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

“Now you have extra things so your mom won’t have to do so much laundry.” He hunkered low so that his eyes were level with the boy. “Do me a favor, Brady, and let’s not tell your mom just yet.”

That’s when they heard Elizabeth scream.

Chapter Three

JACK didn’t move fast enough. Before he could exit the kitchen, Elizabeth appeared in front of him, enraged.

“Jack, how could you do this! I don’t need all those clothes! And six dresses! That’s ridiculous!”

He affected a calmness he didn’t feel. “Now, Elizabeth, you don’t know how many dresses you’ll need here. Tom is well liked.”

“I don’t care how well liked he is. That’s not the point. You tricked me. And made a fool of me.” Her eyes flashed fire. “I don’t appreciate that.”

He speared her with a look. “Like you weren’t planning to trick me?”

“Hey, y’all. What’s all the yelling about?” Tom asked as he came into the kitchen.

Jack read the expression on Elizabeth’s face and knew she didn’t want Tom to know what she’d tried to do. Because he feared it would hurt Tom, he went along.

“Sorry, Tom. Elizabeth felt like I spent too much on her and the kids, that’s all.”

“But you told me what you spent. I didn’t feel it was excessive,” Tom said calmly.

“But, Tom, I couldn’t possibly need six dresses.”

“That’s not the point. We just want you to be happy, Elizabeth. And I can afford it, so why not let me provide for you. After all, my son didn’t provide for his family.”

Elizabeth smiled at him. “Well, you certainly have taken care of that, Tom. And Jack certainly did a good job.”

The older man grinned at his longtime friend. “He always has, Elizabeth. I knew he’d do what I asked him to do.”

“There was one thing I forgot, Tom,” Jack interjected. “A new coat for Elizabeth.”

“I have a winter coat already. I was wearing it when we arrived.”

As if she hadn’t spoken, Tom agreed with Jack. “Good. We’ll plan on you going again.”

Elizabeth stood there with her mouth open, and Jack couldn’t stop the big smile from overtaking his face.

“I don’t know about you, but I need to get started on supper.” Elizabeth began pulling ingredients out of the refrigerator, grateful for the diversion. How could Jack simply ignore her like that? Tom was well meaning, she knew, but Jack could have been the voice of reason. Instead he added fuel to the fire.

“What are we having?” Jack asked, coming up beside her.

“A Mexican dish.”

“Is that all you’re going to tell me?”

“I don’t think you need to know much more. Don’t you trust me?” She gave him a saccharine look.

“Not with that chili sauce in your hand.” He nodded toward the bottle she held. “I’m afraid my constitution isn’t made to withstand too much heat.”

“Then you needn’t worry.” She got out a thick cutting board to chop onions and chili peppers.

She nearly laughed at his expression when he saw the chilis.

“Uh, maybe I’d better go put a clean sheet on the crib and transfer Jenny to her very own bed.”

“Thanks, Jack. And bring the monitor down, will you?”

When he left the room, Elizabeth picked up another chili. She hefted it in her hand and debated silently. Should she?

Dinner was ready when Tom and Brady came in from playing with the puppies in the barn and Jack finished up some ranch chores.

She admonished them all to wash up before taking their seats at the table.

“If you’ll pass your plates, I’ll serve the casserole.” She noticed Jack didn’t budge and stifled a laugh. “You go first, Brady. Grandpa and Jack will try it after you.”

Brady held his plate up to his mother. She gave him a spoonful of the casserole. Then she filled Tom’s plate with two spoonfuls. When Jack finally offered his plate, Elizabeth heaped on three servings.

“That’s enough, Elizabeth. I’m not that hungry tonight.”

“Nonsense,” she said as she scooped out a fourth spoonful. “I’ve seen you eat, remember?”

Jack hesitated, then finally took a bite. Then, as if surprised, he broke into a smile. “Delightful!”

“Not too hot for you, Jack?” she asked as innocently as a lamb.

“No, it’s perfect, Elizabeth.”

She returned his smile. “I told you you could trust me.” But boy, she admitted to herself, how she’d been tempted!

Elizabeth heard Jenny stirring in her bed, making cooing sounds as she woke up.

Running up the stairs, she got there before the baby had a chance to really come awake. The others heard her tender words to baby Jenny.

Tom nodded. “She’s a good mother. Just as I knew she’d be.”

“Yeah, she’s a good mommy.” Brady grinned at his grandpa.

“I think we should do the dishes for her while she takes care of Jenny.”

Brady jumped to his feet and in no time the three of them had the table cleared. They were loading the dishwasher when Elizabeth came down with Jenny.

“Why, thank you, guys. You did a great job.”

“I helped, Mommy!”

“Of course you did, sweetie. You’re a very good big boy.”