Chapter 5
Callie
The closer we get to the Naughty List Ranch, the more the butterflies in my stomach tumble around.
I’m so nervous, and it has nothing to do with meeting my future employers, and everything to do with the handsome cowboy beside me.
From the moment he met me, he’s been taking care of me and looking out for both of us.
I know he’s kind. He’s probably just the type of man who’s used to being in charge. But I can’t deny the way my stomach swooped when he took my hand and said, “Relax and let me provide everything you need right now.”
When he said that, I thought about other needs I’d like him to meet. Needs that involve being a desirable woman, having his hands all over me, and hearing his quiet groans in the throes of pleasure.
It’s ridiculous because I’ve never been the type of woman to have a fling. I’ve always been the type that wanted a ring and promises of forever. But look how that turned out. I was foolish with too many stars in my eyes.
Nate pulls the truck into the driveway, and the sight stuns me. It’s a huge two-story ranch, lit up against the dark winter sky. There’s not a single inch of it missing Christmas lights. There must be thousands of bulbs here and each one twinkles in perfect rhythm as if to welcome visitors.
I gasp in surprise and delight. If there were ever a Christmas postcard of the perfect holiday getaway, it should be a picture of this beautiful ranch.
The front door flings open then a short little woman with silvery hair is bounding down the steps with the excitement and agility of a teenager.
I’m barely out of the truck before she’s throwing her arms around me and giving me a hug. The best hug of my life.
“Welcome, welcome!” She croons as if I’m the long-lost daughter she’s been waiting for the return of.
A lump forms in my throat as I melt into her embrace, remembering my own mom. She’d adore Mary and Danny, and she’d definitely think Nate is cute in a ruggedly handsome way. “I’m glad we made it!”
“Come on in before you and Danny catch your death of a chill,” she commands even as she tackles Nate in a hug. She barely comes up to the middle of his chest. He leans down, letting her squeeze him tightly.
She croons over Danny when I take him out of the truck, exclaiming how handsome he is and how cute he looks in his little outfit. For his part, Danny smiles at her, showing off his two bottom teeth as a little bit of drool dribbles down his chin.
I take his hand and show him how to wave, but he hasn’t quite mastered that one yet. The physical therapist said Danny would always hit his milestones a little bit slower than other kids and not to worry.
She even has treats ready for Rudy that he earns after he holds out his paw for a gentle shake and barks on command.
“Don’t spoil him, Mom,” Nate says softly.
She waves away his reprimand. “Everyone knows that calories don’t count during the holidays. It’s law.”
After introductions, I carry Danny into the ranch. If I thought the outside looked like a postcard, it’s nothing compared to the inside. There are twinkly lights everywhere. Garland, red baubles, and candy canes adorn every surface.
Mary ushers me forward into the living area. There’s a wall of windows with a ten-foot tree in front of it. Hundreds of ornaments and dozens of light strands are wrapped around it. At the base, countless gifts are on top of a flannel rug.
The fireplace crackles cheerfully nearby with a TV hung above it that’s softly playing a classic Christmas movie in black and white.
A man rises from the leather couch in front of the TV and hurries over, his sock-covered feet barely making a sound against the gleaming oak floors that reflect the soft twinkly lights.
“I always go a little overboard for the holidays,” Mary says.
“No such thing, sweetie,” Christopher answers and kisses her cheek, adoration clear in the way he looks at her. Their love is so sweet and pure that it makes my breath catch in my throat. What would it be like to have that with someone? What would it be like if that someone were Nate?
Mary shows me around the house with Nate and Rudy following close behind.
Every room has a different theme. There’s a nutcracker room and an elf-themed room.
The kitchen is candy-themed with bright gumdrops, white frosting, and plenty of peppermints.
I’m pretty sure that the Naughty List Ranch might just be the sweetest place on earth.
She guides me up the steps to the second floor and opens the door to one of the bedrooms. “This will be your space. You and Danny are welcome here for as long as you want to stay.”
There’s a handmade quilt on the antique bed that sits on top of an oval braided rug. When she catches me looking at it, Mary says, “My friends made it.”
She steps into the room to pat the quilt lovingly. “The girls from the quilting club make each one special. You’ll never have a better night’s sleep in your life.”
Across from the antique bed is a beautiful crib with ornate designs carved into the wood as if someone spent countless hours making the heirloom piece that’s sure to have been passed down through generations.
The simple sheet on the tiny mattress features teddy bears dressed in yellow and green.
It’s obviously new and smells as if it’s been freshly laundered.
Mary gestures toward the door in the room. “Nate already called and said you ate, that you’re exhausted. There’s an en-suite bathroom through that door with a walk-in closet beyond that. Take your time and relax tonight. Get some sleep. Tomorrow, we’ll talk.”
I can’t believe it. Here I am in this beautiful, cozy room that’s warm. There’s a crib with clean sheets and a bed that’s covered with quilts that have been loved and cherished over the years.
Tears fill my eyes as gratitude overwhelms me. In this moment, I know I made the right decision to come to Silver Bell Hollow.
Mary squeezes my shoulder as if sensing all of the emotions swirling beneath the surface. “Welcome home. You’re one of us now.”
With that, she slips past me, and I hear her murmur to Nate, “Your room is across the hall. I gave you the one you asked for.”
“Callie, whatever you need, you come find me. I’m usually somewhere around here.” She disappears down the hall without another word, leaving the four of us alone again.
I turn around to thank Nate one last time. I’m not even sure if he’ll be here in the morning. Does he have any idea what he’s done for me, how much he’s helped me or what his presence today meant to me?
He gives me a nod, understanding my gratitude without a word passing between us. “Good night, Callie. Night, Danny.”
Rudy pushes past Nate. He circles the rug twice before lying down in a heap with a soft sigh, as if all of today’s travel exhausted him just as much as it did the rest of us.
Nate snaps his fingers and sends his dog a frown. “You’re with me tonight, buddy.”
He looks at me, letting out a whine as if he can’t believe how unreasonable Nate is being.
I chuckle and step toward him. Juggling Danny in one arm, I give Rudy a gentle head pat. “You’re a good boy.”
Rudy seems to accept this and gets to his feet, his nails clicking along the hardwood as he trots back to Nate.
Nate hesitates for a moment longer in my doorway. He opens his mouth and finally says, “They’re good people. No one will treat you better than Mary and Christopher.”
“I can sense that,” I tell him even though what I really want to do is ask him about his plans for tomorrow and the rest of the week. Is he staying? Is he going? Will I ever see him again?
“Come on, Rudy,” he says and turns to walk across the hall. I listen to the soft click of his doorknob and glance down at Danny. He’s staring up at me as if he’s not sure what to make of the confusing cowboy either.
“This is it,” I whisper to him. “It’s our new beginning, and it’s so much brighter than I could have ever imagined.”