Sleigh Bells Ring Read online

  Mrs. Dunaway left the room without another word, and came back with Kristy. Both of them were carrying a pile of packages.

  “Oh, let me help.”

  Kristy laughed. “We’ve got them. Finish your breakfast.”

  “I didn’t think I was hungry, but this is so-o-o good!” Jordyn heard one of the packages jingling as her mother placed it on the table. “Let me guess, you had to order more silver sleigh bells.”

  She nodded. “Yes, thank goodness a new shipment arrived for any latecomers. How else is Santa going to find the children who are vacationing here?

  Both women laughed, knowing the story well. Jordyn had asked her father one Christmas how Santa knew where to find the little girls and boys spending the holiday at Painted Sky. From then on, every family during Christmas week was given a large silver sleigh bell upon their arrival, and was instructed to ring it loudly three times. According to the legend created by Mr. Dunaway, these bells had special magical power that would allow Santa’s elves to hear it all the way from the North Pole. Of course, each family’s bell had a different sound, so the elves would know where to find them on Christmas morning.

  “I’ve been hearing those bells ring all week from the cabins,” Mrs. Dunaway said. “I think some children want to make extra sure Santa’s elves know where they are.”

  “Excuse me...Mrs. Dunaway?”

  All three heads turned toward the man standing in the doorway with his cowboy hat in his hand.

  “Yes, Luke?”

  “Sorry to interrupt, ma’am, but Judd wanted you to know we’re one man short for the trail ride.

  Jordyn watched her mother’s shoulders droop. “Really? He told me he had plenty of men working today.”

  “I only know what he told me to tell you, ma’am.”

  “I’ll fill in.” Jordyn pushed away from the table. “What do you need me to do?”

  “You volunteered before you even know what it entails.” Kristy laughed. “You haven’t changed, Jordyn.”

  Mrs. Dunaway walked over to a side table and started looking through papers on a clipboard. “It’s a forty-minute ride to the river. Then they stop and have a snack, and come back. It looks like about two dozen people have signed up.”

  “Yes, ma’am. So we’ll need help getting the horses saddled, and to keep the guests on the trail, answer questions, that sort of thing.”

  “I think I’m qualified.”

  Mrs. Dunaway looked both worried and relieved. “Are you sure it’s okay, honey? It would be a big help.”

  “Of course. I want to do whatever I can.”

  Luke glanced at his watch. “We’re already starting to saddle up.”

  “I’ll be there in five minutes.”

  “The horses all have their names on their bridles, and there’s a sheet by the tackroom diagramming what stall or paddock they’re in.”

  “Great. That should make it easy.”

  The man nodded his head and turned to leave. But before disappearing, he turned and spoke. “Good morning, Miss Kristy. Maybe I’ll see you later.”

  Jordyn watched Kristy’s cheeks turn red and her smile to brighten. “Good morning, Luke. I hope so.”

  The attraction between the two was too obvious to comment on, and Jordyn could see why. Luke looked to be in his early thirties and was built like a typical cowboy...long legs, slim waist, and broad shoulders from the hard work involved. He wore a pair of faded jeans with boots that were well-worn but clean, and appeared to have shined his large belt buckle to reflect the light in the bright kitchen.

  Once he disappeared, Jordyn gulped down the rest of her milk and headed for the door. “This is going to be fun. I’m going to grab some stuff from my room and then head to the barn. Call me if you need anything.”

  Mrs. Dunaway was silent a moment, but she seemed to overcome her hesitation and spoke with a voice that was somewhat in control. “Honey, just so you know...Chad is leading that ride.”

  Chapter 7

  Like snowflakes, my Christmas memories gather and dance—each beautiful, unique, and gone too soon.

  – Deborah Whipp

  Chad placed the bridle over the horse’s head and buckled the clasp carefully before picking up his clipboard again. Other hands were busy throwing blankets and saddles onto the horses Chad had picked out for the trail ride. Most of those who had signed up were first-timers, so he needed the most amiable and calm stock on the ranch. He ran his finger down the list and mouthed the names of the horses that stood in a small paddock already saddled and bridled. “Grady. Harlo. Indigo. Jake.”

  “Someone go grab Dasher, Gringo, and Grump in Barn Two.”

  He saw a figure disappear into the barn aisle out of the corner of his eye, and then squinted at the horses tied to the hitching post outside. “Chester. Grinch. Dodi. Blitzen.” He checked them off, and glanced at another sheet. A family of four and two other people had cancelled so they only needed five more.

  Laying the paperwork down, he went into the tack room and pulled two saddles from their racks. As he stepped out, the horses he asked for were being led up the aisle. He was so busy concentrating on which saddle went where he didn’t notice who was leading them.

  A small hand pushed his fingers away when he began to feel for the cinch. “I got this one.”

  He took a hurried step back to keep from making contact with Jordyn Dunaway.

  “What are you doing here?

  “Mom said you were short on hands down here and sent me to help.”

  He swallowed hard, but couldn’t think of anything to say. If Mrs. Dunaway had sent her, there was no way he could tell her she couldn’t go. Plus, he really did need the help. A normal ride this size would have at least two more people to keep everyone moving.

  But the last thing he wanted was to come into contact with Jordyn Dunaway. He’d already changed his plans for the day to make sure he didn’t run into her again. The ride was the one part of his schedule that he thought he’d be safe for a few hours. Now she was going along.

  “If you want to find someone else...”

  Her voice brought him back to the present. “No.” He gazed into her almond-shaped green eyes and then away. “There’s no one else to send. They’re all busy with other things. Just try to stay out of my way, okay?”

  The downcast look on her face and the hint of sadness in her eyes made him regret speaking so gruffly. “I mean, I appreciate you trying to help, but I’m going to be really busy trying to keep everyone together.”

  “I won’t make it any harder for you. I promise.”

  He gave her a curt nod and glanced down at his paperwork. “When you’re done there, why don’t you go grab Donner from the small barn for yourself? He’s big and fast if necessary, but will operate on automatic for the most part.”

  “Sounds good.”

  “And while you’re there, grab Vixen and Bell.”

  “Yessir.” Jordyn went back to work just as a few of the guests began to arrive to claim their mounts. Chad matched them up with horses based on their experience and size, and directed them to wait out in the main paddock.

  By the time the entire group set out, the wind was picking up in sporadic gusts. The sun was still warm when it was out, but clouds were starting to blot it out intermittently. The weather didn’t seem to hurt anyone’s spirits. The riders were talking and laughing and seemingly enjoying their time in the saddle, even though a few of them looked scared to death every time a horse sneezed or whinnied.

  Chad had assigned Jordyn to ride along the right flank, while he took the left. A young girl from town had volunteered to lead the group. Even though she was only sixteen, she was an experienced horsewoman, and she knew the route—really the only two qualifications necessary. Being a horse lover, she didn’t need anything in exchange for the work other than the horse of her choice for the ride—which the ranch was happy to provide.

  “We need everyone to keep moving,” Chad reminded one of the riders who stopped for a s
elfie. “We’re on a tight schedule, but you’ll be able to shoot pictures of the landscape when we get to our stop.”

  The young man, who wore a seemingly brand new pair of jeans, oversized cowboy hat, and a black-and-white checkered bandana tied around his neck, didn’t move until the photo was taken to his liking. Then he dug his heels sharply—and needlessly—into his horse to catch up with the group.

  Chad glanced over at Jordyn. Her eyes were mere slits as she watched the man ride away. The intensity in them startled him. He could tell she was making a mental note that this was a person who needed to be watched. Maybe having her along wasn’t going to be so bad after all.

  His eyes clouded with visions of the past, when the rancher’s pig-tail wearing daughter had been permitted to go on a cattle drive. Chad had assumed she’d slow them down, get tired, and want to go home. But she’d stuck it out, never complaining or shying away from difficult jobs. It was part of what had drawn him to her. Grit and grace. Beauty and vitality. A strength and stamina at odds with her seemingly delicate femininity.

  Yes, at first she’d been like an annoying little sister, asking questions and being a nuisance. But later on, she’d become so much more...

  Chad shook his head to clear his mind, and urged his horse into a faster gait to catch up. He was glad for the open air and the chance to go for a ride. Sometimes he found it hard to believe he got paid to do this. Although at times ranch work was hard and dirty and not-so-glamorous, days like this made it all worthwhile.

  The ride went smoothly and time passed quickly as the group arrived at a scenic overlook that afforded the riders unparalleled views of the sparkling, sun-dappled river. From this vantage-point the water seemed to melt away into a calming forest background, interrupted by stunning mountain peaks in the distance. It was a worthy backdrop for those looking for spectacular pictures to send home or post on social media.

  Volunteers had driven in from a different direction earlier and set up a table of snacks beside a small bonfire where they could warm tired muscles. Before everyone dismounted, Chad gave them his usual speech about giving their horses a sip of water from the large barrels stationed there, and to stay close to the fire and away from the rocks.

  Then everyone slowly got off their horses, groaning when they hit the ground. They didn’t realize how hard the saddle was on their muscles until they tried to use them.

  Chad sat casually in the saddle with loose reins while pointing out landmarks to an older couple who were interested in the local history. A young woman in a red hat rode up with a large smile, making it clear her only interest was him.

  A loud bang and a couple of surprised screams caused him to reflexively grab the reins and try to regain his seat. Turning his horse around, his gaze landed on the man in the checkered bandana, sitting on the rock outcropping with his phone in his hand. He appeared frozen in place with his mouth still agape. Less than two feet away lay a large rattlesnake.

  Chad followed the direction of everyone’s gaze to Jordyn. She was calmly returning a pistol to a side holster under her flannel shirt with one hand, while bringing her horse back under control with the other. Thankfully, all but a few of the riders had already dismounted, so no one had fallen off at the loud sound. Most of the horses were accustomed to sudden noises and hadn’t even flinched—unlike most of the riders who appeared stunned and shaken.

  “I’d get off those rocks if I were you.” Jordyn addressed the man in a loud voice. “They can still bite even when you think they’re dead.”

  As if on cue, the snake began to writhe and curl, sending the man straight up into the air and off the cropping.

  What the heck? Chad turned his horse toward Jordyn, but the young woman in the red hat had pulled her horse right next to his, and grabbed onto his leg. “Oh, my goodness, do you see that?” she squealed as if a three-headed monster had just risen out of the earth—rather than a commonplace reptile relaxing in its natural habitat.

  “No need to worry.” Chad addressed all the riders, whose voices suddenly sounded like a beehive of excitement and fear. He wasn’t sure if their anxiety was because of the snake or the gunshot, but he addressed the former and ignored the latter. “That’s why I told you to stay close together and away from the rocks.” His eyes burned into the man with the bandana. “The mild weather the last few days brings the rattlesnakes out to the warmth of the rocks. If you stay where you’re supposed to, you don’t need to worry. Now take a quick break and get ready to start back.”

  Out of the corner of his eye Chad watched Jordyn dismount, offer her horse some water, and check her girth. She was back in the saddle in a matter of minutes, and began chatting with a young couple who apparently wanted her to take their picture with the river in the background.

  Meanwhile, the obnoxious woman in front of him had removed her hand, but still blocked his retreat. Although she was dressed in the same Western attire as the other guests, she stood out. Her cowboy boots, her hat—and her lips—were all a matching shade of red.

  “Oh my gosh. I’m so-o-o afraid of snakes. Aren’t you?” She looked back at the snake lying on the rock and shivered.

  Chad tilted his head. “Not really. They’re part of the wildlife here. Don’t go where they are, and you’ll be fine.” This is the only thing he hated about these rides. The single women often had no interest in horses or ranch life—or even the vivid scenery. Their only goal was to hook up with a cowboy. He picked up his reins to move on, but she stopped him again. “How long have you been a cowboy? Maybe you can show me the ropes...”

  The way she winked at him made him instantly uncomfortable.

  “It’s a busy time of year, Miss. I hope you enjoy your stay.” He tipped his hat and urged his horse forward, making a wide circle around the persistent woman.

  Getting the guests remounted and re-organized for the ride back to the ranch was no easy task as short-handed as they were. But before they began their return trip, Chad took the time to ride close to the rock where the snake still lay.

  Its head was shot off.

  When his searching eyes landed on Jordyn, he found her sitting a short distance from the group, staring absently at the vast landscape of her ancestral home. He didn’t blame her. Whether the hills were robed in the garb of spring or blanketed with a fresh coating of snow, Painted Sky Ranch was one of the most beautiful places on earth. She took a couple of deep, slow breaths, and then turned her head around as if sensing someone was watching.

  “We’re ready to move out,” Chad said, pretending he hadn’t been enthralled by the sight of her. Tendrils of blond hair that had been tightly braided when they’d started out, now whipped lightly around her face in the increasing breeze. Her cheeks were rosy and her eyes were lit with an expression of content and calm. Even after all these years, she was still the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes upon.

  A sharp stab of pain pulsed through his body as he relived the agony of their final night together. When Jordyn left, he’d swore he’d never forgive her. But by accepting the job in New York City, she’d forced him to make some tough decisions of his own. He’d ended up joining the military and had served with some of the most elite soldiers in the world. He certainly didn’t regret the path he’d chosen. He’d loved every minute of it. Would any of that have happened if Jordyn had stayed?

  Turning his horse, Chad signaled for the lead rider to get ready to move out, and took his position at the back of the group. He didn’t have time to converse with Jordyn as she moved to cover the opposite flank. Even after they were on their way, both of them remained busy answering questions or taking pictures so the group could keep moving.

  The constant stream of conversation and the uninterrupted pace of the ride made their return to the ranch seem to take mere minutes—not the hour that it actually took. Once they were back at the barn, things became even more hectic. Horses had to be unsaddled, groomed, and returned to their stalls or paddocks. Chad passed Jordyn a few times, but had no tim
e to do anything other than to point her in the direction of where a certain horse belonged or where to put the saddles and bridles she removed.

  He loved this part of the job too. This organized chaos is what kept him moving, kept him from thinking about anything but the task at hand. It was the quiet stretches that bothered him these days. Those were the times when his brain would go into overdrive and the memories would assault him. But thankfully, there wouldn’t be too many of those here at the ranch—especially this time of year.

  Chad happened to look up from the horse he was brushing just as Jordyn stepped out of the tack room with a cup of coffee in her hand.

  “Sorry, boss,” she said when their eyes met. “I needed a coffee break.” She lifted her mug and smiled apologetically before grabbing the lead shank of one of the horses at the hitching post and beginning to walk away. She looked so perfectly at ease in her faded blue jeans and cowboy boots, holding a steaming mug in one hand and a horse in the other, that he found it hard to believe she’d ever been away.

  But Chad knew that wasn’t the case. He untied the horse he’d been grooming and caught up with her. “You want to explain to me why you have a weapon on you?”

  Jordyn shrugged as if the question were trivial, but the tension tightening the lines of her face suggested otherwise. “I thought all outriders carried guns...for safety purposes.”

  That stopped Chad for a moment. She had a point there. For the most part the wildlife stayed away from humans, but it was better to be safe than sorry when riding into their habitat.

  “Well, the regular ones do. But I didn’t expect a photographer to be carrying.”

  He watched her face flash with emotion and knew he’d struck a nerve.

  “It was good I had one, right? You were too tied up with Miss Red Hat to notice the danger.” She forced a laugh. “Anyway, as I recall, I used to beat you at skeet shooting all the time.”

  Jordyn turned the corner at the end of the barn as if the conversation was over, but Chad caught up to her again. “Hold on a minute.”