Yuletide Cowboy by Debra Clopton

crumbling up something yellow when he was getting out of the truck for breakfast the day before. He’d also been grinning when he greeted Chance at the door. “Whatexactly are y’all up to?” he asked, knowing he’d been set up.
    â€œIt’s harmless,” Susan said, shooting Cole a disbelieving glance. “The women or anyone who wants to can bid on the bachelors who have agreed to be auctioned off. The high bidders have to fix dinner for the cowboy they win and then he gives them a few hours of work around their house.”
    Melody leaned around Seth and smiled sweetly. “You know, like help with putting up their Christmas lights, ” she said, drawing out the obvious. “Or cleaning up their yard to get ready for the holidays.”
    Had that had been why she’d given all those lights to Lynn? Was Melody expecting Lynn to bid on a bachelor? As if summoned by his thoughts he spotted Lynn across the room dishing salad onto plates. He noticed the waiters then, about fifteen cowboys carrying plates to the tables.
    â€œAre those the cowboys who agreed to be auctioned?” he asked Wyatt.
    â€œYup, that’s them.”
    â€œYou know cowboys,” Cole drawled. “They’ll sacrifice themselves for a good cause.” Yeah, right. Big sacrifice. Judging by the grins on their faces they weren’t hurting too bad. Chance massaged the knot that had formed in his neck. It was no coincidence that everyone had conveniently omitted that this was a bachelor auction. Why?
    Across the room he caught sight of Lynn. She was busy, in and out of the kitchen with several other women and men. Applegate and Stanley were manning the grill out back, so he’d been told. Every once in a while he sawthem carry in pans of steaks. Lynn was putting food on plates. She looked as pretty as a summer day wearing a yellow sweater with her jeans. She caught him staring at her several times—he’d make an effort to stop staring but next thing he knew, he was right back at it. It was nothing short of rude, so why was he doing it?
    Feeling eyes on him, he glanced around and caught Brady watching him from the next table. The sheriff leaned toward Chance across the space between the tables so he could speak quietly to him.
    â€œIt was good to see you in church Sunday. You were far more qualified than me to be in that pulpit though.”
    â€œYou did a great job.”
    Brady rested his elbow on his thigh. “Don’t know about that, but seriously—I know your heart is at the arena with the cowboys, but we could really use you while you’re in town. With Christmas coming and no preach er in sight…I mean, to be honest, we haven’t gotten any replies to our request. I can only do so much be cause I’m not a preacher. I have faith that God’s going to send the right man for the job, but I’m not sure when that will be.”
    Chance really admired Brady for what he was doing. If there was ever a born leader Brady was it. Not only was he a big man physically but he was a man of big integrity, too. He deserved an honest, open answer. Chance leaned closer so their conversation couldn’t be over heard. “Look, Brady, I’ve got to sort out some personal issues right now before I could stand up there in front of the church. My heart has to be clear and since Randy died—”
    â€œThat’s the bull rider that got killed a few weeks ago?”
    â€œYeah, that’s him. I’d been witnessing to him for some time. He’d gotten mixed up in some bad stuff but all I needed was a little more time. I know he’d have accepted the Lord…with just a little more time. I don’t know why God didn’t allow that.”
    Brady hung his head then, met his gaze with regret in his eyes. “I guess preachers are human too, aren’t you? We can look at a preacher and expect you never to have a crisis or any anger…but it