CHAPTER 27: PATRICK

Christmastime at Schuster Ranch is unlike anything I''ve ever experienced before. Every room has holiday decorations from floor to ceiling with a theme in each one. The smell of pine trees and wood smoke filters through the air as snow descents from the heavens, wrapping everything in a fluffy blanket of white. Christmas crackers Cori and I put together during the snow storm today are stacked high on the table, and as soon as the snow lessened she demanded I go with her and make snow angels. There is almost a meter of snow outside and she wants me to freeze. I would'ne do this fer August, but fer Bug, I dinnae bat an eye. I can never say no to the lassie.

After dinner maw sets out piles of biscuits and cakes, and seven different types of tablets ranging from chocolate to butterscotch to maple and eggnog; and August's favorite, chocolate peanut butter. Everyone has a Santa mug filled with hot chocolate, some having a good dram of whisky in theirs, mine included. Me balls are still freezing and may never recover. Wyoming winters are not fer the faint of heart.

There is a warm glow of twinkling lights around the room and on the tree, setting the perfect ambiance fer our evening festivities.

It all feels like a scene fresh out of a storybook.

Growing up as an only child, being surrounded by August's family—his maw, brothers, pappy, and especially his little sister Cori—it's heartwarming. Sometimes chaotic and loud, but it's what I've never experienced. This home radiates liveliness and love. Exquisitely so.

A few days before Christmas the parcel I waited on finally arrived. I was out in the barn with August, trying to stay warm as we tend to the horses, when Eli came out to tell us that a package had been delivered. I wasn't expecting anything, but when I saw my name on the box, I knew exactly what it was.

"Why don't you open it?" August suggests.

"It's not for me," I give him a sheepish grin. "It's a surprise for Bug."

August's expression softened as he realized what I was talking about. Cori, or Bug as we all affectionately called her, was the youngest of the Schuster clan and an absolute firecracker. She was energetic, spunky, and full of life—a real force to be reckoned with. And she had this incredible fascination with Highland cows, of all things.

"Ye're spoilin' her, ye know that?" August teased, but I could tell he was just as excited to see Cori's reaction as I was.

"Ah, she deserves it," I replied with a grin.

Later that evening, as the family gathered in the living room to wind down from the day, I set my plan into motion. The tree was lit up with twinkling lights, the fire crackled in the hearth, and I strummed my acoustic guitar softly, playing some holiday tunes to set the mood. It was cozy and warm, and it felt like everything Christmas was supposed to be.

Cori came skipping into the room, her long blonde hair in pigtails and dressed in pajamas covered with—you guessed it—cute little Highland cows. She was a sight, full of excitement and energy, even this close to bedtime.

"Bug, come here for a sec," I called out, setting my guitar aside.

Her big brown eyes lit up as she ran over, practically vibrating with excitement. "What is it, Paddy?" She was the only one who called me that, and it always made me smile.

"Well," I said, "I've got a little early Christmas present for ye. But ye have to promise to be a good girl for the rest of the night, aye?"

She nodded eagerly, eyes wide and full of wonder. "I promise!"

I handed her the box, and she wasted no time tearing into it. The room filled with the sound of ripping paper as everyone watched with smiles on their faces. The moment she opened the lid and saw what was inside, her face lit up with pure joy.

"Fluffy Highland cow slippers!" she squealed, pulling them out of the box and hugging them to her chest. The slippers were as adorable as I'd hoped—soft and fluffy, with little purple bows on their heads.

"And look," she said, holding them up for everyone to see, "they have purple bows! Thank you, Paddy, you're the best!"

"You're welcome, lass. Now we match." I shake my feet with my own pair of Highland cow slippers. "So now we match."

Cori giggled, clearly thrilled by the idea. "I love them! Thank you, Paddy!" She gave me a big hug, her little arms wrapped tightly around my neck. My heart swelled at the gesture, and I hugged her back just as tightly.

"Ye're welcome, Bug," I said, feeling an overwhelming sense of warmth. "Do ye know a fun fact about Highland cows?"

Her eyes sparkled as she pulled away, clearly excited to share her knowledge. "I do! Highland cows have really thick fur to keep them warm in the winter. And they're really good at finding food, even when it's buried under snow!"

"That's right," I said, impressed as always by how much she knew. "Ye're one smart lass."

Cori beamed, then put on her new slippers, wiggling her toes with delight. "We won't get them mixed up 'cause mine have pretty purple bows!" she said with a giggle.

"Good thinkin', Bug."

"Alright." Eli chimed in, stepping forward, "it's time for bed."

Cori pouted, crossing her arms over her chest. "But I'm not tired!"

I laughed, recognizing the familiar protest. "How about this, Bug? I'll play ye a song before bed. Will that do?"

Her eyes lit up again, and she nodded eagerly. "Yes, please! Can you play ‘Silent Night'?"

"Of course," I said, reaching for my guitar. I started strumming the familiar tune, my fingers moving effortlessly over the strings. Cori snuggled up next to me on the couch, her eyes growing heavy as she listened to the melody.

By the time I finished the song, she was practically asleep, her little head resting on my arm. I looked over at August, who was watching with a soft smile on his face, clearly touched by the scene.

"Let's get ye to bed, Bug," Eli said gently, scooping her up in his arms. Cori mumbled something incoherent, already half-asleep as she snuggled into Eli's shoulder.

I watched them go, feeling a strange mix of emotions. This family, this ranch, they were becoming home to me in a way I never expected.

Later that night, after everyone had gone to bed, August and I found ourselves back in our room, cuddling under the covers. The day had been long, but it had been good, and as I held him close, I felt a deep sense of contentment.

"That was beautiful, Paddy," August murmured, his voice soft and filled with emotion. "Hearing you play and sing, it's… well, it's somethin' special."

I chuckled, kissing the top of his head. "It better be a silent night, though. I know ye had chili with beans for dinner."

August laughs, the sound vibrating through my chest.

"You're worried about silent farts, aren't ya?"

[Patrick] "Mate." I say, feigning a serious tone. "Silent farts are deadly farts."

He snuggles closer, his laughter dying down.

[August] "Ye'll just have to wait and find out, won't ye?"

I roll my eyes but cannae help the smile that sneaks its way onto my lips. As we drift off to sleep, I knew that whatever happens next, I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.

And that this is just the beginning of our story at Schuster Ranch.