Saving the Cowboy’s Christmas (Rowdy Ranch #12)

Chapter 16

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

H ad Desiree been that tough on Rance? Lani couldn’t think of any other reason for the haunted expression in his eyes. He’d smiled when he’d brought in the tray of hot chocolate, but the smile had held no warmth.

The mugs topped with festive swirls of whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles presented a stark contrast to Rance as he put the tray on the coffee table and sat down next to her. When Sam came over for a treat, he fished one out of his pocket and absent-mindedly gave it to him.

The collie took his dog cookie over to his bed, as if knowing his normally affectionate friend wasn’t in the mood to pet him. Rance’s body radiated tension and his fingers curled as if he longed to make a fist and punch something.

Andy grimaced. “She told you. That’s why the hot chocolate took so long.”

“I needed to give him time to swear and stomp around.” Desiree laid down a plate of Christmas cookies and a pile of napkins on the coffee table. Then she glanced at Lani. “Irving Quick, aka Rance’s father, is coming tomorrow and staying through Christmas.”

Lani stared at her, the hot chocolate forgotten. “Irving Quick, the thriller writer?”

“Yes.”

She turned to Rance. “And you didn’t tell me?”

“Why would I? He’s not my father. Well, technically he is, but I don’t claim him.”

Irving Quick was Rance’s dad. Wow. What did she know about the guy? Not much except his picture on the dust jacket of his latest hardcover release.

He was photogenic, a broad-shouldered man in a black turtleneck and leather jacket, his dark hair graying at the temples and a cocky smile on his handsome face. She knew that smile. “He’ll be staying here?”

“That’s the only good news. Mom told him he’d have to find something in town. Unfortunately, he did.”

“It should have been impossible at this late date.” Desiree picked up one of the mugs and took her favorite easy chair to the right of the sofa. “I was counting on that. Except he’s a lucky jackass. He called back within ten minutes. The hotel was booked but Mrs. J had a last-minute cancellation. He has a room at her B&B.”

Andy leaned over and grabbed one of the mugs, a napkin and two cookies. “Could she put a sedative in his coffee?”

“Andy.” Desiree sent him a look.

“Notice I didn’t say poison. A sedative would be harmless.” He sighed. “C’mon, everybody, drink your hot chocolate and eat some sugar. If a spoonful helps, this stuff will make us forget all about Quick-dick.”

Desiree made a half-hearted attempt to hide her smile behind her mug. “Stop calling him that. Next thing you know you’ll say it in front of our darling grandchildren.”

“And all hell will break loose. You’re right. I’m just trying to work off my frustration that he’s landing in our Christmas like a turd in a punchbowl.”

Lani choked back laughter and picked up her mug. Good thing she hadn’t just taken a drink.

“He says he’s a changed man.”

Andy snorted. “Sure he is. He looked like the same arrogant bastard on his latest dust jacket.”

Desiree paused, a cookie halfway to her mouth. “You paid attention to that?”

“Hard not to see it while I was quietly redistributing his books during your signing last month up in Missoula.”

“Redistributing them how?”

“Oh, some ended up in the cookbook section. I stashed a few in self-help, some in ancient history, where he definitely belongs.”

Lani grinned. “Remind me never to tick you off.” Then she lifted her mug in Desiree’s direction. “Tastes wonderful.”

“Thank you.” Desiree returned her attention to Andy. “Was this redistribution caper a one-time stunt?”

“I’ll take the fifth.”

“Obviously not an isolated incident, then. Promise you won’t do it if we have Mav and Zach with us. You’ll set a bad example.”

“That’s a good point. I’ll pass the word.”

“Pass the word? What the hell? You have accomplices?”

“I wouldn’t say that. Hey Rance, drink up, son. You don’t want to let your mom’s famous hot chocolate get cold.”

“Right.” He leaned forward and took the last mug from the tray.

Desiree continued gazing at Andy. “We need to discuss your clandestine activities, but we can do it later.”

His expression remained serene. “Can’t wait, my love.”

Lani grabbed a cookie and a napkin. “Well, if you dislike him that much, Andy, it’s good enough for me. I’m sure he deserves being redistributed.”

“He deserves more than that. He left before Rance was born and hasn’t contacted Dez or his son until today.”

“Which is fine with me.” Rance took a gulp of his hot chocolate. “If it wasn’t Christmas I’d head off on a little vacay right now. I have no interest in seeing him, talking to him, or listening to his half-assed excuses.”

Andy cradled his mug in both hands. “It’s probably no comfort, son, but I don’t think he’s stayed away on account of you. More likely it’s because your mom’s kicking his butt on the NYT list. He’s never hit number one and she’s done it multiple times. His ego can’t handle it.”

His body tight with anger, Rance turned toward Desiree. “If that’s his issue, and I don’t doubt it, why even let him come? Call him back. Say he’s not welcome.”

She set her mug carefully on the coffee table and held her son’s gaze. “He was crying on the phone.”

“Who cares?”

“Two months ago he had a heart attack that almost killed him.”

“Oh, so now he’s afraid he’ll go to hell if he dies before making peace with the son he abandoned for almost thirty years?” His voice shook. “And I’m supposed to welcome him with open arms? Forget it, Mom.”

Lani fought an instinctive urge to squeeze his arm and communicate her support. But doing that might reveal… too much. Gripping her mug in both hands, she stared at the bits of whipped cream floating on top of the chocolate.

“I’m not saying I believe he’s changed, son. I’m not welcoming him with open arms and I haven’t even begun to forgive him for his behavior.”

“Then call him. Please, Mom. Tell him you’ve reconsidered.”

“But you see, I haven’t. This isn’t about him. I don’t give a damn about him. It’s about you.”

“And I don’t want him here! Please call him and tell him?—”

“This is a chance for you to be a bigger man, a better man than he is or ever will be. You don’t have to love him. You don’t even have to like him. But summoning the courage to meet him face-to-face with civility will give you so much power.”

He sucked in a breath and slowly let it out. “What if all I want to do is punch him?”

“You’ll just shove your hands in your pockets. You’re a McLintock.”

“Hey,” Andy said, “I’m not a McLintock. Can I punch him?”

Lani chuckled and glanced at Andy. “I’ll be glad to hold your drink while you beat the crap out of him.”

He winked at her. “Deal.”

But she and Andy were only bystanders, not the main players in this drama. Locked in a silent battle of wills, Rance and Desiree stared at each other.

Rance caved first. “Okay.” He blew out a breath. “I guess there could be some satisfaction in letting him know I’ve survived just fine without him.”

“Exactly. Survived and thrived.”

“Having him show up now is funny, in a way. I can’t say whether the timing is the worst in the world or it’s perfectly appropriate considering why I’m here this morning.”

Lani tensed. The news about Irving Quick’s arrival had made her temporarily forget their reason for coming. Granny had mentioned that Desiree’s feelings might be hurt because she hadn’t been the first to know. Her emotions were already running high. How would she react?

She regarded Rance with outward calm. “They say surprises come in threes. I’m ready for the second one.”

Rance took a deep breath. “I’ve written a book.”