Shannon Vannatter - A Texas Holiday Reunion

The stained glass windows splashed multicolored prisms on the walls. Not much had changed. The hundred-year-old church was like a time capsule. If only it could comfort Cheyenne the way it did him.

Three songs later, all the kids and a few adults got up and headed for the back of the sanctuary. Except Cheyenne. Apparently they had classes on Wednesday night, but he knew she’d never go.

A kind-eyed lady stopped at their pew. “I’m Marilyn Whitlow.”

“I’m Colson Kincaid and this is Cheyenne.” Little arms wrapped around his neck.

“What a pretty name. You look just about the age to come to my class. We’ll read a story about Jesus, maybe do some coloring and sing some songs. Would you like to join us?”

Cheyenne buried her face in his chest.

“Maybe next time.”

“Of course.” Marilyn turned away.

“Is she gone?” The muffled question was warm against his heart.

“Yes. But she seemed really nice and you love to color. Wouldn’t you rather go have fun with kids than stay here with me?”

“Don’t make me go.”

“It’s okay. You can stay with me.” He rubbed her back.

“Can I sit in Resa’s lap?”

The breath went out of his lungs. “I’m not sure she’s up for that.” He sure wasn’t.

“Please.”

He leaned forward, looked around Dad and Annette.

Resa noticed him.

She wants to sit with you, he mouthed.

A smile took over her entire face and she nodded.

“She said yes.”

Cheyenne pulled away from him, taking a piece of his heart with her. She clambered down, over Dad’s and Annette’s feet, and Resa helped his child into her lap.

He didn’t breathe after that. And didn’t hear any of the lesson.

With Cheyenne so enamored with Resa, how would he resist her?

And more than that, how would he keep his secret?

* * *

Cheyenne’s slight weight got heavier as she drifted off. Resa could get way too attached. Especially since the shy little girl seemed drawn to her.

Deep down, she was glad Colson had come to Bible study this evening. She just wished he’d chosen another church. She wasn’t ready to forgive him.

She was stuck working with him until Christmas. Forced to count on him to keep her ranch running smoothly. But none of that trumped that he’d once broken her heart. And even though she understood his reasons now, she couldn’t allow herself to let her guard down around him. He wasn’t here to stay this time, either.

Colson. In her parents’ house. In her office. In her store. And now in her church. How had her life come to this?

Amens echoed around her and she raised her head. She hadn’t heard a word of the closing prayer. Or the study, for that matter. Why was he so...distracting?

“Let me take her.” He scooped Cheyenne out of her arms.

The brush of his fingers against her arm sent goose bumps over her.

Burden lifted, she stood and made her way to the aisle, as a hand clamped on her shoulder from behind.

“Resa.”

“Evening, Jed.” She turned and gave him a quick hug over the pew. “Remember to bring your wares soon. Open house is this weekend.”

“I appreciate you including me.”

“Are you kidding? Your stuff brings customers in.”

“Glad to hear it. Say, reckon you could come on over tonight? I’ve got two walking canes, three table lamps and half a dozen candlesticks. It would be easier on me if I didn’t have to load it all.”

“Of course. I didn’t even think about that.”

“Maybe the Kincaid boy could help,” Marilyn suggested. “Might get his little girl comfortable with me. Enough for her to come to my class next week.”

“I knew I married you for more than your beauty.” Jed winked at his wife.

“Colson,” Marilyn called as he neared the exit. “Could you help us out?”

“Sure.” He strolled toward them with Cheyenne still sleeping on his shoulder.

“Oh, I didn’t realize she was asleep. Never mind.” Marilyn stroked the little girl’s hair.

“I was just trying to wake her.” Colson’s narrowed gaze settled on Resa. “I don’t usually let her sleep through church. And if she naps this late, she won’t go to bed.”

And she was supposed to know that? “You remember Jed, don’t you? He probably visited the Bandera store back when you were training with your dad.”

“It’s been a while.” Colson clasped the hand Jed offered.

“I’ve got some carved items ready for delivery to Resa’s store.” Jed clapped him on the back. “We were wondering if you could follow us to the house and load up.”

“And I was hoping to get to know this little darling.” Marilyn smoothed her hand down the sleeping child’s back.

“I’d be happy to help.”

Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. “Thank you, Colson. It’s settled then—you can follow Jed there.” And Resa would go straight home.

“But Jed has something he needs to show you.” Marilyn clasped her elbow.

“Now, Marilyn, I told you they’re not ready.”

“Oh, pooh.” Marilyn waved her husband’s protests aside with her hand. “I don’t know how they could get any more ready.”

“You’ve got something new?” Resa’s insides warmed. She’d known Jed since she was a kid. And had mourned with him when arthritis threatened his work.

“Wait till you see them.” Marilyn’s smile broadened. “He always second-guesses himself, but I’m trying to talk him into going on a bigger scale with these.”

“She don’t need to see. They’re not ready.”

“Please, Jed.” Resa’s voice blended with his wife’s.

“Aw, shucks.” He turned crimson. “I reckon. But if you don’t think they’re up to par, just say the word. Nothing amateur is going under the Rusticks name.”

“Oh, good.” Marilyn clapped her hands. “I’ve got a dessert I’ve been dying to thaw. That Mrs. Edwards sure can turn out a mean turtle pie.”

“I’m in.” Colson let out a low whistle.

“Y’all could ride together?” Jed suggested.

“No.” The protest ripped from Resa. “I mean—we’d just have to come back here and get my car. It’s easier if we both drive.”

“All righty then.”

She wanted to see Jed’s newest creation. Wanted to encourage his one-of-a-kind craftsmanship. But it was bad enough that Colson was coming, too. Bad enough that she had to share pie with him. No way would she share a ride with him, as well.

* * *

“How about we go see the chickens.” Marilyn offered her hand.

Though her eyes filled with wonder, Cheyenne clenched Colson’s fingers tighter.

“They can’t get out. They’re all safe in the coop,” he prompted. “I’ll be right here in Jed’s workshop.”

Her grip loosened, let go, then latched on to Marilyn.

Maybe the kind women of small-town Bandera were just what Cheyenne needed. Even though this broadening of her horizons was good for her, letting her go was hard on him. He refocused.

Smooth wood, perfect gloss, no imperfections. Colson opened the lid of the box. Black velvet-lined compartments. The smell of cedar filled the workshop.

“This doohickey comes out.” Jed lifted the top tray to reveal more compartments. “And there’s a card with my number, so they can order a silver plate with their name engraved on it.”

“For an extra charge?” Resa inspected the card.

“Nope. If they buy the box the engraving is free. I figure they’ll have to come back to the store to pick up the plate and maybe they’ll buy something else.” Jed carefully set the tray back in place. “Tell it to me straight. No two-steppin’ around it.”

“They’re beautiful.” Resa’s voice was filled with awe and appreciation.

“You think?” Pride warmed Jed’s smile.