Christmas Gifts: Cinderella and the Cowboy / The Boss's Christmas Baby / Their Little Christmas Miracle

“Oh, my. Does she want to wear black?”

“No. She wants to honor the bride.”

“Yes, of course.”

“I think she’ll need some advice, and she’s not talking to me.”

“I’ll take care of it, sir.” She stepped up to Elizabeth. “Can I offer you some assistance? There’s one gown that I think you might like. Let me go get it.”

She came back carrying a sapphire-blue gown with a high bodice and a flowing skirt. “That’s gorgeous.”

“The color matches your eyes.”

Elizabeth stepped back from the rack. She couldn’t imagine another gown that would be any better. “I’ll try this one on.”

“Certainly, ma’am. This way, please.” The saleslady led the way to the fitting room.

Moments later when Elizabeth emerged in the blue gown, Jack was sitting in a chair, waiting for her. When he saw her, a feeling overcame him. A wish, really. He wished he was her husband.

He’d admired Elizabeth since he first saw her. She was beautiful. Though she was tired when she first arrived, she hadn’t shrunk back from cooking and cleaning. Her generosity and her eagerness to please had impressed him.

She opened her heart to Tom, expecting nothing in return. For all he’d given her she’d been grateful, and she’d raised her son to be thankful, despite what little they’d had.

She was a remarkable woman.

If he had a choice, he’d like to stay at the Ransom Ranch. With her. If he thought he could have that ranch as his own, and Elizabeth as his wife, he’d be a happy man.

But that wasn’t meant to be.

“This gown looks beautiful on you, Elizabeth. I think it’s the one.”

“Yes, I like it. I hope Carol does.”

“I don’t see how she could think otherwise.” He smiled at her. “You know, I think I remember a little dress I bought Jenny that is almost that exact color.”

“It’s settled, then.”

When she’d changed, they headed off to find Jack’s tuxedo.

He, too, settled on the first one he tried on. Elizabeth thought he looked so distinguished in the black tux with a white shirt and black bowtie. And handsome. Very handsome.

Then again, she thought the same thing when he came in dirty and dusty from a hard day on the ranch.

The tailor went right to work on the alterations, giving them two hours to find wedding presents.

In the furniture department Jack made his choices quickly. Elizabeth bought pillows, a comforter and sheets to go with Jack’s gift.

“I thought Brady and Jenny could give them those presents,” she explained.

“They’ll get a lot of invitations to birthday parties if they give those kinds of gifts.”

Elizabeth laughed. “How many times does one get a new grandparent?”

“Good point.”

They went next to the electronics department to find a television. With his help she picked out the top of the line.

“Tom and Carol won’t want you to spend this much,” Jack cautioned her.

“Why won’t he worry about how much you’ve spent?”

“He knows that I’ve saved my money.”

“In order to buy his ranch.”

“But he knows it’s not for sale. He’s made that clear.”

“Maybe if I talked to him? Maybe I can convince him to sell the ranch to you, if he and Carol can continue to live there.”

“I don’t think that’s possible.”

“Why not?” She was searching for the elusive explanation that Jack failed to give.

“It doesn’t matter. He wants to save the ranch for Brady.”

“But I don’t want Brady to grow up like his daddy.”

“His daddy didn’t do much on the ranch.”

“Then maybe Brady should work on the ranch. To learn how to be a rancher, not just an owner.”

“I understand that, but I won’t be there to help him.” There was a finality in his voice that Elizabeth hated hearing.

“I know,” she said, unable to keep the sadness from her tone.

She went back to the televisions and paid for the one she chose. They had it sent to the loading dock.

“When are they delivering the furniture?”

“They promised to deliver it Friday at two.”

“How will you keep it hidden from Tom?”

“I’m sending him up to my room to get peace and quiet for his nap.”

“That’s nice. Won’t he be suspicious?”

“No. He’ll believe me.”