“This road leads out to where the trees are. We’ve been working to get it ready for the sleigh.”
“But can’t you go dashing through the snow with jingling bells, like in the song?”
“Not on this road. Anyway, this is a two-horse open sleigh.”
“I’ve got a good idea,” Maggie said. “Why not get some bells for the kids to jingle on the ride? They could even sing ‘Jingle Bells.’ ”
“Now that’s a thought,” Travis said. “Maybe next year.”
“I’m sure I could find some online. I could have them here for you in a couple of days.”
“Please don’t bother, Maggie. You’ve got more important things to do.”
He went quiet, and so did Maggie as they passed beyond the fenced hayfields and into the wild part of the ranch. Snow lay over the land like a vast white blanket, broken here and there by clumps of cedar. A red-tailed hawk circled overhead, scanning the whiteness for signs of prey. The sure-footed old horses needed little in the way of urging or guidance. They plodded steadily over the packed snow of the road. The sky was clear blue overhead, the breeze crisp but gentle.
The day was almost perfect. But something was wrong, and Maggie sensed what it was. She was alone with the man she loved, in a perfect setting to open up and be honest with each other. Instead, they were filling the silence with useless bits of small talk, both of them avoiding the things that needed to be said if they were to move on.
She’d come here with the idea of playing it safe and keeping her secrets to herself. But that would only preserve the distance between them. She had to risk her heart. She had to tell the truth.
Chapter 14
Maggie steeled her resolve, knowing what had to be said.
“Travis, I went to see your father this morning.”
She heard the catch in his throat. His hands tightened on the reins.
“It’s a free country, I guess,” he said.
“We had a long talk.”
“I don’t even want to hear
about it. Do you have any idea what that man did to me yesterday?”
“Yes. He told me.”
“Did he tell you that he complained to Featherstone about the flyers and the signs? Did he tell you about the tickets that little rat-faced punk gave me, and what it’ll cost if I can’t convince the judge it was a setup?”
“He did. And he said he made sure it would be personal. He knew that Featherstone would be jealous of you.”
“Jealous?” Travis gave her a puzzled glance. “Why? Featherstone didn’t even know me until he came out here with the tickets.”
“He was jealous because Hank told him you and I were seeing each other. And don’t you dare go jumping to conclusions. I only put up with that annoying little man because I have to work with him. Conner knew that. Didn’t he tell you?”
“We haven’t had much time to talk.” Travis nudged the horses from an amble to a walk. “I’m surprised Hank would confess to his guilt. What did you do, twist his arm?”
“Actually, I bribed him with cookies. Or maybe he just needed to talk, and I showed up at the right time.”
“Did he tell you anything else?”
“He said he was sorry. Truly sorry. He meant it, Travis. I could tell.”
“It’s a little late for sorry.” Travis stared at the horizon for a long, silent moment. “Why are you taking his side?”
“I’m not taking anybody’s side. I see two good men, bound by blood, who can’t seem to stop hurting each other. I just want them to quit feuding and make peace.”
“Stop wasting your time, Maggie. This isn’t your fight. Why should it even matter to you?”