Christmas on My Mind Read Online Free PDF

Jess heard the SUV roar out of the driveway, siren wailing.
    Jess shook her head. “Good grief, is all that fuss necessary? It’s just a couple of kids—and they’re girls!”
    Clara gave her a knowing smile. “The siren and lights are just theater. Ben’s way with lawbreaking kids is to make a big deal of it, put the fear of God into them so, hopefully, they’ll never do it again. Most of the time, it works.”
    â€œI can tell you’re proud of him,” Jess said.
    â€œI am. Ben’s been through some rough times—losing his chance at the NFL when he blew out his knee in college, going to work for his father-in-law, and then having his marriage break up. But he’s done all right for himself since he came home. He’s a good sheriff and a good son.”
    â€œYou mentioned something about a daughter.”
    â€œYes. Ellie would be about your age. She’s married to a lawyer and lives in San Francisco. I get a call from her every few weeks, but I don’t see as much of her as I’d like.” For a moment she looked wistful. Then she smiled again. “Ben tells me you plan to settle here in Branding Iron.”
    â€œYes, if I can find a job and a place to live—and if things work out with my . . .” Could she say the word? “My mother.”
    â€œBen told me you came to find her,” Clara said. “I think you’re very brave. You’re going to have your hands full, trying to help Francine.”
    Clara’s acceptance was like the opening of a door into a warm place. Only now did Jess realize how much she’d needed a sympathetic ear—and how much she needed to learn about her mother.
    â€œBen tried to talk me out of getting involved with her,” she said. “But now that I’m here, how can I just turn my back and walk away?” Still nervous, she took a bite of cake, then another. “This cake is delicious. I hope you won’t mind sharing the recipe.”
    â€œNot at all. I actually made it for the little group I’m hosting here later today—the committee for planning this year’s Cowboy Christmas Ball. You’re welcome to join us—it would give you a chance to make some friends here. Heaven knows, if you stay and take on Francine, you’re going to need some support.”
    â€œThanks. Let me think about it.” The thought of meeting the respectable ladies of the town was enough to make Jess cringe with dread. But Clara was right. If she stayed in Branding Iron, she was going to need friends. And she might never have a better chance at making some than today.
    â€œWhat can you tell me about the Cowboy Christmas Ball?” she asked. “It sounds like a lot of fun.”
    â€œOh, it is—although it’s also a lot of work behind the scenes. The idea for a Cowboy Christmas Ball started over in Anson. It’s still a huge thing there. But a few years after that, folks in Branding Iron decided they wanted their own. Our first Christmas ball was held here after the boys came back from World War One. It’s become a tradition. Everybody dresses for an old-fashioned western dance—even the children. There’s a barbecue, plenty of food and dancing. And we usually sign a big-name country band for the music. It’s the biggest event of the year. Most of the planning’s already been done. This meeting is mostly just to go down the checklist and make sure everything’s covered.”
    â€œIt does sound like fun,” Jess said. “And it would be a great chance to meet people. I want to learn more about the town and especially about Francine. How well do you know her?”
    â€œWe were never close friends—she’s quite a bit younger than I am. But we both grew up here in Branding Iron.” Clara gazed out the window, as if looking into the past. “I remember what a beautiful young girl she was—wild, to be sure, but