Marrying the Billboard Cowboy (Christmas in Redemption Ridge)

Chapter 11

11

Z eke pushed open the door to the sprawling kitchen of his parents’ house, the aroma of sizzling bacon and sweet cinnamon enveloping him. His family’s laughter and chatter swirled around the room. The sight of his mom, her tawny-brown hair catching the sunlight streaming through the window as she flipped pancakes with practiced ease, pulled at the corners of his mouth.

“Good morning,” he called above the din. “I want you all to meet someone very special.”

He felt the steady thump of his heart against his ribs. Beside him, Kaitlyn clasped Stetson’s hand, her dark eyes scanning the room with a mixture of awe and uncertainty.

A hush fell over the room for a heartbeat. A soft gasp came from his mother, before warmth flooded back in waves.

“This is Kaitlyn,” Zeke announced, clearing his throat, “my wife. And this little man here is Stetson.”

His father stepped forward first. His smile crinkled the corners of his eyes, and his arms spread wide in a gesture that beckoned them closer.

Zeke sighed in relief. His dad wasn’t a bad guy, just stubborn when it came to certain things. Like the notion that Zeke had to be the one to run the ranch.

“Well, welcome to the family,” Barry boomed, wrapping Kaitlyn in a bear hug that lifted her feet off the ground momentarily.

His mom set down her spatula, a maternal glow radiating from her as she approached. Her eyes sparkled with joy, particularly when they landed on Stetson. She knelt before him, her smile tender and genuine.

“Hello, Stetson,” she said, opening her arms. “It’s lovely to meet you. I’m Zeke’s mom. Your... grandma, I suppose,” she added with a surprised laugh. Zeke’s heart swelled.

Stetson hesitated, then shuffled into Connie’s embrace, his small arms tentatively encircling her neck. Connie looked up to meet Zeke’s eyes, her expression confused but supportive. She probably had a million questions.

The kitchen was filled with soft murmurs of affection as the family drew closer, surrounding them in a cocoon of acceptance and love. Zeke watched, a quiet satisfaction settling in his soul as the two halves of his world melded together in this simple kitchen, amidst the comforting cadence of home.

Kaitlyn’s fingers interlaced and twisted in front of her, the fabric of her skirt bunching slightly as his dad released her from his embrace. She caught Zeke’s gaze, and he tried to give her a reassuring smile. His mom pulled her in next, and Kaitlyn’s eyes closed as she seemed to soak in the embrace.

Zeke stood back, his eyes tracing Kaitlyn’s every move. Every muscle in his body tensed with the need to bridge the gap between them, to place a reassuring touch at the small of her back. But he refrained, not knowing what she would want.

“When do I get my thank you card, big brother?” Gideon asked, breaking into Zeke’s thoughts.

Zeke turned to see his younger sibling leaning against the doorframe, an impish grin playing on his lips. Gideon’s wink held the mischief of their childhood escapades, and the nod that followed was laden with unspoken words. Gideon had placed the advertisement on that billboard — a wild shot in the dark that had brought Kaitlyn into Zeke’s life.

“Just because you played Cupid with a billboard doesn’t mean you get credit,” Zeke murmured back, the corner of his mouth lifting despite his attempt to stay solemn.

“Hey, God works in mysterious ways, right?” Gideon chuckled, pushing off from the frame to join the rest of the family.

Zeke watched as Kaitlyn’s shoulders relaxed ever so slightly under Gideon’s light-hearted banter. A breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding escaped him. This was home. This was family. And Kaitlyn, with her quiet strength and Stetson’s trusting hand in hers, was now part of it all.

The aroma of fresh coffee mingled with the sweet scent of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven, a signature touch of Connie Reynolds’ kitchen. Zeke felt the undercurrent of whispers and glances from his family as they took in Kaitlyn’s presence. His sister Cassie, with her inquisitive blue eyes so much like his own, peered at Kaitlyn, her gaze settling on Stetson with a curious tilt of her head. Zeke flashed her a warning look when his sister’s eyes finally found his own.

He loved his sister, but he didn’t want her to make Kaitlyn feel uncomfortable.

They moved toward the dining room. “Come sit over here, dear,” Connie said, her tone warm as she beckoned Kaitlyn to an empty chair beside her. She patted the seat with a welcoming hand, her smile reaching her eyes that sparkled with genuine kindness.

Kaitlyn hesitated for a heartbeat before accepting the invitation. She slid into the chair, Stetson climbing onto her lap where she wrapped her arms around him.

“So you’re married?” Connie asked with a hint of melancholy. “When did that happen?”

“Yesterday,” Zeke answered. “Kaitlyn and Stetson moved from Denver on Thursday.” He glanced at Kaitlyn, her eyes focused on Stetson. “We didn’t see any reason to wait.”

His mom sighed. “What’s with all my kids refusing to get engaged and plan a wedding like normal people? First Cassie and Jason a few years ago and now you? Don’t get me wrong,” she said to Kaitlyn, “I’m thrilled for you both. But still, a mama needs a wedding.” She pointed at Gideon. “You. Don’t even think about pulling a stunt like this. You’re my last hope.”

Gideon held up his hands in surrender. “Don’t look at me. There’s no way I’m getting married. Why do you think I put the billboard up for Zeke instead of me?”

“Billboard?” his mom asked, flipping her gaze toward him.

Zeke shifted uncomfortably. “That’s how we met. Gideon’s prank actually turned out to be a chance for a real relationship.” He didn’t mention that it had also made the local paper and someone had taken to setting out signs through downtown Redemption Ridge. It was honestly shocking his mother hadn’t found out. But he wouldn’t be ashamed of the way Kaitlyn and Stetson had been brought into his life, however unorthodox it was.

“Well, that’s certainly a new twist on meeting online,” she said with a sparkle in her eye. “Now, Stetson. You moved from Denver, right? We’re coming up on Christmas here, so tell me about your Christmases at home. We want to make sure you get to do all your favorite things, even though you had to move.”

The room grew quiet. Stetson squirmed, slightly uncomfortable with the eyes of five strangers focused on him.

“Umm… We make ornaments outta paper. I’m really good at making snowflakes. And Mama tells the story ‘bout baby Jesus,” Stetson said, tearing off pieces of his cinnamon roll. The more he talked, the more comfortable he became.

“Mom said someday, we can buy the shiny ornaments like they have in all the stores. I think we need red ones. But they cost a lot of money.” There was no shame in his statements, just the innocent acceptance of what he’d been told by his mother.

Zeke found his eyes wandering to Kaitlyn’s face. Her cheeks were turning red, and he could only imagine that she felt embarrassed about the Christmases she’d been able to provide.

“They really are,” Connie agreed. “But you know what? When it is Christmastime here at the ranch, there will be six different Christmas trees to decorate. And if you’ll show me how to make snowflake ornaments out of paper for one of the trees, I think it’ll be my very favorite one.”

“Really?” Stetson’s eyes widened, a gleam of pride flickering across his features.

“Absolutely,” Connie affirmed, her attention fully on the child. “You know, Stetson, those Christmases you’ve had sound absolutely wonderful because they were spent with someone you love. And celebrating Jesus’ birthday together is the most important part.”

Kaitlyn’s fingers curled protectively around Stetson, her gaze lifting to meet Connie’s. In that moment, Zeke saw a bridge forming between them, a connection rooted in shared values and faith. Zeke felt a subtle shift in the room. It was as if the walls themselves exhaled, embracing this new family within their midst.

“Did you also know,” Connie continued, her hand gesturing toward the windows where snowflakes began to dance against the pane, “that every Christmas here at Redemption Ridge, we have our own special activities? We decorate the lodge, make Christmas cookies, sing carols, and we even have a huge barn dance with the whole town! Plus, the church always does an amazing Christmas pageant.”

Intrigue flickered across Kaitlyn’s face, her earlier embarrassment fading. “That sounds... really nice,” she said.

Zeke watched the conversation around him, his heart finding a rhythm that matched the hum of connection between his mother and Kaitlyn.

“Remember that time Zeke ended up playing an angel because Caroline Taylor got strep throat?” Gideon chimed in with a laugh.

Zeke glared at his brother. Kaitlyn let out a soft, melodic laugh, and his breath caught in his throat.

And there it was, the laughter he’d hoped to hear from her more often, unburdened and light. Pride swelled within him—pride for the resilience shimmering beneath Kaitlyn’s surface, pride for the way she leaned into discomfort, transforming it into something akin to belonging.

“One year, Gideon got stuck playing the donkey,” Connie winked, “and he took his role quite seriously. Brayed louder than the real thing.”

Kaitlyn’s chuckle joined the chorus of family banter, and Zeke’s chest expanded with an unfamiliar ease. This was home. This was family. Kaitlyn and Stetson were now woven into the fabric of it all, each stitch a promise of new memories and shared moments.

“Kaitlyn,” Cassie began, tilting her head as she studied the petite woman who now held her brother’s heart. “I’ve gotta ask, what made you answer a billboard advertisement? That’s not exactly...conventional.”

Zeke felt his muscles tense, but he kept his face neutral. He caught Kaitlyn’s eye across the table; they shared a brief, silent communication that spoke volumes of their journey together.

“Zeke was an answer to prayer,” Kaitlyn replied, her voice barely above a whisper, yet steady. Her hands stilled. “I never imagined the connection we’d find through those emails. It wasn’t the billboard that drew me,” her eyes flicked to his. “Not that he wasn’t handsome. But it was the hope of finding a family for Stetson... and maybe for myself too.”

Zeke’s jaw clenched at the slight tremble in her voice. She had battled so much alone; it clawed at him to see even a shadow of that past in her eyes now. “Cassie,” he said firmly, reaching for the pitcher of orange juice as an excuse to lean forward, subtly cutting off any further probing. “Let’s just say it’s been a God-led adventure for all of us, huh?”

Cassie nodded, though her brow remained furrowed with a mix of concern and intrigue. “Fair enough,” she conceded, breaking off a piece of bacon and passing the plate to Kaitlyn. “Welcome to Redemption Ridge, where unexpected marriages have become a family tradition.”

Kaitlyn offered a small, grateful smile and accepted the bread, her posture relaxing by the slightest degree. Zeke let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding, feeling the protective tension ease from his shoulders. They were safe here, among family—his and now hers.

“Mom, tell Kaitlyn about the time we all tried to sleep under the Christmas tree,” Zeke suggested, an easy smile on his lips, but his eyes never strayed far from Kaitlyn and Stetson. He watched the way his mother’s face lit up at the memory, her attention shifting to include their new guests in the warmth of the anecdote. “Cassie was so sure we’d catch Santa that way.”

As Connie recounted the tale, embellishing it with lively gestures, Kaitlyn’s shoulders relaxed further. Stetson’s giggle bubbled up when he heard about Uncle Gideon waking up tangled in garland. Zeke felt like he could breathe again, the tension that had coiled tight in his chest beginning to unwind.

“Sounds cozy,” Kaitlyn said, her voice still soft but carrying a newfound note of ease. “Stet, what do you think? Sleeping under a tree surrounded by presents?”

“Can we, Momma? Please?” Stetson bounced in his seat, his eyes wide with anticipation.

“Maybe we’ll give it a try this year,” she replied, kissing his hair affectionately.

Zeke watched their exchange, his heart swelling. This was right; this was where they belonged. Observing his father nodding along with Kaitlyn’s words, a silent vow of support etched in the lines of his weathered face, Zeke’s gratitude blossomed.

“Here’s to new traditions,” Barry announced, lifting his glass of orange juice toward the center of the table. “To Kaitlyn and Stetson, and the journey that brought them here.”

“Cheers!” echoed around the table as glasses clinked together.