| |
Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.
– Janice Maeditere
When Jordyn opened her eyes the next morning, it took her a few minutes to figure out where she was and why she felt so relaxed. The room was full of shadows, but she smiled when she recognized her own bed. She had slept like a rock.
The recollection of what had transpired the night before, along with thoughts of the Gala, made her bolt out of bed. She dressed quickly and braided her hair, then glanced out the window. A light layer of snow remained from the squall the night before making everything look pristine and pure. The sun was barely up so there were no footprints to disturb the smooth peaceful blanket that went on as far as the eye could see. She loved this view from her window. The shimmering waters of a small lake lay beyond the vast, unspoiled landscape, creating a vista that seemed to go on forever.
Jordyn started to turn away, then squinted and looked again at one large scar in a far-off field that marred the unspoiled landscape. One of her father’s large bulldozers sat to the side of a large mound of dirt. Puzzled, but too sleepy to be overly curious, she headed down the stairs, following the smell of freshly brewed coffee.
As predicted, Mrs. Dunaway was already busy in the kitchen, as were a number of other people working over the stove. “Grab a cup of coffee, honey,” she said when she saw Jordyn. “You look like you need it.”
Still sleepy-eyed, Jordyn pulled a big mug out of the cabinet. “Wasn’t that snow beautiful last night?”
“Yes, everyone’s talking about it.” Her mother laughed. “I love seeing the children witness their first snow.”
“Especially this close to Christmas.” Jordyn took a big swallow of coffee and closed her eyes. “So good. Just like I remember.” Then she opened her eyes wide. “Mom, it’s Christmas Eve!”
Her mother looked up calmly as she kneaded dough for fresh bread. “Yes, dear. It’s Christmas Eve. Lots to do.”
“How can I help? Oh my goodness. The Gala is tonight! I can’t believe how fast time is flying by.”
“I think they have breakfast under control in the Lodge, but we’re cooking for the guests who want to eat breakfast in their cabins. You could help with deliveries.”
“Order for Cabin Fifteen is up,” someone yelled just then.
“That sounds like a perfect job for me.” Jordyn took the bag to the foyer where she pulled on a pair of cowboy boots and threw on a coat. The morning air was chilly but so fresh and clean that she delighted with each breath. She counted the cabins as she walked by and then climbed the steps to Cabin Fifteen and knocked on the door. “Breakfast delivery.”
The door opened to a smiling gentleman wearing sweatpants and a sweater. His wife stood behind him, wearing flannel pajamas with a red and white snowman pattern. “Sorry to be so lazy. We thought it would be fun to eat breakfast in our cabin.”
Jordyn laughed. “That’s what you’re supposed to be doing on vacation. Taking it easy. Do you want me to put it on the table for you?”
“No, I’ve got it.” The man took the package. “Thanks for bringing it, though.”
“You’re welcome. Merry Christmas!” Jordyn started to leave, but the man spoke again in a low, grave voice. “We were sorry to hear about that horse...especially so close to Christmas.”
Jordyn turned around, confused. “What horse?” For a moment, she forgot all about the incident of the night before.
“The one that died.”
“Oh...well—” Jordyn wasn’t sure what to say.
“I’ve been coming here since I was a kid and love this place.” He cleared his throat. “But one of the ranch hands told me that ever since Mr. Dunaway died, the horses aren’t being taken care of like they used to be. I can’t really believe that’s true. They all seemed fat and healthy to me.”
Jordyn felt her face growing red with suppressed emotion. “That’s not true at all. I’d be glad to give you a private tour of the barns later. I don’t think you’ll find horses anywhere in Montana that are more pampered than the ones here.”
“I’d love to do that,” his wife said from behind him.
“She’s a horse nut.” The man smiled.
“Great. How about later this morning? Say ten?”
The woman nodded and laughed. “Perfect. I should be dressed by then.”
“I’ll stop by and pick you up.” Jordyn turned to leave, but paused when she hit the top step. “Just out of curiosity, can you tell me which ranch hand said something about the horse?”
The man’s brow wrinkled as if he were trying to remember a name. “It was a big guy...Jeb, maybe?” He looked back at his wife to see if she remembered. “No, I think his name was Judd. He chews tobacco.” The woman made a face. “Spits it everywhere.”
“Thanks and Merry Christmas.” Jordyn turned to leave. “See you later for the tour.”
As she headed back toward the house, Jordyn took a deep breath that reflected both satisfaction and discomfort. Chad had been right about Judd. But that didn’t mean it was going to be easy to prove it.
