Lexie and Killian (11 page)

“I think a little Walker would just be the frosting on the cake.”

He swung her up in his arms. “Then let’s make sure we hit a bull’s-eye.”

Epilogue

At approximately five in the evening on December twenty-fourth, the entire family arrived at Dusty’s house on Osprey Lake.

Marliss opened the door for the group as they crowded together on the porch, giving hugs to the women, and manly pats on the back to the brothers. Hunter jumped up and down with excitement.

“Oh, good.” Marliss grinned at them. “You’re all here together. Well, come on in and let’s get to celebrating.”

Marliss and Lou had gone all-out in decorating the place. Flickering electric candles glowed in every window, pine greenery graced the mantel of the big flat stone fireplace, and garland wrapped in white lights ran along the railing of the walkway on the second floor.

The tree was a massive white pine culled from a local grower, since no pine trees called Kansas their native home. Multicolored lights shimmered among the green needles, but no ornaments hung from the boughs.

Theresa Walker had boxes of white bulbs that she’d always decorated the tree with, but after the brothers discussed it, they’d all agreed with Marliss that those could stay in the basement storage room this year.

Killian and Lexie, Rogue and Kit, Jackson and Rori, and Dylan, Zoe and even little Hunter each brought a few ornaments to hang on the tree as the beginning of a new tradition for their extended families.

They’d chosen to gather here on Christmas Eve so they could travel the next day to whichever other family holiday they wanted to attend.

As the brothers hauled in wrapped packages by the dozens, a number of them looking suspiciously like bicycles in the perfect size for a five-year-old, the women congregated in the kitchen. Lou, running at full throttle in his Santa apron, had all four ovens going, one with a turkey, one held a beef roast, and the others emitted the amazing scents of side dishes.

Wearing a red-and-black plaid dress, black leggings, and gold lamé shoes with tiny bells on them, Marliss shooed them out of the kitchen to the formal dining room, where hot plates bearing fancy appetizers sat on the sideboard, and a wide variety of cocktail options awaited them at the portable bar.

Lexie played bartender, and soon each of the women held glasses. They nibbled on the appetizers, then filled plates with the delicious goodies and wandered into the living room, sharing their delicacies with their men.

“Looks like the gals have found the bar.” Rogue put the last of the colorful packages under the tree.

Jackson walked up to the group, holding four heavy tumblers of Dusty’s finest single-barrel whiskey. He handed one to each of his brothers. “I’m thinking we should each say a few words. Ladies?”

“Let’s hear the toasts,” Marliss urged as she and Lou walked into the room, each carrying their own glass.

“I’ll go first,” Lexie said, “if that’s okay. The best day of my life was the day Killian walked into it. Like everyone else, we’ve had our challenges.” She looked at Killian. “I’m grateful for the man he is and for the future we have together. I love you, Killian. Merry Christmas.”

Everyone echoed Merry Christmas and took a sip of their drinks.

“One more thing.” Lexi let her gaze travel around the room. “The date for my one-woman show has been set for February fourteenth. Valentine’s Day. In Savannah. I’d like to invite you all to be there if you can make it. It’s a really big day for me.”

“It may sound corny,” he said, “but I feel truly blessed. I have a wonderful family, a perfect wife, and a life I wouldn’t trade for anything. That’s the best Christmas present of all.”

They all made agreeing comments and took another drink.

“And I have one more announcement to make.” He held out his arm, and Lexie moved into the circle of it. “We’re adding another Walker to the mix. Lexie and I are having a baby.”

“Oh, my god!” Zoe rushed over and hugged Lexie. She was soon joined by the other women, adding their excitement.

“Guess there’s no question about your motility,” Jackson joked.

Killian grinned, remembering the conversation they’d had at the barbecue about the fertility of the sperm of his prized stallions.

“Will you still be able to handle the show, being pregnant and all?” Rori asked. “That’s a lot to take on.”

Killian smiled down at his wife. “I’ll make sure she gets pampered and coddled. The hard work’s already done. The paintings are finished. Next week, the shipping company is coming to crate them. Then the gallery will put together its catalogue, create the guest list for the special reception, and start the promotion.”

“We’re so excited for you,” Zoe said.

“And you know we’ll be there,” Kit added. “All of us.”

“Thank you so much.” She blinked back tears.

“Well, bless you both.” Marliss hurried over and gave Lexie a hug.

“Thank you, Marliss.” She kissed the older woman’s cheek. “I hope you’ll be an honorary aunt to him. Or her.”

“I will no matter what sex it turns out to be. I’ll just be excited to welcome another Walker into the clan.”

Again, they raised their glasses and sipped.

Rori leaned in close to her cowboy. “Since it’s the ladies’ turn to toast, I want to let everyone know that I’ve never been happier, thanks to Jackson. I’ve fallen in love. For the first time in my life.” She raised her glass in salute to Jackson. “And for the last time in my life.”

Jackson pulled her close for a kiss. “You got that right, Rori darlin’. Merry Christmas.”

Everyone gave mushy “awws” and laughed as both Rori and Jackson blushed a little.

Kit raised her glass. “I’m grateful to be here and glad to put the trouble of the last few months behind us.” She didn’t elaborate, simply looked at her husband, obviously leaving it up to him what he’d share and what he’d choose to keep to himself. Everyone knew that sometimes Rogue Walker played his cards close to his vest. “I’ve never been happier, and I wish all of you the same.”

Hunter chose that moment to trip and fall, and his wails rose to the rafters. The women all set down their glasses and rushed to his aid, carrying him into the big bathroom off the kitchen. In seconds, the cries stopped.

“That boy sure knows how to monopolize women’s time.” Dylan just shook his head as the other three Walker brothers smiled.

“As long as we have a minute here…” Jackson looked at each of his brothers. “It’s been a pleasure getting to know each of you. Despite all my doubts, I’m glad we’ve been able to work out the kinks in the company, and have grown to appreciate one another. And I do.” He raised his glass. “I appreciate you, and I’m happy to have you in my life.”

As a log shifted and crackled, they raised their glasses and drank.

Rogue stood. “I have something to say.” The room grew so quiet you could’ve heard a pin drop. “This past year has brought a lot of changes for all of us. We’ve stepped out on faith to form an alliance none us ever expected. We’ve faced challenges.” He held out his hand to Kit. “We’ve had to come to terms with our father, Dusty Walker, and his legacy.” Rogue chuckled. “I’m glad I can laugh about it now. A man I scarcely know did his best to destroy me. But what I’ve gained is so much greater than what I lost.” Smiling at Kit, he continued. “I have a beautiful wife, a baby on the way, and…” He raised his glass to his brothers and their ladies. “I have the best family a man could ask for.”

“Here, here!” Jackson cheered as the rest joined in with raised glasses and happy comments. “I think this calls for refills.”

Marliss, who was standing near, came forward with a tray full of drinks when, with a bang, the front door opened, and a tall, thin woman walked in. Her long, gray, braided hair reached the middle of her back. Her long, black coat topped a pair of red cowgirl boots.

While the eight adults just stared, Hunter ran up to her. “Hi. Are you a new rel-a-tive, too?”

She smiled, her blue eyes softening as she crouched down to his level. “Yes, I am, young Hunter. I’m your cousin Mercy.”

“Mercy?” The little guy shivered as a cold wind blew into the room. “Momma says we shouldn’t waste energy by leaving the door open.”

The woman looked at the eight adults in the room. “She’s a wise woman.”

Behind her, a middle-aged man wearing a chauffeur’s cap walked in carrying wrapped packages. “Ma’am?”

“Under the tree, Barnes. Thank you.” She walked over to the brothers. “I just assumed I was still welcome. Although your father and his wife passed, I had a feeling you’d all be gathering tonight.”

“Yes, ma’am. You’re more than welcome.” Killian stepped forward. “May I take your coat?”

She shrugged it off, revealing a cheery red blouse and long denim skirt. “Thank you.” Lifting a brow, she glanced at the other boys. “This one has manners.”

Dylan stepped forward. “Let me get you something to drink then we’ll make introductions.”

“I know who you all are.” She held out her hand to the youngest brother. “Dylan.” She spoke the other brothers’ names as she grasped each of their hands in a firm grip. “I believe you’re all the family I have left. Am I intruding if I ask to spend Christmas with you?”

“Not an intrusion at all. You’re welcome any time.” Rogue gestured for her to join them in the living room.

She winked at Dylan. “I’d do well with a few fingers of that whiskey your dad squirrelled away for special occasions.”

While Jackson fetched her a glass, she met the ladies, then they all sat in the living room as her chauffeur hauled her suitcase up the steps, as if this was indeed a regular occurrence.

“I’m Mercy Walker.” She announced it as if her name was her pride and joy. Sipping the whiskey, she relaxed in her chair. “I’ve got a good-sized cattle ranch in Colorado, and will expect you all to come for Easter, as was the arrangement between your father and me.”

She frowned for a few seconds. “My husband, Grover, was your father’s first cousin. Grover, he…passed away, gone nearly four years now.” Her strong jaw tilted up. “I have four daughters who are too busy this year to come home for the holidays.”

“We’re sorry to hear that.” Zoe raised her hand, looking like she might reach out and squeeze Mercy’s hand, then dropping it as if she thought better of it.

Mercy puffed out a breath. “The four of them, they work too hard. Honor is an assistant to the First Lady at the White House.”

“Oh, wow.” Rori blurted the words out, smiling. “That’s amazing.”

Mercy tipped her head. “She’s always been the serious one. Then there’s Faith. She’s a photographer. Always on the road, that one. And last but definitely not least, are my twins, Chastity and Courage. Courage works on a crab boat in Alaska. Chastity…” She shook her head. “I don’t rightly know what she does or where she is. I just hope she’s okay.”

“And none of them could make it home this year?” Kit asked.

“None of them have made it home since their father died.” Mercy stood, setting down her glass. “I’m going upstairs to freshen up. Thank you for your kindness in letting a lonely old lady join you tonight.”

The men stood.

“Ma’am, you’re welcome any time.” Rogue sounded too quiet.

Mercy turned and walked up the steps, her back straight and proud, but stopped and turned to gaze over the group. “Thank you very kindly.” She looked from one to the other. “Maybe you can help me find a way to reach out to my girls.”

Killian smiled. “We’ve all learned about reaching out.”

“Bless you all.” She walked up the stairs, her back straight and proud.

Once Mercy ascended out of earshot, the eight of them, plus Hunter, gathered close.

“That’s so sad.” Zoe lifted Hunter in her arms and cuddled him. “No one should spend the holidays away from their loved ones.”

Dylan drew his bride against his chest and kissed her temple. “Maybe her girls will come around. If us stubborn Walker men can move on from our past, I’m pretty sure anything is possible.”

“That’s true. We’ve proven how hard-headed Walkers can be.” He pulled Rori close to his side. “But not half as tough as these Red Creek women. They had their hands full when they set out to tame the Walker brothers.”

“Tame?” Rori set her hand on Jackson’s chest. “There’s no taming these boys.”

Zoe, Lexie, and Kit added their agreement to that statement.

“We’ve all got our hands full here in Red Creek.” Jackson took Rori’s hand in his. “But we’ve each found our share of happiness. Now, Cousin Mercy asked for our help, and I say we put all our considerable brainpower together and formulate a plan.”

Rori nodded. “I’m in. I may not be good at family communication, but I’ve got a nice, devious mind, and I’m willing to use it…for the good of the family.” She grinned up at Jackson.

He bent and kissed her. “Love that deviousness.”

“That’s so sad.” Zoe lifted Hunter in her arms and cuddled him. “No one should spend the holidays away from their loved ones.”

Dylan drew his bride against his chest and kissed her temple. “Maybe her girls will come around. If us stubborn Walker men can move on from our past, I’m pretty sure anything is possible.”

“This is a season of miracles.” Kit snuggled up to Rogue. “There’s no reason why we can’t pray for more.”

*****

Although the addition of Mercy had changed the complexion of the evening, they were all still thrilled to know there was more family out there waiting for them.

“I hope this thing with the four sisters turns out as well as everything has with you and your brothers,” Lexie commented, as they got ready for bed. “You think Mercy will be able to get them all home again? Maybe have them come here for a visit?”

“I hope so. I’m gonna talk to my mother about this whole thing tomorrow. See what she knows about it.”

Killian’s mother was flying in early the next morning. Lexie and Killian would fetch her from the airport, get her settled at their place and then they’d all troop to Lexie’s parents’ place for Christmas dinner.

“That ought to be an interesting conversation,” Lexie grinned. “I wonder what she’ll have to say.”