Santa In Montana (Calder Saga 11)

“That’s quite a haul.”

“There wasn’t a single person on the ranch who didn’t contribute something toward it.” Cat resumed her path to the powdered sugar.

“Full participation. That’s really remarkable.”

“I guess it is, but I learned long ago that cowboys have the biggest hearts.”

“They certainly do on the Triple C.” Wade paused next to her while she gathered up the largest sized bag of powdered sugar.

“So how do you usually spend the Christmas holidays?” Cat sent him a curious glance as she moved toward the back of the store and its counter area.

“It depends on where I am and what I might be in the middle of, although I always make a point to spend at least a couple days with my dad. Like Chase, he’s up there in age so I can never be sure how many more Christmases I’ll have with him.”

“I know that feeling.” And it warmed her to know that they had something in common.

“What made you ask?”

“Just curious,” Cat answered with an idle shrug. “Some people like to laze on a tropical beach and others go skiing for the holidays. Me, I’m with the group that likes to stay home and spend Christmas with the family—and enjoy all the old traditions that go with it.”

“Like iced Christmas cookies.” He nodded in the direction of the powdered sugar she carried and flashed her a smile that carved those sexy grooves in his cheeks.

She laughed and admitted, “Cookies, caroling, and children’s Christmas programs—the whole nine yards. Best of all, this year the house will be full of family. Jessy’s daughter Laura and her husband are coming from England, and my son Quint is flying in from Texas with his wife and my new grandson. It will be the first time we’ve all been together in several years.”

“Sounds fun,” Wade remarked. “I guess that’s one of the advantages of having a fairly large extended family. I didn’t have the good fortune to be blessed with one.”

Out of the corner of her eye, Cat spotted a new display of housewares and stopped to look, picking up a silicone rubber muffin pan. She read the label and tested its flexibility by bending it, balancing the bag of powdered sugar in the crook of her arm.

“What’s that?” Wade asked.

“A muffin pan. They’re supposed to pop right out.”

He watched her for a moment until she put it back on the shelf and picked up a loaf pan, twisting that.

“I’ll leave you to it,” he said wryly. “And I’ll go pick up some packaged snacks for the drive to the airport.”

Wade wandered off and Cat took advantage of the opportunity to examine the pans more closely, aware that she could use some new baking pans at the Homestead, especially with Christmas coming on.

Turning away from them, Cat mentally made a note to check which pans at the house needed to be replaced or supplemented. Absently she glanced up the aisle to the rear counter where the checkout was. As usual, Nancy Taylor was at the register. Nearing fifty and still sandy-haired, Nancy didn’t fuss much with makeup or clothes, satisfied with lipstick and a simple combination of blouse and jeans.

Nancy’s expression suddenly brightened with curiosity. Cat quickly realized that the object of her interest was Wade making his approach to the register.

“Can I help you?”

“I’m getting these.” He set a handful of snacks in bright foil on the counter.

“Is there anything else you need today?”

“Don’t think so.” He glanced around as Cat joined him. “You ready too?”

“Yes.” Cat felt the full force of Nancy’s curiosity directed at her, as the other woman speculated on the connection between her and Wade.

“Hi, Nancy,” Cat said, irritated by the touch of embarrassment she felt. “This is Wade Rogers. Wade, Nancy Taylor.”

“Pleased to meet you, Mr. Rogers.” She nodded to him, then noted the price of the sugar and bagged it for Cat.

“The Rogers folks are old family friends of Chase’s,” Cat stated, then hesitated, looking at Wade, hoping he would offer a further explanation.

“Oh, we go back years,” Wade said vaguely.