“I’ll need help.” Misty looked at Trey. “I don’t know many folks around here.”
“You’ve got me to help.” Trey heard the words fall out of his mouth. What was he doing? He didn’t have extra time. But he knew why he’d said it. He’d get to spend more time with Misty. And even more important, animals would benefit.
“I appreciate it.” Misty gave him a warm smile.
“Perfect,” Hedy said.
“Y’all work out the details.” Sydney reached across the table and patted Misty’s hand. “We’re here for you. Just let us know whatever you need whenever you need it.”
“Thanks.” Misty smiled in reply. “I’m sure I’ll be calling on all of you.”
“Now that’s settled, anybody need more cider?” Ruby asked.
“Not me.” Storm pushed out her chair and stood up. “I need to practice.”
“For what?” Trey swiveled to look at her.
Storm tugged on his chair, but it didn’t move. “I need you to turn your chair out from the table.”
Trey followed her instructions, enjoying watching her as he always did, particularly since he didn’t know what she’d be up to next.
“Okay.” Storm glanced around the group. “Now, I expect constructive criticism.”
“What for?” Hedy asked.
“Mommy’s taking me to Fort Worth to see Santa Claus.”
“And so?” Ruby leaned forward to give Storm her complete attention.
“I’ve got a super Christmas wish to put to Santa Claus. I want to get it just right.”
“And you need to practice?” Trey patted his lap.
“You got it.” She plopped down on his lap, leaned her head against his chest, and looked up at him with sincere hazel eyes.
“What do you want for Christmas, little girl?” he asked, keeping a solemn expression on his face as he played Santa Claus.
“I want a goat-roping dummy.”
Everyone around the table exploded in laughter.
Storm frowned at them. “This is serious business.”
Trey bit his tongue to keep the laughter at bay.
“I don’t need a goat-roping dummy this year. I’m too little.” She put her hands on her hips. “But I’m growing fast. For sure, I’ll need it next year.”
“Wouldn’t you want to wait till next year to get your dummy?” Trey gently squeezed her small shoulder.
“No! I want it in place. You just never know when you may need a goat-roping dummy.”
“You’ve got a good point there,” Trey solemnly agreed as he looked into her determined eyes. She always spread so much joy. He’d wished for a little girl of his own for some time. He glanced over Storm’s head at Misty. For the first time, he could imagine a tiny girl with ginger hair and pale green eyes.
Misty smiled, reached out, and squeezed Storm’s small hand. “You did just great. I’m sure Santa Claus will make sure you get your goat-roping dummy.”
“You think so?”
“How could he not?”
Storm cocked her head. “You know, he’s a grown-up. And they can turn foolish as fast as I can run barrels.”
“Wish we could all be a smart little girl like you,” Misty said.
“Tell you what.” Storm reached up and patted Misty’s cheek. “You stick with me and I’ll see you get those oxygen kits for Christmas.”
“Thanks.”
Trey hugged Storm close and smelled the strawberry shampoo in her long, soft hair. She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, then wiggled out of his lap and danced away.
Maybe he ought to add to his Christmas list.
Chapter 20
When the fire-rescue meeting broke up, Trey held the screen door open for Hedy so she could zoom down the ramp to her vehicle. He hugged Storm and watched her dance outside before she clattered down the brick stairs.
Sydney gave Trey a big hug and whispered in his ear. “Now don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” And she pointedly glanced at Misty.
Trey chuckled as he caught her meaning. “Wouldn’t think of it.”
“Bet there’s plenty you could think of.” Sydney joined his laughter before she hurried outside after her daughter.
Kent held up his hand and high-fived Trey. Slade gave him a wink. And then the two cousins were out the door, letting the screen door slam shut behind them. Quiet descended on the kitchen. Trey hooked the lock on the screen before he shut and locked the main door. He turned back to Misty.
She smiled. “Guess we’ve got our show on the road.”
“Looks like it.”
“If you two need me for anything, ask me tomorrow.” Ruby covered a yawn with one hand. “I’m off to bed.”
“It’s been a long day,” Trey agreed, “but we don’t have time to lose if we’re going to make this benefit work.”
“Place is yours if you want to stay up and make plans.” Ruby glanced in the direction of the gazebo. “Why don’t you take cider down to the spring? Ease your feet in the water. Sure to feel good.”
He glanced at Misty. “You up for that?”
“I’d enjoy it. But I don’t want to keep you up.”
He smiled as he clasped her hand, feeling that familiar surge of heat. “I think I can last a little longer.”
Ruby cleared her throat. “Don’t let me interrupt anything.”