The Billionaire’s Christmas Contract by Laura Haley-McNeil

Chapter 9

Four days later, Leah and her parents sat in the dining room and stared at the drawings spread across the table.

Bryg had stopped by the house every day to let them know the progress with the drawings. Sometimes, he stayed for dinner. He always played baseball or touch football with the boys. That Zeke had lost his sullen attitude and joined the fun was refreshing and a relief.

When Leah would walk Bryg to his car afterward, she felt so comfortable―as if he were part of the family, but caution loomed nearby, and Leah kept the conversations casual. One heartbreak had proved one too many. She wouldn’t let her desire to grow closer to Bryg lead her to something she felt too fragile to endure.

Now, she stood next to the dining room table and looked at Bryg’s drawings. She swallowed. Colorful images of brick homes with three and four car garages filled the table-sized sheets, their curled corners anchored with glasses and vases. Rolled and rubber-banded drawings of the commercial plans stood in the corner.

Bryg stood next to Leah and explained the ideas that would become a reality as soon as her parents signed the sales contract. She couldn’t ignore Bryg’s pleasant voice, his relaxed and in-charge posture, his masculine scent.

Saying little, she listened to the plans that should’ve made her excited. Instead, she felt something sliding through her fingers―it was the ranch, and she wasn’t ready to let it go.

Until she left for college, the ranch was the only home she’d known. She always thought she’d spend the holidays and summer breaks here. After she and Charlie married, they’d bring their children here.

What children? That dream had disintegrated. She didn’t miss Charlie. Her throat dried whenever she thought of the plans they’d made―the cute house in a quiet neighborhood, the miniature collie racing around their feet, the two-point-two children toddling across the lawn. She’d even chosen names for their children and the dog. Why had she never suspected Charlie’s interest in someone else?

Why hadn’t he told her?

“It looks like you’ll have a real nice community here.” Vern looked down at the drawings, then looked up at Bryg. He smiled with his mouth, but not with his eyes.

Leah knew Bryg hadn’t missed the forced encouragement in her father’s voice.

Her mother sat next to her husband and nodded. She said nothing, but her hands clasped on the tabletop spoke volumes.

Outside, the boys played baseball in the yard next to the barn in the unseasonably warm December afternoon. They called to each other. The crack of a bat hitting the ball sounded, and the boys’ voices rose, Zeke’s being the loudest of all. Since he’d returned to the ranch, he’d seemed more relaxed, talked more, and even helped Carl with his homework. Zeke was a whiz in math and always had a bookmark in a paperback.

He was also intuitive and didn’t miss that things were changing at the ranch.

Her parents had told the boys they might sell the ranch, but nothing would change as long as the boys lived here. Frankie and Zeke would graduate the spring after next. Harry and Carl the following spring. That seemed to reassure the boys, but they still asked a lot of questions.

Leah knew her parents needed to retire. They’d worked hard and deserved a break, even if it meant living in a condo in Florida.

“My staff is working on some other ideas. I’ll have them overnight the plans today, and we can discuss them tomorrow.” The tone in Bryg’s voice didn’t change. The enthusiasm was still strong, but his eyes showed he hadn’t missed the hesitancy weighing over Leah and her parents.

“I don’t think we need any more ideas.” Leah’s father leaned back in his chair and waved his hand over the drawings. “I can’t imagine anything being nicer than what you have here.”

“There’s always room for improvement.” Bryg smiled at him.

Leah released a soft breath. Bryg was trying so hard to prove to them the community would be family oriented. The emptiness scratching the inside of her chest wouldn’t relieve the doubt that no matter what he presented, the new community wouldn’t be the Mardale she loved.

“When are we going to get a Christmas tree?” Zeke stood in the doorway between the dining room and the kitchen. He was breathing hard and his damp hair curled in a smooth cap over his well-shaped head. Three eager faces peered around him.

“How about now?” Leah’s father looked at his wife then Leah then Bryg. “I hope you don’t mind. We promised the boys we’d get the tree today. You’re welcome to come with us.”

“I’d like that,” Bryg said. The light shining in Bryg’s eyes warmed Leah’s heart, but also made her a little sad because she had a feeling he hadn’t decorated a Christmas tree in a very long time.

She should know. The only tree she decorated was the one they had at the ranch each year. She’d never had her own Christmas tree, because she always spent the holiday with her family.

“Where do you buy the Christmas tree?” A frown pressed into Bryg’s forehead, as if he were trying to remember where he’d seen the town’s Christmas tree lot.

“We don’t,” Leah said with a soft laugh. “We grow them on the ranch. People come from all over to buy one of ours. It’s the thrill of chopping down your own tree and taking it back to your home.”

Bryg arched his brow.

“I take it, you’ve never chopped down your own tree,” Leah said.

“No, but there’s a first time for everything,” he said and smiled. He rolled up the drawings and scooped up the others standing in the corner. “I’ll put these in the car and be right back.”

When he returned, the boys were bundled. They burst out the back door, eager for freedom and an adventure. Leah’s father carried an ax and led the group down a hard-packed trail to a grove of trees tucked behind the barn. The boys’ voices rose as they raced through the even rows and inspected each tree. Leah didn’t miss the interest in Bryg’s eyes as he watched the boys move from tree to tree before finally reaching a consensus. Their eyes bright, their bodies electrified, they pointed to one that would fit nicely in the living room at the base of the stairs.

“You sure that’s the one?” Leah’s father said, and he slid the ax from its case.

The boys’ eyes went wide, and they watched his every move.

“I’m happy to do the honors, if you like,” Bryg said quietly, but it got the boys’ attention.

“Be my guest.” Vern handed him the ax.

Bryg held it in his gloved hands and swung it against the tree trunk, his broad shoulders working beneath his jacket.

“Timber,” the boys yelled as the tree crashed to the ground. They rushed to pick it up. Balancing it on their shoulders, they marched back to the house.

In the dining room, Leah set stacks of colored construction paper, glue and containers of glitter for the boys to create Christmas decorations. While they worked, she and her mother popped a bowl of popcorn and cooked cocoa for the boys whose eyes stretched wide when they saw the treats.

In the living room, her mother set out a box filled with Christmas decorations while Bryg worked with Leah’s father to set up the tree.

Leah only glanced at Bryg helping her father before she set mugs filled with cocoa and marshmallows in front of each boy, but the image of Bryg in the living room etched into her mind. How appropriate it felt having Bryg here and helping her family decorate the house for the holiday.

She pulled a chair next to Zeke and showed him how to cut the construction paper in strips and glue the ends together to make a chain. She had to do something so she wouldn’t gawk at Bryg, his handsome face, his magnificent build. That he seemed interested in helping the family prepare for the Christmas celebration was a warning she couldn’t ignore. She had to remember he was here for her father’s approval of the development. As the mayor, the community looked to her father for guidance. If Bryg convinced her father the development would preserve the small town charm, then the ranch owners in the area would follow her father’s lead.

“What do you think of this?” Zeke held up a colorful chain. Silver and gold and red and green glitter gleamed over the loops.

“That’s beautiful,” Leah exclaimed. A softness filled her at the pleased look in Zeke’s eyes.

How many boys had her parents guided to believe in themselves and become contributing members of society? Her chest squeezed. She hated the thought that this would be the last group. After these boys left, her parents would leave the ranch. Leah would return to Braxton. The meadows stretching across the rolling hills would be plowed and become neighborhoods where families would live, work and play.

Would that be so bad? She’d always been in favor of change.

By the end of the afternoon, the tree glittered and sparkled with the boys’ homemade decorations. Boughs clung to the staircase bannister. Stockings with each boy’s name hung above the fireplace. Her mother had even made a stocking for Bryg.

Surprise flickered in Bryg’s eyes. His voice was husky when he thanked Leah’s mother.

“Not that we expect you to stay. The house will be full because our son and his family drive up from Texas. Besides, I’m sure you already have plans,” Mavis said, when she hung the stocking over the fireplace. “But you’re welcome to celebrate here, if you like.”

“Thank you,” Bryg said, and looked at Leah, a question in his eyes.

Leah took in a quick breath. He wanted to accept, but his decision lay with her.

“I think it would be wonderful to have you join us,” she said, the words spilling out before she realized what they meant―Bryg would spend Christmas day with her, and everyone else in the family. “Of course, if you’ve already made plans …”

“I don’t have any plans,” he said.

That gave Leah a start. Bryg had to have dozens of friends who’d want to celebrate the holiday with him. She wouldn’t think about the girlfriends.

“I’d be honored to spend the holiday with you.” Bryg looked at the boys. “With all of you.”

The boys gave shouts of approval, then turned back to the cardboard box filled with Christmas decorations.

From inside, Leah’s mother lifted tissue wrapped packages. She checked the labels on each one, then handed them to the boys. Surprised at first, they ripped through the paper and pulled out tiny picture frames that held photos of each boy. The boys looked at the frames in awe and wonder.

“These are yours,” her mother explained. “You can put them on the tree or keep them. It’s your choice.”

Each boy hung his picture on the tree, except Zeke. He held his, and everyone waited quietly. When he hooked the ribbon over a branch, the other boys relaxed.

With the tree decorated, Leah’s parents invited Bryg to stay for the dinner. Afterward, Leah and her parents settled the boys into their rooms to start homework, then Leah’s father announced he’d check on the animals.

“I’ll do that, Dad,” Leah said. Her opportunities to check on the animals would soon end. She’d take advantage of every moment she had.

“Do you want some company?” Bryg’s gaze rested on her in his gentle but decidedly unsettling way.

“That would be nice,” she said, before she could think better about it, but Bryg was quickly becoming part of the family. His charm and concern drew people to him―including Leah.

Once the ranch sold, she’d never see Bryg again. A hollowness rose inside her, but she pushed it down. Not seeing Bryg wouldn’t be the same as when she broke her engagement to Charlie. She and Charlie had dated for two years before he proposed. She barely knew Bryg, so what she felt couldn’t be love. The only thing between her and Bryg was like, and Bryg was a very likable guy.

Leah and Bryg walked past the pigpen, and the pigs grunted softly .

Suddenly, a loud squeal erupted. Annoyed grunts followed. Leah stood at the edge of the yard and looked into the pen.

One pig rose on her hind legs and rested her front feet against the middle rail.

Babe.

She’d grown bigger, heavier, and maybe more vocal in the nearly two weeks that had passed.

Leah hated ignoring the pig, but she kept her distance. It hurt too much to become attached to an animal that would soon be shipped to market.

“I take it, that’s Babe.” Bryg’s warm breath was soft against her hair.

“Yes,” Leah said, a tremor in her voice.

“Come on.” Bryg’s fingers wrapped around hers and took a step toward the barn.

She lifted her gaze to his, to eyes dark with concern. The warmth of his touch filled her with a comfort she’d never felt when Charlie took her hand.

“I hate ignoring her,” Leah said and fell into step beside Bryg.

The pig’s squeals faded when they stepped inside the barn, but it didn’t ease the regret rising inside Leah. If she could take Babe back to the college with her, she would, but it would be hard to pretend a five hundred pound pig was an ordinary pet.

Inside the barn, she checked the horses, though the boys and her father would have already freshened their feed and water.

Leah scooped apples from the barrel and moved to a palomino’s stall door. She held the apple to the horse, who gracefully worked the fruit into her mouth.

What would happen to all these animals when her parents sold the ranch? The thought brought a lump to her throat. They were like family to her.

Quick tears pricked her eyes.

“Hey,” Bryg’s husky voice broke through the emotions she could barely rein in.

His touch tentative, he slid his hand down her arm. Gently, so gently, he pulled her close until her body pressed into the solid ridged muscles of his chest. She closed her eyes and drank in the feel of him, his scent sweet and spicy at once.

“It never occurred to me a day would come when the animals wouldn’t be here anymore.” Her throat closed at the crack running through her heart. “I always knew I was fortunate to have this life, but I still took it for granted.”

“So what would it take for you to understand that Mardale will still maintain its country charm?” Bryg touched a finger to her chin and tipped her gaze to his.

“I don’t think there’s anything you can do,” she said with a dry laugh. “All your plans show that everything about the ranch will be preserved. The commercial areas will maintain the quaintness of the town. I just need to let go.”

“You can always come back.” He spoke so sincerely, Leah couldn’t doubt him, but what would she come back to? Her parents would be gone.

She looked into eyes that seemed to want to fix whatever bothered her. How could Bryg Winslow, who would have multiple business transactions going on at the same time, spend so much time on this project?

“Why is this project so important to you?” she asked. Bryg had to be the most confusing and alluring man she’d ever met.

“I’ve asked myself that question a few times.” He brushed his knuckles against her cheek.

Such a tender touch that brought unwanted emotions to the surface. She looked into his eyes. Compassion and longing shone there, unhidden. Something rose within her that could almost match what she saw in Bryg’s eyes.

“You have no idea what a temptation you are right now,” he said and took in a deep breath.

Leah’s throat dried. “I didn’t mean⸻”

“I know you didn’t.” He laughed softly. “Which makes you so refreshing.” He lifted his gaze to the rafters before looking at her again. “Normally, I’ve been good at keeping my emotions out of my business dealings, but with you, I failed miserably.”

Her eyes stretched wide, and her heart kicked up a notch. She’d never expected any man to make such a confession, let alone charming and polished Bryg Winslow. She knew she should put distance between them, but she couldn’t bear to not feel the softness and affection of this powerful man.

“I don’t know what to say.” Leah could barely form the words.

“I’m a little stunned myself.” Bryg gave a soft snort. “I don’t know what it is about you, but it’s been difficult to hide my feelings when I’m around you.”

“You hardly know me.” She blinked and blushed.

“Here’s something really crazy,” he said and looked into her eyes. “I feel like I’ve known you for a very long time.”

She said nothing. His words echoed inside her head.

“When this is all over, I’d like to get to know you better. Hopefully, you’ll agree, and don’t look at me like this is a line,” he said.

“I didn’t mean …” She couldn’t finish. She stifled a gasp. How had he known what she’d been thinking? Was she that transparent. “I’d like that … Getting to know each other.”

And if he changed his mind? Her life would be no different. Until two weeks ago, she would never have guessed Bryg Winslow would step into her life.

“Maybe we should get back,” he said, the hesitancy in his voice reflecting the reluctance in her heart.

Nodding, she drew back. She longed to stay in his arms, but things were moving too fast with the development negotiations and these feelings between her and Bryg. She’d known Charlie for a year before they went on their first date.

“I’ll say goodbye to your parents,” he said. “I’ll talk to my staff when I drive back to the house tonight and discuss some changes we can make that will appeal to your parents.”

“You’ll call your staff tonight?” She couldn’t hide the surprise in her voice. “And why make changes? My parents never said they wanted any.”

“True, but I’m one who never stops until everything is perfect.”

“That, I believe,” she said with a laugh. “But why tonight? If you want to wait until tomorrow, we can wait another day.”

“I’d like to get the ideas finalized while they’re still fresh in my mind.” He extended his hand to her.

She put her hand in his and let him lead her from the barn. Their conversation moved from the ranch to life in Mardale until they entered the house. Inside, Bryg thanked her parents for the hospitality and said he’d call them tomorrow and explained he had some new ideas he wanted to present to them. Leah walked him out the front door to his SUV. He told her to go inside, but she couldn’t leave him. Not yet.

Instead, she huddled in her coat and waited until he drove away.

The SUV’s taillights disappeared over the horizon, but Leah didn’t move. She tried to understand the turn her life had taken since returning home two weeks ago. She had thought her life had crumbled when she’d walked into Charlie’s office and found him entangled with his assistant.

Now, she was falling for a man she’d never imagined she’d meet, let alone have feelings for. She pressed her gloved hands to her lips. Things were happening too fast. She had seen pictures of the women Bryg dated, and she was nothing like them. And when Bryg confessed his feelings for her, she believed him. Was she a fool? Nothing about her feelings for Bryg made sense. She needed to take a step back and analyze what was happening here.

Bryg Winslow was about to change her life. Once the ranch sold, she’d never have a place to come back to for Christmas, for summer vacations, for anything.

And suddenly she realized she wasn’t willing to let that happen.

The only problem was that this wasn’t her decision to make.