Mistletoe & Marriage: Snowbound Cowboy. Patricia Thayer

he asked if I was his Christmas wish?”

      She froze. “Oh, you know how kids are. It’s only two weeks before Christmas and he has his list of what he wants. I’m sorry if he bothered you.”

      “It’s not a problem.” He paused again. “What exactly is he asking for?”

      Jesse walked into the room. “I want a Dad.”

      Boone hurried into the barn and forced the door shut against the bitter cold wind. He was a coward. He’d had the perfect chance to tell her the real reason he was here. Instead he let her continue to think he was the ranch hand who’d been hired to help out. Why not? Amelia Hughes needed help, and he could at least hang around until the other guy showed up.

      Boone walked down the center aisle to find everything neat and orderly. There were nearly a dozen stalls lining the walls, four with horses. He found he was a little envious.

      Back in Texas his barn had looked a lot like this one. He’d taken pride in all the work he and his dad had put into the Last Dollar Ranch. The house had been far from a showplace, because they put every penny into the care of the stock. Then, after the bank took over, the ranch fell into total neglect. But not for long. Thanks to the financial settlement from the accident, he had the money and the opportunity to get it back.

      Just as soon as he paid his other debt.

      Suddenly a big chocolate Labrador appeared and began barking. “Hey, fella. Where’d you come from?” Boone held out his hand and the animal approached, then began wagging his tail. Once the dog relaxed, Boone petted him. He noticed the animal’s full flanks. He grinned after further examination. “So you’re a gal and a mother-to-be. And by the looks of it, you don’t have long to go.”

      The dog barked in agreement.

      Boone stood. “Come on, show me around?”

      They headed toward the immaculate tack room and the dog’s bed lined with blankets. He also found the list of boldly printed instructions. The next room was the sleeping quarters for the hired hand. A single bunk and a dresser, plus a wall heater. This wasn’t meant for him. And before the real ranch hand showed up, he’d best tell Amelia the truth.

      His thoughts turned to the pretty woman with the rich green eyes. She had a full, tempting mouth that caused his body to tighten, making him realize how alone he’d been the past six months.

      He shook off the wayward thoughts. What would Amelia Hughes do when she realized he hadn’t been exactly truthful? He rubbed the back of his neck. Maybe he should just hand over the envelope addressed to her and head out.

      The wind howled outside. He wasn’t going anywhere right now, and maybe not for a while.

      And there was Jesse. He needed to know about his daddy, especially since Russ Eldon had died before he got the chance to come and meet his son.

      Now all Boone had to do was tell a little boy he would never get his Christmas wish.

      Chapter Two

      AMELIA PACED THE KITCHEN, occasionally glancing out the window at the blowing snow. She couldn’t see a thing. And according to the forecast, the weather wasn’t going to improve for at least three or four days. How bad was it going to get? She looked toward the barn, barely able to see the red structure. Suddenly, she was happy Boone Gifford had showed up.

      The phone rang and she picked it up on the second ring. “Hello.”

      “Amelia. It’s Kelley.”

      “Kelley, hi. Is Gram okay?”

      “Yes. I got her settled in her room and she’s resting right now.”

      “That’s good.” Amelia knew how hard it had been to convince seventy-five-year-old Ruby Hughes to have this procedure done.

      “Well, the doctor had to sedate her so she’d be relaxed.” There was a pause. “How are you and Jesse doing? I’m worried about this storm, Amelia. It’s going to get bad.”

      Amelia glanced outside again. The wind was blowing heavy snow. “We’ll be fine, Kel.”

      “But what if you can’t get out?”

      “I have help.”

      “Oh, good. So Joe sent over the hand from Sky High Ranch.”

      She wasn’t going to tell her sister that he had already rescued her and Jesse. “Yes, he’s moving his things into the barn and checking on the horses.”

      “I’m glad you’re not there alone.”

      So was she, but she’d never tell Kelley. “I know you don’t think so, but I can handle things. I’ve lived out here as long as you have.”

      “I know, but I can’t help being worried.”

      “Don’t, because then Gram will worry, too. She’s got to be your only concern right now. Mine is the ranch and Jesse.” She went to the high counter that divided the kitchen from the dining room and glanced further into the great room to find her son sitting in front of the television watching a video.

      Kelley still wasn’t convinced and rattled off a list of instructions. Amelia heard the back door shut and turned as Boone walked into the kitchen. His dark eyes met hers, and her throat suddenly went dry.

      “Amelia…Amelia. Are you there?”

      She shook away her wandering thoughts and turned back. “Yes, I’m here. Look, Kel, Jesse needs me so I better go. Call after the surgery tomorrow. Bye.”

      Amelia hung up the phone before her sister gave her more things to do.

      “I came for that coffee.” He removed his hat and coat revealing a dark-green flannel shirt.

      “Sure.” Amelia swung away from the distraction and went to the freshly brewed pot and grabbed two mugs. After filling it, she placed them on the table. “Cream or sugar?”

      He shook his head. “No, black’s fine, ma’am.” The large brown dog lumbered into the room.

      “Oh, Izzy. I forgot all about you.” She glanced at Boone. “Thanks for bringing her to the house. She’s pretty close to her delivery time.”

      Amelia went over and petted the dog. The animal basked in the attention, then wandered over to the warm kitchen hearth and lay down on the rug.

      “Have a seat,” she offered, and sat down across from him. “That was my sister, Kelley, on the phone. She wanted to make sure you got here.” Amelia took a sip of coffee. “She was checking up on me, too. To see if I was staying out of trouble.”

      “She’s probably worried.”

      Amelia nodded. Kelley had watched over her since they were little; since their dad died and their mother left them here for Grandma Ruby to raise. “She’d have a fit if she knew I’d gone out in the storm.” She met his dark gaze. “I can’t thank you enough for showing up when you did.”

      Boone knew he should tell her his real reason for being on the road today. But then he saw Amelia’s nervousness. “You already have. Besides, you and Jesse are safe now.” He set down his mug. “I checked the supply of wood on the porch. There seems to be plenty for a few days. I’ll go out before dark and move more from the side of the house.”

      “That’s a good idea since the radio says it’s only getting worse. The roads are impassible. Not uncommon for this part of the country.”

      “Did they say how long the weather system will last?”

      “Through Thursday, at least.”

      Great. He couldn’t leave for three days. He took a long drink of coffee. This was a bad idea all around. “I should get settled in.” He stood and carried his cup to the sink when Jesse rushed into the kitchen.

      The