Merry Cowboy Christmas (6 page)

Jud brushed against her shoulder on his way to the living room and snappy little bursts of heat made their way through her bright green sweater and to her skin. She'd have to be stone cold dead for a cowboy like Jud Dawson not to affect her but she'd have to be a deluxe idiot to act on that attraction. She wasn't dead for sure but she wasn't going to be an idiot, either.

“Hey, Fiona, you can set the table while I help Mama with the gravy,” Allie said.

Lizzy brought in an armload of plates with cutlery rattling on the top plate. “Mama is already serving up the food. If Truman had prayed much longer, we'd be eating salad and bread or going to Nadine's. The roast is well done but still edible.” She lowered her voice. “So are you going to love your neighbor?”

Fiona scooped forks, knives, and spoons up in her hands and placed them around the table. “I do love my neighbors. You and Allie live right across the fence.”

“I'm talking about the one across the landing from you,” Lizzy teased.

Fiona shot Lizzy a dirty look. “Are you going to love your neighbor, as in Truman and Dora June?”

“Of course,” Lizzy said quickly. “I love them, but I damn sure don't like them. I'm very grateful they aren't my neighbor in the physical sense. Deke can have that honor and I'm sure he's even glad that their house is on the far side of their property and not right over the fence from him.”

“Dora June started meddling right after church,” Fiona said.

Katy set a bowl of potatoes and carrots on the table. “I know she's a gossip and gets into everyone's business but she and her three friends do work hard at the church. They've turned an unused Sunday school room into a nice little clothes closet and food place for anyone who's down on their luck. Folks donate and the ladies keep everything organized. Last month a young couple with a toddler came through, down on their luck trying to make it up to Ryan, Oklahoma. Dora June made sure they had a tank of gas, food, and even gave them clothes for that baby.”

“I heard about that,” Allie said. “They had a warm coat day last week. Let any kid in the school who needed a coat pick one out. Henrietta washed the donated ones and repaired any tears or missing buttons. But, Mama, it was those four that caused you to quit the ladies' group.”

“The Lord works in mysterious ways. If they hadn't been so judgmental of you girls and put you out of the group, I wouldn't have resigned as president. If I hadn't, then I would for sure be even more exhausted these days,” Katy said.

“Silver lining?” Fiona asked.

“Something like that.” Lizzy finished setting the plates. “But if they hadn't gotten all self-righteous with me and Allie, then one of us could have taken over your duties at the church while you were gone.”

Katy patted her on the shoulder as she passed on the way back to the kitchen. “And you would have hated being tied down to it. I did at times and I didn't have a handsome husband waiting for me at the end of every workday. It is what it is and that's enough
buts
.”

When dinner was on the table, everyone took their seats as if they'd been assigned. Toby seated Katy at the end and she motioned for Jud to sit at the other end. The only chair left for Fiona was the one to Jud's right. He pulled it out with a flourish and seated her before taking his place.

“Deke will say grace,” Katy said.

Deke said the shortest prayers of anyone in Throckmorton County, and Fiona had no doubt that her mother called on him for that very reason. One minute after their heads were bowed, he said
amen
and the food started around the table. As luck would have it, every time a bowl, platter, or bread basket was passed, Jud's fingertips brushed against Fiona's and a whole bevy of sparks blasted every time it happened. It was definitely time for her to get back into the dating scene, which she would do as soon as she started over in a brand-new place. Until then, she could endure her hormones wanting a little something, something.

“Be sure to save your fork.” Katy smiled when they were nearly finished with dinner.

“Dessert?” Fiona forgot all about Jud.

“Warm chocolate sheet cake with vanilla bean ice cream,” Katy said.

“I love you!” Fiona squealed.

“Is that all it takes to make someone love you?” Deke asked. “I know a bunch of rough old cowboys in this area who'd gladly borrow Katy's recipe.”

“Nobody can make it like Mama does,” Fiona countered.

“Hey, now!” Allie and Lizzy said at the same time.

Fiona slowly shook her head. “You both can make it but it ain't like what Mama makes. She throws in mama love.”

“I can do that,” Allie said.

“And Audrey will think yours is the best in the world someday. Everyone finished with their plates? I'll clear them away while Mama cuts the cake.”

Half an hour and two helpings of the rich chocolate cake later, several cell phones rang at the same time. Deke, Toby, and Blake fished theirs out of their pockets and were on their feet before they hung up. Katy, Allie, and Lizzy all found theirs in the pile of purses tossed on a chair in the living room.

“Come on, Jud. That was the volunteer fire department. There's a fire somewhere down past Deke's place. You can help,” Blake said the second he'd finished listening to the call.

“Down past Deke's place on which end?” Fiona asked.

“It's Truman and Dora June's house,” Katy called out from the living room. “Get your coats on, girls, and bundle Audrey up, Allie. You can stay in the truck with her but Dora June might need us.”

S
moke, darker than the clouds rolling in from the southwest, billowed upward until the wind caught it and spread it out over the whole county. The blaze had engulfed the whole house, and even though the firemen sprayed every drop of water they had on it, the house and all its contents were devoured.

Truman and Dora June stood beside their pickup truck, shock written on their faces as they watched fifty years of their married life go up in flames. Katy wasted no time in marching right up to Dora June and wrapping her arms around her.

“It's all gone.” Dora June broke down in sobs against Katy's shoulder.

“Don't cry, Dora June,” Truman said. “I hate it when you cry, but if you hadn't left them Christmas tree lights on…”

Dora June pushed away from Katy, put both hands on Truman's chest, and shoved him backward against the cold truck fender. “Don't you go blamin' me. It was probably that extension cord you wrapped duct tape around because you were too cheap to buy a new one.”

“You don't need to talk to me like that…”

Dora June's forefinger shot up. “Truman O'Dell, you are a scrooge.”

Katy stepped between them. “Why or how this happened is not as important as where you go from here, as in right now, so both of you settle down. Do y'all have a place to go tonight?”

Dora June shook her head. “Martha's granddaughter is getting a divorce and staying with her until she gets on her feet. Henrietta's got a grandson and his family over at her place until after Christmas. He's got a month's leave in between duty stations in the service. And Ruby has company coming next week. I guess we'll have to go to Throckmorton or Wichita Falls to a hotel.”

Fiona moved to stand beside Katy. “Mama, you aren't going to…,” she whispered.

“Love thy neighbor,” Katy whispered back, and then turned to Dora June. “Don't be silly. Audrey's Place has lots of room. You can stay there until you make a decision about this place.”

Fiona sucked air right along with her sisters. Had her mother really just offered to take Truman and Dora June home after the way they'd behaved the past year? Lord have mercy! It might be the Christmas season when love abounded and the preacher might have preached on loving your neighbor, but Truman and Dora June? Fiona's nose twitched and her eyes dried out before she remembered to blink.

“I'll live in my old store building on Main Street before I live in a whorehouse,” Truman snapped.

“You might but I'm not,” Dora June smarted back at him. “Katy, I appreciate the offer but I can't climb steps with these old knees.”

“You and Truman can have my bedroom. It's downstairs. It even has its own private bath,” Katy said.

Dammit! Why didn't her mother simply smile and nod? Everyone could appreciate the lovely Christian gesture without having to endure the pain of the reality if they took her up on the offer.

“I will not sleep in a room where a whorehouse madam did and you are not going to either, Dora June.” Truman crossed his arms over his chest.

“Then you go sleep in that drafty old rat-infested building that doesn't even have a shower. Last time we checked, the potty wouldn't flush and the sink wouldn't drain. You can take your meals at Nadine's. I'm going home with Katy since she's been so sweet.” Dora June turned around and marched over to Katy's car.

“You are welcome to change your mind,” Katy said.

Fiona clamped her jaws shut tightly to keep from saying anything. If Truman and Dora June moved into Audrey's Place, then Fiona would spend her evenings over at the Lucky Penny with her sisters. Hell, she might even move in with them or else take up residence in the travel trailer if Jud didn't.

Truman stomped over to Katy's car and opened the passenger door. “I'll go, but I don't like it one bit.”

Dora June crawled out of the car. “Well, you ain't goin' to like this a bit better. We're going to the church to get some clothing to last for a few days until we can shop.”

Truman groaned and rolled his eyes. “I hate charity.”

“Pride is a dangerous thing,” Fiona told him, repeating the words her mother had said to her.

“Listen to her.” Dora June crawled into the truck. “Be glad we weren't at home takin' our usual Sunday afternoon nap or we be dead. And be thankful that we still have a truck to drive and that your livestock wasn't burned up. God's been good to you, Truman.”

“If he'd been good to me, I'd be sleeping in my house right now and not watching it finish burning to the ground. Come on, woman. I'll take us to the church and then to that horrible house,” Truman snorted.

“We will see you in an hour, and thank you, Katy,” Dora June said.

“Mama, what in the hell have you done?” Lizzy whispered.

“I've loved my neighbor. And you will, too. It will teach us all some patience.”

“It might get me thrown in jail.”

In a few long strides, Jud joined them.

“For what?” he asked.

“Mama just invited Truman and Dora June to live with us,” Fiona said.

“That's sweet of you, but I'm surprised Truman agreed,” Jud said.

“It's amazing what an old coot will agree to do when it's freezing outside, his house is gone, and the toilet won't work in his shack of a building on Main Street.” Fiona sighed. “And we were going to have a family evening one day this week and put up the Christmas decorations.”

“We still can,” Jud said. “Christmas is my favorite holiday and not even Truman is going to ruin it.”

Blake joined them but he was not smiling. “Katy, are you sure about this? Allie and Lizzy are not happy.”

“We can't do any good here,” Katy said. “So we're going back to the house and y'all are going to help me clear out my bedroom and move my things to one of the rooms upstairs.”

“Yes, ma'am, but—” Fiona said.

Katy held up a palm. “No more
buts
, remember?”

It was really happening. Katy gave orders and everyone, including Jud and Deke, obeyed. Clothing was carried up to another room. Drawers were emptied and the dresser cleaned off—everything gotten ready for guests. Lizzy and Allie had put clean sheets on the bed and fresh towels out in the bathroom.

“Now we've got about five minutes before Dora June and Truman get here.” Katy led the way into the living room. “Lizzy, tell me what it says about heaping coals in the good book.”

“It says something about being kind to your enemies and it will be like heaping coals of fire upon his head. Poor old Truman's brain is most likely burning like hell about now,” Lizzy said seriously.

“He probably won't even come out of his room when we come over here for a visit,” Blake said.

Katy nodded and smiled. “Dora June loves Christmas, so she'll love helping with the tree when we put it up. Besides, it will help her feel some normalcy after losing everything she had. I bet some of the ornaments on her tree were handed down from her mother and grandmother, just like ours were.”

Allie nodded. “That which does not kill us makes us stronger, right?”

“Who are you trying to convince? Yourself or the rest of us? And if that saying is true, I'll be able to bench press a damn steer by the time Christmas rolls around.” Fiona rolled her eyes.

A soft rap on the kitchen door brought Katy to her feet. “Fiona, you'd best come with me to welcome them.”

“That's only fair since she's had to put up with the least crap from them,” Lizzy muttered.

“I expect I'm about to make up for that at least twelve-fold,” Fiona said through clenched teeth.

“You sure you don't want to move back into the travel trailer?” Blake asked Jud.

Fiona transferred her mean look toward her brother-in-law. “No, he does not. I need all the backup I can get, so don't you even answer that question, Jud Dawson.”

“Smart sister you got there, Lizzy,” Toby said.

“I told you she got all the brains.” Lizzy rolled up on her tiptoes and kissed Toby on the cheek.

Fiona stood to the side and let Katy open the door. Looking at those two old folks standing there with plastic grocery bags full of used clothing, she felt a stab of pity and guilt. Not so much that she didn't still wish they'd have been able to find housing at one of Dora June's friends, but she knew what it was like to hit rock bottom.

“Come right in and from now on, this is your home, so you don't have to knock,” Katy said.

“Can I help you with those bags?” Fiona asked.

“We've got it. I've been here often enough with committee meetings to know where to go. Thank you again, Katy.” Dora June headed across the kitchen, through the dining room, into the foyer, and to the bedroom at the end. “I'll be right back.”

“How much rent do you want?” Truman stopped inside the door, his thin face set like stone and his nose tilted up a couple of inches.

“We won't take a penny from you,” Fiona said.

“I don't take charity. I'll pay you same as if it were a hotel.”

“Truman, pride carries a lot of pain with it, so let go of it and hush about charity,” Fiona told him. “I'll show you the way to your room.”

Dora June met Truman in the doorway. “You go on and take your afternoon nap or take a shower to get all the smoke off you if you want to. I've got things to say to this family and then I'm going to help clean up those dinner dishes from the dining room table.”

“You don't have to do that. You are guests,” Fiona said.

“If I don't have to knock, then I'm not a guest.” Dora June tilted her head up, stretching all of her chins. “Is everyone waiting in the living room?”

“Yes, ma'am,” Fiona said.

Dora June removed her coat and tossed it on top of the bags, smoothed back her gray hair, and marched back through the foyer. She didn't stop until she was in the middle of the floor with the family all around her.

“Here's what I'm going to do,” she said with authority. “Truman will be gone over to our place taking care of things like normal. He'll be here for breakfast, lunch, and supper because that's the way he is. Tomorrow we are going to the grocery store and I will buy food and do the cooking for whoever wants to come around for those meals.”

“That's not—” Katy started.

One of Dora June's palms shot up. “Let me finish. If I had to live in a hotel, I'd be crazy in a week with nothing to do. You've given me a nice place to stay and I
will
take care of the cooking and the cleaning of the downstairs. I can't climb them steps with my knees or I'd do the whole house, but the rest is what I need to do to keep myself from thinkin' about what has happened today.”

She sat down in a rocking chair. “Truman ain't none too happy anyway and he'll feel less like he's takin' charity if I help out around here. It won't be but a few weeks at the most while we decide whether to build or just buy a trailer and park it somewhere on our property, but while we are here, let me help, please.”

“Thank you.” Jud smiled. “That will give me more time to work on the Lucky Penny. I bet you cook like my granny back home in Muenster.”

Dora June smiled for the first time. “I'll fatten you right up, Mr. Dawson.”

Fiona followed Jud's lead. “It will take a load off me and Mama when we have to work all day at the store, so thank you, Dora June. But you don't have to buy all the groceries to feed us.”

“Yes, I do and yes, I will. Now I'm going on back there to take a nap with Truman. He's an old bear and he hates Christmas, so if Jesus Christ himself told him the lights didn't cause that fire, Truman wouldn't believe him. But I know how to handle him, so don't worry.” Dora June stood up and a few minutes later they heard the bedroom door shut softly.

“So you get a maid and a cook,” Allie said.

“Silver lining, but it don't mean the cloud isn't jet black,” Fiona answered back. “You want a maid? I can send them over to you.”

“No thank you,” Allie and Lizzy said together.

Jud removed a gallon of milk from the refrigerator and filled a glass to the brim. He set that on the table and went back to the cabinet to cut a slab of chocolate cake from the pan. He had just put the first forkful into his mouth when Fiona peeked around the door frame.

“Whew!” She wiped her brow dramatically. “I thought it might be Truman in here for a late night snack and I sure don't want to deal with him tonight.”

“Just me, but if you think he might prowl around, we could take it to the hall upstairs and sit on the floor,” Jud said.

“Sounds like an excellent idea. I'll meet you up there in five minutes. I came after the same thing you've got going,” she said.

Nine doors flanked the two sides and end of the wide hall. Six led into bedrooms and one into a linen closet. One opened up to a set of stairs leading to the attic. The ninth door had a cute little plaque on the outside that let everyone know it was the
necessary
room.

Tucked into one nook was a pair of dark crimson wing-back chairs that flanked a small table with a lamp. An old oak credenza stood straight across the hall from it. The bathroom at the end of the hall sported an ancient claw-foot tub, quite possibly put into the house when it was built.

Jud had cracked the bathroom door enough to let a sliver of light out and was hidden at the end of the credenza when Fiona showed up. She tiptoed even though she was barefoot and walking on carpet. One hand held a glass of milk, the other a chunk of cake twice as big as what Jud had. She sat down to his left and balanced the cake on her lap. A picture of Rudolph all tangled up in Christmas lights was printed on her knit sleep shirt. The faded red bottoms were baggy enough that Jud had no doubt they could have fit Dora June, but she looked so damn cute he could hardly keep his hands off her.