Free Jackson Hole Valentine by Cindy Kirk Page B

her younger siblings that there was no excuse for mean-spiritedness? Besides, she’d learned long ago there was danger in protesting too much.
    Meg gestured to Lexi’s shopping cart. “Looks like you’re getting ready to do it up big for Christmas.”
    “We’re not always in Jackson Hole for the holidays, so we’re going all out and having everyone over next Saturday night,” Nick said.
    “Nick and Lexi live part of the year in Dallas,” Meg explained to Cole.
    “Although I grew up here, I’ve spent the past fourteen years in Texas,” Cole said to Nick. “My business holdings are based out of Austin.”
    “Great town.” Nick nodded approvingly. “The live music scene is awesome.”
    While the two men launched into a discussion of all things Texas, Lexi pulled Meg aside.
    “How’s it going? And be honest. I was stunned when I heard the news—”
    “It’s okay,” Meg said, realizing it was true. Yes, considering their past, being thrust into such close proximity was a bit awkward, but so far Cole had been a gentleman. He’d praised her cooking, had encouraged Charlie to help her carry bags inside and had even supported her “getting to know you” game last night. “We’re figuring it out.”
    “Lex, not to break this up, but we did tell Coraline we’d pick up the children—” Nick held up his smart phone so his wife could see the time “—in five minutes.”
    “Yikes, I didn’t realize it was this late.” The look Lexi shot Meg was filled with regret. “Coraline runs a B and B and does all the cooking, so she’ll need to get supper started. Addie, our oldest, is a good little helper, but Grace is a toddler and into everything.”
    “We need to rush, too,” Meg said. “Charlie is at a birthday party and we’ll have to pick him up before long.”
    “Do you have any plans for the holidays?” Lexi asked, her gaze widening to include Cole.
    “I haven’t even thought about it,” Cole said. “Right now I’ve been just taking it day by day.”
    “Well—” Lexi glanced at her husband, who gave her a barely perceptible nod “—we’d love it if you’d celebrate with us next Saturday. It’s always a good time when everyone gets together. Travis and Mary Karen will be there, and David and July. Derek and Rachel are in town, so they’ll come. As well as a few single friends. And all the children, of course. We’re planning on eating at six.”
    This must be the party Travis had mentioned. Of course, he’d offered to cancel, saying he’d love to spend more time with her.
    At the time, things had been in such an upheaval, making plans for the Saturday prior to Christmas had been the furthest thing from her mind. Unfortunately, now the holiday was less than a week away.
    “If you plan to settle in Jackson Hole, it would be a good way to get acquainted,” Nick said with a warm smile.
    Meg cast a sideways glance at Cole. He appeared receptive to the idea but this was something they should discuss privately.
    “Thank you so much for the generous offer,” Meg said. “Can we get back to you later today?”
    “No rush,” Lexi said. “Anytime this week is fine. And if you decide to come, don’t worry about bringing anything. We’ve got the food completely covered.”
    Once they were alone, Cole turned to her. “Why did you say we’d get back to them? Why didn’t you just accept?”
    “Because you and I needed to discuss the offer.” Meg carefully placed apples into a plastic bag then twist tied it shut and handed it to Cole to place in the cart.
    “I’d have gone along with whatever you decided.”
    “Thank you for that,” Meg said. “But I believe that parenting is a joint effort. When Travis and I were helping raise our siblings, we discovered early on the importance of not only being on the same page but of presenting a united front.”
    “My mom and dad didn’t operate that way.” He grabbed a head of lettuce and dunked it into the cart with a high lob. “And my