Wyatt didn’t consider himself a sentimental man. He was a realist. Practical.

But this Christmas had turned him into a stranger. His insides mushy, his thoughts strayed to hearth and home and a certain woman and her little boy.

Inside his bedroom, he closed the laptop and rubbed a hand over his face. Whiskers scraped. He’d need a shower and shave before picking up Marley for the Christmas Eve church service. Crossing to the dresser, he gathered an armful of presents to take downstairs to the tree.

Gifts for Marley and Braden and all the family.

Family. Oh, man. The problem reappeared like a specter inside his head, plaguing, haunting. He’d not thought about Dallas in more than a week.

He credited Marley with the distraction. She was definitely the best distraction he’d had in a long time.

Stacking one last gift on top, he exited the room and trotted down the stairs to the tree. On one knee, he placed the gifts here and there among the growing pile. With a family this size, the stack sprawled several feet around the tree.

He heard someone enter the room and glanced toward the doorway. Connie came to stand beside him, staring down at the shiny red-wrapped packages. Three bore Braden’s name. Marley’s name was on another three. He’d wrapped them himself and glued candy canes atop each one.

Connie’s hand rested on his shoulder. “What are you going to do when you have to leave her?”

He’d told her nothing, as usual, but that was Connie. She knew things whether he wanted her to or not. As a boy, he and his brothers wondered if she’d had a direct line to God, Who told her every ornery thing they’d been into.

“I don’t know.”

“Can you stay?”

“No.” Not yet, anyway. He could muster out in a few months if he chose, but he’d planned to do his twenty, maybe more. He was needed. The world wasn’t getting any nicer.

“Can you take her with you?”

Would Marley even consider such a move? Would he want her to? “Too soon to ask.”

“For who?”

He vaguely waved at the air. “Both of us. Three weeks, Connie. We barely know each other.”

“Love has no time table, mijo.”

He gave a short laugh. “The timing couldn’t be worse.”

“Ah. As I thought, something else troubles you.”

He retrieved a fallen ornament and returned it to the limb, pondering his stone-faced reflection in the shiny silver bulb. “Nothing I can’t handle.”

Connie squeezed his shoulder and muttered in Spanish before turning to leave.

On his boot toes, Wyatt pivoted toward the entrance. “My Spanish is excellent, Connie.”

She turned her head and gave him a soft look. “I know.”

Wyatt watched her walk away, her words running through his mind. No wonder he loved her like a mother.

She’d been praying for him.

---

If Marley’s heart got any fuller, her chest would explode.

From her seat at the end of a long couch, she listened to her son’s excited chatter as he, the twins, Daisy, and barely-toddling Evan played with an overabundance of new toys. Braden was especially enchanted with the fancy pickup truck that matched Wyatt’s real one.

She turned her attention to the man. Wyatt was really the one who’d made this holiday special, although Christmas day at the Triple C Ranch was like nothing she or Braden had ever experienced. Though evening crept in and promised to snatch away the final hours, Marley didn’t want them to ever end. Noisy, exuberant, and filled with good food, and lots of laughter and presents, the celebration had been perfect. And her stomach was so stuffed, she doubted she’d ever be hungry again.

This, she thought, was the way it was supposed to be in a family. This was the Christmas she’d longed for and had never known. As hard as she tried to make Christmas magical for Braden, she couldn’t give him the thrill of a large extended family. She couldn’t even give him doting grandparents who delighted in watching him open his gifts.

The Caldwell family wasn’t perfect, but they were close. They had each other’s backs, fronts and sides, and they clearly enjoyed being together.

To the point that Ace insisted on pestering his wife the entire time she was trying to take pictures with her new camera. Marisa spun around to scold, but before she could snap the photo, Ace grabbed the camera and held it out for a selfie while he kissed her.

“Perfect,” he proclaimed, handing the camera back.

A pink-cheeked Marisa laughed and swatted at him before turning her attention to Nate and Whitney. The couple cuddled on a love seat watching their daughters play while exchanging frequent, secret smiles. They looked as starry-eyed as teenagers experiencing their first crush.

Marisa’s brother, Chance photobombed the picture with rabbit ears above Nate’s head, his cheery countenance a contrast to his wheelchair confinement. Before dinner, he’d given the kids each a ride, wheeling them through the house like a race car driver while the kids whooped and hollered. Even her son.

A lump thickened Marley’s throat. She wished life could always be like this. But this wasn’t her family. She and Braden didn’t really belong here. Especially now when she’d come to love the Caldwells too much to burden them with her problems.

“You missed one.” Wyatt sat on the couch arm at her elbow, a wrapped package in hand. He looked stunning today in a blue dress shirt that matched his eyes and caused her to stare far too often. From the many times their stares had collided, she thought he must admire her red outfit every bit as much. He’d told her before that she looked beautiful in red, so she’d purchased the dress with him in mind.

He bumped her arm with the gift. “From Connie.”

“I thought all the gifts had been opened.”

“Not all of them,” he said and pumped his eyebrows.

“You’re being mysterious.”

He winked. “My specialty.”

Marley shook the box against her ear. For its size, the gift was heavy.

“I’ve never had so many presents in my life.” Neither had Braden. The Caldwells had showered him with clothes and toys.

She’d never seen her son as excited as he’d been to spend Christmas at Wyatt’s ranch. He didn’t seem to notice he hadn’t received a horse or siblings or a baby goat.

Wyatt’s voice came close to her ear. “We’ll have to remedy that.”

“I think you already have.”

“Mmm. I don’t think so.”

“Oh, being mysterious again.”

“Let’s say I hope you like it.”

“I’m sure I will.” She’d loved everything so far. From a scarf and toiletries to funny fuzzy socks.

“Are you going to open Connie’s gift or listen to it?”

She laughed. “Is it musical?”

“Only one way to find out.”

While he watched, a half smile on his lips, Marley unwrapped a women’s leather-bound Bible. She ran her hand over the burgundy cover. A book of this quality hadn’t been cheap.

“This is…gorgeous. I don’t know what to say.”

Connie sat on floor, surrounded by children. “You like it, no?”

“Oh, yes. Thank you, Connie. I didn’t expect—”

Connie waved her words away. “That is why I give it. You don’t ask. You don’t expect. And we love you.”

She loved them too. All of them. Especially the one at her side.

Unexpected tears rushed against the back of Marley’s eyes. She blinked so fast, the tree lights became a blur.

Wyatt leaned in with a whisper. “Are you getting sappy on me?”

She gave his arm a gentle push. “Maybe. You Caldwells are too nice. I don’t deserve—”

He kissed her cheek. “Yes, you do, and look at your son. Doesn’t he?”

Braden, surrounded by other children and more toys than would fit in her car, drove his pickup truck on a mat made to look like a small town, one of several gifts from Wyatt.

She turned her face so that she was a whisper away from him, the man who’d won her heart. He smelled like candy cane. “You cheat.”

“Truth isn’t cheating.” His fingers stroked her cheek. “You’re worth all this and more.”

Oh, the guilt was a dagger through her conscience. “No, I’m not.”

“You are to him, to us.” He breathed a peppermint sigh. “To me.”

Tell him. Tell him right now. For better or for worse, he deserves the truth. She was reasonably confident he wouldn’t betray her to the police.

But he’d be disappointed, maybe angry, and these precious moments together would be over for good.

She couldn’t do it. Not here. Not while the room was filled with Christmas joy and happy people exchanging gifts of love. Not while she was having one of the best days of her life.

But soon. Very soon.

He stood and held out his palm. “Will you walk outside with me?”

She cocked her head. “What for?”

He winked, though his expression was serious. “Top secret.”

Marley tucked her hand in his, and, after a quick check of her son who barely knew she was in the room, donned a jacket and followed Wyatt onto the porch.

The early evening was as calm and lovely as a Christmas carol and too warm for snow, but perfect anyway. At least to her.

Wyatt leaned his back against the porch railing and, for a moment, the confident soldier looked uncertain.

Marley moved closer. “Is something wrong?”

“Yes and no.” He scraped a hand down his face.

“That’s a helpful response.”

Her silliness made his lips twitch. He reached for her. “Come here.”

She went gladly, soaking up the warmth of his lean body. He draped his arms loosely around her waist.

“Ready for my present?”

“I already opened your present. Two of them, in fact. The yummy perfume and the set of movie classics.” She barely remembered telling him how much she loved classic movies, but he’d remembered.

He reached inside his jacket pocket and pulled out a small box wrapped in silver snowflake paper. “I saved this one to give you in private.”

His tone warned her that whatever resided in the box was important to him.

She took it from his hands. Their fingers brushed, lingered. “What is it?”

“Something for both of us.”

“Both of us?”

“Yes, I bought myself a present.” When she jacked one eyebrow, he pushed. “Go ahead. Open it. You’ll see what I mean.”

Puzzled by his serious tone, Marley slid off the white ribbon and tore away the paper. Wyatt took the wrappings from her and shoved them in his pocket. His eyes never left her face.

The box was small and white, the kind that usually held earrings or a bracelet. She couldn’t help the thrill that ran through her. Though their time together was limited, she’d have this to remember him by, to remember that he’d treated her like a princess. And that he’d made her believe in love again.

She lifted the lid, glanced at the sterling silver necklace inside and then up at him, questioning without words.

“Is it too high school?” Uncertainty clouded his voice.

“No. Not at all. It’s—” She bit down on her bottom lip to keep it from trembling. She was a fake, a fraud, a liar, and not nearly as deserving of this good man as he seemed to think.

She’d seen this kind of necklace before, though this one was far more finely crafted, clearly a jewelry-store creation. Made of sterling silver with a diamond at the top, it was half a heart. She peered closer, saw that it was engraved with Wyatt’s name.

“I have the other half here.” He pulled a matching necklace from beneath his shirt. Her name glinted against the blue material.

She started to ask what this meant, but stopped herself. She knew. If ever there was a perfect memento of this time with him, it was this necklace.

Feeling weepy and sentimental, she offered him her heart. “Will you put it on me?”

She turned her back to him, felt his powerful fingers brush against her skin with exquisite tenderness.

When he’d finished, he dropped his hands to her shoulders and turned her to face him. “I’m going back to Georgia in a few weeks.”

“I know.” The thought of losing him throbbed through her whole body.

“I don’t want to.”

Her heart jumped like an electrocuted cricket. “What do you mean?”

“I’d rather to stay here, be with you, see where this thing leads us.”

She opened her mouth to speak, closed it again. What could she say that wouldn’t hurt him? The cool necklace against her warm throat mocked her. She’d lied. She wasn’t even the person he thought she was.

When she didn’t answer, he said, “I’m falling in love with you, Marley.”

Oh, the most wonderful words at the worst time.

“I feel the same.” Her answer was barely a whisper.

He touched her chin with the tip of one finger. “Then why the sad face?”

Because I shouldn’t accept this necklace. I’m not who you think I am. I don’t deserve your love. “Overwhelmed.”

She lifted to her tiptoes and kissed him. She’d only meant it as a distraction, a quick peck while she got her bearings, but he gathered her in and kissed her in return.

Marley melted, floating away to a place she thought only existed in movies and romance novels. Never had she felt so treasured and cherished and loved. Whatever the future held, she would remember this moment.

He loved her, he loved her, and if a heart could really sing, hers was in full voice.

Vaguely, she heard a car motor coming closer. Wyatt heard it too and broke the kiss, though he kept his arms around her.

“Company,” he said, tipping his head toward the driveway.

Through a haze of happiness, Marley watched the SUV approach. This wasn’t the first visitor who had come today with good wishes and friendship.

As the vehicle rounded the final curve, the logo on the side came into sight. Marley stiffened. The sheriff.

Fear spurted. She inhaled sharply, calmed the surge of adrenaline. Lawson Hawk was friends with Caldwell family. Surely, this was only another social call.

“Merry Christmas, Lawson!” Wyatt called out.

In full uniform, the handsome cowboy sheriff exited the SUV. He glanced up, saw her. He looked as serious as a funeral.

An icy chill ran through Marley. Escape. Run. Hurry.

She stepped away from Wyatt. “I should check on Braden.”

Wyatt shot her a strange, questioning look, but she didn’t care. She was already moving toward the door.

“Marley Bannon.” The sheriff’s use of her real name stopped her cold.

Blood seemed to drain from her body. She started to shake.

“Sorry, Wyatt,” he said, “this isn’t a social call. I’m here for Marley Bannon.”

“Do we know anyone by that name?” Wyatt’s beloved voice sounded confused.

“I think you do. Isn’t that right, Marley?”

Slowly, Marley turned to face the truth.

The lawman took the porch steps two at a time and stopped in front of her. His gaze pinned her in place.

Wyatt blinked, frowning. “I don’t understand. What’s this about? Marley, what’s going on?”

She swallowed, her mouth as dry as bone. “I wanted to tell you. I almost told you today. I wanted to.”

“Tell me what? You’re scaring me, Marley.” To the sheriff he said. “Will you fill me in? I’m at a total loss.”

Lawson Hawk, the movie-star-handsome sheriff, stacked a hand on each narrow hip, sucked in some December air, and blew it out. With a head shake toward the sky, he said, “I wish I didn’t have to do this today, it being Christmas and all.”

“Then don’t.” Marley wasn’t above begging. “Please. I’ll come in tomorrow on my own.”

“Do what?” Wyatt asked.

“This woman has lied to you and come here under false pretenses. She isn’t Marley Johnson. She’s Marley Bannon. And I have a warrant for her arrest.”

Wyatt stepped toward the sheriff, hands out, head shaking. “No way. Come on, Lawson. If this is a joke, your timing is terrible.”

“I wish it was a joke, but it isn’t. Marley’s wanted for embezzling $40,000 from her employer. The warrant also cites contempt of court and fleeing prosecution.”

“There must be some kind of misunderstanding. It’s a custody battle, not embezzlement.”

Marley closed her eyes against the bittersweet sight of Wyatt’s misplaced faith in her. She’d lied to him, wronged him, and he still defended her.

“I have the warrant in the car if you want to see it.” Lawson’s face was grim. “But we’ve been friends a long time. You know I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have to be, and I’ve waited as long as I could. The DA in Tulsa called me late last night.”

Slowly, Wyatt pivoted toward her, his face pale and stricken. “Tell me he’s mistaken.”

Marley’s knees shook so hard she feared she’d collapse, but she refused to lie to him again. “I can’t. I’m sorry.”

Wyatt’s head dropped.

“But I didn’t embezzle that money.” A fist clutched inside her chest, choking off her air. “It’s true that I didn’t show up for court, and yes, I ran away, but I’ve never stolen anything in my life. I ran because I needed time to figure out who made that money disappear.”

“So there is no custody battle?”

Shame filled her. This beautiful man didn’t deserve this. She barely whispered the reply. “No. I’m sorry.”

“You should have told me the truth.” His voice was tight, wounded. “You let me believe—“

She reached for him, but let her hand drop. “I wanted to, believe me. And I wanted to ask you for help, but—”

The hurt in his eyes was a knife to her soul. “Why didn’t you?”

“I was afraid!”

The sheriff stepped toward her, reaching for the handcuffs at his belt.

Panic shot fire through Marley’s blood veins.

“No. No. Please, I didn’t do anything wrong.” She whirled toward the man who, moments before, had given her his heart. “Wyatt, you have to believe me.”

Wyatt stared, his stricken expression saying everything.

Lawson removed the handcuffs and held them toward her. “I’m sorry, Marley. I really am. I like you, and you being Wyatt’s friend makes it all the harder. Put your hands behind your back.”

She backed away from the lawman, palms extended in stop signs. Panic grew until she could barely speak.

“There’s been a terrible mistake. I didn’t do this. I beg you, don’t take me. I have a son to care for.”

Wyatt stepped between them. “Are the cuffs really necessary?”

“She’s run before.”

“I won’t. I promise.”

The front door opened and Nate leaned out. “You two lovebirds coming in for the big announcement or…” The words dwindled away as he took in the handcuffs. “Is something wrong?”

Wyatt spoke, his voice terse. “Lawson wants to arrest Marley.”

“What? That can’t be right.” Nate glanced, bewildered, at the sheriff. “Lawson?”

Lawson kept his focus on Marley. “We’ve disrupted the Caldwells’ Christmas enough. Let’s go.”

Nate’s dark gaze whipped toward her. “Marley?”

“I didn’t. I didn’t.” Tears began to flow then. Humiliation and fear poured out. “I’m sorry. Forgive me. I’ve ruined everything.”

Nate gave a sharp nod and disappeared, but his voice carried. “Ace, Connie, Gilbert, you better get out here now. We got us a situation.”

“Nate, no! Braden.” She didn’t want her son to see her like this, hauled off to jail in handcuffs.

But her protests came too late. In seconds, the rest of the family converged on the front porch. A cacophony erupted. Questions, arguments, Ace’s demands to know what the sheriff was thinking to do this on Christmas Day. And of course, Lawson’s weary explanations.

None of this was his fault. It was hers.

“I’m sorry,” she kept saying. “So sorry.”

To make matters worse, Braden burst through the door and threw his arms around her legs. “Mommy!”

She fell to her knees and clung to her son, battling the fear she didn’t want him to see. What would happen to her baby if she went to prison? Who would love him the way she did?

Wyatt put a hand on the sheriff’s shoulder. “Come on, Lawson. Don’t do this in front of the boy. Let me drive her down to the station.”

“Can’t do that, but…” Lawson dropped the handcuffs to his side. “If she’ll come peacefully, I’ll forgo the cuffs.”

Marley nodded. “Anything for my son.”

She heard the quiver in her words, felt the chatter of her teeth. Being arrested at Welker’s Nursery had been humiliating. Being arrested here was the final insult. She was nothing but trash, a horrible woman who’d dragged a lot of good people into her mess.

But she wouldn’t make matters any worse by letting Braden see her in handcuffs.

To calm him and herself, she caressed each of his cheeks and held his eyes with hers. “I’m going for a ride in the nice sheriff’s car. Don’t worry. I’ll be fine. You have all those wonderful new toys to play with while I’m gone.”

Amazing how calm she sounded, as if they were going for a Sunday drive.

“Can I go with you?”

She looked up at the sheriff.

He shook his head and muttered, “Days like this, I hate my job.”

“I can’t leave him.”

“I’m sure Wyatt’s family will keep an eye on him until social services arrives.”

Every nerve in Marley’s body screamed. The thing she feared the most was happening.

“Social services is here, Lawson. No need to call. I’ve got this.” Soft-voiced Emily gave Marley a reassuring glance and touched Braden’s back. “Tell you what, Braden, you and I will hang out here with the twins and Daisy while your mom takes a ride with our friend, the sheriff. Okay?”

His bottom lip quivered. “I don’t want Mommy to go.”

“I know, honey, but she has some business to take care of.”

Marley gathered Braden close and kissed his precious face, memorizing his smell and sweetness. “I love you.”

“To the moon and back?” His lip trembled.

“More than the stars and galaxies,” she said.

“But not more than Jesus.”

With her heart breaking, she kissed him again. “Never as much as Jesus. You remember that, okay? Jesus takes care of us anywhere we are and every moment of the day.”

He nodded, calmer now that they’d played out their loving routine and she’d reminded him about Jesus.

She rose and put her son’s hand in Emily’s. “Go with Miss Emily and be my very good boy. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” She could only pray that was hours, not years.

The sheriff took her elbow. “Ready?”

She nodded.

Braden jerked away from the social worker, threw himself against Marley’s legs and began to sob. The sound pierced her soul.

Oh Jesus, help my baby.

As if in answer to her prayer, Wyatt scooped Braden into his arms. For one brief, painful moment, the man she loved looked at her, his face stony, before carrying her son inside the house.

She’d lost him. As she’d feared.

She could only pray she didn’t lose her son as well.