Chapter 21
Meet Me Under The Mistletoe
I’d braced myself for the day after Christmas to feel hollow—forced into another goodbye I wasn’t ready for. This time, though, I knew if I had to watch Noelle walk away, I wouldn’t survive it.
Thankfully, the worst-case scenario didn’t happen, and instead, I’m celebrating that she’s staying for the foreseeable future. Sure, we’ll go to New York in January so she can handle some business and pack her things, but we’ll be back on the mountain within a week. Until then, she’s all mine.
This morning, she was up earlier than usual, wanting to go on a walk by herself. I wasn’t thrilled with the prospect, but one look at those doe eyes and I was done for. Still, I made sure she was bundled up and told her I’d come looking if she wasn’t back within the hour.
She’s got fifteen minutes left before I make good on my promise.
To keep myself preoccupied, I’m going through my closet, sorting through flannels, a handful of winter coats, and boots. Most of my clothes are decades old so it’s about time I got rid of the things I never wear.
Noelle warned me that she has an extensive wardrobe, and I want her to have plenty of space to store it all once we bring it back from New York.
The sooner she feels at home, the sooner she’ll see a future for herself here—which is why I reached out to Casey and a local construction crew this morning about converting the empty office at High Noon into a soundproof podcast studio.
They’re fast-tracking the job and by the end of next week, it’ll be ready for Noelle to use.
The bonus? With her office next to mine, it’ll be added motivation to show up at the honky-tonk more often.
I’m also looking forward to settling back into managing some of the day-to-day, like I used to.
Casey’s done a great job keeping things running smoothly, but it’ll be nice to be part of the action again.
I’ve just started a donation pile when my phone rings. I’m not surprised to find that Birdie is video calling me; she tried yesterday, but I was a little preoccupied, so I sent her a text wishing her a Merry Christmas.
“Hello,” I answer.
Birdie’s smile fills the screen. “Glad to see your broody face. I was worried after getting that nice message yesterday that you’d had a personality transplant.”
She has her phone propped up on the counter as she makes coffee.
“Sorry to disappoint,” I say, attempting a scowl, but failing to keep a straight face.
She wipes her brow in exaggerated relief as she walks across the kitchen. “I was starting to wonder how I’d make it through the week without my regular dose of grump.”
“A double shot of caffeine ought to do the trick.”
“You’re paying since you’re the reason I need it to begin with,” she tosses over her shoulder as she opens her fridge. “So, how’s Noelle?” She slips the question in like it’s the most natural thing to ask.
“What makes you think she’s still here?” I reply with a half-smile as I try to fold a long-sleeved flannel with one hand.
It’s obvious Birdie’s itching for an update. Aside from her attempted call yesterday and a handful of texts, we haven’t talked in a few days—and I can’t deny I’m enjoying stretching out the suspense. She’s merciless with her teasing, so it’s only fair that I return the favor.
She stands near the fridge, hazelnut creamer in one hand, the other on her hip, looking at the camera with an eyebrow raised.
“You might be the ancient one, but I wasn’t born yesterday.
Noelle had you the minute she set foot on your property, whether you realized it or not.
And when you told me you were making her lunch, I knew you were a goner. ”
I don’t bother setting her straight. Technically, I never admitted to making Noelle lunch. Birdie just assumed, and the last thing I want is her gloating about being right.
“I’m still not sure why you’re invested in my dating life,” I huff out with a sigh, tossing a pair of old jeans into the donation pile.
“Because you’re my cousin and I want you to be happy.” Birdie returns to the counter, splashing creamer into her coffee and taking a sip before adding, “So is Noelle still there or not?”
I rub the back of my neck. “Yeah, she is.”
“Does that mean you spent Christmas together?” Birdie’s voice is now three octaves higher.
“Yeah.”
She straightens, and her eyes lighten up. “Does that mean the two of you are official?”
I press my lips together to hide my amusement. “Yeah, it does.”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Shep, you’ve got to give me more than that.” Birdie huffs, setting down her coffee mug a little too hard, and it sloshes over the side.
A week ago, I’d probably have told her to mind her own damn business, but Noelle’s sunny disposition must be contagious because Birdie’s curiosity doesn’t bother me as much as it used to. Hell, I admit I might even appreciate her meddling.
“Yeah, Noelle and I are together, and she’s staying in Pine Haven indefinitely.” I chuck a pair of old work boots into the growing giveaway pile. “Though we’re headed to New York in a couple of weeks so she can handle some business.”
I wince when Birdie lets out a high-pitched squeal. “Shut the front door! My cousin’s going to the big city? Maybe I was wrong about the personality transplant. You must have been body-snatched.”
I roll my eyes. “Do all women let their imaginations run wild?”
First, Noelle thinks I’m a serial killer. Now, Birdie’s convinced aliens have taken me over. If they ever compared notes, they’d decide I was planning a zombie apocalypse by lunch.
“I call it staying alert to suspicious behavior. And you, cousin, have been acting odd. But it all makes sense now, considering you’re head over heels.” She grins as she wipes the coffee she spilled with a paper towel. “Can’t wait to officially have a cousin-in-law!”
I nearly drop the phone. “Easy now. Noelle and I are taking things slow.”
Truth is, I have no intention of taking it slow. Noelle’s it for me. I can picture it now—my ring on her finger and her belly swollen with my kid. Some will say we’re moving too fast, but I won’t let anyone else dictate our timeline. Only Noelle’s opinion matters when it comes to our future.
“Oh, please,” Birdie scoffs. “You’ve always wanted a wife and kids. There’s no way you’d let this opportunity pass you by.” It’s unnerving how easily she can read my mind. “Honestly, you deserve everything good coming your way, and I’m happy for you.”
“Careful. If you get any sappier, I’ll have to send you the bill.”
“We’ll call it even for the double shots of caffeine,” she says, smiling over her mug.
All joking aside, I appreciate that Birdie cares and is invested in what happens with Noelle and me.
“Sounds like a…” I trail off when I hear a series of bumps mixed with mooing coming from the living room.
What the hell?
“Birdie, hold on a minute, will ya?”
I step over the pile of clothes on the floor, phone still in hand, as I leave the bedroom. I come to a sudden stop when I find Noelle crouched in front of Maple near the wide-open front door, holding out a handful of apple slices. The cow’s tail is swishing as she eagerly munches on her snack.
“What’s going on here?”
Noelle looks at me, her eyes sparkling. “Maple did it! She followed me to the cabin. I had to pretend I was on the phone, but I kept sneaking glances back, and she stayed right behind me the whole way here.”
For the past couple of days, she’s been going on about wanting to bring Maple to the cabin.
I should’ve known she meant it when I found her with a lead rope.
This is what I get for not putting my foot down early and telling her animals weren’t allowed in the house.
Though knowing Noelle, it wouldn’t have made a difference.
I let out a deep sigh as I run a hand across my face. “What happened to taking a walk?”
She shrugs. “I did take one. To the barn. And of course, I had to check on the animals while I was there.” She takes another slice of apple from her pocket. “Maple looked lonely, so I let her tag along back home.”
I quirk a brow as I move closer to them. “Uh-huh.”
I don’t believe for a second that’s how things went down. Still, as unamused as I am about having a literal cow in my living room, Noelle’s beaming smile makes it impossible to stay mad.
“Aren’t you going to introduce me to your lady friend?” Birdie pipes up, reminding me I didn’t end our call.
Noelle tilts her head, curiously eyeing the phone in my hand. “Who are you talking to?”
“My cousin, Birdie.”
Noelle ruffles the fur on Maple’s head before standing. She sidles up next to me and takes my phone, holding it up to her face.
“Hi, Birdie. I’m Noelle. It’s so nice to meet you,” she says, giving the camera a cheerful wave.
Birdie’s eyes light up, like she’s just been given the best Christmas present. “Same here. I didn’t think anyone could handle Shep’s cranky streak. You’re a brave soul.”
“Don’t let him fool you. Under all that grumbling, he’s just a big ole teddy bear.” Noelle reaches up to pinch my cheek.
“Am not,” I grunt, nipping at her fingers.
Just because Noelle makes me smile and has me fussing over her doesn’t mean I’m going soft.
“Oh please, you’re—” Maple interrupts Birdie with a low moo as she wanders around the room and settles in front of the fireplace like she owns the damn place. “Maple sounds so grown up. How’s she doing?”
“Just dandy. Apparently, she’s an indoor cow today,” I mutter.
“I promised her a movie marathon,” Noelle reminds me, batting her lashes.
She flips the screen so Birdie can see Maple, sprawled out, resting her chin on her hooves, eyes half closed.
“Maple is so precious,” Birdie coos. “And ignore Shep’s complaints. He’s totally smitten with her, too.”
“Oh, I know. Just yesterday, I caught him in her stall, scratching behind her ear and calling her his favorite girl,” Noelle says, smirking at me.
This is just perfect. I knew if these two ever talked, they’d conspire against me.
“Alright, I think that’s enough for introductions for one day,” I grumble, taking the phone from Noelle.
“Fine, but I’m coming to visit soon, and you won’t be able to stop me from sharing all your embarrassing stories,” Birdie taunts.
“Can’t wait,” Noelle says, leaning in to wave goodbye.
I hang up, close the front door, and when I turn around—Noelle is standing right behind me.
She fiddles with the bracelet on her wrist, giving me a cautious look. “Are you upset I brought Maple inside?”
I shake my head. “Not at all. Enjoy your movie marathon. I’ll just have to wait to have you to myself until tonight.”
Noelle steps closer, draping her arms around my neck. “Don’t worry, I’ll make it up to—” She stops short when she glances up, spotting the mistletoe above the doorframe. “How did that get there?”
I shrug, biting the inside of my cheek to keep from grinning. “No clue.”
Truth is, I hung it up after she left for her walk. We’d spent the days leading up to Christmas celebrating both our families’ traditions, but I want to start a few of our own. A kiss under the mistletoe felt like the perfect place to begin.
Casey gave me grief for asking him to bring some when they stopped by yesterday. He’s always bragged that Amy decorates every doorway with it, so I knew they’d have plenty to spare. I expect endless jokes at my expense, but this moment with Noelle is worth it.
She gives me a knowing look. “Must have been a belated gift from Santa.”
“Must have.” I capture her around the waist, pulling her against my chest. “It would be rude not to make the most of it.”
She rises on her toes, pressing a hand on my chest. “We can’t have that.”
I trail kisses along her jawline, her breath hitching as she tips her head toward me.
Our lips meet, urgent and demanding. I’m surrounded by the sweet scent of vanilla and sugar cookies, unable to think of anything but her warm mouth on mine.
I lift her into my arms, and she instinctively locks her legs around my waist, her hands moving to grip my shoulders.
I take two steps forward so her back is pressed against the wall.
“Thank you for staying,” I murmur.
“Nowhere else I’d rather be.”
Noelle nips my bottom lip, moaning as she delves her tongue inside my mouth. She tastes like sunshine and hot cocoa, and I look forward to showing her exactly what it means to belong to me.
A soft mooing sound makes me draw back, and I see Maple has wandered from the fireplace to stand beside us. She nudges my pant leg, and Noelle bursts into giggles.
I tilt my head, lifting a brow. “Still think bringing a cow into the house was a good idea?”
Noelle pats me on the chest. “Cheer up, cowboy. You said it yourself: Tonight, I’m all yours.”
I tilt her chin, giving her another kiss. “Damn right.”