Her Christmas Surprise Read online

Mrs Simpson glared at her. “Mr Hadley is my boss. Beau is just one of the cowboys. And cowboys don’t belong in my kitchen. You best keep that in mind for when it’s your kitchen.”

  Simone gawked. “My kitchen?”

  “Yes, your kitchen. You could almost say it’s your kitchen now. Almost.” Her expression went from being very annoyed back to kindly. “How are you going with that bacon, girly? It’s almost time to feed them lot out there.”

  Simone stretched to look out into the enclosed dining area where the cowboys ate. “Oh heck! There’s a ton of them already.”

  “Don’t you mind them. We have a schedule and we stick to it. You still have fifteen minutes. Finish the bacon, then we’ll start cooking.”

  “You’re doing good,” she added. “I’ll get you trained up, don’t you worry.”

  Simone nodded. She didn’t have Mrs Simpson’s confidence, but hopefully that would change over time.

  “I’ve already filled the urn for that lot’s coffee.”

  Simone looked at her in dismay. How on earth did the older woman manage all this herself.

  Mrs Simpson answered the unspoken question. “I fill it at night, then turn it on when I get up. It takes forever to heat up.”

  Simone wondered if she should be taking notes.

  “Righto, done? Good, time to cook.” Simone followed Mrs Simpson out to the dining area. There was a large electric barbeque where breakfast was cooked.

  “Listen up you lot,” Mrs Simpson yelled, amongst the cat whistles. “This is Simone. She’s the new cook.” There was a lot of whistling and shouting. “Any of you lot give her grief and I’ll kick your ass myself. Got it?” They all hushed.

  “Where are you goin’ Mrs Simpson?” one cowboy asked.

  “Well Joe, I’m retiring. I been here for more than twenty years now, and it’s time. I’ll train up this little girl, then I’m off.”

  Until then, Simone hadn’t noticed Beau sitting out with the other cowboys. “We’ll all miss you Mrs Simpson,” he told her. She heard the sincerity in his voice. As tough as she could be, and Simone fully understood why she was like that, she was also a kindly lady.

  She instructed Simone how to add the eggs and bacon to the barbeque to have everything ready simultaneously and showed her how to dish up. The cowboys arrived in dribs and drabs, which helped immensely.

  They lined up waiting for their food, and each of them welcomed her. Simone felt herself relax a little more now that breakfast was almost over.

  “Once we stack the dishwasher, we’ll get onto baking,” Mrs Simpson explained once they were back in the kitchen.

  It was going to be a long day.

  * * *

  After the day’s baking was done, Mrs Simpson took her for a tour of the ranch.

  Not the entire ranch – Mrs Simpson told her that would take literally days. No, she showed her the immediate area; places she needed to know about.

  “This is the hen-house,” she said. “Let them out in the morning and collect the eggs.” She showed Simone all the hen’s hiding places where she’d find them. “Lock them up after supper.”

  They went around the side of the house next. “This was Mrs Hadley’s garden. Her pride and joy.” She wiped a tear from her face. “We all loved the missus.” She looked at Simone sternly. “You look after this veggie patch. Don’t you let it die.”

  “I won’t, I promise,” Simone told her. She would do her upmost to keep it alive.

  She motioned to her far right. “That’s the chapel. It’s always open – day and night. You go there whenever you want.”

  It looked very welcoming.

  After Mrs Simpson left her, she wandered over to take a look.

  The chapel was beautiful. It had either been well looked after or had been restored. The windows were all beautiful stained glass, in the style she’d come to expect in a chapel, and the pews all bore cushions.

  She reached down and pulled out a bible, her hands covering it, as if drawing strength. In a way she was – she came here to pray for the strength to get her through. To ensure she learned from Mrs Simpson, and to do the best job she could.

  The last thing she wanted was to leave. Everyone had been so welcoming and friendly. She hadn’t come across that in a very long time.

  She also prayed for her friend Amy. They’d lived in the same foster home for several years, practically grown up together, and Simone hadn’t seen her for quite a while. She missed her friend. A lot.

  She didn’t know how long she’d been sitting there but was startled by a noise. She stood and turned toward the sound.

  “Howdy, Ma’am,” the cowboy said, taking his hat from his head. “I’m Joe, one of the cowpokes. Everyone calls me Old Joe.” He grinned.

  Simone figured he was in his late forties, or early fifties, so the name was probably more about how long he’d been there, than his age.

  She extended her hand. “Pleased to meet you Joe. I’m Simone.”

  “I know.” He grinned. “Hard to miss a pretty lady around here.”

  Simone felt the heat rise in her cheeks, and quickly headed toward the entrance.

  “Miss Simone,” he called after her. “If you have any trouble with any of the boys, you let me know, alright? I’ll straighten them out.”

  She nodded and went out into the brisk Montana air.

  * * *

  “Something smells great!”

  Mrs Simpson turned to Beau and glared. “What are you doing in here, Beau?”

  He put his hands in the air and backed off. “Wondering how Simone is going, and making sure she’s settled, is all.”

  “Thank you,” Simone told him. “I appreciate it, but I think I’m doing okay. Mrs Simpson is a wonderful teacher.”

  Beau grinned. “Of course she is, and she’s an amazing cook. What are you baking?”

  “Blueberry muffins. I’ve never made this many before though.” She looked toward the commercial size oven. “Never seen an oven as big as this one either.”

  “You’ll get used to it.”

  And just like that he was gone.

  “He’s nice,” Simone said.

  “That he is lass, but mind you don’t take too much of a liking to the young Hadley boys. I’m not sure Mr Hadley would be happy.”

  “I won’t, I promise. I’m totally not interested. I just want to do my job.”

  “Good. That’s settled then.”

  Simone glanced at her watch. “Twenty minutes until break. I’ll get quicker, I promise.”

  “You’re doing good, girly. Don’t you stress it.”

  A few minutes later Nash Hadley wandered into the kitchen. “What is wrong with you boys today? Git out of my kitchen! Don’t you have work to do?”

  He smiled at Simone.

  “Oh no you don’t,” Mrs Simpson said. “Go away. You boys are the absolute limit. Git!”

  His smile disappeared, and he backed out in record time.

  “Them boys are trying to get on with you, girly.”

  Simone was shocked. Really? Well she wasn’t in the least interested. She needed this job and needed the money, and somewhere to live. She didn’t need the grief of having a boyfriend. Especially not the boss’s kid.

  The timer on the oven brought her out of her thoughts. “Use the oven gloves,” Mrs Simpson said. “They’re much safer. The wooden block in the middle of the room is to put these trays on. Use it.”

  Simone nodded and followed her instructions. She’d been doing a lot of that lately.

  “Morning.” It was Vern this time. “Thought I’d pop my head in and see how your prodigy is going.”

  Mrs Simpson grinned. First time Simone had seen her smile all day. “She’s doing well, Mr Hadley. Really well.”

  “After twenty-four years you still won’t call me Vern.” He shook his head. “Keep up the good work, Simone. And thank you, Mrs Simpson,” he said, then left the room.

  She lifted the first tray of large muffins out of the oven. “They sm
ell good,” she said.

  “Test ‘em. Make sure they’re cooked.” She was handed a skewer. “That’s the exact time I bake them. Stick to that and you’ll have perfect muffins every time.”

  Simone pulled the rest of the muffins out of the oven and placed them on a cooling rack. It was nearly time for the men to arrive.

  Once cooled they were placed on trays and taken into the dining room. They topped up the coffee and sugar, made sure there were enough cups, plates and spoons, and waited for the dining room to fill up.

  She felt his presence before she saw him. His unique fragrance filled her nostrils and the warmth of his body touched her in ways she’d never been touched before.

  She felt the warmth of his fingers on her arm. The zing of it went through her like a rocket launching. “Am I allowed to get in early?”

  She turned around to see him grinning. “Nope. Sorry. Mrs Simpson says I have to be tough. Especially with you Hadley boys.” She couldn’t help but laugh.

  He met her eyes, and she couldn’t pull hers away. He slowly leaned in to her.

  “Simone, did you…” The words died on Mrs Simpson’s lips. “Oh no you don’t Beau Hadley. You leave my girl alone. I know what you boys are like.”

  She grabbed the kitchen towel from her waistband and flicked it at him. “Git.”

  He grinned at Simone and took off. She watched as he strolled toward the stables.

  “Damned Hadley’s. You keep that boy away.” She turned and went back to the kitchen. It wasn’t long after that the room filled. The muffins were quickly consumed, and it was time for the clean up once again.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Simone was becoming quite good at baking.

  Mrs Simpson wrote down all her recipes, since they were mostly in her head. Mr Hadley had ordered the older woman take the day off, as a dry run for Simone – to see how she coped on her own.

  So far so good.

  “What are you baking?”

  She sighed. “Don’t you ever work, Beau Hadley? You always seem to be in this kitchen.” She grinned. She’d done her best impersonation of Mrs Simpson.

  He laughed. She loved when he laughed. The little wrinkles around his eyes bunched up, and his face relaxed. His mouth opened wide, and his smile took up half the width of his face.

  She was getting way too fond of him.

  “You seem happy.” He looked around. “Where’s Mrs Simpson?”

  Simone’s smile disappeared. “I’m on my own today. Your father gave her the day off – to see how I fared.”

  She turned her back on him and returned to mixing the muffins. She added a little more flour but tipped it in too quickly and it went everywhere.

  Beau laughed.

  “It’s not funny. Look at this mess!” It was everywhere – all over the benchtop, all over her apron, even flying through the air. It felt as though it was all over her face and in her hair.

  He stepped toward her and his demeanor suddenly changed. Their eyes locked and Simone couldn’t look away. Didn’t want to look away.

  His hand reached out and brushed the flour from her cheek. “Beau,” she said, warning him to keep his distance.

  “I’m so glad you came here, Simone,” he said. “Every day has new meaning now. I look forward to getting up every day.” He brushed at her other cheek. “You really are a mess,” he said, his expression serious.

  He leaned forward, his lips only an angel’s breath away. Simone continued to stare into his eyes. “Tell me no and I’ll back off,” he said quietly.

  She stayed silent. It was only the lightest of kisses, but when his lips touched hers, Simone’s heart sang. She leaned into him and rested her head on his shoulder.

  “I really like you, Beau,” she said softly.

  “I really like you too, Simone. More than like.”

  They were so engrossed in each other they didn’t hear Mrs Simpson come into the kitchen. “Beau Hadley, get your hands off my girl,” she said quietly.

  * * *

  Simone was exhausted. She’d been on the Silver Shoe Ranch for nearly a week now but hadn’t had time to sit and rest.

  She was getting better at what she had to do, and Mrs Simpson was a Godsend. She had no idea what she would do without the older lady there to guide her.

  She’d learned an awful lot in a relatively short period of time, and only had her assistance for another few weeks at most.

  Vern, Mr Hadley, had already spoken to her about catering a small party to celebrate Mrs Simpson’s retirement.

  This would be all up to her, because it was to be a surprise. She took a deep breath. It would be a challenge, but she was certain she could pull it off.

  She wouldn’t have said that a week ago.

  “You must be freezing.”

  She looked up to see Beau standing nearby with a blanket in his hands. She’d been sitting out on the porch watching the sunset.

  She’d never done that in the city.

  Not that it was the same, because it wasn’t. Out here, in the middle of nowhere, the sun was huge. The horizon seemed much closer, and the sun moving down below it much larger.

  You got to experience the clouds moving across the sky. And you got to enjoy the peace and quiet.

  She pulled her cardigan further around her shoulders. “I guess I am. I’ve been watching the sunset. It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

  “It certainly is beautiful.” He pulled a blanket around her shoulders and tucked her in tight. “You’re not used to Montana weather, are you?” She heard the curiosity in his voice.

  “I’m from interstate,” she said quickly, hoping he’d move on. She wasn’t interested in telling anyone her life story. And he probably didn’t want to hear it.

  “It’s going to get colder, the closer we get to Christmas. I hope you have warm clothing,” he said, but the question was clearly heard.

  She gazed up at him and shook her head. “I didn’t bring much with me. I figured I’d be indoors most of the time.” The truth of the matter was, all her worldly possessions were in that bag, and all she had were a few changes of clothes.

  “I’ll take you into town once you’re settled.”

  “No!” The thought terrified her. “I mean, uh, the truth is, I don’t have any money until I’m paid.”

  She watched his thoughts ticking over. Then the realization that hit him.

  He sat next to her and spoke quietly. “You’re working for us, and only need that gear because you’re here.” He stared into her face as though he was trying to understand her better. “The ranch will pay for whatever you need.”

  “Please no. I don’t want to be a burden.” She turned her head away so he couldn’t see how upset she was. “Besides, I don’t have time. I have very full days.”

  “We’ll go Friday. I’m sure Mrs Simpson won’t mind taking over the baking for the day. There, no excuses.”

  “But,”

  “We’ll leave at nine-thirty. It’s a long drive into town.”

  He stood then, leaving Simone to her own thoughts. Thoughts like how she would survive in a car with Beau in such close proximity for the long drive.

  She brushed it aside for now and sat back to enjoy the panoramic view in front of her. It was thoughtful of Beau to bring her a blanket. It didn’t even enter her mind to grab one.

  Her mind drifted off, and she was having a lovely dream; one of living on this ranch for many years to come, like Mrs Simpson. Of being appreciated, and perhaps even loved. Something she hadn’t experienced since her parents had died.

  She dreamed of familiar faces and her own bed, one that she slept in every night forever.

  Her eyes fluttered open and she looked up to see Beau leaning over her. “It’s alright,” he whispered. “Go back to sleep.” He kissed her forehead gently.

  She was in her own room. She’d fallen asleep on the porch, and he’d carried her in.

  It was just like Beau – he was thoughtful in every way.
r />   She rolled over and he pulled the blanket over her, then slipped quietly out of the room. She dreamed of Beau, of kissing him, and being in his arms. Even in her sleep-filled state, she knew she shouldn’t.

  * * *

  Beau was excited.

  It was Friday and he was taking Simone into Hidden Valley to do some shopping. It would be a good chance to get to know her better as well.

  Mrs Simpson was taking over the baking for the day. Simone refused to come with him unless she prepared breakfast, so that was the compromise.

  Mrs Simpson said she was bored now, since Simone is doing most of the work. She’d picked everything up very quickly.

  “Go Simone, and don’t worry about anything. Remember what I said about Beau.” It was Mrs Simpson’s voice. “Don’t get too close.”

  He was annoyed. Mrs Simpson had her reasons for keeping them apart, but that didn’t make him feel any better.

  It was true they’d spent many months trying to get a new cook. Simone was the only one who’d answered the advert.

  But he wasn’t going to let that stand in the way. He had feelings for her, and he hoped she felt the same way.

  He suddenly stiffened. What if she didn’t and she was only humoring him to keep her job? The thought had never occurred to him before.

  Perhaps that’s why Mrs Simpson was pushing them apart. She might know something he didn’t.

  He frowned.

  Was that the case? Was he making a fool of himself?

  “I’m finally ready!” He glanced up to see her smiling face and all his doubts disappeared. For now.

  He looked her up and down. Her get-up only reinforced the need for warmer clothes. “Great. Let’s get going then. It’s a long drive.”

  She wore flimsy summer-weight denims with a cotton button-through shirt. Over it she wore a light cardigan.

  She had trainers on her feet – at least that was a plus.

  He opened the door to her, and she frowned. “You don’t have to open the door you know. I am quite capable…”

  “So am I. You’re not used to being looked after, are you?” She cringed. “I’m sorry. Forget I said anything.”

  He saw her looking around as they navigated the long drive from the ranch to the main road, which wasn’t much better than a dirt road.