Daddy's Christmas Miracle: Santa in a Stetson

Allie stared at her out of pained brown eyes. “We’ve never met her.”

An unseen hand squeezed Kathryn’s heart. Never?

“Dad met her in Las Vegas when he was a big rodeo champion on the circuit, but they broke up after Matt and I were born. Dad thought she might have gone back to her aunt and uncle’s in Salt Lake where she was raised, but he never saw or heard from her again.”

“Allie …” Kathryn reached out and rocked her in her arms.

“At least when your family found you, you knew your mother loved you,” Allie sobbed.

At least I knew that …

“All my friends have moms except me. Dad can’t talk about it and Matt won’t talk about it.”

“So you decided to find your mother’s aunt and uncle and talk to them.” It made too much sense.

“Yes. Dad said they managed the Beehive Motel near the airport. I was going to take a taxi there, but then I got sick and that guy stole my purse with my money. I was hoping you’d stay through Thanksgiving and help me. Maybe phone them and talk to them for me since you do things like that all the time. Even if they don’t know where she is, maybe they’ll tell you something that would help and we could find my mom together. I just need to ask her why she didn’t want me and Matt.”

Good heavens. Kathryn slowly let go of her. From here on out, she had to be careful what she said to this fragile girl.

“The thing is,” Allie added, “I don’t want Dad to know.”

“What don’t you want me to know?” Colt’s deep voice said.

Kathryn felt his commanding presence before she saw him walk around the other side of the bed. Allie flashed her a silent message of pleading not to give her away.

“About the present I’m getting you for your birthday next week.”

Allie’s explanation sounded convincing enough, but Kathryn knew her father didn’t believe it for an instant.

“My lips are sealed,” Kathryn said to Colt with a playful smile.

“That makes two against one,” he teased back without challenging Allie, but his light tone didn’t reach his eyes. “I guess I’m going to have to settle for being surprised.”

The tension emanating from him made it impossible to stay in the room. “If you two will excuse me, I’m going downstairs to work on that puzzle.” Father and daughter needed to be alone. She eyed Allie. “I’ll be up in an hour to take your vitals before you go to sleep.”

“Okay.”

COLT HATED SECRETS. He was glad Katy had chosen to leave the room because he had a few things to say to his daughter in private. After sitting down on the bed next to her, he grasped the hand closest to him. “Your hair looks pretty.”

“She brushed it for me.”

“Ms. McFarland appears to be an excellent nurse who no doubt will be in high demand for the coming holiday.”

“You’re wrong about that, Dad.”

It looked as if they were going to talk about their guest whether he wanted to or not. “In what way?”

“She doesn’t have another patient to take care of on Thanksgiving.”

“In other words, she’s willing to make herself at home here and at your aunt’s, even though she thinks you’ll be well enough to be up and around by tomorrow?”

His daughter studied him with a speculative expression. “You don’t trust her, do you?” She removed her hand.

Her question jolted him. “We both owe her a debt of gratitude. Why can’t you let it go at that?”

Allie didn’t look away. “You act like she’s taking advantage of us or something.”

He breathed in deeply. “Let’s put it this way. Even if the patient advocacy program provides this service, she’s done something unprecedented by bringing you home. It’s possible that now she’s had a good look around, Ms. McFarland is a shrewd enough woman to play on your emotions hoping to extend her stay and see where it all leads.”

Her eyes never left his. “I knew that was why you didn’t like her, but Katy’s not looking for a rich husband,” she assured him.

He eyed her with incredulity. “Why would you say something like that?”

“I happened to overhear Michelle’s mom on the phone to one of her friends. She said that with your looks and money, you would always be a woman magnet and that’s probably why you haven’t remarried yet.”

Somehow when Colt wasn’t watching, Allie had become an adult. His precocious fifteen-year-old daughter had thrown the gloves away. He didn’t know her like this. “Allie—”

“I’ll prove that you’re wrong about Katy.”

To his surprise she slid out the other side of the bed and walked to her closet. He saw her pull something out of her parka pocket. She scuttled back under the covers and handed him a brochure, of all things. “Here, Dad. Read this.”

Colt had no idea what he thought he was going to see when he looked down at it. The picture staring back at him resembled the woman downstairs. He read the words beneath it.

Kathryn McFarland, lost for twenty-six years, has been FOUND!

McFarland … Suddenly it all came rushing back to him. The famous Utah kidnapping case involving the Copper King’s family, whose wealth rivaled that of the Vanderbilts and the Carnegies.

He jumped to his feet.

Four years earlier there’d been breaking news on every television and radio station in America about the baby daughter stolen from four-time U.S. Senator Reed McFarland and his wife. After twenty-six years, she’d been found and was now back with her family.

Some newscasters had said the case was bigger, yet gruesomely similar to the Lindbergh kidnapping back in 1932 when the baby was stolen out of their home, but the McFarlands’ story had a happy ending.

Katy was that Kathryn?

He stared at the picture again.

“That’s the photo the FBI first released to the press. It was taken while she was still living at Skwars Farm.”

Colt thought she looked like a deer caught in the headlights. Four years had wrought changes. She had a longer hairstyle now and a polish lacking in the photograph, but the facial features and beautiful bone structure couldn’t be denied. When he tore his eyes from her picture, he read the information from front to back.

“That brochure only tells you about the foundation, Dad. Besides running it, you ought to hear all the other things she and her family do to help people.”

For the next few minutes, he listened while Allie proceeded to enlighten him on the extraordinary way she’d carried on with her life since being reunited with her family. Each new revelation made him more shameful of his cynicism.

The McFarlands had lived through the horror of waking up to find their baby missing from her crib. Colt’s panic when he’d first learned Allie had gone off and no one knew where she was had given him a small taste of their terror.

He reflected on Ms. McFarland’s phone call to him and could only praise her for the calm way she’d let Colt know Allie was all right. That was because she knew how to talk to frantic parents.

She was no ordinary woman. Colt couldn’t compare her to the other women he’d known over the years. In all fairness, probably some of them hadn’t been out for all they could get from him, but he’d never let those relationships last long enough to prove him wrong. Allie hadn’t been completely off in her assessment.

He rubbed the back of his neck, experiencing a new level of panic. All he had to do was look at his daughter. The telltale stars in her eyes when she talked about Katy bordered on hero worship. Allie could have searched the world over and not have found a more heroic person to idolize than the nurse who’d accompanied her to Bozeman.

Ms. McFarland needed to get back to her life. They needed to get back to theirs. Once Allie was better and Colt was alone with his daughter again, he would confront her. He suspected why she’d gone to Salt Lake without telling him, but needed to hear it from her. When everything was out in the open and he could tell her he understood her reasons, then their lives could return to normal.

He handed Allie the brochure. “Keep this for your scrapbook. When you’re old, you’ll be able to tell your grandchildren that you were once taken care of by one of the most famous women in America, certainly the most altruistic.”

“Altruistic? I never heard that word before.”

“It means unselfish concern for the welfare of others. The McFarlands could have invented the word,” he murmured. “We’ve encroached on her generosity long enough. She needs to get back to her other responsibilities.”

“When is she leaving?” Allie cried out.

“If your temperature returns to normal by tomorrow, then I’ll drive her to the airport.” That was a given. If Allie’s temperature shot up again, he’d ask Dr. Rawson to make a house call.

“But she said a couple of days—”

“Today and tomorrow represent a couple of days, honey. I’m going downstairs to do some work. I would imagine she’ll be up soon to get you ready for bed. I’ll peek in on you later to kiss you good night.”

Her crushed expression was the last thing he saw before he almost bumped into Matt coming up the stairs. “Hey—where are you going so fast?”

“I’m getting the DVD they passed out at the football banquet from my room. Katy wants to watch it.”

“Maybe you could visit your sister for a little while first? If we take turns, she won’t be so bored.”

Matt got that impatient look on his face, but he muttered, “Okay.”

“Thanks. Who knows? Before long it might be you lying in bed with the flu, wishing someone would keep you company.”

Colt found their guest seated on the couch in the great room. She was watching the national news while she talked to someone on her cell phone.

Illuminated by the fire, she made a riveting picture, Before her glance flicked to his, he’d picked up on the serious tone of her conversation. While he waited for her to hang up, he wandered over to the puzzle and fit in some pieces.

KATHRYN HAD EXPECTED MATT to come back into the room. The sight of his dark-haired father prompted her to tell her sister that unless something changed with Allie, she’d see her at the airport at noon tomorrow. She hung up and turned off the TV.

“Forgive me for ignoring you, Colt.”

He looked across at her with his keen gaze. “You didn’t have to do that for me.”

No, but he’d brought a restless energy into the room that put her on edge. “There wasn’t anything of interest to watch. I’m glad you came in so I could talk to you before I go upstairs. When you walked in on Allie and me earlier, she’d just told me something in confidence.

“For the sake of not upsetting her, I went along with her excuse about your birthday present. But I’m going up now to say good night to her. When I do, I’ll tell her she mustn’t keep secrets from you. Not that she needs any encouragement from me. She loves you too terribly to hold back much longer. What I’m hoping is that it will be sooner than later so you can have some peace. Good night.”

More convinced than ever that he was only putting up with her presence for Allie’s sake, she left the family room, anxious to separate herself from him. He probably wasn’t aware he had that effect on her. The man was in hell with good reason.

Kathryn was so immersed in her troubled thoughts, she almost bumped into Matt at the top of the stairs with a DVD in his hand. She’d forgotten about that.

He slowed down. “I was just coming, but I had to talk to Allie first.”

“Of course. Your sister has top priority.” She looked at her watch. “I didn’t realize how late it was getting and decided I’d better get my patient ready for bed. Tell you what. Leave the DVD downstairs and we’ll watch it together in the morning. I really do want to see it.” If his father hadn’t been down there, she wouldn’t have come up yet.

“Sure.”

She felt his trail of disappointment as she went to her room to get her bag. Kathryn didn’t like that her presence seemed to be creating a disturbance in Colt’s household.

When she walked into Allie’s room a moment later, the teen was listening to her iPod. She raised a sad face to Kathryn before removing the headset. “Hi.”

“Hi, yourself. Looks like your brother’s been taking care of you. That’s nice.”

Allie didn’t say anything. “Let’s check that temperature first.”

After the beep went off, Kathryn checked the numbers. “Ninety-eight point eight. That’s in the normal range. Tomorrow you’ll be able to get dressed and go downstairs.” She checked her lungs and blood pressure. Everything looked good.

“You’re going home tomorrow, huh?”

Her mournful tone didn’t escape Kathryn. She put everything back in her bag. “Unless you take a turn for the worse, which I don’t believe will happen.” She handed her a glass of water and the pills.

Tears glazed her brown eyes as she swallowed them. “Have you decided you can’t help me find my mom?”

Kathryn had been expecting that question. “There’s no such a thing as can’t, Allie, but this is something you have to discuss with your father. I wouldn’t dream of going behind his back to help you with something so painful and private for both of you. He’s been such a wonderful father to you all these years, he deserves to know what you’re thinking and feeling.”

Allie bit her lip. “What if he gets mad at me?”

“You were grown up enough to go to Salt Lake on your own. At this point he realizes you’re no longer a child incapable of relating to adult problems. Give him a chance and he’ll surprise you with his understanding.”

“You think?” Her eyes had fastened on Kathryn, she wanted to believe her.

“I know.” Kathryn couldn’t say that about many things, but she’d felt Colt’s deep love for Allie. So deep, in fact, she had an idea he was still in shock over what his daughter had done.

“Can I call you after you get back to Salt Lake? I’ll use the phone number printed on the brochure.”

Kathryn had to hang tough on this one. “Not unless you have his permission. You want to keep your father’s trust, don’t you?”

Allie’s head was bowed. “Yes.”

“So do I. You’re very blessed to have a dad like him. I’ll see you in the morning. Good night.” She fought the impulse to hug her. Kathryn’s strong compulsion to give in to Allie’s wishes proved that this girl already meant more to her than she should.

After preparing for bed, she reached for her phone and got under the covers to call Donna. There was still no word on the abducted girl. Once they’d hung up, she phoned her parents and learned that her mother had been in contact with the missing girl’s family.

The three of them commiserated over the tragic situation. Before she hung up, she told them that if she flew home tomorrow as planned, she expected them to come to her condo for dinner. They were always waiting on other people. Kathryn felt like waiting on them for a change.

This experience with Allie had made her more emotional than usual. Before falling asleep, she prayed that the little kidnapped girl would be found alive and that Allie would find the courage to confide in her father. She eventually fell asleep remembering the joy in Colt’s voice and expression as he’d picked up his daughter and carried her to the car. Every parent should have such a happy reunion.

At eight the next morning, Kathryn showered and got ready for the day. She’d packed an oyster-colored silk blouse and dove-gray pants in fine wool, cinched with a wide leather belt. She caught her hair back with a tortoise shell clip and put pearl studs in her ears.

In a minute, she knocked on Allie’s door and announced herself.

“Come in.” The teen had already showered and looked terrific in a long-sleeved, navy-blue cotton pullover teamed with Levi’s and sneakers.

“Well, look at you. I don’t think I need to take your vitals, but I’m going to anyway.”

“First will you do my hair like you wore yours yesterday?” Allie handed her the brush.

“Of course. Have you got a scarf?”

“No, but will this neckerchief do?”

“Let me see it.”

Allie pulled it out of her middle drawer. It was a Levi brand with a navy cowboy motif. She handed it to Kathryn.

“I think it’s long enough to tie in a bow.”

Kathryn brushed her hair back and made short work of it. She studied the teen. Whoever her mother was had to have been a beautiful woman. “You look lovely.”

“Thanks.”

“Now if you’ll indulge me while I check you, then we can go downstairs for breakfast.” A couple of minutes later and it was all over. “Your temperature is normal, Allie.”

“That’s what I was afraid of,” she mumbled.

“You don’t really mean that,” Kathryn said, trying to be cheerful. “Although you still have some head congestion, your lungs are clear. Just take it easy for another day or two to get back your strength. Take your pills now, then we’ll go.”

“Okay.”

Once that was accomplished, they left the bedroom and walked toward the staircase. Colt was coming up the steps two at a time, dressed in a plaid flannel shirt in reds and blues. He wore Levi’s and cowboy boots.

By accident, his eyes lifted to Kathryn’s, forcing her to swallow the cry in her throat. Beneath his inky-black hair and brows, those orbs had taken on the color of crystal green shards.

“Good morning, Ms. McFarland.”

Kathryn found him the most attractive man she’d ever met in her life. “Good morning,” she answered back, thankful she could speak.

Until she’d flown in yesterday, her brother-in-law Jake Halsey had been the only living male to merit that distinction. Considine lurked in her dreams. Who knew the day would come when a forbidding Montana cowboy who jealously guarded his mountain isolation would topple them both in an instant.

He switched his attention to Allie. “Hi, honey. Noreen has breakfast on the table. I was just coming up to get you. I guess I don’t have to ask how you’re feeling.”

“Her temperature is normal,” Kathryn volunteered when Allie only muttered something indistinct.

“That’s the best news yet.” He reached for her and carried her the rest of the way.

“Dad, put me down. I’m not a baby.” But she said it with a giggle.

“Don’t you know you’ll always be my baby girl?” he teased before setting her on her feet with another hug.

When Kathryn imagined him hugging her like that, a shiver of delight raced through her body. She followed father and daughter through to the other side of their home, not having seen the vaulted living and dining room before. The same refined rustic decor and tall windows ran through the entire house.

So much daylight opened up the rooms to nature. The sight of new fallen snow from the night before was glorious. She almost blurted that this had to be one of the most beautiful spots on Earth, but she caught herself in time.

While Colt helped her and Allie to the table laden with scones and bacon, Matt came running in wearing a polo and jeans. He flashed Kathryn a smile before taking a seat next to their father. “I was hoping you guys would be up.”

“After we eat, I want to see your video, Matt.”

“Which one is that?” Allie wanted to know.

“My football banquet DVD.”

Kathryn turned to her. “Have you seen it?”

Allie rolled her eyes. “About a dozen times.”

“Then it must be good.”

“Except we lost in the playoffs,” he said.

“That doesn’t matter, Matt. To think your team made it that far is terrific. Not every guy has the ability or the opportunity to even go out for football. Someday, you’ll be able to show it to your children. Think how fun that will be for you and them.”

Colt shot her an enigmatic glance. “Do you have a favorite sport besides football?”

Matt must have told his father what she’d confided to him. “Yes. It’s skiing.”

“We love it, too, don’t we, Dad?”

“We do,” he answered.

“Are you really going back to Salt Lake today?”

“Yes. At noon.”

“Noon!” Both teens moaned aloud.

“Since your sister is on the mend, I’m needed elsewhere.”

“But if you stayed until tomorrow, you could go skiing with us this afternoon.”

“Matt! You heard Ms. McFarland. I’ll be driving her to the airport shortly. There’ll be no skiing for us today. We’re staying in with Allie, and you have some homework to get busy on before school tomorrow.”

“Can I at least go with you to take her to the airport?”

Kathryn heard Colt’s hesitation before the answer came. “I don’t see why not. Noreen will be here to keep an eye on Allie.”

“I don’t need her to watch me.” His daughter’s predictable response settled things for Kathryn.

Not wanting to get in the middle of a talk with his disgruntled children, she got up from the table. “Those scones were fabulous. Excuse me for a minute while I go in the kitchen and thank Noreen. Then I’ll watch your video.”

Colt wanted to see the back of Kathryn. She was doing her best to oblige him. Only another hour before he drove her to the airport and out of their lives.

Chapter Five

The snow had been heavier on the mountain, but last night’s storm hadn’t developed into anything ferocious. By the time Colt turned his car onto the highway, the plows had already been out to clear it for the rest of the drive into Bozeman. The clouds had opened up, allowing the sun to shine through.

Under normal circumstances, it was his favorite kind of winter day, but today had a different feel about it. An intangible gloom had descended over his household and none of his efforts could shake it. He’d left Allie seated in front of the fire to work on the puzzle with Ed. Between her red-rimmed eyes and his broken arm, they made quite a pair.

When Matt had brought Ms. McFarland’s suitcase down to the Xterra, she’d moved ahead of him and had climbed in the backseat. His son got in front with him. So far Colt hadn’t looked in the rearview mirror. He didn’t want to meet a pair of blue eyes and be electrified by them again. It had happened with every chance glance since yesterday.

Matt turned his head toward her. “Katy? Are you going to the Utah-BYU football game on Saturday?”

“It’s possible, especially because they’ll be playing at the U, which is five minutes away from me. But I might have to work.”

“Rich and I are going skiing, so I’m going to record it and then watch it after. Maybe I’ll see you on TV.”

She chuckled. “I’ll probably end up having to tape it, too. I’m hoping we win. Last year we lost in overtime and it about killed everybody.”

Colt listened while they talked about the flaws and virtues of both teams’ quarterbacks. Once they passed the airport security check, he obtained permission to drive on through to the area where the white Cessna was parked on the tarmac.

“There’s my ride. Have to run so I don’t hold them up.” She opened the back door and got out so fast with her suitcase, neither he nor Matt had time to assist her.

She eyed them without really looking at them, then smiled. “It’s been a pleasure meeting Allie’s family. Thank you for your hospitality. I won’t forget.” She extended her gloved hand, which they both shook. “Tell her to stay well, now.”

Colt nodded, finally allowing himself to take in the sight of her shapely figure clad in the white parka. “I hope you know how indebted I am to you.”

“I do know.”

Yes, she did. The found Kathryn McFarland knew it better than most anyone else in the world.

“If I get sick, will you come and nurse me?”

Gentle laughter escaped her throat. “You’ve got a whole wonderful family to help you, Matt. Just take care you don’t break a leg skiing on Saturday or you’ll let your wrestling coach down.”

He grinned. “You don’t have to worry about me.”

Still clutching her suitcase, she turned and started toward the open door of the plane. Colt watched her disappear inside. Disturbed by the odd sensation that swept through him, he wheeled around and strode back to his car. The second Matt got in, Colt started the motor and they took off.