doctor. If you want, I can check with the state social service registry. They should have connections to somebody who can counsel you and answer your questions. Would you like me to do that?”

“Oh, could you?” Connie’s face shone with relief. “I want what’s best for Katy, but I haven’t known where to turn. I’ve been feeling so helpless—” She b

linked back tears. “Thank you, Maggie. I’ve been praying for guidance, and I think perhaps meeting you today was my answer.”

“I’ll find somebody and get back to you. They might not be available till next week, but at least you’ll have a name and a number. If you want, I’ll even call them for you and ask for an appointment.”

“That would be great. I’m not sure I’d know what to say.”

“No problem.” Maggie squeezed Connie’s arm and moved ahead to the checkout stand. The most satisfying part of her job was helping people get what they needed. Finding an expert on Down syndrome for Connie shouldn’t be too difficult. If only it were that easy to reconcile Travis and his father, and to find her beloved town its Santa before the parade.

Francine hadn’t called since Thanksgiving. Maybe because she was loyal to Hank, who believed Maggie had gone over to the enemy. What a mess.

Even Maggie’s idea of having Hank play Santa from the back of a convertible was out the window now. The man was barely speaking to her. She’d always considered him one of the nicest people she knew, but this Christmas tree war had brought out his dark side. In his present frame of mind, he wouldn’t throw her a life preserver if she was drowning.

She paid for her groceries and wheeled her cart out into the parking lot. Lost in thought, she didn’t see Conner until she’d almost run into him.

“Whoa there, Maggie!” He laughed as he dodged the cart. “I’d say it was a pleasure running into you, but it appears more like the other way around.” He studied her with a thoughtful frown. “You look a little down at the mouth. Is everything okay?”

She shrugged, checking the urge to cry on his shoulder. “Everything’s fine,” she lied. “Just the usual worries. How’s it going at the ranch?”

“Not too bad. It’s early in the day, but we’re hoping the flyers will bring us more local business. We had a few customers yesterday, but not many, thanks to Hank’s half-price sale.”

“Is he still selling half-price trees today?” Maggie asked.

“The sign wasn’t up when I drove past the place. But that dirty trick really hurt us. I was all for carrying out some kind of payback, but Travis wouldn’t hear of it.”

“He wouldn’t?”

“Nope. He said it would only waste time and poison the well. That surprised me, seeing how things stand between him and his old man.”

“It surprises me, too,” Maggie said, “especially after that big scene on Thanksgiving Day. But I guess we should give Travis credit for taking the high road.”

Conner nodded. “I’ve known Travis since we were kids. He’s always had this idealistic streak. I think that’s maybe why he became a cop. I thought sure prison would change him. But it appears I was wrong. Come on, I’ll walk you to your car before I go back and load up on chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers.”

He took her cart and wheeled it toward the far side of the lot. “Any luck finding your Santa?” he asked.

“Are you volunteering? I’ve got plenty of pillows to fatten you up.”

He laughed. “Not me. I said I’d handle the sleigh, but that’s the limit. I take it Hank’s out of the running.”

Maggie sighed. “I’m afraid so. I thought we were friends, but the last time we spoke, he called me a traitor.”

“You’re kidding!”

“Would I kid about that?”