One Tough Christmas Cookie - Lucy McConnell Page 0,78
do we bet?”
“Christmas M&Ms, what else?” Forest shoved a bowl of red and green candy her way. “Reds are five and greens are ten.”
She nodded, noting the amounts and then reaching for her cards. They played, trading piles of candy with each hand and betting crazy amounts because it was candy. Forest was a ham, doing everything possible to keep the attention on himself. But Faith couldn’t fault him for it, because he was always careful to make sure she was treated like a lady. Jack was a bit on the cocky side, a good bluffer the first time. As soon as she figured out he was more confidence than skill at cards, she called his bluff and earned a good-sized pot in the process.
Even though she was having a great time, she looked at the back door every few minutes, longing for Caleb to get there.
“Hey, Jack.” Forest winked at Faith, letting her know he had a joke up his sleeve.
“Yeah?” Jack shuffled his cards.
“How many brothers does it take to distract Faith from Caleb?”
Faith’s neck warmed and she squirmed in her chair.
“How many?” Jack asked.
“I don’t know. It can’t be done.” He winked again.
Faith pressed her lips together.
“Good thing Caleb just got here, or Faith might have whiplash from looking at the door all night.” Forest pushed up from the table as Caleb came in, his eyes locked on Faith’s.
Her chest tightened and it was like he’d sucked the oxygen from the room, he was so handsome. Shy and uncertain how to greet him in front of his family, she ducked her head.
Caleb took Forest’s seat and touched her cheek. “You look beautiful in that ugly sweater.”
She laughed, relaxing at his touch. “Thanks.” She glanced down at the gingerbread man with a broken leg. The gumdrops on his belly were made from fuzzy balls, and there was actual tinsel above his head.
Jack stood. “Thanks for the game, Faith.”
“You’re leaving?” She didn’t mean for any of them to rush off.
He looked at Caleb. “I’m just giving him some time with you before my family swallows you whole at dinner.”
“Appreciate it.” Caleb nodded at his twin.
Jack pointed at him. “Remember this the next time I ask you cover my turn cleaning stalls.”
“There’s always a price.” Caleb turned away from his brother, took up Faith’s hand, and threaded his fingers with hers. “How was the rest of your day?”
Faith stared at their hands, so perfect together. “Busy. Sounds like training is going well.”
“Better than I could have hoped.” He kissed her knuckle.
“Dinner’s on!” Abner called over the conversations in the room.
Caleb stood, not letting go of her hand. “Come on, I saved you a seat.”
She laughed, because he’d just gotten there and didn’t have time to save anything and because she felt accepted and cared for—not only by Caleb but by his brothers too.
Dinner was wonderful. Conversation flowed easily as Dad joked about his time in the rehab center, his recovery, and a particular nurse he was sure had a crush on him because she snuck him extra strawberry Jell-O—his favorite.
Caleb gave a generic update on Rudy’s training. The whole room listened in on that with bated breath. Faith was heartened to see the care they took for their animals, knowing them all by name and asking questions that proved they were invested in Rudy’s recovery.
Toward the end of the meal, Abner raised his glass. “I’d like to propose a toast.”
Faith reached for her cup. It was as cold against her palm as the room was nice and toasty.
“To Faith.” Abner lifted his glass higher.
Faith startled. Caleb squeezed her knee under the table.
“For giving sight to the blind this Christmas season. We’re all grateful you came to the ranch when you did. To Faith!”
“To Faith!” echoed everyone at the table.
Faith’s eyes stung as she took in the faces around the table. Her heart swelled inside her chest, and she had to swallow back the emotion building up. She’d never felt so accepted and loved as she did in that moment. Part of it was because she’d contributed to the family—that felt really good. But she would have done the surgery for Rudy even if the Nichollas family hadn’t invited her to dinner tonight. The other part was because she could tell they liked her—truly liked her for just being her. From playing reindeer poker to teasing her about sneaking off to the barn with Caleb after dinner, the family had opened their arms and welcomed her without holding back.