“Let him finish, Moira,” her husband said quietly and patted the seat next to him. Once the older woman had taken her seat beside Aaron, Reid continued.
“I also understand and can appreciate your loyalty to my father. Truly I blame him for all of this. He put you in an untenable position, and you followed his instructions and took care of him as thoroughly and faithfully as you always have through the years.”
Reid divided a look between the two who over the years had become more than just household staff members to his father. They were Eldridge’s friends. Family. Whether the cranky old coot realized it or not, these two were more to Eldridge than his father had any right to claim.
“Thank you,” Reid said, his voice cracking.
Aaron raised his gaze, clearly startled, and Moira looked at her husband, then back to Reid as if she’d misunderstood.
“You took care of my father, looked out for him while he indulged his selfish game of ‘Who really loves me? Who can I trust?’ Our family owes you our appreciation for that.” Reid turned up his palm, motioning to the elderly couple. “Whether he realizes it or not, you two proved you are loyal to him and care about him even when he’s acting like a snobbish child.”
“I only wish it hadn’t meant deceiving you and Mrs. Colton. It broke my heart to see her grieve,” Moira said, her hand pressed to her chest.
“What’s done is done, and I, for one, will not dwell on it any further. I will tell my father that you’ve earned a sizable Christmas bonus for your loyalty and efforts above and beyond the norm.”
“Oh, no, Mr. Reid. I don’t expect—”
“Oh, but I do!” he said with a laugh as he headed for the door. “It’s the least the old codger can do for you. Merry Christmas, Aaron, Moira. Enjoy your day off.”
With that, he left the older couple to rejoin his family. He didn’t want to miss the highlight of the family’s holiday gathering—the return of their wayward and penitent patriarch.
*
When Reid joined the Christmas party in progress, Josie Colton Grange, Reid’s cousin and new wife of Colton Valley Ranch’s former foreman, sat beside Penelope chatting pleasantly while Nicholas played with Josie’s almost two-year-old stepdaughters.
“I think Lily and Leigh are smitten with their new playmate,” Josie said, beaming at the children as they played with a wooden train set.
“Hey,” Tanner Grange said in a gruff tone, belied by the twinkle of affection in his eyes, “don’t go playing matchmaker with my girls. They’re not allowed to date until they’re thirty. And then only if I approve the guy.”
Fowler had been released from the hospital the night before with orders to take it easy, and he’d made himself comfortable on a chaise lounge in the corner with Tiffany at his side.
Reid slid onto the crowded sofa, pulling Pen into his lap as he did so. “You may regret saying that later, man. Our boy’s gonna have a long line of admirers chasing him. Better that your girls get their bid in early.”
Pen blinked at him, clearly startled.
“What? Don’t you think Nicholas will have lots of girlfriends?”
“Well, sure... I just... Our boy?” Her tone was more touched than accusatory.
“If that’s okay with you?” Reid said in a quiet voice. “I don’t want him to forget Andrew, and I want him to learn what a great man gave him life, but...I’d like to adopt Nicholas as soon as we’re married.”
Pen’s eyes filled with happy tears, and she gave a small nod as T.C. blustered, “Whoa, whoa, whoa! What did you say? Did you just use the M word?”
Pen ducked her head trying to hide her smile, and Reid raked his hand through his hair. “I was planning to save the announcement for later, after—” He caught himself just before he spoiled the second surprise of the day.
“After what?” T.C. prodded, then with a devilish smirk added in a theatrically loud voice, assuring everyone heard. “Are you saying our confirmed bachelor, the last of the Colton brood, is taking the plunge?”
Reid glared at T.C., who returned an unapologetic grin. Shifting his gaze to Zane, he said, “Punch him for me.”
Zane jerked a nod. “Love to.” And slugged their brother in the arm, so T.C.’s cranberry martini sloshed from the glass.
Reid helped Penelope to her feet and cleared his throat as he stood next to her. “Well, I guess since The Crawler has spilled the beans,” he said using T.C.’s childhood nickname with a touch of growl in his tone, “I’ll make it official.”
Conversations in the corners of the crowded room quieted. The entire family had gathered in the ranch mansion to celebrate Christmas, a sign of how far the Coltons had come in a year. The Dallas Coltons even opened their doors to their late uncle Matthew’s children, who’d all suffered through a tumultuous, tragic, and transformative year themselves. At Colton Valley Ranch, feuds had been put to rest, new love celebrated, old wounds were on the mend, and everyone wanted to mark the changes in their lives with a joyful family celebration and feast. What better time to announce his future plans with Pen and Nicholas?
“Everyone, it gives me great pleasure to introduce you to my fiancée and future son. Pen has agreed to marry me and allow me to adopt Nicholas.”
Cheers, catcalls and applause rose in response to his announcement. His brothers slapped him on the back, and the women cooed and hurried to Pen for hugs and private congratulations.
Whitney made her way through the throng to embrace him and kiss his cheek. “Oh, darling, I’m so happy for you. If only my Dridgey—uh, your father—” she quickly corrected, and Reid smiled his thanks “—could be here to share this joy.” She gave him a strained smile. “I wish—”