Marrying the Billboard Cowboy (Christmas in Redemption Ridge)

Chapter 19

19

T he flickering candlelight from the chapel service still danced in Zeke’s mind as he stepped through the doorway into the vibrant warmth of his parents’ house. Laughter and the rich scent of cinnamon enveloped him.

Home.

He unbuttoned his coat, the fabric parting to reveal a festive sweater, its reds and greens bold against his dark jeans. Cassie insisted they do this ridiculous ugly sweater theme, and Aunt Martha had given him this sweater four years ago.

He helped Kaitlyn out of her coat as Stetson raced down the hallway. He was greeted by cheers from the people waiting down the hall.

Zeke laid his hand across the small of Kaitlyn’s back and guided her toward the kitchen, just like he’d done the morning after they were married. Had it only been six weeks ago? It felt like so much had changed. All for the better.

Across the room, illuminated by the soft glow of Christmas lights, was Gideon. His brother’s laughter rose above the hum of conversation, as carefree and infectious as ever. Zeke couldn’t help but feel the corners of his mouth tug upward; that boy could charm the stars from the sky if he so wished.

“Zeke!” Gideon’s voice cut through the din as he caught sight of his older brother. He pushed off the wall he’d been leaning against, his own broad shoulders squared in a mirror image of Zeke’s stance. “There you are! How was the service?”

“Peaceful,” Zeke replied, the single word carrying the weight of his devotion, the reverence for the tradition they shared every year. The Triple R Chapel was always breathtaking and was a favorite venue for weddings and the well-attended weekly worship service for resort guests. But there was something especially holy about the Christmas Eve candlelight service.

And now, the silence of the chapel had given way to this — the joyous chaos of family.

“Come on, let’s grab some eggnog.” Gideon clapped Zeke on the back, guiding him toward the kitchen with that easy optimism that seemed to pave his way through life.

Navigating past his parents, who were already teasing Stetson with gifts to shake and guess, Zeke reached the kitchen where Gideon was already pouring two glasses of eggnog, the creamy liquid making a soft glugging sound as it hit the bottom of the cups.

“Here’s to another Reynolds’ Christmas,” Gideon said, raising his glass in a toast after sprinkling nutmeg on top of the drink.

“To family traditions,” Zeke replied, clinking his glass against Gideon’s. He took a sip, feeling the familiar thickness coat his tongue, a taste that always brought him back to his childhood.

“Mom really outdid herself this year, huh?” Gideon gestured around at the decorations that adorned the living room—garlands intertwined with holly berries strung across the mantel, stockings carefully hung.

“Always does.” Zeke set his glass down, spotting a homemade cookie on a platter and picking it up. It crumbled slightly in his fingers, the perfect amount of sugar dusting its surface.

“Speaking of outdoing themselves,” Gideon said, leaning back against the counter with a knowing look in his eyes, “how’re things going with Kaitlyn? She’s been keeping busy.”

Zeke paused, a half-eaten cookie in hand, and couldn’t suppress the smile that stretched across his face. “Kaitlyn’s... she’s incredible, Gid. She and Stet… They’ve given me something I didn’t even know I was missing.”

Gideon’s eyebrows rose, his lips curving into a grin. “Sounds to me like this isn’t just some arrangement anymore.”

The warmth in Zeke’s chest flared hotter, his heart thumping against his ribcage like a drum. “No, it’s not,” he admitted, brushing crumbs from his fingers. “It’s real. Very real.”

“Good for you, brother.” Gideon’s voice was rich with sincerity, and he clapped Zeke on the shoulder. “You deserve happiness, Zeke. Both you and Kaitlyn do. Stetson too.”

“Thanks, Bro.” Zeke met his brother’s gaze, an unspoken understanding passing between them. “You know, you deserve it, too.”

Gideon hesitated, his glass pausing as it approached his lips. He shook his head. “I’m perfectly happy, bro. Don’t get any ideas about me. With you and Jason officially able to outvote Dad on ranch business, I’m perfectly content to just let it ride.”

Zeke clapped his brother on the shoulder. “Whatever you say.”

“As long as I can keep riding more mountain bikes than horses, I’ll be just fine.”

Zeke rolled his eyes at his brother. It wasn’t as if he didn’t understand the sentiment, seeing as he had his own dreams to chase that didn’t involve wrangling cattle.

“Let’s go see what I got Stetson for Christmas,” Gideon suggested, leading the way out of the kitchen.

“Right behind you,” Zeke said, tossing the last piece of cookie into his mouth, the sugary sweetness lingering as they stepped back into the celebration, into the heart of their family’s love.

Zeke watched from the edge of the room as Stetson, with his dark hair tousled and eyes shining brighter than the Christmas lights, became the undeniable center of attention. The boy’s laughter mingled with the crackling fire, a sound Zeke had grown to cherish in the short time they’d been family. Zeke leaned against the sturdy doorframe, allowing himself a rare moment of rest, observing the joy his new son brought into the room.

“Zeke, look!” Stetson called out, holding up a child-sized pair of cowboy boots, his small fingers tracing the intricate details.

“Wow, Stet, those are great,” Zeke called back, his voice threaded with pride. “You’re a real cowboy now.”

“Grandpa got them for me!” Stetson beamed, glancing over at the elder Reynolds who winked back, his own pleasure mirrored on weathered features.

Twinkling lights woven through the boughs cast a soft glow on Kaitlyn’s face as she laughed at something Gideon said. Her dark eyes sparkled, her thin frame relaxed amidst the warmth of family.

“Would you look at that?” his father whispered, joining him with a knowing smile. “She’s a natural fit for the Reynolds family.”

Zeke’s chest expanded with pride, his father’s words echoing his own thoughts. Kaitlyn had folded into their lives like the missing piece of a cherished family heirloom quilt. Paying off the loan shark had been stressful, but necessary. He’d never let anyone threaten his family. And with a little extra encouragement from Officer Lockheart at the meeting, Zeke was confident that Eddie would never step foot in Redemption Ridge again.

Cassie grabbed a couple of presents from under the tree and passed them out to everyone. Zeke frowned. They didn’t usually exchange gifts with each other. “What’s this?”

Cassie rolled her eyes. “Just open it. Everyone at the same time.”

Zeke ripped the paper off. A soft ripple of fabric cascaded out of the small package. He held it up and read. “Best Uncle Ever.”

“Uncle?” he said, looking up at Cassie in shock.

She nodded, looking around at everyone.

“What’s mine say, Mom? Best co-uh…” Stetson tried to read, his kindergarten “sound it out” skills not quite tackling the letters in front of him. “What’s this word?”

“Cousin,” Kaitlyn said in awe, her grin spreading as tears filled her eyes. She was holding her own shirt, proudly proclaiming her Aunt of the Year. Zeke felt his own eyes watering in response. Cassie had been so intentional to include Kaitlyn and Stetson in her announcement, it made his heart swell.

“I know you’re already a grandma, Mom. Stetson did that for you first. And you’re already an uncle, Gideon. But we’re going to have a baby!”

Cheers and congratulations rose from around the room as everyone moved to hug Cassie and congratulate Jason. Zeke was first in line.

“Congratulations, baby sis.” He tugged her close. “And thank you.”

After all the cookies had been eaten and the Christmas story read from his grandfather’s Bible, Zeke carried a drowsy Stetson back to the cabin.

“Can’t I stay up just a little longer?” Stetson pleaded, but the yawn that followed betrayed his weariness.

“Christmas morning can’t come until you’re asleep,” Kaitlyn reminded him with a wink, and Stetson’s groan of protest morphed into an excited giggle.

“Let’s get you to bed, little man.”

“Will Santa really come tonight?” Stetson’s question was hushed, full of awe as he climbed into bed, clutching his toy horse close.

“Absolutely,” Zeke assured him, tucking the blanket around the boy’s small form. “And when you wake up, it will be Christmas.”

“Promise?”

“Promise,” Kaitlyn echoed, bending to kiss Stetson’s forehead. She met Zeke’s eyes over the top of Stetson’s head.

“Good night, Stetson. We love you,” Zeke whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

“Love you more,” Stetson murmured, his eyelids fluttering closed, the grip on his horse loosening as sleep claimed him.

They paused inside their bedroom, the gentle rhythm of the boy’s breathing a lullaby that wrapped around their hearts. Kaitlyn’s hand found Zeke’s, fingers entwining naturally. He pulled her closer, her slight frame fitting perfectly against his broader one.

“This has been the best Christmas,” she whispered, her breath warm against his neck.

“This is just the beginning,” Zeke replied, his voice a low rumble filled with certainty. “We’re going to make a wonderful life together.”

They stood in silent agreement, the quiet of the house wrapping around them like a blessing, the anticipation of the morning’s joy a heartbeat away.

The soft glow from the Christmas lights strung along the outside eaves filtered through the window. He reached out, fingers brushing a loose strand of Kaitlyn’s brown hair back from her face, tucking it gently behind her ear. Her skin was soft beneath his touch, and he soaked in the trust mirrored in her dark eyes.

“I’m not in a rush,” he began, his voice stronger than he’d intended. “I know we started all this out of necessity, but I love you. And I can’t imagine a better Christmas present than knowing I get to spend the rest of my life with you. Loving you the way a husband loves a wife.”

She nodded, her gaze never leaving his. “I love you, Zeke. You’re my Christmas miracle.”

Kaitlyn’s breath hitched, her hands rising to rest on his broad shoulders. He felt the deliberate movements of her fingers as they traced the lines of tension that had eased away throughout the evening.

Slowly, Zeke lowered his head, his lips seeking hers in a kiss that was tender yet full of promise. He pulled her onto the bed with him, eager to show her just how much he loved her. There was nothing hidden between them anymore. No secrets. No fears. Nothing held back. He was hers in every way. And tonight, he was going to show her just how completely he belonged to her.