One Tough Christmas Cookie - Lucy McConnell Page 0,77

saw it, I wondered what they were keeping in here that deserved such a big introduction.”

Dad chuckled. “Do you get it now?”

She thought about Dunder’s quiet majesty and Rudy’s sweet and determined personality. Then there was Sparkle, with her princess attitude, and Lucky, who pulled a sleigh as if he were the lead in a parade. They were special and worth the grand entrance into their world. “I think I do.” She smiled at him.

Faith pulled right up to the front steps of the house, as instructed, and put the truck in park. “Let me come around and help you out.”

Before she could unbuckle her seat belt, Abner was outside—sans coat—and hurrying down the steps. He swung Dad’s door open and gripped Dad’s hand as if they were about to arm wrestle. Only there was no competition in Abner’s soft blue eyes. Instead, they were filled with deep joy. “It’s good to see you, old friend.”

Faith’s nerves lessened at the kindness in Abner’s tone.

Dad used his other hand to clasp the back of Abner’s. “It’s good to be seen.” They shared a look that was full of brotherly love and gratitude that they had more time together.

Faith wanted to hug them both.

“Let’s get you in by the fire.” Abner helped Dad out of the truck, and he paused to wink at Faith. “We’re mighty happy to have you for dinner tonight.” Then he shut the door and patted the side of the truck.

Faith warmed at his welcome. Between Abner and Caleb, she had two friends. The rest of the crew remined to be seen. She parked behind a green Ford and then hurried to the house.

Just as she got to the door, it swung open and Forest grinned, motioning for her to step inside. He had on a deep green sweater with a Santa face on the front. The beard was made of something fuzzy that begged rubbing. Forest did just that as he grinned at her. “I’m mighty thankful you’re here tonight.”

“Oh?” Faith went to take off her coat, and Forest reached out to help her. She wasn’t used to men doing those types of things and accidentally smacked him in the chest as she took her arm out. “Sorry,” she mumbled.

Forest didn’t even acknowledge that it had happened. Which was just as gentlemanly as helping her with her coat. He hung it on a peg near the door. “See, Mom was planning on leftovers tonight, but when she found out you and Doc were coming, she pulled out all the stops.” He leaned a little closer. “You saved me from reheated asparagus.” He shuddered.

Faith found herself smiling at his antics. “I do what I can for the benefit of mankind.”

Forest’s smile widened as if her answer delighted him. He offered his elbow. “I have a feeling you and I are going to get along famously.”

She linked her arm in his and followed him into the kitchen and dining room area, finding a hive of energy.

Dad was in a rocker by the fireplace, talking to Pax. He seemed content, and some of the color was back in his cheeks now that he was out of the cold. Every time he paled, she wondered if his heart had stopped pumping. That fear would take time to get over.

Abner and Anna were at the stove, stirring and checking timers. Faith wished she could sit and observe them together, but Forest pulled her right up to the game table where Jack was waiting, rubbing his hands together. “Ever play reindeer poker?” He shuffled the deck in front of him.

Faith looked for Caleb. “Um, no?”

Jack scoffed. “What’s my brother doing on those dates?”

She bit her lip to keep from blurting out an answer as a hundred sweet kisses flooded her thoughts.

Forest burst out laughing as he fanned her blushing face. “We don’t want details. Have a seat.” He pulled out her chair and she sat down.

She hiked up her courage and asked, “Where’s Caleb?”

Jack jerked his head toward the back door. “He’s training.”

“He should be done soon, though,” Forest jumped in. “He asked us to entertain you until he got done.”

Faith smiled to herself. It was nice of him to make sure she had company. “So, reindeer poker?”

Jack dealt three cards to each of them. “Same rules as Texas hold’em, except we use reindeer cards.” He flipped over the deck to reveal a reindeer king with Christmas lights strung in his antlers.

Faith laughed. “I think I can get the hang of it. What