Country Frost (King Creek Cowboys #8)

Chapter 13

13

C hristmas Eve proved to be the coldest day so far, and Leeann hugged her jacket to her as she, Porter, and Ashley strode toward her parents’ sprawling ranch house. Bright green, red, blue, yellow, and purple lights hung from the eves, and a towering, illuminated snowman stood by the walkway.

Porter toted two shopping bags filled with Leeann’s gifts for her family.

Leeann looked at Porter and smiled as he gave her a look that made her warm inside, chasing away some of the chill. Did he ever get nervous? What did he think about meeting her parents, seven brothers and sisters, their spouses, and all their kids tonight?

He rested his free hand on her waist in a possessive movement as they headed up the walkway past the snowman. Through the opaque curtains of a picture window was a Christmas tree silhouette, colorful lights blinking.

Two border collies raced around the side of the house, barking. The sound turned welcoming as they recognized Leeann.

“They’re beautiful.” Ashley crouched and held her palm under one dog’s nose to be sniffed. The border collie responded by bumping her nose under the girl’s hand, asking to be petted. “What are their names?”

“That’s Jasper.” Leeann pointed to the one Ashley was now stroking. She gestured to the other. “And this is Maggie.”

Maggie leaned up against Leeann’s leg, waiting for attention, and she stroked the top of the dog’s head.

Porter set down the bags and crouched beside Ashley and the dogs. The pair greeted him with wiggling butts and enthusiastic yips. He scratched under their chins and behind their ears.

It did a heart good to see men affectionate with animals and children. Now, to see how he was around all the nieces and nephews—hopefully, the pack of them wouldn’t be too overwhelming.

Leeann waited for Porter and Ashley to stand, then escorted them to the front doorstep, where they stood on a welcome mat featuring Santa and his reindeer. A large wreath with pinecones and a red velvet bow hung on the door. Leeann opened it, and laughter and chatter floated in the air from the direction of the living room.

They stepped into the foyer, and Porter closed the door behind them. He helped Leeann out of her jacket as Ashley shrugged out of her own. Leeann wore a sparkly blouse, black slacks, and black boots. Ashley had on a Christmas sweater and a pair of nice jeans.

Porter hung all their jackets on a long row of pegs along one wall, the row having increased in size over the years as the family expanded, with extras to grow on.

Ashley bit her lower lip, and Leeann hooked her arm around the girl’s elbow. “You’ve met Olivia and Emily. Most of the other kids are younger, Kaycee is the only one who is older.”

Ashley looked at Leeann. “Is she the one who barrel races?”

“Yes.” Leeann nodded. “She’s sweet as can be. ”

“I’ve been wanting to meet her.” Ashley straightened her shoulders and put on a brave face. “Let’s go.”

Porter followed as Leeann guided the girl from the foyer. Four-foot-high old-world Santa and Mrs. Clause dolls stood to either side of the living room's entrance, which was filled to the brim with family members and Christmas music playing in the background. Strains of Bing Crosby’s White Christmas carried to Leeann’s ears.

The twelve-foot Christmas tree, decked in a garland and covered in red, silver, and white ornaments, stood in front of the picture window on their right. Mounds of presents in colorful wrapping paper were piled beneath it on the Saltillo tile floor.

“Do you mind putting the gifts under the tree, Ashley?” Leeann asked.

“Sure.” Ashley took the shopping bags, lugged them to the tree, and started unloading the bunch.

Leeann’s parents’ home was warm and welcoming. On every surface were old-world-style decorations, including a variety of Santas, reindeer, snowmen, and trees. Bowls filled with hard Christmas candies and assorted nuts sat on end tables.

Straight ahead, an open fireplace warmed the room, the flickering yellow and orange flames adding to the holiday ambiance. Holly had been spread across the mantel.

Comfortable leather couches and chairs filled the massive space, which had been expanded in a remodel when Leeann was young to accommodate their growing family and allow for more.

Leeann did a quick scan of the room and counted all five of her brothers, four of her sisters-in-law, and her two brothers-in-law. Her mom and dad weren’t in the room. Most of the family members had crystal mugs of mulled wine, one of her mom’s holiday specialties, and small plates with some of Kit’s gourmet hors d'oeuvres. The mulled wine and appetizers were arranged on a sideboard along the left wall.

The space was filled with the scents of cinnamon and spice from the multitude of candles and the smell of the pine tree. Christmas rugs were scattered across the tile, and holiday lap quilts were draped over the furniture for snuggling under if it was cold.

Ashley returned from putting the gifts under the tree, and Leeann tucked away the bags in the closet.

“Aunt Leeann!” Two boys shouted her name at the same time as they bolted across the room, a chocolate lab puppy following in their wake.

“Hello, you two.” Leeann crouched and gave them each a hug. When she stood, she rested her hand on Ashley’s shoulder. “Say hi to Ashley.”

“Hi.” The taller of the two approached the girl. He jerked a thumb to his chest. “I’m Jacob, and I’m five and a half.” He pointed to the other boy. “That’s Jeremiah, and he’s four, and this is Hershey, my puppy.” Jacob rested his hand on the puppy’s head. “How old are you?”

“I’m twelve.” Ashley smiled. “It’s nice to meet you both and Hershey. You two look like brothers.”

“We’re cousins.” Jeremiah shook his head, his wheat-blond hair flopping over his forehead. He pointed across the floor at one of Leeann’s brothers. “That’s my dad. He’s a vet, and everyone calls him Bear. My mom calls him sweetie.”

Ashley grinned at Leeann as she rubbed the puppy’s head. “What do you call Porter?”

Heat warmed Leeann’s cheeks. “Porter.”

“You need a name for him.” Ashley scratched the puppy behind the ears. “Baby or stud or something.”

Leeann burst out laughing and turned to Porter. “Ready to meet the rest of my family, stud? ”

“Just about.” Porter looked amused. “First, I want to meet these two young cowboys and their puppy.” He held out his hand. “Howdy, Jeremiah.”

The boy gave a hard shake. “Howdy.”

Porter turned to Leeann’s other nephew. “How’re you doing, pardner?”

Jacob grinned and shook Porter’s hand. “Nice to meet you, sir.”

“You can call me Porter.” He patted the boy’s shoulder before kneeling and stroking the puppy. “You’re a fine-looking boy, Hershey.”

Porter stood and returned his attention to Leeann. “Now I’m ready.”

The boys took off, the puppy chasing at their heels.

Leeann led Ashley around the room, Porter at their sides. She introduced them to the four brothers they hadn’t met, her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, and Leeann hugged everyone. Her other sister-in-law, both sisters, and her mom, were in the kitchen.

“Dad.” Leeann called to him as he rounded the corner of the hallway. She glanced at Porter and Ashley and inclined her head toward her father.

They joined her as she went up to her dad and hugged him. “I’d like to introduce you to Porter and Ashley.” She turned to them. “This is my dad, Joe.”

“Merry Christmas.” Joe McLeod was a big and muscular man in his late 60s. He gripped Porter’s hand and gave him a broad smile. “Welcome to the family shindig.”

“Thank you for having us, sir,” Porter said.

“Call me Joe.” He smiled, released Porter’s grip, and turned to Ashley.

Porter rested his palm on the girl’s shoulder. “This is my kid sister, Ashley. ”

“Nice to meet you, sir.” She shook his hand.

“You can call me Joe, too.” He let go. “Pleasure is all mine, young lady.”

Olivia and Emily rushed into the room and beelined straight for Ashley.

“Hi, Ashley.” Emily beamed. “Aunt Leeann said you were coming.”

“Do you like My Little Ponies?” Olivia asked. “We brought some, and they’re in Grandma and Grandpa’s playroom. Would you like to see them?”

Ashley was probably too old for the pony toys, but she smiled. “I have some from when I was your age. Yes, I’d like to see yours.”

Each girl grabbed one of Ashley’s hands and tugged her toward one of the hallways. She looked over her shoulder and smiled at Leeann and Porter before the girls dragged her to the playroom.

Leeann glanced at Porter, and she saw fondness in his gaze as he watched the girls leave. He turned back to Leeann’s dad. “You have a fine place here.”

“Much appreciated.” Joe smiled. “Julie does the decorating. She goes all out come Christmastime.”

“I’m going to introduce Porter to Mom and the girls.” Leeann gave her dad a side hug. “I know they’re cooking up a storm.”

“They surely are.” Joe smiled at Porter. “I’d like to sit down with you later if you have a mind to.”

“Yes, sir. I'm looking forward to it.” Porter nodded before Leeann led him to the kitchen.

She wondered how he felt about her taking his hand around her family. Was it too much of a statement that they were a couple? Well, he’d better get used to it.

Delicious smells of ham, fresh-baked rolls, and other assorted scents greeted them when they walked into the kitchen. Kit, Carter’s wife, who was an L.A. chef, had the place running in perfectly organized chaos.

“About time you got here, Leeann.” Haylee greeted them with a smile as she waddled up to them. She stuck out her hand to Porter before Leeann could introduce him. “You must be Porter Gann. I’m Haylee, Leeann’s sister.”

“A pleasure.” He gripped her hand, dwarfing it in his big one. “Hear you’re due Christmas Day.”

Haylee released her grip and rested her palm on her big belly. “Can’t come soon enough, although I’m hoping he or she will hold out for a couple of days. Not crazy about the idea of spending the holiday in the hospital. Tyson doesn’t mind either way.”

“We’d bring Christmas to you.” Leeann hugged her sister, and turned to Jill, who had come across the room, and hugged her, too.

Jill met Porter’s gaze. “Good to see you.”

He greeted her with a handshake, and Jill smiled. She was still a newlywed, having married CJ Jameson just months ago, and she glowed with happiness.

“I saw your flower shop in downtown King Creek,” Porter said to Jill. “Right fine-looking place you’ve got.”

“Thank you.” Jill smiled. “I’ve heard you’re a great farrier. Carter is more than satisfied with the job you’ve done shoeing his horses.”

“And mine.” Leeann looked up at him, then her sister. “That’s how we met.” She glanced to her left. “Here comes Mom.”

Julie approached, wiping her palms on her apron. Leeann introduced them. Julie went in for the hug. She was a hugger like Leeann.

She stepped back, looking as beautiful in her sixties as she had when Leeann was a kid. “Welcome, Porter. I hope this bunch isn’t too much for you.”

“Not at all.” Porter gave her a smile, which made Leeann’s heart swell. He didn’t smile often, but when he did, it made him look much more approachable and friendly, as well as even more handsome.

“One more McLeod to greet.” Leeann led Porter to Kit, who had just taken a pan of rolls out of one of the two ovens. “Hi, Kit.”

“Hello again.” Kit set her oven mitts on the island and hugged Leeann then Porter. “So glad you could make it, Porter.”

“Ashley and I wouldn’t miss it,” Porter said.

“Where is your little sister?” Kit peered around his shoulder.

Leeann inclined her head in the direction of the living room. “Emily and Olivia dragged her off to play with Pretty Ponies.”

Kit shook her head, looking amused. “Those girls.” She and Carter had adopted the twins when they were infants, but the girls had almost the same shade of butterscotch-blonde hair as Kit.

“Dinner is almost ready.” Kit picked up her oven mitts as a timer went off. “Go on and enjoy yourselves. There are too many cooks in this kitchen.” She gestured to a big pot on one of the two stovetops. “Have a mug of your mom’s mulled wine. It’s as good as always.”

“Sounds perfect right now.” Leeann took Porter’s hand and led him to the pot. Several of the glass mugs sat on the countertop.

She ladled out two mugs of the hot mulled wine and handed one to Porter. He took a sip, then nodded. “Very good.”

“It always is.” Leeann sipped her own, and then they walked back to the living room.

Nat King Cole sang about chestnuts roasting on an open fire in The Christmas Song as they entered. The three youngest grandkids were in the far corner, playing with a holiday train set Julie put out every Christmas Eve.

“Come meet the other kids.” Leeann took Porter to the little ones and introduced them.

Porter got down on one knee to be at their level and greeted two-and-a-half-year-old Karley, two-year-old Charlotte, and Ryden, the twenty-month-old youngest member of their large family.

Resting one arm on his bent knee, Porter spoke to the little ones. “What’ve you got there?”

“We’re playing train.” Charlotte set a Barbie doll in a flatbed car. “Grandma lets us play with it.”

“It’s a right-fine trainset.” Porter examined the pony Karley offered him and nodded. “You’ve got a nice pony here.”

“You can play with Charlie,” Karley said in her sweet voice.

Leeann laughed, and Porter gave her an amused glance. He looked at Karley. “I think Charlie might miss you if I keep him.”

The little girl scrunched her nose as if considering. “You can play with Candy, too. Then they won’t be lonely.”

Porter looked at Leeann, helplessness in his gaze. Leeann grinned back at him.

“Dinner is on the table,” Jill called from the archway to the dining room. “Don’t trample each other getting there.”

Porter handed Karley her pony. “We’d better get to the table.”

The little girl nodded. “We’re hungry.”

Leeann and Porter headed into the dining room, where they met up with Ashley, who had come out of the playroom with the twins.

A second big table and a small one for the eight kids had been put into the large room.

There were nineteen adults, including Kaycee, who was eighteen. Ashley would sit at an adult table, too, making a grand total of twenty.

Ashley sat on one side of Leeann at one of the big tables, Porter on her other side. Kaycee sat across from Ashley. Kit and the other women had made double of everything so that each table had a large honey-ginger ham and all the fixins. Kid-friendly food was at the small table.

Since Kit was a chef, she put her own twists on Christmas dinner: broccoli and gruyère gratin, spiced carrot salad, butternut squash bake with wild rice, garlic green beans with pine nuts, and more. Practically as much food as one would find in a restaurant buffet, but fabulous.

As they ate, Kaycee looked at Ashley, smiled, and introduced herself, and Ashley did the same.

“I hear you’re interested in learning how to barrel race,” Kaycee said.

Ashley nodded, enthusiasm in her expression. “My brother said that my horse, Toffee, is the right age and breed to be trained to barrel race, too.”

“I’d be happy to instruct you, if you’d like.” Kaycee rested her fork on her plate and grasped her mug of Julie’s nonalcoholic sweet Adeline pomegranate and black tea holiday drink. “I teach 4-H kids, too.”

“That would be awesome.” Ashley brightened. “Thank you.”

They talked about dates, and Ashley conferred with Porter. They settled on the Saturday after New Year’s Day.

Halfway through dinner, Jill and CJ stood. “Next year, we’re going to need room for Tyson and Haylee’s baby, plus one more.” Jill’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “CJ and I are due to have a baby in July.”

Cheers and congratulations greeted the newlywed, soon-to-be parents. After receiving everyone’s well wishes, they took their seats .

Laughter and chatter continued until they finished the meal. Some of the men were cheerfully wrangled into clean-up since the women had done all the cooking.

Afterward, with the menfolk’s help, Kit served dessert. Two European b?che de No?l—yule logs—and two traditional English figgy puddings.

After dessert, the family gathered in the living room to open presents. The adults were served eggnog with whiskey while, of course, the kids, including Ashley, were served the non-alcoholic version of the drink.

“Tux is out.” Julie got up from her seat and walked toward a large tuxedo cat.

Hershey barked and tore out of Jacob’s hold, straight for Tux.

The black-and-white feline yowled and bolted for the tree.

“No,” Julie cried and went after Tux, who climbed into the tree, the puppy under it, barking.

Miranda grabbed Jacob, holding her son back. His dad, Justin, dove for the barking puppy, grabbed his collar, and stopped him.

The tree shook and swayed as the cat climbed it. The tall fir tipped and fell forward.

Justin pulled the puppy out of the way as a collective gasp rose from everyone.

Joe and Bear lurched to their feet in an effort to save the tree.

Tux sprang out of the fir and bolted away.

The fir hit the tile floor with a crash of ornaments before anyone could stop it.

For a moment, everyone was silent, and then Leeann burst into giggles. “That’s a new one for the family records.”

The rest of the family started laughing, with parents holding their kids back to keep them away from the broken ornaments.

Joe and Bear pushed the tree up, leaving smashed and mangled gifts below. While they secured it again, Julie hunted down Tux and locked him in the master bedroom.

Jill retrieved a broom and started sweeping, and Colt brought in a wastebasket. Brady held the dustpan for Jill. In a matter of moments, the floor was free of debris and all the cleaning supplies put away.

Once the excitement died down, everyone but Joe and Julie were seated, the children at their parents’ feet, and the room quieted.

“Did you hear that?” Joe tilted his head as if listening.

A loud knock sounded at the front door.

“Who could that be?” Julie raised her eyebrows.

Joe headed in that direction. “I’ll see who it is.”

A few moments later, Joe returned and stood at the entrance of the foyer. He looked directly at the kids. “You won’t believe who’s here.” He stepped aside.

A cowboy Santa entered the room, bellowing, “Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas!”

The kids erupted into squeals of delight as a big armchair was dragged to the Christmas tree. Santa, who was dressed in a red-and-green plaid shirt and jeans stuffed into leather boots, wore a long brown leather coat with holly leaf and berry designs around the collar and sleeves.

Santa had donned a cowboy hat with holly tucked into the hatband. He had a full white beard and mustache, and the back of his pure white hair went past his collar. He carried a big red suede bag over one shoulder, with gifts peeking out from the opening.

Leeann and Porter exchanged looks, and he smiled at her, sending warm, fuzzy feelings through her heart.

The kids all ran to Santa and stood around him.

“Have a seat on the floor so I can see all you young’ns.” He spoke in a booming cowboy drawl, and the children quickly obeyed, sitting cross-legged in front of him.

Santa pulled out a present wrapped in red paper with white snowflakes and held it up. He looked directly at Olivia. “I have something special for you, Olivia.”

The girl stood, hesitated, then went to the jolly old cowboy Santa and took the gift from him.

Kit raised her phone camera. “Stand by Santa and smile for a picture.”

Olivia stood next to him, holding her present to her chest, and smiled shyly. The camera light flashed, and Kit checked the picture. She smiled at her daughter. “You look beautiful, sweetheart.”

At jolly old St. Nick’s urging, Olivia tore off the wrapping paper to reveal a doctor’s bag with a red cross on it. Inside were kid-versions of what a medical professional might carry.

“I want to be a doctor when I grow up.” The girl hugged the bag to her chest. “Thank you, Santa.”

After she sat back in the half-circle of kids, Santa looked at Emily. “Come on up, young lady.” He handed her a gift wrapped in candy cane paper.

Kit had her pose with Santa like her twin and took a picture. Then Emily ripped off the paper and found she had received a medical bag with a picture of a horse on the side.

“A vet’s bag.” Emily beamed at Santa. “I want to be one, just like Uncle Bear.” She waved at Bear, who grinned. She thanked Santa and joined the other kids again.

He proceeded to look at each kid as if he knew them already and handed out gifts to Jeremiah, Jacob, Karley, Charlotte, and Ryden.

Leeann thought with some amusement that she wanted to have almost as many children as her brothers had combined. She glanced at Porter. What would he think if she told him she wanted five children? Would he run? He’d been great with the kids tonight—if how he’d interacted with her nieces and nephews was a good indication, he’d make a pretty cool dad.

Porter met her gaze, and her face heated. He couldn’t read her thoughts, right?

“What’s on your mind, honey?” he asked her in a slow drawl.

She shrugged. “You’re good with kids.”

He pushed his fingers through his hair. “Dunno about that.”

“You were great with them.” She held his gaze. “And you’re terrific with Ashley. She’s your sister, but you make a good father to her.”

For a long moment, he studied her. “You want kids.”

Her face heated more, and she nodded. Might as well go for broke. “Several.”

Porter continued to study her, then took her hand and squeezed it in his own. He turned his attention back to the cowboy Santa.

Leeann blew out her breath and gripped his hand in return. He hadn’t looked like he’d run screaming, but he didn’t give any indication of how he felt about the fact she wanted a big family. Taking her hand seemed more like a way to get out of the conversation. Well, at least he’d know what he was getting into if they continued their relationship and something came of it.

When he’d finished handing out gifts to the kids, Santa stood and touched the brim of his hat in a farewell gesture. “Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night.”

“Bye, Santa,” the kids shouted.

Joe walked him out, and the kids ran to the window.

“I want to see his reindeer and sleigh,” Jeremiah said.

Jacob, who was older and clearly more worldly, said, “They’re on the rooftop, silly.”

Jeremiah looked at his cousin. “Why didn’t he come down the chimney? ”

Jacob shrugged. “Because there’s a fire in the fireplace.”

“Oh.” Jeremiah looked back out the window.

Bells jangled outside, and they all heard, “ Ho, ho, ho . Merry Christmas,” fading into the night.

The kids ran to their parents, showing off their new things and talking about Santa in excited voices.

“Time for family presents.” Julie looked at the kids and pointed to the twins. “You two can read, so you can help me pass out the gifts.”

The pair hurried to their feet and over to Julie.

It was nearing midnight before all the kids and adults had opened their gifts. Fortunately, the tree hadn’t damaged more than the packaging of the goodies.

Porter and Ashley had been surprised to receive several gifts each, and by the time the gift-giving was complete, they had mounds of presents at their feet.

Family members stood and chatted, and no one seemed to want the night to end. The children had all fallen asleep, their parents picking them up and laying them on the couches.

“Let’s go outside and get some fresh air.” Leeann took Porter’s hand. “We can do some stargazing.”

He lightly squeezed her fingers, and they headed for the front door. He helped her into her coat and donned his own, and they went outside. They wandered along a path that led to the back of the house, where they had a cottage for extra guests.

Carter had one in the back of his home, too. His house was nearly as big as their parents’ place, but he only had the twins, not a huge family like Joe and Julie. Kit had a now twenty-seven-year-old son who had been born long before meeting Carter eight years ago. Michael occasionally came to family events, but it had been a while. He now had a small family of his own.

Porter and Leeann walked slowly beneath the moonlight and came to a stop on the east side of the home. He put his arm around her shoulders, and they looked up at what stars were visible for a long moment.

She let out a breathy sigh. “It’s beautiful.”

He shifted her so they were face-to-face, but they glanced up in time to see a bright flare streak across the sky.

“It’s lucky to kiss beneath a shooting star,” he murmured before taking her mouth with his.

A quiver went through her belly as he kissed her. It was long and sweet, unlike the dominating, possessive kisses they’d shared before. It was even sweeter than the gentle way he’d made love to her after their fiery coupling.

She sighed, enjoying the thorough way he kissed her. When he drew back, her heart pounded, and her breath caught in her throat as his gaze held hers.

“You are so gorgeous, Leeann.” He stroked strands of hair from her face. “And you have a beautiful heart.”

A lump crowded her throat. It was the most wonderful thing a man had ever said to her. Feeling shy, she wanted to look away, but she kept her gaze locked with his.

“You’re pretty fine yourself, cowboy,” she whispered before kissing him again.

When they parted, Leeann shivered. “It’s getting a little cold out here.” She looked up in the moonlight, and her eyes widened as the air seemed to swirl. “Is that— snow ?”

Porter looked at his coat sleeve, where several white flakes had landed. “Yep.” He looked at Leeann and smiled. “Let’s get Ash.”

Laughing, Leeann hurried with Porter to the house. When they walked into the living room, she shouted to be heard over the chatter. “It’s snowing.”

Conversation came to a halt, and everyone looked at her, disbelief on their faces.

“What?” Marlee said .

“It’s snowing.” Grinning, Leeann inclined her head toward the front door. “Come see.”

“Really?” Face bright with excitement, Ashley appeared at Porter’s and Leeann’s sides.

“Come on.” Leeann took the girl’s hand, and after grabbing their jackets, everyone piled out of the house.

Snowflakes continued to spiral down in lazy circles and had started to accumulate on the cacti in the yard.

“Well, I’ll be darned.” Joe shook his head. “Haven’t seen snow coming down on Christmas Eve in decades.”

“I wonder if it will last.” Julie sounded delighted. “The kids will love it if there’s enough on the ground come morning.”

“Oh, no.” Haylee’s cry went over everyone’s excited talk. They all paused to look at her. “My water broke.”