Hannah's Holiday Wish (Home for Christmas Book 6) Read online

  “Your mother’s cooking is something to be savored, Hannah,” Rafferty said gravely.

  “I’ll tell them we’re on our way,” Hannah replied somberly.

  Neither of them managed to suppress their laughter for long, leaning into each other in their mirth. Once they calmed, they left the cafe and made the drive back to the ranch.

  “They’re home!” Jake shouted when Hannah and Rafferty walked in. Hannah walked over to him and handed him his muffins.

  “Hey, wait a minute,” AJ said.

  “There’s a muffin in there for you, too,” Hannah said with a smirk.

  “Oh, you know me so well,” AJ said with a grin.

  “Actually, Jake asked for extra since he knew you would want one and he didn’t want to share,” Hannah said with a laugh.

  “Wow,” Carson said, “You asked for extra for Hurricane Anna-Jane, but not for your one and only big brother? Really?”

  “First twin, first served,” Jake said, shrugging.

  “Wow,” Carson said again, “Seriously? I feel so betrayed. My own brother. Handing out baked goods to everyone except me. That hurts. That hurts me deep in my soul.”

  “Mama, Carson’s hurt deep in his soul! He’s gonna need a lot of love to put himself back together,” AJ called slyly toward the kitchen.

  “I’m fine!” Carson exclaimed immediately. They all loved their mama, but when she got it into her head to fuss over them, it didn’t take long before it became a little too much. Carson gave his pesky little sister a glare. She giggled unrepentantly.

  Dinner was as lively as it had been the night before. Hannah ensured that Rafferty and Jake had an animated discussion about their favorite travel experiences. They agreed on more than a few of the best and most interesting aspects of several countries.

  The family had agreed to put up the tree the next day since Hannah and Rafferty were in town and wouldn’t have been able to participate. Hannah mentioned that she wanted to show Rafferty the land she’d chosen and asked whether it would be better to do it in the morning or afternoon.

  “Most likely the morning, sweetheart,” Mimi said. “We can decorate the tree after lunch.”

  Hannah asked Rafferty if that was okay, and he assured her he was most amenable to that plan of action.

  The family went to bed excited for the next day.

  8

  Chapter 8

  Bright and early, Hannah woke up to a good morning text from Rafferty. It informed her that he was ready to go whenever she was, as his sleep cycle was still a tad bit confused and he had woken up remarkably early. It probably didn’t help that Rafferty was naturally a morning person and generally awakened in the early hours even without the help of an alarm. She texted him back to let him know that she was awake and would be ready to meet him in about forty-five minutes.

  Rafferty was already in the stables when Hannah arrived, crooning at Jasmine. He smiled at her when she came in.

  “I attempted to familiarize myself with Marigold, but Jasmine seemed disgruntled by it,” he said.

  Hannah laughed. “I’m sure graciously offering her your full attention will make her much more gruntled.”

  “That was the plan,” Rafferty agreed. “Do you think she can see right through me?”

  “See that you’re groveling for her affection? I’m sure she can tell,” Hannah said.

  “You’d think, but maybe not,” Rafferty said, turning back toward Jasmine. Hannah blinked at him, confused. Of course Jasmine couldn’t really understand Rafferty’s actions. She was a horse.

  Dismissing the comment, Hannah moved to greet her favorite mare, Lily. She watched out of the corner of her eye how easily Rafferty put on Jasmine’s tack. She already knew that he knew how to ride but it was slightly different to see his familiarity with it firsthand.

  They led their horses out of the stable and mounted up. Hannah kept the pace easy, wanting to enjoy the cool morning air. Rafferty kept close to her, but looked everywhere with interest.

  “I can take you on one of the longer trails one day, if you’d like,” Hannah said.

  “That sounds brilliant, love. It’s beautiful here. Seeing more of it would be a treat,” Rafferty said.

  Hannah quickly faced forward in her saddle. She was equal parts elated and mortified that the endearment he’d used yesterday seemed to have stuck. Hannah was forever thankful that she’d gotten better at controlling her blushes. At least enough that Carson hardly ever called her Stovetop or Stoplight anymore.

  With their easy pace, it didn’t take more than fifteen minutes to reach the cabins. As they dismounted, Hannah tried to analyze Rafferty’s expression. Did he agree with AJ that it was a lost cause? Or did he believe the cabins could be restored to their former glory like Hannah did?

  “I certainly see AJ’s point of view,” Rafferty said.

  Hannah’s shoulders slumped. Rafferty had been so supportive up to this point. If he didn’t believe in her then she might as well…

  “Hannah,” he said gently. She forced herself to look up. “I can see AJ’s point, but I don’t completely agree. It will be more work than I expected, but it’s not impossible. If nothing else, you can capitalize on its rustic charm.”

  His words sunk in and Hannah began to grin. She would have been determined to repair the cabins in any case, but it was nice to have a friend encourage her. Excitedly, she started explaining her vision.

  “I was thinking that the cabins on the far left could be a living area. It already has rooms and beds. The kitchens and living rooms would just need to be prettied up a bit. The central cabin already has a kitchen, and is set up a bit like a cafeteria, with wide open space in the middle. So that could be where events like dinners are held. The cabins on the far right could be for receptions. There’s a long counter that could serve as a bar if we put some shelving in, and enough space for a dance floor. A sound system would need to be installed, but then it would be perfect for parties.”

  “Looks like you’ve already got a lot worked out,” Rafferty said.

  Hannah covered her face with her hands. “Oh, goodness, look at me chittering like a rabid raccoon.”

  Rafferty burst into laughter. “I’m sorry, but I’ve never heard that before.”

  Hannah stayed hidden behind her hands for a few moments longer, willing her embarrassed blush away. “Sorry. I just meant I was rambling.”

  “You’re adorable and you don’t have to apologize for being excited about what may well turn out to be your life’s work,” Rafferty said. Hannah looked up at him with wide eyes. His expression shifted to one of surprise and dismay. He hastily added, “If this is what you remain passionate about. I simply meant you’re allowed to express however much excitement you feel.”

  “No, it’s just… Not that long ago I was wishing that I had a career I was passionate about like my siblings do. I guess I just realized that this could end up being the career that’s most fulfilling for me,” Hannah explained.

  “Finding your calling is no small feat, darling,” Rafferty said. Hannah’s heart fluttered at the endearment. She ignored it.

  “I know. I went to school and got my degree for something that I loved, but I couldn’t find work that made me just as happy. Now I might have that. It’s good, but at the same time it’s a lot,” she said.

  “Major lifestyle changes are always uncomfortable at first, but I’m confident this will be an adjustment for the better,” Rafferty assured.

  “I wish I could feel as sure as you do,” Hannah said, “I’m definitely excited, but also worried.”

  “That’s quite alright, love. I can have enough confidence for the both of us,” Rafferty said with a charming smile.

  Hannah wondered if she had recently developed asthma without realizing. It was strange for her to be feeling breathless so often lately.

  “I have a few drawings,” she said shyly, “Just some drafts I drew up of what this place could look like. I should have brought them, I wasn’t really t
hinking, but I have pictures.”

  “I’m happy to take a look if you don’t mind my seeing them,” Rafferty said.

  Hannah pulled out her phone. “I’m nowhere near AJ’s level of talent, obviously, but I… Wait, have you ever seen her work?”

  Rafferty took the phone. “I have not seen her work. I know she was doing something with acid green paint, though, because I found some on my shirt. Unfortunately, I don’t know when it got there, so I don’t have an estimate of how long it took her to get paint on me.”

  “We can try testing it again when Rosalind gets here,” Hannah said. Then she asked consideringly, “Would she mind if AJ got paint on her?”

  “It would depend on what she’s wearing,” Rafferty said honestly. “She should probably be warned about that. She wouldn’t say anything to AJ, but she would be upset if something she truly liked got ruined.”

  He pulled his phone out of his pocket, unlocked it, and handed it to Hannah.

  “Could you text Rosalind for me while I look through these?” he asked her.

  Hannah looked from the phone in her hands to Rafferty, who was already preoccupied looking at the drawings in her phone’s picture gallery. Surprised at his nonchalance, Hannah nonetheless opened up his thread with Rosalind to let her know about AJ’s aptitude for staining clothes.

  Hey, Rosalind! Rafferty wanted me to forewarn you about how my little sister gets paint on everyone. He said you might get upset if any clothing you really like is ruined. - Hannah

  Hannah turned off the screen and waited until Rafferty was done studying her drawings.

  “Hannah, love, these are amazing,” he said. “I think once you’re finished you’ll have a waiting list a mile long.”

  Hannah smiled. His confidence was making her want to start immediately. It wouldn’t be that hard to get started on some of the renovations and changes she wanted to make. They probably had most of the tools back at the main house. On the other hand, it would probably take some time and she really did want to relax and have fun with her family while they were all together. Then again, her siblings had been talking about all of the old friends they wanted to visit, and it was highly unlikely they would all spend all day together.

  Hannah told Rafferty her thoughts.

  “I think you should make what changes you can,” Rafferty said. “I’ll help, if you like, and then we can show your siblings what this place could be if all of you work together.”

  “You’re being so helpful,” Hannah blurted. “I just want you to know I appreciate it. You came here for a vacation, but it seems like I’m just kind of dumping my problems on you and asking you to solve them. I know we’re friends, but you’re just being really good to me and I appreciate it. I appreciate you.”

  Rafferty smiled slowly. His hazel eyes were bright and filled with happiness.

  “You, Hannah Wyatt, are the sweetest person I’ve ever met. Helping you is no trial, and honestly makes me happy. Your friendship has helped me more than you can know, and I’m thrilled to return the favor.”

  Hannah was sure she had asthma. She would have to visit the doctor in town.

  “I would like your help, if you don’t mind,” she said.

  “I don’t mind at all, darling,” Rafferty said. “We can go back to the main house for the tools. Actually, I suppose we should start tomorrow since we’ll be decorating the tree this afternoon.”

  Hannah checked the time on her phone. It was still a little early for lunch.

  “Do you want me to show you some other trails before we go back?” she asked.

  Rafferty enthusiastically agreed to another hour or so of riding. Hannah mentioned that she’d always wished she could ride her horse to school when she was younger. Rafferty admitted to having skived off more than once. He had to explain before Hannah realized he meant skipping school, and then she laughed and said she couldn’t imagine him not taking his education seriously. Rafferty said his pranking hadn’t only been limited to his sister and proceeded to tell stories that had Hannah nearly falling out of her saddle.

  When they got back to the main house, everyone was already gathered in the living room. AJ was messing with her phone and a bluetooth speaker trying to blast the Christmas playlist. Carson was telling Jake he couldn’t hog all the snacks while Jake laughed at him. Emma was curled up next to Boone with her head on his shoulder, both of them watching with amused smiles on their faces. Mimi was setting out the decorations with a calculating expression on her face, examining them for damage and ruminating over what color scheme to suggest before everyone started arguing about it.

  Rafferty hadn’t personally decorated a Christmas tree since he was very young. Everyone in the Wyatt clan seemed to have their own way to go about it, with only a few of the group agreeing on very specific things at any given time like whether the tinsel was supposed to be wrapped clockwise or counterclockwise.

  He leaned over to Emma, who had taken a passionate stance for wrapping the tinsel counterclockwise. “How is it that none of you can agree when you’ve only ever decorated a tree with each other?” he asked, bewildered.

  “Arguing’s half the fun, Rafe,” she whispered with a wink. He gaped at her, then burst into laughter.

  Despite what it initially looked like, no one came to blows over the specifics of ornament distribution or tinsel wrapping, and there was just as much laughter as there were staunch declarations of decorating incompetence.

  The tree was beautiful in the end, of course. Everyone was sprawled about the living room staring at the twinkling lights in a content and prideful quiet.

  Hannah’s head was pillowed in Rafferty’s lap. He was thankful she seemed to have no problem with him playing with her hair as they basked in the glow of the tree’s lights. She looked up at him with a smile.

  “An experience you’d repeat?” she asked quietly, referencing their decorating.

  He smoothed a few soft strands away from her forehead. “Most definitely.”

  -

  The next morning, Rafferty was still up a bit early. He contemplated his time at the Wyatt ranch so far. Everyone had been so lovely, and there wasn’t one part of him that regretted his decision to come.

  He thought about Hannah, reminding himself that he would need to go into town to purchase her present. Rafferty dearly hoped that she wouldn’t hesitate to accept it. Making her happy was very important to him, more than he could have ever expected when he decided to take her up on her offer of hosting him for the holidays.

  It was so strange and interesting how their interactions in person added so much more intensity to the intimacy between them.

  They had already been close because of the emails they exchanged. He hadn’t thought of Hannah in concrete terms such as ‘best friend,’ but he did care about her and her thoughts a great deal. Rafferty wasn’t quite sure when seeing a message from her became the highlight of his day, but he was sure it had been an embarrassingly short time after their correspondence first began.

  And then he actually met her in person. They’d never exchanged pictures. He’d never brought it up, for obvious reasons, and he assumed it just hadn’t occurred to her to ask about it. Rafferty had been stunned by her beauty. He hoped one day he would be able to see that long black hair loosed from its braid, framing her heart-shaped face as she looked up at him with her bright green eyes.

  Rafferty had been surrounded by heiresses and titled ladies for most of his life. He’d rarely met anyone with Hannah’s pure, simple beauty.

  On top of that, she also happened to be one of the kindest, most perceptive people he’d ever crossed paths with. His shock when she had pinned him with those eyes and questioned him about what he was running away from had been unparalleled. Not to mention her confusion and discontent when he’d said he had found what he was missing, but it couldn’t be had back home. Rafferty hadn’t quite decided whether her obliviousness was more endearing or frustrating. At this point, he knew Hannah would never believe he was intereste
d in her unless he spelled it out as bluntly as possible. If he hadn’t been subtly encouraged by her siblings that she felt the same way, he might not have the courage to do so.

  Rafferty pulled himself out of his musings and began to get ready for the day. He hoped that Hannah would want to go for a ride before breakfast again. They hadn’t really made plans, but they’d gone for a morning ride pretty regularly, so he got dressed and wandered over to the main house. He guessed that even if Hannah wasn’t up, someone would be, and he could keep them company until Hannah was ready to join him.

  As he ambled up to the main house, he thought he saw someone going around the side. Curious, and hoping to occupy himself for a little, Rafferty went around the side of the house. There was a little path there, and Rafferty followed it to the back of the house. There, he found Boone tending to the garden in the backyard. He watched for a moment, torn between staying or going.

  Hannah’s father was a quiet man. He seemed to take great joy in watching his children happily, but he might like his solitude. Just as Rafferty thought this, Boone looked up at him.

  “There’s gloves in the shed if you’d like to help.”

  Rafferty paused, attempting to figure out whether this was a command or an invitation. Considering the way Boone had returned to his work without waiting for a response, he figured it was an invitation. Rafferty had never gardened before, but he knew how to observe, and he guessed with five intelligent children running around Boone had learned how to be patient when explaining things.

  He went to the shed, entered, and looked around. There on a bench, also filled with numerous tools like trowels and spades, was another pair of gloves. Rafferty grabbed them and returned to the garden to kneel beside Boone.

  “I’m afraid I’m quite inexperienced at this,” he warned sheepishly, barely catching himself before he ran a gloved hand through his hair. “It is quite possible I have a black, rather than green, thumb without knowing.”

  Boone smiled slightly. “Little enough you can ruin by helping for only a few minutes. Especially if you’re only weeding.”