Author's note: This is a compilation of the final five chapters of this story. I'm trying now to imagine a few sequels to complete some of the open-ended events described. I'll let you know when a future story ties back to this one. I appreciate you staying with my story and I hope you enjoyed it.
Chapter 16
Christmas decor was stunning in Kate McAllen's home. More than a dozen large dark red poinsettias, holly with red berries, white pine ropes and flowering cactus gave a festive feel. There was excitement when the large tree arrived. It would stand in the entrance lobby in front of the elegant, curved stairwell.
Ron and Sue Bergen arrived with their son Chris, just home on a thirty-day leave from the Navy. Ron was a weathered, rugged farmer who'd spent most of his life working in the sun. A fine-looking man, he was a little over sixty years old and very fit. Sue was an aging beautiful woman with a bright smile, easy laugh and a confidence that comes from years of experience in the kitchen. She and Denise quickly became best buddies, sharing and developing plans for holiday meals and treats.
Kate seemed to be everywhere, getting to know her future in-laws and Chris. She was thrilled by their endearing personalities and interesting way of life on a large farm. Ron and Sue were captivated by Kate's modeling career and how she'd built a thriving video production company from nothing.
The house was full of laughter, family stories, and memories of past Christmases. Angie was quickly "adopted" by the Bergens as a member of their family. She could be seen frequently in quiet conversation with each in many areas of the house. Chris used Kate's "gym" every day, often joined by Kate, Tom and Ned. Tom and Ron formed a quick friendship based on shared values and the hard work that'd led to their success. Chris was blown away by Tom's recording studio and the hundreds of stars it represented. Most of his favorite artists were recorded by Tom's company.
The men worked to put up an amazing twelve-foot-tall Norway Spruce and all nine friends worked on the decorations. It took two tall stepladders to string the lights and garland. The Lenox China angel for the top was a big challenge but Ned was up to it. Many ornaments had come from countries Kate had visited and Tom brought a dozen hand-blown crystal balls and other shapes he'd purchased in Switzerland. Once decorated, the tree was gorgeous beyond description.
With the holiday still two days away, there was last-minute shopping for gifts and food ingredients that would be used by Denise and Sue. Jason took Tom and Ron for a last-minute shopping spree in the Bentley. Gifts began appearing under the tree at all hours, as if elves had brought them.
Chris and Ned had lunch with Angie on Christmas Eve in a local restaurant. They learned that Chris would be leaving the Navy in less than a year and return to the farm. The plan had always been for him to inherit the property after their dad, Ron, passed away. He also had a serious girlfriend, Jennie. Chris and she had dated for two years prior to his entering the Navy. She later fell in love with another and married him. That marriage failed when her husband was caught embezzling funds from his employer and sentenced to prison. Jennie immediately divorced him and began writing to Chris soon after. They reconnected while he was home a year ago and have decided to be married as soon as his service commitment ends.
Chris jokingly said, "Angie, I don't get it. What do you see in Ned that I don't? You could marry anyone, so why him? If you need to know all his faults, just ask."
Angie and Ned laughed at the question but not at her response. She said, "I see in him a real man, a genuine guy who is who he seems to be. There's no false front. He loves life and I've no doubt he loves me with no reservations. He's considerate and serious but fun loving at the same time. I know he'll never betray me. My whole life changed when we met, and I knew immediately that I wanted him."
Chris responded, "Mom told me that he said he'd just met his future wife that night."
"Yes, he told me when he proposed a few weeks ago. Mom told us that she'd sensed a magnetic force field surround us when we first met. I don't know about that, but something happened that I'd never experienced."
When Angie went to the ladies' room, Chris said, "I have to hand it to you, Ned. She's the prettiest woman I've ever seen. How did you connect with her?"
"Chris, she's just a beautiful inside as out. I met her through Kate. As you know, she works for her mom in the company. I gave some counseling to Kate and she was impressed with me and introduced us. Angie is in training to take over the company in about two years. Kate plans to marry Tom and move to Nashville."
"That's damn impressive. Just think, she'll be a CEO of a multi-million-dollar company at the age of twenty-five. Not bad at all," said Chris.
"I'll be a stay-at-home dad if our plans go as hoped. I think you know I preserved several vials of sperm before my operation."
Chris replied, "I remember you saying that. I hope it works out for you."
***
In West Texas, the first view of Clayton and Rebecca's home was dramatic. As their car crested a small rise, the panorama of the house and the large lake beside it was breathtaking.
As the car neared the house, Janet could see just how large it was. The massive two-story house was made of logs but very modern looking with several wings and wrap around porches. Clayton drove the car around to the back entrance. There, Janet saw a well-landscaped circular drive with a branch drive going to a large two-story building. She guessed that was the bunkhouse because of a few cars parked there. A small helicopter sat on a pad next to the bunkhouse. Two large stock trailers were parked nearby.
Off to the left was a stable with a large paddock where three horses were munching hay. Rob said, "The gray mare is the one I think you'll like. She's named Ruby and is an eight-year-old quarter horse. Very gentle and loves people. She'll happily go home with you."
Clayton said, "We caught that big dark bay stallion after trying for a year. He's now broke after almost killing Luke, and the guys say he's handling well. I rode him for the first time two weeks ago and he's still a little rank but nothing you can't handle. You'll probably want to take him out."
"Has he been gelded," Rob asked.
"Not yet, we want to breed him to Sahara when she comes in heat. That's next week."
Sahara was a dark bay six-year-old quarter horse that was a favorite of Clayton's. She'd had a colt born a year earlier that was a stunner. It will be sold at auction in another year. He had near perfect confirmation and could run like no other colt they had raised. He could be a barrel racing champion they thought.
Janet was wowed when entering the house. There was a great room with twenty-foot ceilings and a massive stone fireplace that dominated the room. Everywhere she looked, there were beautiful furnishings, paintings, native American woven baskets, rugs and wall-hangings. Large poinsettias were arranged throughout the house and a nicely decorated Colorado blue spruce took its place near the stairwell. In her mind, it was the perfect western ranch house that could be featured in any magazine.
She and Rebecca walked to the kitchen while the men brought in the luggage. There, she was introduced to Jamie, an eighteen-year-old daughter of the ranch foreman, Jonah and his wife, Lois. Jamie had been hired as Rebecca's kitchen and housekeeping assistant earlier that fall. Afternoon coffee was brewed. All snuggled into soft leather sofas and chairs in front of the fireplace to enjoy the cozy warmth.
Janet said, "This house is amazing. When did you build it?"
