Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy

“I know you want to beat us, but come on man, a cashier’s check made out to you?”

“I didn’t do this,” Cole assured, racking his brain to decipher who had.

Andrew narrowed his eyes. “Who do you know that we don’t know?”

“Do you recognize the handwriting?” Ben asked.

Cole shook his head. “Why would anyone send this to me rather than directly to the committee?”

“Maybe they heard how you rallied our crew to pitch in money to buy the items still needed, so when they decided to donate to the cause, they thought you’d be the best one to handle it,” Ben suggested.

Andrew crossed his arms, pretending to be annoyed. “Whoever it is wanted you and Sophie to win our competition. Don’t think I’m not grateful for the donation, but I’m not amused it was sent to you.”

Cole snorted. “I don’t know anyone with this kind of money.”

Andrew shrugged. “It seems that they know you.”

“Apparently.”

“You may need help spending all that and getting the gifts to the church tomorrow evening.” Ben’s smile was wide. “You want some shopping buddies?”

“Why not?” His brain was racing. The check was a lot of money. He wanted to spend it wisely but wasn’t sure what was needed. Who would know?

Sophie.

No. He…he just couldn’t.

Maybelle Kirby. She was head of the committee. She’d know what was needed.

He glanced down at the check in his hand, wondering…no, it wouldn’t make sense for Maybelle to have been the person who sent the check.

But she’d be able to let him know what was needed, might even have a list of the Triple B kids’ genders and ages and wish lists—or at least be able to get one to him in a hurry.

“Looks like we’re shopping.” He glanced at the figure on the check and shook his head in disbelief. “Lots of shopping.”

Ben rubbed his hands together. “This is going to be fun.”

Ben was right. But what Cole looked forward to most was seeing Sophie’s look of surprise when he and the guys walked in tomorrow laden down with toys.

Or maybe, right or wrong, he most looked forward to seeing Sophie, period.

“Can you hand me a piece of tape?”

Without looking up at Maybelle, Sophie tore off a piece of tape and handed it to the older woman. “Here you go.”

Volunteers were lined up, wrapping and sorting presents that would be delivered on Christmas Eve. They’d ended up with enough donations for the original requests.

But not enough to meet the needs of the Triple B Ranch for Kids.

After Rosie and Sophie had a long heart-to-heart, Rosie had contacted Triple B earlier in the week to let them know that they would be delivering presents, but not as many as they’d hoped. Still, they’d make sure each child had something to open.

“So many children who are going to be so excited on Christmas morning,” Ruby said, finishing with the package she held. “It’s going to be so wonderful.

“Agreed,” Aunt Claudia added. “Almost as wonderful as the trip I’ll be taking come January. We’re headed to Greece, you know.”

“We all know because you won’t be quiet about it,” Rosie said, rolling her eyes. “How about you find something different to talk about? Like Sarah and Bodie’s honeymoon.”

“Ha. If you had any sense about you, we’d be discussing where you and Lou are going on your honeymoon,” Maybelle said drily.