The Rancher's Christmas Match. Brenda Minton

West at the shop. Isaac, thank you.”

      He pushed against the llama as it reached across the fence to nip at his sleeve. The animal came back and grabbed his hat. Allie laughed until tears rolled down her cheeks, and the tension inside Rebecca eased.

      Isaac pointed at Rebecca. “Was that a giggle, Ms. Barnes?”

      “I’m an adult. I don’t giggle.” Rebecca smiled as he pushed his hat, tooth marks and all, back on his head.

      “It most definitely was a giggle. And for that, I’m buying lunch.”

      Rebecca tried to object. She seriously wanted to tell him he couldn’t. But before she could respond, Allie had jumped down off the railing, a huge grin on her face, obviously thrilled with the idea.

      So she accepted. For Allie’s sake. Nothing else.