“Sure, after you clobber them.” Serena’s voice shook, but she stayed in place, not backing down. Will held his breath as he reached for the doorknob, bracing himself to defend Luna and Serena.

  He flung the door open with a furious roar. Luna yipped and howled, and Serena gasped behind him. Then she was laughing great, breathless whoops.

  “She’s—she’s—”

  “It’s not funny.”

  “It kind of is,” said Serena, choking back fresh giggles. “And you can still use that broom.”

  Will groaned, loud and deep. He’d need his broom all right, and a trash bag or two. Luna had jumped up on the table, where he’d set his plants out to sun. She’d dug up half of them and knocked down the rest. The floor was scattered with dirt and shards of terracotta. Luna bunched up her hips, and Serena shrieked in alarm.

  “No—no, Will, catch her!”

  Will surged forward and grabbed Luna just as she leaped. He scooped her into his arms, all sixty pounds of her, and set her down on the couch. “Don’t you move, girl. You’ll slice up your feet.”

  Luna made a whining sound and hid her face between her paws.

  “Uh-huh, you’ve been naughty. But you’re safe. That’s what counts.” He pulled her into a hug, weak with relief. “Don’t know what I’d have done if you’d got yourself hurt.”

  “Where do you keep your dustpan?” Serena was crouched down, peering under the sink.

  “In the front closet. But you don’t have to do that. Give me a minute, and I’ll clean up the mess.”

  “You clean up your dog.” Serena went to the closet and grabbed the dustpan. Luna watched dolefully as she bent to sweep up.

  “Look at you, dirty girl.” Will tickled her muzzle, all caked with soil. “You know what you need? A b-a-t-h.”

  Luna hung her big head. She knew b-a-t-h, and she knew she deserved one. She let Will scoop her up and carry her to the bathroom, and only whimpered slightly when he deposited her in the tub.

  “Now, don’t you sulk. You brought this on yourself.” He got down the showerhead and tested the water on his palm till it got warm. Then he set to work on Luna, spraying her down stem to stern. She shook and sneezed at first, then she hung her head.

  “You always want in here when I’m in the shower. What’s the big deal with taking one yourself?”

  Luna yipped and snuffled. Will reached for the shampoo, but didn’t find it.

  “Looking for this?” Serena passed him the bottle and Will popped it open. Luna sniffed the air.

  “Can I help wash her?”

  Will glanced at Serena, surprised. “Really? You don’t mind?”

  “I think I’m getting used to her.” Serena came over and perched on the edge of the tub. “She’s just a big puppy at heart.” She held out her hand, and Will squirted it full of shampoo.

  “You’ll want to sort of massage her, really work it in.” He demonstrated his technique, lathering Luna’s back in slow, kneading motions. “The trick is to relax her till she’s half asleep. That way, she’ll stay put and not go bouncing around.”

  “So, like this?” Serena reached out gingerly and started on Luna’s ears, shampooing behind them in tight, careful circles.

  “You can go a bit harder. She’s not made of glass.”

  “How about her snout? It’s the dirtiest part of her, but I’m scared she’ll lick the shampoo.”

  “She knows better,” said Will. “But even if she tries it, it’s baby shampoo. The worst that’ll happen is she’ll burp a bubble or two.”

  Serena giggled at that, and Luna burbled along with her. Serena settled into her task, soaping up Luna’s scruff, then rinsing with the showerhead till the water ran clear. She saved Luna’s muzzle for last and approached it with caution, working her way down inch by inch.

  “Just watch for her whiskers,” said Will. “They’re pretty sensitive. Get too close, she might—”

  Luna sneezed loudly and shook her head. Then she did a full-body shake, fur slapping wetly as she loosed a storm of suds. Serena shrieked and jumped back, then dissolved into laughter. Will wiped his face clear of foam, uncovering a wry grin beneath.

  “—shake,” he finished. “Get too close, she might shake.” He grabbed a towel off the rail. “C’mere. Let me dry you.”

  Serena did a shake of her own, a chilly little shiver. Will draped the towel over her shoulders and patted at her hair.

  “You’ve got a whole mermaid thing going on,” he said. “All dewdrops and seafoam. It’s actually pretty cute.”

  Serena went pink, only adding to the effect. The morning light twinkled in her eyes, and in a hundred tiny droplets caught in her hair. Her lips were full and slightly parted, as though inviting a kiss. Will realized he was stroking her more than patting her dry, caressing her shoulders through the thick, fluffy towel.

  “Will...” Her eyes were half-closed, all distant and dreamy. He could lean in right now, just a tilt of his head—

  Luna barked loudly, and Serena jerked back. Her pink flush deepened to a flaming red.

  “Someone’s feeling left out.”

  “She needs to be rinsed,” agreed Will. “Once we’re all cleaned up, we’ll go grab lunch.” He reclaimed his towel and hung it over the sink. One more second, and he’d have done it. He’d have kissed Serena. Luna had saved him from crossing the line—but part of him wanted to flick her big, doofy nose. He was sure of one thing: kissing Serena would’ve been heaven, a lifetime of Christmases rolled into one. But some dreams were just dreams, and best left at that. Real life came with consequences, and Will couldn’t ignore them for a moment of fantasy.

  Serena licked marinara sauce off her finger as delicately as she could, only to freeze in place as she caught Will watching. They’d shared a moment in his bathroom—or had that been wishful thinking?

  “Something on my face?” Will took his napkin and dabbed at his mouth. Even now, she detected a spark in his eyes, a certain low smolder that made her heart race.

  “A little right here.” Serena tapped on her own chin, though Will’s face was spotless. She took a bite of her own sub and savored the rich taste. “I can’t believe I’d never been here. These subs are amazing.”

  “I come here all the time,” said Will. “Juniper’s shop’s just up the street.”

  “I know. I love that place. She’s so great with the kids.” Serena glanced out the window. “Hey, isn’t that her?” She tapped on the glass. “Juniper! Hey, Juniper!”

  Juniper did a slow turn and spied Will and Serena.

  “Hey, guys! What’s up?” She ducked inside to join them, cheeks red from the cold. Will scootched over to make space and she plopped down beside him. “Serena, good to see you. How are those twins of yours?”

  “Nathan won his school’s spelling bee,” said Serena, swelling with pride. “And Julie was just talking about you. She can’t wait to see what sorts of crafting projects you’ve got cooked up for Christmas.”

  “And I can’t wait to show her.” Juniper stole a meatball from Will’s sub and popped it in her mouth. “So good.” Her eyes fluttered shut, and Serena couldn’t help but laugh.

  “We should get cupcakes for dessert,” she said. “From that place near the clinic.”

  “What, Gran’s Bakery?” Juniper pulled a face. “I’ve got bad news on that front.”

  “Don’t tell me: closed for the holidays?”

  “Closing for good.” Juniper sighed. “Gran’s moving to Moosejaw to be near her grandkids.”

  “Moosejaw?” Will blinked. “Quite a drive, just for cupcakes.”

  “I’ll miss that place,” said Serena. “I’ll make you cupcakes, though. Just say the word.” She gazed down the street, in the direction of the bakery. “You know, if I had a dream, that would be it.”

  “What, making cupcakes?” Will chuckled into his sandwich. “Talk about a sweet dream.”

  “No, running a bakery. Getting up early to frost the cupcakes.” She finished her sub and took a sip of her Coke. “I love those gray hours when the town’s still asleep. It’s peaceful, you know, just you and your baking.”

  “Speaking of work, I should get back to mine.” Juniper snatched Will’s last fry and tipped him a wink. “You two should come by soon, grab some decorations for the clinic.”

  “We’ll do that,” said Will, and he dropped his napkin on his plate. “I’m about done here, too. Want to head back?”

  Serena nodded and got to her feet. She felt pleasantly full, ready to tackle her afternoon.

  “What would you sell?” asked Will, as he held the door for her. Serena blinked, confused.

  “Sell? What do you mean?”

  “In your bakery, if you had one. What’s your signature dish?”

  Serena chuckled. “Well, I’m not sure you’d call it a signature dish, but my kids love my cookies. I do frosted sugar, chocolate chip, gingersnaps and macarons—you name it, I bake it.” An idea occurred to her, and she clapped her hands. “Oh, you know what I’d do? I’d bake a whole lot of them, red velvet to violet glaze, then I’d stack ’em in a rainbow, right in the window.”

  “You should do it,” said Will. “I mean, for real.” He’d stopped in the doorway, his expression suddenly serious. “Gran’s selling, right? This could be your chance.”

  “But don’t you need me at the clinic?”

  “Of course I need you,” said Will. He smiled, soft and sweet, and Serena felt herself melt. “You’ve been great, a real godsend. But if this is your dream...”

  Serena shivered all over, a chill racing down her spine. The way Will was looking at her, she almost believed she could do it, take that old bakery and make it her own. That fire was back in his eyes, that bright, burning passion. But opening her own business, where would she even start? She had no idea how to handle the logistics involved. Up till this year, she’d never had anything more serious than a summer job.

  “It was just an idea,” she said. “More a whim than a dream.”

  “You sure about that? ’Cause the way your eyes lit up, describing your baking...”

  “They light up the same when I bake for my kids. They’re the only customers I need.” She smiled to hide the sadness welling up in her chest. “Besides, I’m on a budget. Now’s not the time to take on more debt.”

  “Still, something to think about, sometime down the line.”

  “One day, maybe.” The wind blew up, cold and biting, but Serena felt warm. Will had called her a godsend. He believed in her, valued her, even after her rough start. She thought of his arms, those taut, wiry muscles hiding under his coat. She wanted those arms around her, that quiet strength. She wanted to impress him, show him she was strong too.

  I want him, she thought, and she shivered again. That way lay trouble...but she was tempted all the same.

  8

  “It’s all about preventing infection,” said Will. He crouched down in the straw and glanced up at Serena. “You okay to hold his head?”

  Serena took Victor’s big muzzle in both hands. He gave a quiet snort and she soothed him, stroking between his eyes. “Will’s just going to check on you,” she said. “After that, you’ll get a carrot.”

  Victor nosed at her jacket, perhaps searching for his treat. Will bent down quickly and unwrapped his dressing. His wound was knitting nicely, healing clean and pink.

  “Gotta watch that barbed wire,” said Will. “But you’re looking much better. Alex’ll be relieved.” He held up a pot of poultice so Serena could see. “This ought to take down the last of the swelling. Then he’ll need to take it easy till the new skin toughens up.”

  “It’s bad news for horses, right? When they hurt their legs?”

  “It can be,” said Will. “But Victor got lucky.” He smeared on the poultice in slow, steady strokes. Victor barely twitched. He’d found Serena’s purse and was trying to nudge it off her shoulder.

  “No carrots in there.” She took off her purse and set it in the manger. “Just one more minute, and I’ll get you your snack.”

  Will smiled. “You’re good with him. He hasn’t moved once.” He wound on a fresh bandage and secured it with tape. “Okay, time for treats.”

  Serena reached for a carrot, only to go tense as her phone buzzed in her pocket. She fished it out and glanced at it, and her mouth turned down.

  “I’m sorry. I’ve got to take this. Could you give me a minute?”

  Before Will could answer, she hurried past him, head down.

  “Nathan? What’s wrong?” She ducked out of the barn, but the ranch was still and quiet. Her voice carried well, even muffled through the wall.

  Shouldn’t eavesdrop. That’s not nice. Will plucked a carrot and fed it to the horse, but even Victor’s munching couldn’t drown out Serena’s conversation.

  “I know that,” she said. Her voice was too bright, too perky, failing to mask the stress underneath. “Listen, I have to work. That’s just how it is. But have I ever broken a promise? Have I ever—”

  Will straightened up, a knot forming in his stomach. Her tension was catching, and he held his breath.

  “Of course we’ll still do Christmas.” Serena’s voice broke, and Will’s heart broke with it. Her boots crunched in the gravel as she began to pace. “Why don’t you and Julie dig out the decorations? You can check to see if all the lights still work, polish up the star.”

  Will stroked Victor’s flank, mostly to ease his own worry. Serena was hurting, but what could he do? He doubted she’d want his help, not with her kids.

  “No, of course not. I know it’s not the same. But even without Dad, we’re still a family. We can still—oh, honey.” She lowered her voice then, and the rest was disjointed, all murmurs and sighs. Will busied himself with Victor, combing imaginary tangles from his mane. He was still combing when Serena returned.

  “Everything okay?”

  She bobbed her head. “Mostly. Just Christmas on a budget doesn’t feel quite so Christmassy. We had all these traditions, ski trips and sleigh rides...” She laughed, soft and bitter. “How spoiled do I sound?”

  “You’re missing the life you had,” said Will. “That’s not spoiled. That’s just—hey.” He perked up as a thought struck him. “I can’t replace your traditions, but if you’re looking for something Christmassy, I’ve got an idea. You free this afternoon?”

  Serena’s lips quirked up in a hesitant smile. “I think so. Why?”

  “Well, Juniper’s doing Christmas crafts with the kids, at the ranch. I could check and see if there’s room for two more.”

  “Really? They’d love that.” Serena’s whole face lit up. Will’s heart did a stutter-step, and he cleared his throat.

  “I’ll go talk to Alex,” he said. “You pack up here and we’ll meet by my truck.” He strode out full of purpose and found Alex on the porch, measuring tape in hand.

  “Doing some renovations?”

  “Putting up a swing.” Alex jammed the tape in his toolbelt and leaned against the railing. “How’s it looking with Victor?”

  “He needs to rest up a while, but he’s on the mend.” Will twiddled with his belt loops. “I was wondering, though...”

  “Hmm?”

  Will forced himself to quit fidgeting. He hated asking favors, especially of his brothers. But this wasn’t for him. Serena needed a break, and if Alex could help— “I was thinking Serena could bring her kids by this afternoon, if Juniper wouldn’t mind.”

  “Juniper would love that. You know how she is—the more, the merrier.” Alex’s eyes twinkled. “You and Serena, though, something going on there?”

  “She’s a single mom. It’s Christmas. Can’t I want to help out?”

  “Defensive much?” Alex waggled his brows and Will fought the urge to roll his eyes. It wasn’t that he wanted his brooding, morose big brother back—but Alex was so goofy when he was in a good mood. “You should invite them for dinner,” he said. “It’d be a shame to drive out here and go home empty-bellied. Plus, they’re looking for Christmas, and we’ve got pumpkin pie.”

  Will glanced over his shoulder. Serena was waiting by the truck, watching the clouds go by. The way she was standing—stiff and alone, hugging herself against the cold—made him want to hold her.

  “I’ll ask her,” he said. The words came out gruff, but Alex’s grin only widened. Was his crush so obvious?

  “Puppy!” Julie darted forward as Luna hurtled up the drive. Serena’s heart skipped a beat—those claws, those teeth—then Luna flopped on her back with her paws in the air.

  “Aw, she wants scratches.” Nathan dropped down beside her and tickled her belly. Luna squirmed with delight, tongue lolling out.

  “Be gentle,” said Serena. Luna thumped her tail, raising clouds of powdery snow.

  “Nathan and Julie, right?” Will had emerged from the house and was standing on the steps. He waved to the kids, and Nathan waved back. Julie gave a brisk nod and went back to the dog.

  “Juniper’s still getting set up,” said Will. “I thought we’d go meet the horses before we head inside.”

  “Horses?” Nathan bounced to his feet. “I like horses. Can we ride them?”

  “We won’t have time for all that. But you can feed them their treats.” He produced a bag from his pocket, full of apples and carrots.

  Nathan cheered at that, but Julie stayed silent. Serena frowned. Julie loved horses more than anything else, but she didn’t seem happy at all. Instead, she was watching Will, eyes dark and appraising. She caught Serena looking, and her frown only deepened.

  “Julie? What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing,” said Julie. She got to her feet, brushing dust off her pants, then trotted ahead of Serena, cutting off any chance of further conversation. Will waved her into the barn.

  “So, the horses are friendly, but they’re big and clumsy and easy to scare. Move slow, speak soft, and don’t get underfoot.” He opened his bag and held it out to the kids. “Okay, who’s first?”

  “Me!” Nathan grabbed a carrot and turned it over in his hands. “They don’t bite, do they?”