A CALLAHAN CHRISTMAS MIRACLE by Tina Leonard Page B

“Most of my brothers are happily married.”
    “Might seriously consider moving the kids,” Mack said. “I would, if it was my Rosebud.” He glanced at her apologetically. “Mind you, I realize you doing so would put my little girl out of employment. But you might consider sending the kids and wives off to join their cousins. I know you’ve got a place in Tempest, too.”
    Her father leaned back, took a big drink of his sugary tea. “Now I’ve got myself in hot water with Rose. But I’m an honest man, Galen. You’ve got to figure matters will probably get uglier from here.”
    Galen stood, and Running Bear rose with him.
    “We will think on your words,” the chief said. “Thank you for seeing us.”
    “Anytime. Pardon me while I embarrass my daughter.” He enveloped Rose in one last bear hug. “You come home soon, if you want to. Don’t let this big rascal cowboy keep you away from your ol’ pop.”
    “Dad!” Rose kissed his cheek, then stepped away. “I’ll be back in a few days with a hot meal. I don’t think you’re going to be the kind of man who takes up cooking in his spare time.”
    “Nope. Too many ladies around here seem to like sending casseroles my way. And occasionally, I have a barbecue for the boys. Don’t worry about me, Rose. You just be careful out there. I expect you to take very good care of my girl,” he told Galen, and she made an impatient sound and headed for the door.
    If her father didn’t pipe down with all the protective advice, Galen was going to turn skittish on her. Then she’d be like Ash, finally giving up on a ghost she’d been chasing for too long.
    Rose had no plans to give up on her cowboy.

Chapter Six
    Rose wasn’t entirely surprised when she heard a knock on her door that night. In fact, she was prepared for Galen’s visit.
    To her shock, Somer and Jace walked in.
    “Hi,” Jace said. “Is this a bad time?”
    He eyed the plate of gingerbread on her nightstand, along with two cups of tea.
    “Not at all,” Rose said coolly. “How can I help you?”
    “Somer and I are going to take a drive. She’s working tomorrow. We’ll be back in time, but could you keep anybody from looking for her if it comes up?”
    Rose glanced from Jace to Somer. “What’s going on?”
    “We’re in the mood for a road trip,” Somer said. “If anybody looks for me, I don’t want them to know I’m gone. With Jace,” she clarified.
    “Oh. I see.” She shrugged. “I can tell them you’ve gone to visit your uncle Storm.”
    “And I’ve gone to—” Jace began, stopping when Rose held up a hand.
    “I only cover for ladies. Men have to do their own dirty work,” she explained. “It’s a girl thing.”
    “Fine.” Jace nodded. “Thanks, Rose.”
    “No problem.” She studied the pair, who looked suspiciously nervous. “You realize that Galen may dig a little deeper, no matter what I tell him, when he realizes both of you have disappeared.”
    “Can’t you keep him busy?” Jace asked.
    Rose gave him her best stink eye. “I will do no such thing,” she said, her tone disapproving.
    “It’s not what you think,” Somer said.
    Rose said, “I don’t care what you two are up to. Leave me out of the particulars of the road trip, please. I’ve got enough on my hands as it is.”
    Jace glanced toward the cups and gingerbread. “You snack like that every night?”
    “So what if I do?” she asked.
    “Just never knew a lady who needed two cups of tea. Might as well get a mug,” Jace said. “Save yourself a dirty cup, right?”
    Somer tugged at Jace, who was going on like a beagle after a buried bone. “Come on, cowboy.”
    “That’s right,” Rose said. “I don’t tell your secret, and you don’t ask about mine.”
    “Understood,” Somer said, pulling Jace into the hall.
    “Wait,” he said. “I’m not through teasing her. That’s the best part of life at the ranch. What would we do if we didn’t give each other the business all the time?