Cowboy’s Christmas Bridesmaid (Trinity Falls: Icicle Christmas #8)

11. Valentina

11

VALENTINA

A fter a peaceful drive, Valentina stood in the parking lot of Cassidy Farm, looking around as Tanner helped Zeke out of the backseat.

Huge sycamore trees lined the parking lot, their peeling bark in tones of brown and white making them beautiful, though their branches were bare.

Tanner had parked up at the top of the lot near a hand-painted sign for hayrides. From their spot, she could look down over a yard full of cut Christmas trees in front of a display area with giant decorations featuring a multitude of homemade characters dressed for the holidays.

A big red octagonal barn at the bottom of the hill had open shelves by the entry, with hundreds of beautiful scarlet poinsettias displayed on them.

“The Christmas All-Year-Round shop is upstairs in the barn,” Tanner said as he and Zeke joined her. “You’ll love it. ”

“Melody works there,” she said, wondering if she might bump into her fellow bridesmaid today.

“It smells good in there,” Zeke pointed out.

“I can’t wait,” she told the beaming boy. His smile was even cuter than usual with his missing tooth.

“Ready to look around?” Tanner asked.

“Absolutely,” she said.

For a second it almost felt like he was going to take her hand, and there was an awkward beat as she adjusted. But as soon as they headed down the gravel lot to all the farm’s attractions, she felt relaxed again.

It was cold enough out to see their breath, but there was no sign of snow flurries today. As long as they kept moving, she was pretty sure she wouldn’t freeze. And it sounded like they would be going inside some too, which was good.

“Let’s go to the corn maze,” Zeke said excitedly.

“Okay, bud,” Tanner told him. “But that’s all the way on the far side of the farm. Are you sure you won’t need to stop any place in between?”

“I’m sure,” Zeke told him.

Tanner looked over at Valentina and winked. She figured there must be a lot of things Zeke liked between here and there.

Trinity Falls was such a small community, and the farmhouses were so spread out. Valentina wouldn’t have thought it could support a big place like this.

But the parking lot was more than half full, and families pulled strollers and wheelchairs out of the backs of their station wagons and headed cheerfully toward the trees, the barn, and whatever was beyond .

“Hi, Miss Jimenez,” a familiar voice said.

“Hey, Jessie,” she said, smiling at the young guy from one of the paint crews.

He was here with a little girl—maybe his baby sister? They each carried a gallon of what had to be apple cider. Jessie’s hung effortlessly from his hand, but the girl was struggling proudly with hers.

“We’re going to see Grandma,” the little girl said, panting a bit.

“Can’t show up empty-handed,” Jessie said with a crooked smile.

“Well, you definitely aren’t doing that,” Valentina told them. “I’ll bet she’ll be super excited to see all that fresh apple cider.”

“See you both,” Jessie said as they headed up into the parking area.

“Who was that?” Zeke asked.

“Jessie is someone I work with,” Valentina said, feeling happy about having been recognized. “I would have introduced you guys, but they were carrying all that heavy cider.”

“I know Jessie,” Tanner said. “He’s a little younger than me, but I know a couple of his cousins.”

“Oh,” Valentina said, rethinking Jessie’s crooked smile.

Would rumors start swirling Monday that she was spending time outside of work with Tanner? In retrospect, maybe this didn’t look good…

“He won’t say anything about seeing us together,” Tanner said after a moment. “If that’s bothering you.”

“We’re researching ways to use Mr. Radcliffe’s land,” Valentina said. “There’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

“True,” Tanner said thoughtfully. “I guess we’ve got nothing to worry about.”

She could feel the friendly atmosphere between the three of them start to cool a tiny bit.

“ And we’re here to have fun together,” she added. “Right, Zeke?”

“Do you have any kids?” Zeke asked her suddenly.

She glanced over at Tanner, who had a funny look on his face, though she wasn’t sure why. Little kids didn’t know how this stuff worked. Zeke’s own dad was clearly a single parent.

“I don’t,” she said. “I live by myself, so today is super special for me.”

“All by yourself?” Zeke asked sadly.

“Well,” she said, horrified that it sounded pathetic enough for a seven-year-old to feel sorry for her, “I like to read and crochet, so it’s sort of nice to have my own little apartment where I can do quiet things.”

“Like the reading nook in kindergarten,” Zeke said, nodding wisely. “I bet you have a lot of pillows at your apartment.”

“I do have a lot of pillows,” Valentina said, laughing. “How about you?”

“I live with just my dad,” Zeke said. “My mom doesn’t feel like being a parent anymore.”

“Whoa,” Tanner said, looking alarmed. “That’s not—where did you hear that?”

“Uncle Axel said it to Grandma,” Zeke said, looking a little sad. “ It’s bad enough she doesn’t want to be a parent anymore, but can’t she at least send him some toys?”

Valentina swallowed over a lump in her throat. That sounded like the kind of thing Zeke would have overheard on his birthday or on Christmas—a time when he was getting presents. It must have hurt his heart to hear those things being said about his mom not wanting to be there for him.

“You know Uncle Axel just likes to talk a lot of trash, right, bud?” Tanner asked Zeke, crouching to look him in the eye.

“Yeah,” Zeke said, nodding, but still looking sad.

“Like all that stuff he says when the Eagles play Dallas?” Tanner added. “Stuff we know he doesn’t really mean?”

Zeke nodded again, but he still looked down at his feet.

“And if you had any more toys, could they even fit in your room?” Tanner asked.

Zeke looked thoughtful for a moment and then he grinned at his dad and shook his head.

“See?” Tanner said. “Uncle Axel was just making a lot of noise. When your mom can get away, I know she’ll come visit you. She’s staying busy, and that’s a good thing. It means she’s happy, right?”

Zeke nodded up and down.

“Besides,” Tanner told him with a flash of mischief in his eyes, “I’m not sure I want to share you anyway. I want all your little bear hugs for myself.”

He grabbed his son and swept him up in his arms, spinning him around while he growled like a big bear, totally unconcerned about the people around them who were staring as they headed to and from their cars.

Zeke shrieked with laughter and growled back, clearly delighted.

Valentina felt tears brimming in her eyes, and did her best to blink them back. Seeing the two of them like this was making her heart ache, and she wasn’t really sure why.

“Okay, look out corn maze,” Tanner said, setting his son back on the ground. “Here we come.”

But as they walked, there were so many things that caught Zeke’s attention, just as Tanner had predicted.

Good smells emanated from the big barn that Tanner explained had been turned into a store and bakery. Zeke decided he could wait and get cider to bring home at the end of the day.

They passed through an open area with picnic tables surrounded by booths selling candied apples, funnel cakes, and more. There was even a man selling soft pretzels from a cart. Zeke smacked his lips, but remained determined to go to the corn maze first.

When they got to a paddock where a young man was leading around a big pony with a small girl on its back Zeke got excited enough that he was practically quivering.

“We can do a quick pony ride first if you want,” Tanner offered.

Valentina bit her lip, wondering if she might be allowed to take one too, and get a few pointers from the guy leading them around. But obviously that wouldn’t be allowed .

And besides, even though Tanner and the sign both called it a pony, it still seemed like such a big animal.

I’m sorry, Abuelo, she told her grandfather in her mind. I’m so close to your dream, but I’m such a coward.

She might be able to chicken out today, but she was going to have to face her fears really soon when it came time for Emma’s wedding.

“You okay?” Tanner asked. “Did you… want to feed the pony?”

“Oh,” she said, feeling silly for staring at the paddock for too long. “No, no, I was just thinking of my grandfather.”

“Was he a rider?” Tanner asked.

“No,” she admitted. “But he always wanted to be one.”

“So I guess your parents taught you, then?” Tanner asked.

She blinked at him for a second.

“Sorry,” he said. “It’s just that I saw the little statue on your desk, so I know you’re a horse person.”

“Oh,” she said, laughing nervously. “Yes, I do like to keep him on my desk. He belonged to my grandfather.”

“The ducks,” Zeke yelled, saving her for the moment. “Can we feed the ducks right away after we do the corn maze?”

“Sure,” Tanner said. “If Valentina wants to. She’s our guest, remember?”

“Do you want to feed the ducks, Valentina?” Zeke asked hopefully. “It’s really fun, and you can get seeds from the little machine and stand on the bridge and throw them down and all the ducks swim around quacking.”

“I definitely want to do that,” she told him sincerely. Feeding the ducks was absolutely her speed.

“ Yes,” Zeke said, jumping up and down.

“Okay, we’re almost there,” Tanner told him. “If you want to run ahead, you can. But you have to wait at the gate.”

Valentina looked around and saw that although the farm was fairly crowded, this section was almost empty. Tanner would be able to see Zeke all the way to the gate he was talking about.

It hit her suddenly that there were hundreds of tiny assessments and decisions Tanner had probably been making all along—just for a simple day out with his son.

“You want to run too?” Tanner asked her.

She glanced over and saw he was grinning down at her.

“Sorry,” she said. “I guess I’m in my own head a lot today.”

“You’re taking it all in,” he said. “There’s a lot going on here.”

“You’re such an amazing dad,” she told him suddenly. “He’s a really lucky kid.”

“Thanks,” Tanner said, looking down as they walked. “He deserves it.”

“He sure does,” she said, watching Zeke finish his sprint and grab onto the gate with both hands, as if willing himself to hold on and not go through it without them.

“His uncle wasn’t exactly wrong,” Tanner said. “I don’t want to lie to Zeke, but I can’t stand for him to think anything bad about his mama. The truth is that we got married young, and she just wasn’t ready. She’s not a bad person. It’s not the way my brother makes it sound.”

“You were ready though,” Valentina heard herself say.

“Yeah,” he said, glancing down at her with a smile. “I’m really happy to be a dad. I’ll always be grateful to her for giving me Zeke.”

She felt her heart opening even more to this man who still valiantly defended his ex-wife, in spite of their unusual situation.

He’s loyal , she thought to herself with satisfaction. I like that.

“Come on,” Zeke yelled to them as they got close, his face radiant with joy. “The corn maze is right there , Valentina.”

She laughed and jogged over to join him, her heart light at the chance to spend time with the enthusiastic little boy.

A few hours later, Valentina was tired but feeling very happy. It had taken most of her resolve to remember to keep track of all the things the place had to offer instead of just having fun.

They had enjoyed the corn maze. The first time, Zeke held her hand and led her through. After that, they all chased each other.

Feeding the ducks was as much fun as she expected, and they stopped to see the pigs and chickens in their pens too.

The Christmas All-Year-Round store was full of beautiful holiday ornaments, wreaths, and even some local handicrafts, including candles made by one of the second-grade teachers at Zeke’s school. And Melody had been there to greet her by name, once again giving Valentina the wonderful feeling of being part of Trinity Falls.

The big store on the main floor below was full of delicious produce grown at Cassidy Farm and some smaller nearby farms. Zeke looked at all the wooden puzzles and toys with Valentina while Tanner slipped off to buy cider and doughnuts that were still warm when they sat at a picnic bench outside to eat them.

“This was amazing,” Valentina said. “Thank you both for bringing me. I can’t believe I haven’t been here before.”

“Oh, we love any reason to come here,” Tanner said. “Right, Zeke?”

“Yes,” Zeke said with his mouth full of doughnut.

They were just cleaning up and getting ready to head out when another man in a cowboy hat jogged over to them.

“Tanner,” he called out. “Hang on.”

“What’s up, Shane?” Tanner asked.

“We’ve got a broken Rudolph, if you want him,” Shane said. “Jacob ran over the cord with the mower in the summertime.”

“Oh, I can fix that, no problem,” Tanner said. “Did you want him back afterward?”

“No, no,” Shane said. “He should be out for everyone to enjoy. Mom says she doesn’t need anything more than her manger scene anyway. Come on back on your way out.”

“We’re heading out now,” Tanner said. “Do you mind, Valentina? Shane, this is Valentina. She’s Baz Radcliffe’s right-hand man. Valentina, Shane Cassidy and his family own this place.”

“Hi, Shane,” Valentina said smiling and trying desperately not to offer to shake his hand. “I loved my visit here today, and I was at your place the other night with Natalie for the dress fittings. Is Alice your mom?”

“Yes,” Shane said, smiling.

“Well, I really love your mom,” Valentina said. “I’m one of Emma’s bridesmaids, so I got to try on the dress she made and eat her corned beef and cabbage, and hear her funny stories.”

“Lucky,” Tanner said, clucking his tongue.

“Everyone loves her,” Shane said, shaking his head as if he were as much in awe of the woman as Valentina was. “Well, she’ll be glad to see you again when you come back to the house. Nice to meet you.”

Shane gave them a wave and headed back into the big barn.

“You fit right in around here,” Tanner said, shaking his own head as they walked back to the car.

“Really?” she asked, feeling surprised.

“You said hello to almost as many people as we did today,” he told her. “And Alice Cassidy has made you a piece of clothing. I think that might make you an honorary Trinity Falls-ian.”

Valentina laughed as they got in the truck, letting Tanner open her door and help her up without any awkwardness now that she was ready for it.

A few minutes later, they had followed the driveway past the Private Property sign to the old farmhouse on the edge of the Christmas tree farm where the Cassidy family lived. She’d passed by the other night on her way to Shane and Natalie’s home just a bit further down.

Alice and her husband, Joe, were standing on the porch as if they had somehow known company was coming.

“Hey there,” Joe called to them. “You here for Rudolph?”

“We sure are,” Tanner said.

“Oh, my goodness, is that Valentina?” Alice called to them. “And is Zeke with you?”

“Yes,” Zeke squeaked from the backseat, but Valentina guessed that Alice probably couldn’t hear him.

“Hang, on, buddy,” Tanner told him as he parked the truck.

“Do you mind if we go up and say hey for a minute?” he asked Valentina.

“Of course not,” she said, feeling happy for the chance to say hello too.

She waited while he opened up the door for Zeke, and the three of them headed up to the porch together.

“There he is,” Joe said sadly, pointing at the decoration in the corner. It was probably two feet tall and nicely painted. “Jacob ran over the cord. That boy can be a little reckless.”

“No problem,” Tanner said, laughing. “We’ll just take him back to our workshop, right, Zeke? ”

“Yes,” Zeke said, smiling proudly.

“Well, he’ll have his moment of fame in town then,” Joe said fondly.

Valentina wondered suddenly if they meant the lawn next to her building in town. Someone had set up a ton of light-up Christmas characters there recently. Did Tanner have something to do with that?

“Don’t you look lovely today?” Alice said to Valentina before she could question Tanner. “What brings you out here?”

She wrapped an arm around Valentina’s shoulder and gave her a light squeeze.

“I wanted to learn more about Trinity Falls so I can help Mr. Radcliffe decide what to do with some of the land he’s having trouble selling,” Valentina told her. “And Tanner was stunned that I hadn’t been to Cassidy Farm before. Me too, now that I’ve seen it. I think I’ll be visiting a lot more often now. It’s such a special place.”

“We love it with all our hearts,” Alice told her with a big smile. “I’m so glad you had fun.”

“If you’re wanting to learn more about Trinity Falls, you have to take a carriage ride at the Hometown Holiday celebration,” Joe said. “And you ought to go over to Timber Run and talk to Lucy Webb. She can tell you all about the Co-op Grocer’s.”

“It’s Lucy Beck now, Dad. But Zeke and I would be more than happy to take you over to see her,” Tanner offered, a hopeful look in his eyes. “And obviously, we love a good carriage ride. You can’t miss the Hometown Holiday celebration.”

“Yes, Valentina,” Zeke said. “Will you do all that stuff with us?”

“Of course,” she heard herself say happily. “I’d love to.”

“ Yes,” Zeke said, flashing his missing-tooth grin again.

His exuberance was catching, and she found herself smiling back so hard it made her cheeks ache. She had a feeling that she might have been smiling at more than just Zeke, but she wasn’t going to think about it right now.