Chapter 30

Shadow Valley, Texas 1870

Halona hummed contentedly as she basted the pot roast, her mind swirling with memories of her mother's version. She'd been thinking about this dish for days, and the rich aroma filling the kitchen was a promising sign. She couldn't resist sneaking a bite – a satisfied smile playing on her lips as the flavors danced on her tongue.

Isaac and Megan were busy decorating sugar cookies, their laughter echoing through the house. By the time they finished, popcorn garlands adorned the Christmas tree, and both children were vibrating with excitement. A giant wrapped present sat in the corner of the parlor, practically begging to be unwrapped, but Buck had them firmly distracted with other tasks.

As dusk settled, Halona pulled the roast from the oven, setting it aside to rest.

"Mmm, that smells amazing," Buck murmured, surprising her with a kiss on the neck.

"I hope it tastes as good as it smells," Halona admitted with a nervous smile. "I was trying to remember my mother's recipe."

"I'm sure it's delicious," Buck reassured her, squeezing her shoulder. "I'm going to get cleaned up for dinner."

A shout came from the doorway. "Jimmy's here!"

"I'll get it," Buck called back. "You stay here and help Halona."

Halona chuckled. "He's not letting you near that present, Isaac."

"What?" Isaac protested. "I wasn't even thinking about it!"

"Boy, am I glad I came over tonight!" The front door swung open, revealing Jimmy. "It smells fantastic in here!"

"Thanks, Jimmy," Halona replied.

"I helped make the cookies!" Megan chimed in.

Jimmy squatted down to her level. "I'll make sure to have two." He said, planting a kiss on her cheek.

"We made a shark mooterie!" Isaac bounded into the kitchen.

"A who who-oterie?" Jimmy shook his head and laughed.

"Charcuterie," Halona chuckled, pointing to the overflowing plate of meats and cheeses. "Sorry, they're hopped up on sugar."

Jimmy chuckled as she scooped up a giggling Megan before she could reach for another lick of icing.

"Buck should be down soon," Halona said, ushering the children towards the hallway. "I'm just going to get them ready for dinner."

"Take your time," Jimmy replied, grabbing a slice of cheese.

"Isaac, put on those nice clothes I laid out for you, okay?" Halona instructed.

"Okay," Isaac mumbled around a mouthful of cookies.

"Do I get to wear my fancy dress now?" Megan asked, her eyes sparkling.

"Of course you do, sweetie," Halona confirmed.

Halona walked Megan upstairs, her tiny hand warm in hers. Reaching Megan's room, Halona helped her into the red taffeta dress. Carefully braiding Megan's hair down her back, Halona secured it with a bright red ribbon that matched the dress perfectly. With a final kiss on the forehead, she sent Megan downstairs and then retreated to her room to change her clothes.

Meanwhile, downstairs in the dining room, a warm and inviting scene unfolded. Candlelight flickered on the table, casting a soft glow on the festive decorations. Strings of cranberries and popcorn snaked around the branches of the tree Buck had cut the day before in the corner of the room.

Crimson and emerald ornaments twinkled merrily, reflecting the dancing flames. The rich aroma of roasting meat mingled with the sweet scent of pine, filling the air with the promise of Christmas cheer. Buck, with a playful glint in his eye, instructed the children in how to set the table, their laughter echoing amidst the gentle clinking of silverware.

"Isaac, slow down on that bread," Buck cautioned, his voice a touch lower than usual as he watched his son quickly grab one of the warm dinner rolls. "You don't want to spoil your appetite for dinner." He cast a quick, worried glance at Jimmy. "Can you help me bring the roast out?"

"Sure thing," Jimmy replied, following Buck into the kitchen.

"What's going on in town?" Buck asked as they transferred the roast to a serving platter.

Jimmy's expression darkened. "Not good," he said, shaking his head. "You need to keep her out of sight for a while. Some kid got sick, and his parents are blaming her."

"Damn it," Buck sighed heavily.

"What are you two conspiring in here?" Halona teased as she opened the door and both men turned with startled looks on their faces.

"We were just bringing the food in, darlin'," Buck said quickly, holding up the roast.

Halona eyed them both suspiciously but obliged him and joined the children at the table.

The rich aroma of pot roast filled the kitchen, mingling with the scents of rosemary and thyme. Buck carefully lifted the heavy dish, steam rising from the tender meat and vegetables.

"Darlin'?" Jimmy smirked, one eyebrow arching as he held the kitchen door open. The word hung in the air, tinged with playful mockery.

Buck shot his friend a warning glance but despite his best efforts, Buck's lips curved into an unmistakable smirk. It was subtle, but to Jimmy, who knew him better than almost anyone, it might as well have been a full-blown grin. That tiny expression confirmed everything Jimmy had suspected.

The air in the room seemed to shift, filled with an unspoken understanding between the two men. Buck's attempt at nonchalance had failed spectacularly, and they both knew it. Jimmy chuckled softly, shaking his head in amusement at his friend's transparent attempt at indifference.

Jimmy followed close behind, balancing a bowl of mashed potatoes and a gravy boat. The sounds of laughter and clinking cutlery drifted from the dining room, Christmas cheer spilling into the hallway.

As they approached the dining room door, Buck paused for a moment. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the onslaught of family, food, and the undoubtedly relentless teasing from Jimmy. But the smile on his face only grew wider.