Kit & Rogue (The Sons of Dusty Walker) (20 page)

“Perfect!” Kit exclaimed and Rogue breathed a sigh of relief. He was relieved his mother would be near and grateful his wife was happy about it.

“Our new home will be done in a few weeks and you can live in my house on White Wing.” Kit offered with excitement in her voice.

“Perfect, I’ve packed a few things of yours too.” She spoke directly to Rogue. “Mainly Jester’s Christmas stocking. He wouldn’t be happy if that wasn’t hanging from your mantel.”

“The horse has a stocking?” Kit asked in amazement.

“Yes, and he knows exactly which one is his.”

“This I can’t wait to see.”

There were a lot of things Rogue couldn’t wait for. For the first time in his life, he actually looked forward to the future–a future with Kit. Rogue sipped his drink, enjoying the day. Christmas would be different. The Walker brothers had agreed they’d spend the holiday together. What would happen? Rogue had no idea. The only thing he knew–he was blessed.

Rogue Walker had much to be thankful for.

*  *  *

“Jingle bells, batman smells, Robin laid an egg.” Rogue sang under his breath as he helped Kit from the car, his other hand full of a Santa Claus sack filled with presents.

“Stop it,” Kit punched him playfully. “This is going to be great. Just think, next year we’ll have a baby for Christmas!”

“True, and with my mom and your mom both here, our little bundle of joy will be spoiled rotten.”

“That’s what babies are for.” Kit answered, her hand on her tummy. She now sported a small, but visible baby bump. “I’m glad Marian stayed with Sheila tonight. She’s got the holiday blues since Mr. Benner is out of town visiting his children.”

“I can’t believe that obnoxious little lawyer may be in my family someday.” Rogue snorted.

As they walked up the drive toward Osprey House, light flurries of snow were beginning to fall. “I think we’re right on time. It looks like everyone else is just now gathering on the porch.” It was a little after five on Christmas Eve and the whole Walker clan had agreed to celebrate together.

“Hey, everyone!” Kit greeted her new family. “Merry Christmas!” About that time, Marliss opened the door for the group as they crowded together on the porch, giving hugs to the women, and manly pats on the back to the brothers. Hunter, Zoe and Dylan’s little boy, jumped up and down with excitement.

“Oh, good.” Marliss grinned at them. “You’re all here together. Well, come on in and let’s get to celebrating.”

Marliss and Lou had gone all-out decorating the place. Flickering electric candles glowed in every window, pine greenery graced the mantel of the big flat stone fireplace, and garland wrapped in white lights ran along the railing of the walkway on the second floor.

“The tree is going to be beautiful,” Kit whispered in Rogue’s ear.

“Ours is bigger,” he answered under his breath. “And it’s got balls.”

“Hush, you just like ours better because there’s so many presents for you underneath it.”

Rogue chuckled. “I’ve been a good boy this year.” He knew Kit was wondering where all of her presents were. He was sneaky, he had some hidden, but her main one wouldn’t be delivered until Christmas Day. He’d turned heaven and earth over to find the perfect gift and he had an idea she’d love it.

“Yes, you have.” Kit readily agreed, clasping his hand tightly.

The tree at Osprey House was a massive white pine culled from a local grower, since no pine trees called Kansas their native home. Multicolored lights shimmered among the green needles, but no ornaments hung from the boughs. Theresa Walker had boxes of white bulbs that she’d always decorated the tree with, but after the brothers discussed it, they’d all agreed with Marliss that those could stay in the basement storage room this year. Killian and Lexie, Rogue and Kit, Jackson and Rori, and Dylan, Zoe and even little Hunter each brought a few ornaments to hang on the tree as the beginning of a new tradition for their extended families.

They’d chosen to gather here at Osprey House on Christmas Eve so they could travel the next day to whichever other family holiday they wanted to attend. Rogue and Kit were celebrating with their mothers and the Bowman newlyweds would be flying up to join them for the evening meal. After the holidays, Rogue planned on putting the merger deal before his brothers. If they went along with it, Elijah and Lucia would be moving to Kansas. He never thought they’d leave the Lone Star state, but he’d never really known what it was like to be part of a big family before. He didn’t plan on spreading the news around–after all he had a reputation to maintain–but he sorta liked it.

Rogue helped his brothers haul in more wrapped packages, one of them looking suspiciously like a bicycle the perfect size for a five-year-old. The women congregated in the kitchen. Lou, running at full throttle in his Santa apron, had all four ovens going, one with a turkey, one held a beef roast, and the others emitted the amazing scents of side dishes and desserts.

Wearing a red-and-black plaid dress, black leggings, and gold lamé shoes with tiny bells on them, Marliss shooed them out of the kitchen to the formal dining room, where hot plates bearing fancy appetizers sat on the sideboard, and a wide variety of cocktail options awaited them at the portable bar.

Lexie played bartender, and soon each of the women held glasses. “Non-alcoholic for me!” Kit exclaimed joyously as she took a sip. They nibbled on the appetizers, then filled plates of the delicious goodies and wandered into the living room, sharing the delicacies with their men.

“Looks like the gals have found the bar.” Rogue put the last of the colorful packages under the tree.

Jackson walked up to the group holding four heavy tumblers of Dusty’s finest single-barrel whiskey. He handed one to each of his brothers. “I’m thinking we should each say a few words. “Ladies?”

“Let’s hear the toasts,” Marliss urged as she and Lou walked into the room, each carrying their own glass.

“I’ll go first,” Lexie said, “if that’s okay. The best day of my life was the day Killian walked into it. “Like everyone else, we’ve had our challenges.” She looked at Killian. “I’m grateful for the man he is and for the future we have together. I love you, Killian. Merry Christmas.”

Everyone echoed Merry Christmas and took a sip of their drinks.

“One more thing.” Lexi let her gaze travel around the room. “The date for my one-woman show has been set for February fourteenth. Valentine’s Day. In Savannah. I’d like to invite you all to be there if you can make it. It’s a really big day for me.”

“It may sound corny,” Killian said, ‘but I feel truly blessed. I have a wonderful family, a perfect wife, and a life I wouldn’t trade for anything. That’s the best Christmas present of all.”

“Amen!” Rogue raised his glass. They all made agreeing comments and took another drink.

“And I have one more announcement to make.” Killian held out his arm and Lexie moved into the circle of it. “We’re adding another Walker to the mix. Lexie and I are having a baby.”

“Oh, my god!” Zoe rushed over and hugged Lexie. She was soon joined by the other women, adding their excitement to the mix. Kit joined the hug as they compared due dates.

“Guess there’s no question about your motility,” Jackson joked.

“I guess fertility runs in the family,” Rogue joked.

Killian grinned, remembering the conversation they’d had at the barbecue about the strength of the sperm of his prized stallions.

“Will you still be able to handle the show, being pregnant and all?” Rori asked. “That’s a lot to take on.”

Killian smiled down at his wife. “I’ll make sure she gets pampered and coddled. The hard work’s already done. The paintings are finished. Next week the shipping company is coming to crate them. Then the gallery will put together its catalogue, create the guest list for the special reception, and start the promotion.”

“We’re so excited for you,” Zoe said.

“And you know we’ll be there,” Kit added. “All of us.” She glanced at Rogue, he looked happy and that was worth everything in the world to her.

“Thank you so much.” Lexie blinked back tears.

“Well, bless you both.” Marliss hurried over and gave Lexie a hug. “I can’t believe you and Kit are pregnant at the same time! This is going to be so much fun!”

“Thank you, Marliss.” Lexie kissed the older woman’s cheek. “I hope you’ll be an honorary aunt to him. Or her.”

“I will, no matter what sex it turns out to be. I’ll just be excited to welcome two more Walkers into the clan.” Again, they raised their glasses and sipped.

Rori leaned in close to her cowboy. “Since it’s the ladies’ turn to toast, I want to let everyone know that I’ve never been happier. Thanks to Jackson. I’ve fallen in love for the first time in my life.” She raised her glass in salute to Jackson. “And for the last time in my life.”

Jackson pulled her close for a kiss. “You got that right, Rori darlin’. Merry Christmas.”

Everyone gave mushy “awws” and laughed as both Rori and Jackson blushed a little.

Zoe cleared her throat, gaining the room’s attention. “Since Lexi let the cat out of the bag, I might as well spill the beans.” She splayed her hand on her tummy and smiled. “Looks like it’s going to be a packed house at the next Walker Christmas gathering.”

Her announcement was immediately met with hugs, kisses, and too many congratulations to count. Grinning like the happiest cowboy on earth, Dylan shook hands with his brothers.

Kit raised her glass. “I’m grateful to be here and glad to put the trouble of the last few months behind us.” She didn’t elaborate, leaving it up to her husband what he’d share and what he’d choose to keep to himself. Sometimes Rogue Walker liked to play his cards close to his vest. “I’ve never been happier, and I wish all of you the same.”

Hunter chose that moment to trip and fall, and his wails rose to the rafters. The women all set down their glasses and rushed to his aid, carrying him into the big bathroom off the kitchen. In seconds, the cries stopped.

“That boy sure knows how to monopolize a woman’s time.” Dylan just shook his head as the other three Walker brothers smiled.

“As long as we have a minute here…” Jackson looked at each of his brothers. “It’s been a pleasure getting to know each of you. Despite all my doubts, I’m glad we’ve been able to work out the kinks in the company, and have grown to appreciate one another. And I do.” He raised his glass. “I appreciate you, and I’m happy to have you in my life.”

As a log shifted and crackled, they raised their glasses and drank as the women filed back in with Hunter in tow.

Killian stood for a moment, looking from one brother to the other. “It may sound corny,” he said, ‘but I feel truly blessed. I have a wonderful family, a perfect wife, and a life I wouldn’t trade for anything. That’s the best Christmas present of all.”

“Nope, not corny at all.” Dylan clapped Killian on the shoulder. “This time last year, I thought the road was the only life I had. Much as I love the stage and my band,
you
are my family.” He gestured to each brother with his glass. “If nothing else, I guess we owe Dusty a debt of gratitude for bringing us together.”

A solemn silence fell over them as they drank a toast to their father.

Rogue stood. “I have something to say.” The room grew so quiet you could’ve heard a pin drop. “This past year has brought a lot of changes for all of us. We’ve stepped out on faith to form an alliance none of us ever expected. We’ve faced challenges.” He held out his hand to Kit. “We’ve had to come to terms with our father, Dusty Walker, and his legacy.” Rogue chuckled, glad he could laugh about it now. “A man I scarcely knew did his best to destroy me. But what I’ve gained is so much greater than what I lost.” Smiling at Kit, he continued. “I have a beautiful wife, a baby on the way and…” He raised his glass to his brothers and their ladies. “I have the best family a man could ask for.”

“Here, here!” Jackson cheered as the rest joined in with raised glasses and happy comments. “I think this calls for refills.”

Marliss, who was standing near, came forward with a tray full of drinks, when with a bang, the front door opened and a tall, thin woman walked in. Her long braided hair, a silvery gray, reached the middle of her back. Her long, black coat topped a pair of red cowgirl boots.

While the eight adults just stared, Hunter ran up to her. “Hi. Are you a new rel-a-tive, too?”

She smiled, her blue eyes softening as she crouched down to his level. “Yes, I am, young man. I’m your cousin Mercy.”

“Mercy?” The little guy shivered as a cold wind blew into the room. “Momma says we shouldn’t waste energy by leaving the door open.”

The woman stood and looked at the eight adults in the room. “She’s a wise woman.”

Behind her, a middle-aged man wearing a chauffeur’s cap walked in carrying wrapped packages. “Ma’am?”

“Under the tree, Barnes. Thank you.” She walked over to the brothers. “I just assumed I was still welcome. Although your father and his wife passed, I had a feeling you’d all be gathering tonight.”

Rogue elbowed Kit. “That’s who I was telling you about.”

Kit nodded. “I figured. I wonder where the girls are?” she asked for Rogue’s ears only. He shrugged.

Killian stepped forward. “Yes, ma’am. You’re more than welcome. May I take your coat?”