Free Mistletoe Wedding by Melissa McClone Page A

pregnancy, delivery and newborn on my own. I’ve done everything for Brooklyn myself. No way am I doing that again, especially with another child to care for.”
    “Never say never.”
    She grinned. “There are exceptions to every rule.”
    Talking with Meg was so comfortable. The only other women he felt so at ease around were Rachel and Charlie. Strange he felt this way about Meg, given his dating revolved around finding temporary companionship and fun, not conversation and friendship. But then again, Meg wasn’t some hook-up he’d met at Grey’s Saloon. She was a co-worker. And this wasn’t a date.
    “Let me know if you need to borrow a pickup when you get your tree.” He wanted her to know and feel like she was part of the Bar V5 family. “We have a few around here you can use.”
    “Thanks, but I have a hatchback. I’ll be fine.”
    He had no doubt about that. Meg didn’t need anyone. She was practical and self-reliant.
    Except for cooking dinner.
    Okay, not really. Meg could have been stirring a can of paint as uncomfortable as she’d looked standing at the stove. Her tomato sauce splattered apron sure had been cute. He hadn’t known how sexy and appealing an apron could be. The cooking skills of the woman wearing one didn’t matter.
    Sexist? Maybe.
    Except he’d pitched in and done dishes, too. No complaints. He hadn’t planned on staying, but offering to help was the least he could do. It worked out. He ended up getting a meal out of the deal and making up for what happened on Sunday. They were even now.
    Still Ty was looking forward to taking her to the Marietta Stroll on Saturday afternoon. She would finally understand what he meant by a Montana Christmas and maybe he could learn more about her.
    Brooklyn peered around the corner. Something glimmered on her head—a tiara. She raised her hand to her mouth as if blowing a horn. “Da-ta-da-dah. Meet Princess Dusty.”
    She stepped out, motioning to something hidden, most likely the dog. “Come on, princess. It’s show time.”
    Dusty trudged out, head low and tail dragging, dressed like a pink princess. He stared at Ty with a help-me-please look.
    “Oh, wow.” Meg covered her mouth with her hand. No doubt to keep from laughing. “Never knew a dog could wear a tu-tu like that.”
    Ty nodded, biting back his own laughter. Poor dog. He couldn’t believe Dusty had remained still long enough to dress up. “Or so many necklaces and a feather boa.”
    Brooklyn beamed at her creation. “Doesn’t the princess look pretty?”
    “Yes, but Dusty is a boy dog. He’d probably prefer to be called handsome,” Meg said.
    Brooklyn’s lower lip thrust forward in an epic pout. “Princesses can’t be handsome.”
    “You made Dusty into a mighty fine princess pup.” Ty would get the dog a treat when the returned to the bunkhouse. Maybe a bone for being such a good sport and playing dress-up. This went beyond being man’s best friend.
    Brooklyn tapped the side of her face. “Maybe I should paint his nails.”
    “No,” Meg and Ty said at the same time.
    He looked at her. “We’re getting good at that.”
    “Jinx.” An easy smile spread to her eyes, brightening her entire face.
    Beautiful. His temperature shot up. He tugged at his collar.
    Must be the wood stove. Yeah, that had to be it. He glanced at the clock on the DVD player. Probably time to go.
    He wiped his hands on his jeans, then stood. “I have a few chores to do. Why don’t you transform Dusty back into a plain old cattle dog, so we can get out of your way?”
    Meg mouthed a “thank you” that made him stand taller.
    Brooklyn stared at her mother. “But—”
    “Don’t forget it’s a school night,” Meg said quietly. “You need to stick with your bedtime or you’ll be cranky in the morning.”
    Brooklyn’s narrow shoulders sagged. “O-kay. Come on, Princess Dusty.”
    The dog went ahead, running around the corner as if his tail was on fire. No doubt, he was finished playing