Cowboy Unwrapped. Vicki Lewis Thompson

all missed lunch?” Amethyst was overwhelmed by the group effort to provide her with a sleigh ride.

      “Yeah, but Finn’s probably in there wolfing down a sandwich by now,” Cade said. “Sad to say, Jake and I haven’t taken any sustenance since breakfast.”

      “Then, by all means, let’s all go in so you guys can get fed.”

      Shortly thereafter Amethyst was seated at Rosie’s kitchen table with a mug of coffee and a slice of cake. Jake and Cade each had hefty sandwiches to go with their coffee. Finn had already left to help Damon, but his fiancée Chelsea was there along with Philomena, Damon’s redheaded and exceedingly pregnant wife. Ringo, a gray tabby, was curled up in a bed in the corner, but the antihistamine was working so Amethyst was fine.

      Jake paused between bites to address his foster mom, who’d joined them with coffee and cake. “Where’s Dad?”

      “In town, Christmas shopping.”

      “He still waits until the last minute?”

      Rosie laughed. “He claims that’s when he feels the Christmas spirit, when everyone in town is racing the clock.”

      “What he feels is frantic desperation,” Cade said. “You couldn’t pay me to be in town today.”

      Jake laughed. “How does two grand sound?”

      “Okay, I’d do it for that.”

      “Case closed.” Jake finished his sandwich and pushed back his chair. “Mom, that was wonderful.” He glanced over at Amethyst. “Will you be okay for a little while? This shouldn’t take long.”

      “Are you kidding? You’re leaving me with interesting women and German chocolate cake. I’ll be more than fine.” Amethyst discovered she liked seeing him in this setting, surrounded by his foster family. He seemed emotionally stronger and more confident here. She wished he’d brought her to the ranch when they’d been dating but there’d been no reason.

      Cade went with him, which left Rosie, Chelsea and Phil at the table with Amethyst.

      She knew a little about Phil, who’d worked as a contractor in Sheridan for several years before meeting and falling in love with Damon. But Chelsea was a complete stranger so Amethyst started the conversation by asking about her work and how she’d happened to meet Finn. Turned out they’d been in line for coffee and had started up a conversation that had led to a business relationship and eventually love.

      “Chelsea’s been so good for him,” Rosie said. “He’s still very focused on his work, but he’s not as driven as he used to be.”

      “The more I’m around the Thunder Mountain guys,” Phil said, “the more I’ve noticed that most of them have a strong urge to succeed. Considering the crummy background they had, it’s not surprising. Damon’s mellowing out, finally, which is good. I want him to be able to relax enough to enjoy his kid.”

      Amethyst had abandoned the idea of having children when she’d decided on her career path, but she was curious all the same. “How’s motherhood so far?”

      “Disconcerting.” Phil laid a hand over her big belly. “Normally, I work side by side with Damon on our renovation jobs, but in the last month that’s been increasingly difficult. Life should be easier when she’s born. I plan to pack her along on jobs, at least until she’s mobile. Then I might need day care.”

      “So you’re having a girl?” Amethyst asked.

      “Oh, yeah, and I’m thrilled about that.”

      “So am I.” Rosie sipped her coffee. “This ranch is loaded with testosterone, in case you hadn’t noticed.”

      Amethyst smiled. “I’ve noticed, but I’m not complaining. I grew up with a sister.”

      Rosie’s gaze warmed. “How’s Sapphire doing? From a sister’s perspective, I mean. Grady says everything’s going well, but I had a little something to do with her decision to move to Cody and I dearly hope it’s working out.”

      “It definitely is. You’ll see for yourself tonight when they come to your Christmas Eve party.”

      “Are you coming?” Chelsea asked.

      “Or more to the point,” Phil said, “are you staying? You’re here for this major-deal sleigh ride, so unless you have plans you might as well stay for the rest of the evening.”

      Amethyst was struck by the logic of it. She’d considered coming over later with Grady and Sapphire but that might not make any sense. She glanced at the kitchen clock. If the sleigh was cleaned up and ready before three, she’d be amazed. And dusk came early in December.

      Then she looked down at her simple top and jeans. “I’m not dressed for a Christmas Eve gala.”

      Rosie laughed. “Honey, you’re at Thunder Mountain Ranch. Around here we pay more attention to the people than the clothes they’re wearing. Besides, you look very nice.”

      “All righty, then. I’d love to stay.”

      “Great!” Chelsea smiled at her. “Now that we have that settled, I’m dying to ask about your career. I understand you’re a professional singer.”

      “I’m working at it. So far my gigs have all been in Wyoming and that’s where I get the bulk of my music sales, too.”

      Chelsea’s expression was animated. “Have you sent out demos?”

      “I have, but no takers yet from the studios. I hoping for a big break eventually, but in the meantime I’m giving private voice lessons, mostly to kids. That’s fun.”

      “I’ll bet it would be,” Phil said. “I love hearing little kids sing. Warms my heart.”

      “Mine, too.” Amethyst smiled as she thought about Jenny, her favorite. “I have one little eight-year-old who has real promise. Cute as a button and that girl can sing. I can’t wait to see what happens with her. Then there’s a little guy who’s only five but he really belts out those tunes. It’s adorable. He could go places.”

      “I wonder if singing is like acting,” Chelsea said. “You have to actually be in LA or New York in order to make something happen. Or Nashville if you’re doing country.”

      “Maybe. I’m pop, not country, so it would be New York or LA for me.” Amethyst always grew uneasy when this subject came up. “And I would go if I had some interest from one of the major studios. You know, a serious nibble. Moving to the city without that seems pretty darned risky. Sure, I could wait tables, but those are pricey places to live. I’d go through my savings in no time. At least here the cost of living is lower so I can support myself between the gigs I pick up and the private lessons.”

      “It is risky.” Rosie got up to bring them all more coffee. “I was worried sick about Finn when he took off for Seattle to open a microbrewery. He didn’t know a soul, but he’d researched the market and was convinced that was the best place to be.” She gave Chelsea a fond look. “Then he met the right woman and it all worked out.”

      “He was really lucky,” Amethyst said.

      “So was I.” Chelsea leaned back in her chair. “I’m grateful that he took that risk. I can’t imagine my life without him.”

      “Finn’s not the only one who’s done that kind of thing,” Rosie said. “One of my boys is out in LA right this minute trying to make it as an actor.”

      “Oh, yeah?” Phil looked over at her. “Who’s that?”

      “Matt Forrest.”

      “I remember him from high school!” Amethyst put down her mug and stared at Rosie. “He was a skinny kid one year behind me.”

      “Well, he’s not skinny anymore,” Rosie said. “Got a growth spurt, filled out, took some acting classes at the community college. Then he