A Cowboy's Christmas Promise by Maggie McGinnis Read Free Book Online Page A

Kyla smiled as she wound ribbon around a perfectly-finished concoction of white candles, gold glitter, and lacy pine branch. Hayley’d been trying for two days now, but still hadn’t managed to make any of her attempts look remotely like Kyla’s finished products.
    “I just don’t want her to miss any of the fun.” The pine bough sprang out of Hayley’s hand at the same time hot glue dripped on her leg. “Ow! How in the world are you making these stupid branches behave?”
    Kyla got up from her chair and came over to Hayley’s side of the table to help. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think maybe arts and crafts just weren’t your thing.”
    “This is news to you? And yet you keep insisting I should do them? I’m starting to long for last year. Bears and lightning were easier.”
    “But it’s day two and no one’s landed in the hospital yet. This is a good thing.”
    Hayley picked Kyla’s laminated list off the table. “Maybe I should look at the list. There has to be
something
else I could do that would be useful. Oh, look! Someone needs to pick the flowers! I can totally pick flowers! Ooh! I could do it while riding a horse, perhaps!”
    “Can’t do that one ’til Friday, or they’ll wilt.”
    “Um, place cards! How about I write up the place cards?”
    Kyla frowned carefully. “You’re a doctor. I’ve seen your writing.”
    “Good point. Okay, okay. There has to be something here that speaks to my talents. I’ll find it.” She stopped on an item halfway down the list. “Cupcake tasting? Now
that
sounds like something I could handle. But didn’t you and Decker already pick your cake flavors?”
    “We did, but Jenny’s all excited to have us try these new cupcakes she’s doing at the bakery now. She’s doing a cupcake tree for the reception. The kids will love it.”
    “So how about I head right into town and taste cupcakes for you? I’ll give you a full report when I get back. Later. Much. For instance, after the centerpieces are done.”
    Kyla laughed. “I don’t think Jenny has them ready yet, or I’d be happy to send you.”
    “Do you need me to scout the ceremony site? Head out on horseback and make sure there aren’t any rogue poison ivy plants in the area or anything?”
    “As helpful as that sounds—”
    “Seriously. What if the foliage clashes with the dirndls? We wouldn’t want the pictures ruined. I should definitely ride out and check everything out while there’s still time to make adjustments.”
    “Y’know, I can tell you’re not quite sold on the whole dirndl thing. But wait ’til you see the pictures. With the mountains in the background, the green meadow, the blue sky.” Kyla put her hands to her chest, then fluttered her fingers like one of the self-centered designers on that runway show where people had to make clothing out of tinfoil and duct tape and plastic wrap. “When it all comes together, you’ll understand my vision.”
    “Oh, I’ll be a vision, all right.”
    “Well, just think. When you get married, you can stick me in a hot-pink muumuu and six-inch heels if you want. Bridal privilege!”
    Hayley laughed at the thought of Kyla stumbling down an aisle in that getup. “That’s easy for you to say. You know there’s no risk.”
    “Because you’re never getting married. I know.”
    “Exactly. I will leave the bridal bliss to those more qualified to handle it.”
    “I still think you’d look adorable with a minivan full of little redheads.”
    “Bite your tongue, girl! I will
never
drive a minivan.”
    Kyla winked. “You say that now.”
    “Oh, you can
engrave
that now.”
    “So…on a completely different topic, did you get a chance to talk with Daniel yesterday?”
    Hayley laughed. “Oh, yes. That’s a
completely
different topic.”
    She fiddled with a strip of lace as she thought back to yesterday’s conversation with Daniel. And tried not to admit that thinking about him had delayed her sleep last night by an uncomfortable