Santa in a Stetson (18 page)

Colt wheeled around and clasped his best friend on the shoulder. “Thanks for putting up with me.”

Ed's expression grew solemn. “You know I'd do anything for you if I could.”

“I do. But the truth is, Kathryn McFarland is destined to belong to the world.” He looked down at the things in the crate. “Shall we get started?”

 

K
ATHRYN WROTE DOWN
the number of Colt's ranch house phone before coaching the poor salesgirl on what to say. It was Christmas Eve and all the clerks looked frazzled. But Kathryn had bought enough things to make it worth the college girl's time.

“No matter who answers, just identify yourself and ask for Mrs. Walters. If she's on the phone, tell her just a minute and hand the phone to me. If she's not available, give them your extension number and ask that she phone you back ASAP. Got it?”

The redhead nodded and pressed the digits of the store phone. “Hello. This is Julie at Macy's Gallatin Valley Mall. I need to speak to Mrs. Walters. Oh, good. Just a minute please.” She passed the phone to Kathryn, who clutched it in nervous excitement.

“Noreen? It's Kathryn.” She heard the woman's slight gasp. “Please don't give me away. Are you alone?”

“For the moment. Colt's sister and family arrived a few minutes ago. We'll be eating at six-thirty.”

It was four o'clock now. “Will anyone else be there?”

“Just us.”

Perfect.

“I'm in Bozeman and I've brought gifts for everyone, but I want my presence to be a secret for now. When it gets dark, could I come to your house first?”

“I was just going to suggest it. Park around back. I'll leave the door unlocked.”

“Bless you.”

She handed the phone to the clerk. “Thank you so much. Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas to you, too.”

Kathryn left the department store with her packages and headed for the rental car. Earlier, after flying into Bozeman on a charter, she'd driven straight to the Silver Spur with her load. Now that her shopping was done, she had to finish wrapping presents.

On the way back to the motel she stopped at a drive-through for a hamburger and fries. She needed fortification for what lay ahead. Since talking to Dr. Morrow, she'd suffered agony hoping Colt would call or fly to Salt Lake to see her. It didn't happen.

Deep down, she knew nothing would happen if she didn't act on her feelings. Maybe nothing would even if she
did
act, but she loved him too desperately not to prove it to him in the only way she knew how.

At six-fifteen, she stepped out of her motel room and felt snowflakes on her nose and eyelashes. Hastened by a gusting wind, the predicted storm had moved in.

By the time she reached the ranch entrance, she could hardly see a foot in front of her. Luckily she'd come here enough that she knew where to drive and anticipated the wide curve up the mountain.

Needing the momentum so she wouldn't get mired, she kept on going when she reached the vale. Ed and Noreen's house stood nestled in a stand of pines near the new ranch house. She could see a glimmer of light and headed in that direction, not daring to stop until she'd driven as close to the back door as possible.

Grateful to have arrived in one piece, she dashed inside the kitchen of the comfortable 1940s vintage home toting two heavy laundry bags. She thanked Noreen silently for leaving the lights on.

Aware that everyone was at the other house enjoying their Christmas Eve dinner, she took a calming breath and undressed down to her underwear. Laying everything aside in a pile, she opened the red laundry bags with their rope drawstrings and started getting into the padded red Santa suit.

The costume was made of beautiful red velvet with white fur trim. She'd bought the full works! It took forever to put everything on, especially the wig and beard, but finally she was ready.

When she went back outside with the two empty bags, more snow had built up on the car. If she couldn't make it over to Colt's house, she would have to call Noreen for help and it would ruin her surprise.

Luckily the ground was level and inch by inch she managed to make progress, but there was no way she'd manage the slight rise around the side of his house. At one point, the car just couldn't go any further, which meant she'd have to use the front door.

That was okay. In fact it was probably better because she could ring the front doorbell. She got this fluttery feeling in her stomach wondering what kind of reaction she'd get from Colt.

Please don't be too angry.

All her gifts were in two big bags. She had to get out of the car and stand there in the snow while she put them into the red laundry bags. The car clock said quarter to eight. Their meal would be over by now.

Once her red hat with its white fur trim was in place, she was ready and started trudging through the snow with her packs. This experience gave her a whole new appreciation for department-store Santas.

The going was slow because she felt clumsy in the big black boots. She'd practiced wearing everything at home, but doing this in a Montana blizzard was something else again.

Kathryn finally reached the front porch and tugged
the bags up the steps to the door. She hesitated for a moment. Maybe it was unlocked. That would be much better. Then she could make her big entrance and really shock everyone.

When she tried the handle and pressed the lever, it gave. More of Noreen's work?

Please understand why I'm doing this, Colt. Please.

With as much stealth as she could muster, she eased her way into the foyer with the bags. She could hear voices coming from the dining room. Someone had arranged a garland around the entry to the living room. The magic of Christmas filled the house.

To her left she saw a beautifully decorated tree standing in front of the tall living-room windows. Beneath it were a ton of presents. The smell of pine and Christmas scented candles filled her nostrils. A nativity scene had been set up on the coffee table. Emotion brought tears to her eyes.

Before she did another thing, she opened the pack and pulled out her cowboy hat. If everything went off the way she hoped, Colt would think Santa was a neighbor. But to give him a hint, she purposely walked over to the staircase and left the calling card of her Stetson on the end of the banister where he wouldn't be able to miss it.

What he wanted to do about it after discovering it would decide her fate. Fearing the worst, she almost lost her nerve. But when she considered what she could gain, she fought off her demons and reached in the pack for the last item to complete her outfit.

Once she'd fastened the belt around her fat belly, she grabbed the necks of the bags with her padded gloves and moved into the living room. Too late to back out now.

“Dad?” Allie cut in on Colt, who'd been talking to Tom. “Listen! That sounds like sleigh bells.”

No sooner had his daughter spoken than he heard “Ho! Ho! Ho!” It was coming from the living room.

“It's Santa!” the kids all cried at once.

“I think they're right,” Sherry murmured in surprise.

Colt couldn't believe it. His gaze flicked to Ed's, who shook his head in bewilderment. Noreen looked equally stunned.

The kids leaped out of their chairs and ran into the other room with Matt leading the way.

“Merry Christmas! Ho! Ho! Ho!” sounded the booming voice.

Colt brought up the rear in time to see the jolly fat man in red standing in front of the tree pulling out presents from his packs. One of his neighbors had gone to a lot of trouble for this unprecedented visit and looked the personification of Santa. Incredible.

This year, the joy of Christmas wasn't in his soul. Colt wished he weren't so empty inside, but the knowledge that Kathryn could never be a part of his life had
darkened his world. He honestly didn't know how he was going to get through it.

“Have you all been good?”

“Yes!” the kids answered.

“Then there's plenty for all!” Santa boomed as he motioned with his arms for the adults to come all the way in. Colt ran a list of all his friends through his mind, but he didn't recognize one of their voices.

When he lumbered over to the children, his body jingled. He handed each one a present. The kid's noisy excitement turned to oohs as they opened their gifts and discovered a large, hand-painted nutcracker.

Amazed by such extravagant generosity, Colt almost forgot to open his gift. It was a chocolate ball arranged in sections and smelled like an orange. He turned to Sherry just as she put a chocolate-covered strawberry in her mouth.

“I'll come back next year if you kids promise to be good!” Santa grabbed his packs and headed for the foyer.

“We will.” They followed him to the foyer. “Thanks for the presents, Santa!”

“Ho! Ho! Ho!” Colt heard him call out. “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!” When the front door closed, you could still hear his sleigh bells.

Allie came back in to show Colt her splendid-looking nutcracker prince. “I love this! You planned it, didn't you, Dad?”

He shook his head. “I wish I could take the credit.”

“That was fun!” Sherry's kids ran to their parents to show them their nutcrackers.

“This is so cool.” Matt wandered over to Colt while
he opened and shut the mouth of his mouse king. Colt handed him a wedge of chocolate. “Umm. That's good. I bet it was Roger's dad. He likes to do stuff like that.”

“His father isn't that tall,” Allie argued. “I've always wanted one of these.” She looked at the bottom. “They're made in Germany. Thanks, Dad.” She kissed his cheek. “I know you did it.”

There was no convincing her otherwise. Colt couldn't imagine who'd played the part—maybe one of the hands—but he knew it was the work of Ed and Noreen. Tomorrow he'd get them to admit it.

He glanced at Sherry. “As long as we're in here already, shall we let the kids open one present before bed?” She nodded. “Who wants to go first?”

Tom suggested they start with the youngest.

“Go on,” Colt encouraged Sarah.

While the children took turns, he exchanged a glance with Ed, who was munching happily on chocolate truffles. He held one up. “Mint.” So far, he hadn't given anything away.

After the kids opened another gift, Colt went to the kitchen for a plastic bag and came back to the living room to help Noreen clean up.

He found himself counting the minutes until everyone went to bed. Tonight he intended to hibernate in his room and find forgetfulness with some of the Jack Daniels Tom had brought him.

“Dad? Paul and I are going to listen to our new CDs in my room.”

Good. “Have fun. We'll see you guys in the morning when more fun stuff begins.”

“Yeah.” They high-fived each other.

Colt walked over to Allie. “I think it's time you and Sarah went up, too.”

“We're going.” They gathered up their things.

“Thanks for my nutcracker,” Sarah told Colt. “It says on the bottom she's the sugar plum fairy.”

Noreen's choice of gift for the kids was a huge hit. Hopefully the new Winnebago would be a hit, too. “Good night, girls.”

“Hey, Dad!”

The level of excitement in Matt's voice caused him to turn. His son came running back in the living room sounding out of breath. He was carrying something else in his other hand. The instant Colt saw the chocolate-brown Stetson, everything became crystal clear. His heart gave a resounding clap.

Forgetting everything, he made a dash for the front door and hurried into the snow. It had fallen continually since dinner. His eyes made out faint track marks in the drive. Without a moment to lose, he raced around to his truck and followed them. They led to Ed and Noreen's.

A car had pulled up in the drive, covered in snow. Hardly able to breathe, he jumped out and rushed around to the back door of the house.

“Kathryn?” He charged into the kitchen.

“I've been wondering how long it would take you.”

Colt swung around. She was sitting on the counter in a Christmas-red skirt and sweater. Her gorgeous, nylon-clad legs were crossed at the knee. The transformation from Santa back to flesh-and-blood woman wearing high heels left his senses reeling.

“When it seemed like you would never come, I was afraid you didn't want to.”

Didn't want to?

“I came the second Matt discovered your hat on his way up to bed.” He took a step closer. “I guess you know you turned a regular Christmas Eve into something magical for the kids. They think they're way past believing in miracles. You should have seen Allie's eyes light up at the sight of the nutcracker prince.”

“I'm glad. While she was in the hospital, we had long talks. I told her the Ballet West put on the
Nutcracker
every winter and hoped one day she'd be able to see it.”

“She loves you, Kathryn. So does Matt.”

“I love both your children.” Her smile charmed him down to his core. “Tonight I had more fun than you can imagine. I've never played Santa before, but I was afraid in case you resented the intrusion.”

He drew in a sharp breath. “You were superb, like you are at everything. I think I might be in the middle of another dream.”

She cocked her head, sending the mass of blond silk to one shoulder. “Why do you say that?”

“How long can you stay this time?”

“It depends on this blizzard.”

“That's what I thought,” he sighed.

“Colt!” Her eyes glinted with pain. “It's impossible to reach you, isn't it?”

His head reared. “What do you mean?”

“Do you honestly think I came all the way here in this storm on the most wonderful night of the year to
suddenly take off again? Don't you know I'm here for as long as you want me?”

She couldn't know what she was saying. The muscles in his throat constricted. “No more pretense.”

“When did I ever do that?”

“Maybe not, but I need an honest answer from you.”

“I've never given you anything else.”

Maybe he was cracking from the strain of wanting her so terribly. “It's Christmas. You missed twenty-six of them with your family. Why aren't you home with them tonight?”

“Because I wanted to be here with you.”

“Why?”

“You know why! Oh, sometimes you drive me crazy! I love you, Colton Brenner. I'm so madly in love with you it's disgusting.”

“Kathryn…”

“You still don't believe me?” she cried.

“It's not that,” he murmured. “I saw you speak at that conference. It's clear you're needed by the world to keep other people inspired.”

“I'd like to think I'm needed elsewhere. Come here and let me convince you I'd be good for you.”

He held back. “I'm afraid to touch you. Tomorrow—the day after tomorrow—you'll have to leave on another noble cause that requires your particular gifts. It's what you do because you're Kathryn McFarland.”

“Not anymore.”

The blood pounded in his ears. “Say that again?”

She moved off the counter. “That was the old Kathryn who has served her thirty years trying to find out who
she really is. Now it's someone else's turn to do that job. Since meeting you, I'm not the same person.”

Colt wanted to believe her so much. “Who are you, then?” he whispered.

In the next breath, she wrapped her arms around his chest. “Promise you won't laugh if I tell you something?”

“I swear.”

“For quite a while now I've thought of myself as Colt's woman, hiding out on the Cloud Bottom Ranch.”

He'd promised not to laugh, but he couldn't help it. Happiness flooded his being.

“I'm tired of being the Lost and Found McFarland. I want to settle down with my own man on our own mountain where nobody knows our business. I want to help you keep raising our children—because that's how I think of Matt and Allie—and hopefully give you another baby. I have such dreams, you can't imagine. If that terrifies you, I'll go away and never bother you again.”

Colt crushed her against him. He buried his face in her hair, relishing its fine texture. “How does your family feel about it?”

“Didn't I ever tell you how great they are? They want me to be happy. Imagine that. Of course, they'll be happier if you make an honest woman out of me first.”

“You don't have to worry about that. Two days ago I became a single man.”

Her head flew back. “You did? You
are?
” He saw heaven in those blue eyes devouring him.

“You don't know the battle I had not to come and get you and drag you away to my secret hideout.”

“I want to see it.”

“When the snow melts, we'll ride up there. Marry me, Kathryn.”

“What do you think I've been trying to tell you? Don't you know you didn't even need to ask? I'm yours for the taking, Colt. I was from the minute I heard your love for Allie over the phone. I've already told you the reason why I accompanied her back here, but it was also because I had to find out if you lived up to the image that had filled my mind.”

“I couldn't wait to meet you, either. There was something about you…”

She kissed him all around his mouth without kissing him dead center, driving him crazy. “Tell me about it. All it took was stepping off the plane with your daughter. There was this gorgeous hunk of Western male striding toward me with purpose and that was it. I swear it was like being hit by a bolt of ligh—”

Colt smothered her words, needing her kiss more than he needed air. When he finally lifted his mouth from hers he said, “I love you, Kathryn, but it's going to take all night to even begin to tell you what you mean to me.

“Unfortunately we've left my house full of family who won't be able to settle down for a long winter's nap until we make an appearance. Let's go. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner I can concentrate on you.”

He picked her up and carried her to the door. She opened it and they walked out into a white wonderland toward the truck. The snow had stopped falling.

“Oh, Colt! This is the most beautiful place on Earth.”

“It is now.”

Unable to keep their hands off each other, it took him longer to get her home. “They're back!” he heard Matt shout from the front door as he lifted her out of the truck.

Colt swept her inside the foyer where everyone had gathered. Unwilling to put her down, he couldn't refrain from kissing her in front of them.

“Whoa, Dad!”

He eventually lifted his head and smiled at the family he loved. “I've already got the Christmas present I want. Kathryn has agreed to marry me. It's all settled. Now you don't have to worry about me anymore, Sherry.”

His sister had broken down in happy tears.

“Awesome,” Matt whispered. His brown eyes had grown suspiciously bright.

“Put me down, darling,” Kathryn whispered against his jaw.

As he lowered her, his Allie came running and quietly sobbed as she hugged both of them. “I'm so happy. I've wanted you to be my mom forever.”

“I've wanted to belong to all of you forever. Come here, Matt.”

While Noreen wiped her eyes, Ed smiled at Colt. “Life doesn't get better than this.”

“Nope.”

“Who is she?” Sarah asked. She looked as bewildered as Paul.

Their father flashed Colt a broad grin. “Santa Claus. Didn't you guys know Santa's a girl?”

Circle B Ranch, six months later

“M
OM?
W
HERE ARE YOU
?”

“In the den, Matt!”

“Good! I need you and Dad to sign this.” He hurried in the room and handed her a form.

Kathryn took a look at it. “Did this just come in the mail?” It was the National Junior Bull Riders Association Membership and Release to Ride.

“Yeah. There's some other mail, too, and a postcard from Ed and Noreen. They love the Winnebago. This was sent from Mount Rushmore.”

She glanced at it before getting back to the business at hand. “I can see you've filled everything out.” It was the parents' consent and release form.

“Yeah.” He was so excited he was bouncing with energy. Matt had grown taller since Christmas. His body had filled out more. When he was an adult, he'd be a heartbreaker like his father.

His father.
Kathryn's husband. She loved him too much. To wake up in his arms every morning constituted the greatest happiness she'd ever known.

She signed her name.
Kathryn Brenner.
“If you want to get this in the mail by five, then we need to find your dad. Let's drive up to the north forty and look for him.”