Page 20 of A Dogtown Christmas (Oklahoma Lovers 4.50)

Two Moons laughed and threw the blanket off and leaned his pole by the door. “Is this your woman, Mitch?”

“No.” Mitch and Priscilla both said at once.

The uncle winked. “Ah, I see how it is.” He removed his hat and hung it on the pole.

“Two Moons joins us every year on Thanksgiving if he’s in Colorado. He’s a Texas Ranger, one of the best, so not every year he’s able to make it. I left him a note on our door in case he came by.” Mitch turned to his uncle. “It’s good to see you. You look as though you haven’t taken any bullets this year.”

“No. Things have been quiet. We’re spending a lot of our time guarding the Mexican border. Although a couple of us were called to Brownsville to keep order on election day, once in April and then again earlier this month for the general election. That’s when I decided I wasn’t going to miss seeing my family. The outlaws can wait.” Two Moons ruffled Ian’s hair. “You been doing good in school?”

“Yes, Uncle. Miss Cochran says I’m way ahead of everyone else my age.”

They had all settled in the parlor. Priscilla couldn’t connect this very Indian-looking man with the Texas Rangers. But then if he were wearing the Ranger uniform instead of the deerskin outfit, he would probably look more like a lawman.

He was a good-looking man, with bright blue eyes that took everything in and kept studying her and Mitch with a look that was making her very nervous.

“I knew you were a smart boy, Ian. Just like your daddy here.”

Priscilla stood. “Can I get you something to drink? I have apple cider.”

Two Moons glanced at Mitch and grimaced. “Apple cider?”

“I brought some whiskey with me. It’s in my jacket pocket.” He moved to get up.

“I knew there was a reason I favored you, boy.” He looked at Priscilla. “Ma’am, if you object to whiskey in your house, I will be happy to forego it and drink your apple cider.”

“No, not at all. My papa likes his whiskey and my mama has been known to have a sherry now and then. Go right ahead.” She turned and headed to the kitchen. “I’ll get you a glass.”

“Make that two,” Mitch called as she left the room.

“She’s one fine-looking woman, Mitch.” His uncle settled back in the chair, his ankle resting on his bent knee. “Why is she not your woman?”

“You know I’m not looking for another wife. Haven’t been since Polly. I’m happy with just me and Ian.”

“No, you’re not. But we won’t continue this now.” He smiled as Priscilla returned carrying two glasses. Mitch picked up the small bottle of whiskey from his coat pocket and poured two drinks. “Do you want some, Priscilla?”

“Heavens, no. Even though I’m this far away, Papa would somehow find out and blister my ears.” She shifted on her seat so Mitch could sit alongside her.

; “Tell me about your family.” Two Moons sipped from his glass and studied her over the edge, once more making her a bit jittery. Added to that was her closeness to Mitch. His nearness had her much too aware of his scent and warmth, causing little butterflies to dance in her stomach. Perhaps she should have had a sip of the whiskey after all.

“I was born and raised in Guthrie, Oklahoma. My mama made the Land Run back in ’89 with four teenagers in tow. They’re my cousins. She met Papa there and they fell in love and got married. I have four brothers, and all my cousins and their spouses and children live within blocks of us and each other.”

“Ah,” Two Moons said. “And you wanted to get away from all that closeness.”

She raised her chin. “Yes.”

He lifted his glass in a toast. “Good for you. I think you’re a remarkable young woman who comes from a strong family.”

“Her father is a United States senator.” Mitch placed his empty glass on the table.

“No kidding?” Two Moons snapped his fingers. “Cochran. Yes, that’s right, Jesse Cochran out of Oklahoma. Good man.”

“The best.” She spoke softly, a hitch in her voice. Mitch covered her hand with his and gave it a little squeeze. Something Two Moons noticed by raised eyebrows.

The Indian turned his attention to Ian. “Gardez-vous avec vous francaise?”

“Oui, mon oncle, je pratique tous les jours.”