Yuletide Cowboy

Yuletide Cowboy by Debra Clopton Read Free Book Online Page A

Book: Yuletide Cowboy by Debra Clopton Read Free Book Online
Authors: Debra Clopton
began jumping around with happiness.
    Lynn pressed her shoulders back and shook her head.“Thank you,” she said, stiffly, “but we don’t need help building our tree house.”
    â€œI don’t mind.” Chance, what are you saying?
    â€œHe don’t mind, Momma.”
    â€œGavin, you’re showing very bad manners. Again, thank you but we’re fine,” she said firmly. “Come on, boys, we need to go.”
    â€œBut, Momma—”
    â€œJack, we need to go home. Remember we have Christmas lights to put up, too.”
    Both boys looked reluctantly at him but obediently headed off to the car. Lynn didn’t meet his gaze as she said goodbye to Norma Sue and Esther Mae. He thought she was just going to walk off but then she paused. “I’m sorry. Thanks for the offer though,” she said, then strode away.
    What had she been through?
    Chance’s cousins walked up. “What was that all about?” Wyatt asked.
    â€œThat was Lynn being stubborn,” Norma Sue offered.
    â€œGavin and Jack were trying to get Chance to help them build a tree house, but Lynn is Miss Independent and having none of that.”
    Esther Mae harrumphed. “She needs to get over that.”
    Wyatt got a thoughtful gleam in his eye. “Really.”
    Cole grinned. He was the youngest brother, about Chance’s age and his former partner in crime. “Did you tell them you were a master tree house builder?”
    â€œI think we can both swing a hammer better than we could back then.” Chance chuckled. He and Cole had tried to build a tree house when they were about eightyears old. “We were stubborn back then though. We re fused help from everyone.”
    â€œUntil Dad stepped in,” Wyatt added. “Y’all had the biggest mess. Dad finally had to insist on making it safe for y’all to use.”
    â€œThank goodness.” Seth gave a laugh that was more of a grunt. “Oh, by the way, I forgot to tell you Melody said thanks for taking those lights up to the church for her.”
    Esther Mae beamed. “Lynn told us about that last night when we were decorating for the fundraiser. What a cute way to meet,” she gushed. “Are you coming to the fundraiser tonight?”
    Chance had already told Wyatt and all the guys the day before that he was going to pass. Wyatt hadn’t liked it and had told him that being around people would be good for him, but he understood. Now, looking at Esther Mae and Norma Sue, Chance wasn’t sure what to say. They had worked hard on this fundraiser, evidently, and it was for a good cause. His conscience pricked at him. He was startled that they hadn’t yet mentioned his preaching. He was relieved by the reprieve. “I’m not sure—”
    â€œSure you are.” Norma Sue looked serious. “Chance, we just heard what a hard time you’re having dealing with the loss of this young man. The best thing is for you to get involved with your family…and we are your family. I expect to see you there.” She shot Wyatt a firm look. “See to it.”
    Wyatt gave a slow grin. “Yes, ma’am. You heard the lady, Chance.”
    He was dug in deep for patience.
    Esther Mae dipped her chin, causing the yellow daffodils on her hat to bend forward as if they, too, were watching Chance. “I’m expecting you there, too. So don’t disappoint me. I know you’ll enjoy it. And it will be good for you. Lynn will be there, too.”
    Great, just what he needed. Chance wondered what Lynn would think if she knew what was going on.
    â€œAnd you’ll enjoy the auction, too,” Cole drawled.
    â€œWhat auction? I haven’t heard anything about that.”
    Seth hiked a shoulder. “Aw, it’s just stuff for the la dies.”
    â€œBut you’ll still enjoy seeing them bid,” Norma Sue added quickly, and Esther Mae grinned and nodded.
    Everyone was

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