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  Holiday Hunks:

  Dalton’s Christmas Ultimatum

  Stephanie Morris

  Holiday Hunks: Dalton’s Christmas Ultimatum © 2019 Stephanie Morris

  All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Warning: the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

  Dedication

  To my mother

  Holiday Hunks: Dalton’s Christmas Ultimatum

  Sometimes all it takes is a little mistletoe, a meddling matchmaker and some Christmas magic...

  For rodeo star Dalton Granger, the last thing on his mind is marriage. Unfortunately, his father has other plans and an ultimatum to go along with them: get married and become a family man or forfeit his inheritance. When he returns home, he plans to tell his father just where he can go. Then he meets his mothers' new live-in caregiver and suddenly, hanging around the family ranch is looking better and better to this rambling cowboy.

  Kaylyn Harris will do anything to give her son a stable life—except marry Dalton. He may be able to give her all the material things she wants on a temporary basis, but eventually she’ll end up right back where she is—alone. Being in a loveless relationship once was enough to last her a lifetime.

  But anything can happen when you mix in a little mistletoe, a meddling matchmaker and some Christmas magic…

  Chapter 1

  Dalton Granger released a pent-up breath as he turned down the road that led to his family’s home. The sound of the snow crunching beneath the tires of his truck made him smile. He was glad that Christmas was right around the corner. This years’ rodeo circuit had been hard. The talent was getting younger and better. But he’d managed to finish in the top five for tie-down roping. That meant his sponsors were happy and he was returning home with a good amount of prize money.

  Not that he needed it.

  His family owned and ran a successful cattle ranch. It had been in the family for generations. There were currently three that lived on it now. They had a total of six-hundred livestock, split between Angus and American British White Park cattle. They were used for everything from breeding to consumer consumption.

  But he’d dreamed of being in the rodeo for as long as he could remember. His grandfather had been a bull rider. Hearing his stories as a kid had motivated him to go out and try to make a name for himself on the circuit.

  He’d started out later than most because he’d had a lot of responsibilities on the farm. Fortunately, at the age of twenty-eight, he’d gotten the chance to take part in his first rodeo. It’d worked to his advantage. Most riders had retired by the time they reached his age. A lot of people had been fascinated by him for that reason alone. Then he’d started winning and the interest had grown.

  Once he’d landed his first sponsor, he knew he’d achieved success. Now that was all in jeopardy because his father had decided to issue an ultimatum. Get married in a year and start a family or lose his rights to the family farm.

  The threat had come as a shock to him. A lot had changed for his family over the past year. The most major event being the unexpected stroke his mother had suffered. While she would never be the same, she was on the mend. About a month ago, his parents had hired a live-in caretaker to help his mother get back on her feet.

  So he didn’t understand the suddenness of his fathers’ demand. From what he could tell, the stress level had decreased significantly around the farm. He’d hope to see the changes for himself, but he hadn’t been able to make it home for Thanksgiving. There’d been a scheduling conflict, so he’d had to travel to the next rodeo event.

  His mother hadn’t seemed to mind that he wouldn’t be home, but his father had been pissed. Mad enough to make threats.

  As the main house came into view, he hoped that Christmas would be peaceful. Although he knew there was no chance of that. He was only home until the circuit started back up in a few months. Hopefully, that would be enough time for him to smooth over ruffled feathers.

  He drove around the main house to the large barn. Once he had his horse, Cinnamon settled and the trailer unhitched, he’d go and speak to his mother.

  As he parked, he looked for his father, brother and the ranch hands. None of them were around. He glanced at the clock on the dashboard and saw that it was well past noon. They were probably out in the field repairing something or tending to the cattle. He couldn’t wait to join them. His second love was working on the family farm. While he was home, he would pitch in and do his fair share.

  It didn’t take Dalton long to get Cinnamon in the barn. He made sure she had plenty of water and enough feed for her to make it through the night. Although he’d still check on her before he went to bed. Once he was back in the truck, he drove back to the main house.

  As he walked up the steps, he grinned. There were so many good memories in his childhood home. It was the reason why he’d modeled his own home after it. Just on a smaller scale. It was still two stories, he’d just stopped at four bedrooms. He didn’t see a need for seven. When he got married, it would be on his own terms. He didn’t plan to have more than two or three kids depending on what his wife was comfortable with.

  He stomped his boots on the welcome mat at the front door as a way of announcing himself and cleaning the snow off the bottom of his boots.

  “Ma,” he called out as he stepped inside, taking his hat off.

  His mother sat in a recliner with a quilt covering her lap. Surprise flickered across her features as she turned in his direction.

  “Dalton,” his mother said.

  Happiness filled him as his mother managed to get his name out. It was the clearest it had been since she’d had her stroke. Unfortunately, she’d suffered a severe one. Right after the medical episode, she hadn’t been able to speak or move the right side of her body.

  When he’d walked into the hospital room and saw her for the first time after the stroke, it had almost taken him to his knees. He’d stayed away from the circuit for a full month while his mother recovered. She was the reason he’d even gone back in the first place. The first clear words she’d been able to say to him had been ‘go back’.

  It had taken him a few minutes to figure out what she’d meant, but she’d been adamant. A part of him wondered if she knew about the threat his father had issued. Something told him that she didn’t, and all hell might break loose if that changed. However, the last thing he wanted to do was upset his mother. She was fragile as it was.

  He was pulled back to the present when she went to get to her feet, Dalton dropped his hat and rushed over. “No, Ma, don’t strain yourself.”

  He helped her up and pulled her into a tight embrace. She did her best to hug him back, but he could still feel the weakness on her right side. In was better than it had been. When she pulled back, she cupped his face with her left h
and.

  “You’re early,” she said.

  “I know,” he replied. “I wrapped up quicker than expected and traffic was good.”

  Tears filled her eyes and he shook his head. “None of that now. I’m home for the holidays and I’m all yours.”

  “I’m just happy,” she whispered, then rested her head against his chest.

  He lost track of how long he held her. Then he realized it was probably a strain for her to stand, even with his support. So he released her and slowly eased her back into the recliner. He undid the zipper on his coat before walking over to the coat rack. Once it was secure, he scooped his hat off the floor and rested it on a hook. Then he made his way back over to his mother and knelt beside her.

  “How are you feeling?” he asked.

  “Better every day,” she said, as she reached for him with her left hand.

  The fact that it came more naturally than it used to reassure him. His mother was right-handed. He couldn’t imagine how difficult it had to be to relearn how to do everything with the opposite side of your body. But his mother was one of the strongest women he knew, so he had faith in her.

  “Have you—”

  “Jaden, no running in the house,” someone called out from the kitchen.

  Dalton looked up in time to see a tiny streak racing toward the living room. He let go of his mother’s hand and scooped up a little boy as he tried to run by. A squeal of laughter escaped him as he squirmed.

  “Whoa, there little buddy,” Dalton said. “Where are you going in such a rush?”

  The little boy squealed with laughter as he started squirming. Dalton tightened his grip on him to keep from dropping him.

  “Jaden didn’t I—”

  The woman who’d come rushing into the room came to an abrupt stop when she spotted him.

  “Oh,” she exclaimed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize we had company.” She stepped forward, stretching her arms out for the little boy.

  Dalton handed him over as he continued to study her. She was stunning. Her dark brown hair was pulled back in a ponytail. A round hazelnut brown face claimed a pair of high cheekbones, a small nose and kissable lips that caught his gaze in a spellbinding hold. He studied her, taking in the jeans that clung to her curvy waist and hips—boasting of a mature lushness of her body.

  He didn’t know who she was, but he wouldn’t mind getting to know her better. As he handed the little boy over, Dalton smiled.

  “I’m sorry,” he said. “I don’t believe we’ve met.”

  “I’m Kaylyn,” she replied. “The new live-in home care aid.”

  Chapter 2

  Kaylyn Harris did her best not to drool over the man standing before her as she settled her squirming son on her hip. She allowed herself a moment to study him. His brownish blonde hair was thick and wavy, making her fingers itch to touch it. The black and tan button-down shirt he wore did nothing to hide his massive chest. He exuded strength and natural muscles. But his face was the stuff dreams were made of. He had an angular jaw, straight nose, and high cheekbones. The highlight of it all were his light gray eyes. They were familiar, but she hadn’t met him before. She was sure of it.

  “Nice to meet you, Kaylyn. I’m Dalton,” he said as he extended his hand.

  Her mouth fell open as she looked at Eleanor Granger. Then the gray eyes immediately made sense.

  “Oh my goodness,” Kaylyn said when she finally collected herself. “Sorry, I didn’t recognize you at first glance.”

  She wouldn’t have recognized him with a second or third either. The pictures of him throughout the house didn’t do him any justice.

  “And who is that streak of lightening in your arms?” Dalton asked.

  Kaylyn chuckled at the appropriate description. At the age of three, her son was a ball of energy that she struggled to keep up with at times, but somehow, she managed.

  “This is my son, Jaden,” she finally replied. “Jaden, this is Mr. Dalton. Say hi.”

  “Hi,” he mumbled bashfully, before pressing his face into the crook of his neck.

  “Storytime,” Eleanor said.

  Kaylyn smiled. “Yes, it is. That’s why Jaden ran in here like a wild horse.” She stepped closer to the woman who looked so much better than she a few months ago. “But since Dalton is here early, I understand if you’d rather spend time with him.”

  Eleanor shook her head. “Need to read. Practice.”

  Dalton looked back-and-forth between his mother and Jaden before settling on his mother. Kaylyn didn’t miss how his gaze softened.

  “If you’re ready, I know Jaden is,” she said.

  “I’m ready,” Eleanor confirmed.

  “Okay,” Kaylyn said. “Let me grab a book.”

  She walked over to the shelf, inhaling as quietly as she could to steady herself. When she’d taken this job, she’d done so to escape the nightmare that her life had become back in Columbia, Missouri. Boonville was just a little over twenty miles away. So she could visit her family whenever she wanted, but far enough away for her to start over.

  She’d gotten lucky to find this opportunity and had taken the job because it was perfect. The pay was decent, it included room and board and they hadn’t blinked at the fact that she had Jaden in tow.

  “Pick out a book,” she said to her son.

  He lifted his head off her shoulder and pointed to one. She grabbed it then turned back to Dalton and Eleanor.

  Yep.

  He was still as gorgeous as he’d been when she’d first laid eyes on him. This presented a major problem. After the last disastrous relationship she’d been in, she’d sworn off men. Although she didn’t regret Jaden one bit. Right now, everything she did was for him. Her son deserved a good and stable life.

  Moving to Boonville was her chance to do that. She couldn’t screw it up. Being in a loveless one-sided relationship tended to jade a person. Both she and her son deserved to be loved. Until she righted her life, she would have to be the one to provide them all that they needed emotionally.

  Realizing that her thoughts were drifting into an area she didn’t need to dive too deeply in, she pulled her attention back to the task at hand. Kaylyn stepped closer to Eleanor.

  “Okay, Jaden. Remember what you’re supposed to do,” she instructed.

  Her son lifted his head, his temporary shyness forgotten. The only thing her son loved more than running around the ranch was spending time with Eleanor. The two of them had bonded immediately.

  Kaylyn had taken a huge leap of faith when she’d accepted the job referral from a former co-worker. Everything had just fallen apart with her ex-boyfriend, Russell. So the potential job opportunity had been greatly appreciated. The only fear she’d had when she realized the Grangers wanted to extend her an offer was wondering if they would allow her to bring her son along.

  When she’d brought up her concern, they’d asked to meet Jaden. Eleanor had fallen in love with him instantly. Not only had the Grangers wanted Jaden to come with him, but they’d also allowed him to have a room of his own. Everyone on the ranch loved her son. The elder Grangers took turns taking him out and showing him around the ranch. Henry Granger, Eleanor’s husband already had Jaden learning how to ride a horse. Her son officially had a new hero…cowboys.

  “Mommy, I’m ready.”

  Jaden’s voice brought her out of her internal thoughts. She placed her son in Eleanor’s lap. Once they were settled, Kaylyn handed her the book. Reading served as two types of therapy for Eleanor. It gave her the ability to work on her speech and to work on her motor skills in her hand and arm.

  It served the same purpose for Jaden. While he couldn’t read full sentences, he recognized pictures and certain words. So if Eleanor got stuck on a word, it didn’t matter. Jaden was right there to help.

  “I’m going to finish making dinner. Call me if the two of you need anything,” Kaylyn said before turning her attention to Dalton. “Would you like to join me? she asked. “I’m sure you’re thirsty and
hungry after that long drive.”

  He looked as if he were going to refuse for a moment, but something in her expression must have given him pause.

  “I think I’ll take you up on that offer,” he replied.

  Kaylyn was amazed at how steady her gait was as she led the way to the kitchen. She didn’t stop walking until she reached the kitchen sink.

  “Thank you for following along,” she murmured, not wanting Eleanor to hear her.

  “I don’t want to interrupt their schedule,” Dalton replied. “Even though I’m only here for a few weeks, I know it’s important that she doesn’t stray from it.”

  Kaylyn turned on the water and washed her hands. “You’re right. She’s doing good. I see improvement every day, even when she’s frustrated. Your mom understands that she’ll never be one hundred percent, but she’s determined to get as close to it as possible.”

  She began to move around the kitchen gathering the items she needed. “Reading to Jaden is one of the only prescribed therapies that she doesn’t complain about.”

  Dalton rested his hip against the counter. “That doesn’t surprise me. My mother has always loved children.”

  “She does. Everyone around here has been good to Jaden,” she said.

  “And what about you? Is everyone being good to you?”

  Chapter 3

  Kaylyn stiffened at the way his tone dropped an octave. As if his voice wasn’t already panty wetting enough. This man was dangerous. It had been a long time since she’d experienced the sort of immediate attraction to a man that she did with him. She had to nip this in the bud before things got out of hand.

  She turned to look at Dalton. He stood with his hip resting against the cabinet as if he didn’t have a care in the world.

  “How long are you going to be here?” she asked.