Santa In Montana by Janet Dailey Page A

them as they resumed their path to the Homestead.
    Sloan broke it when they reached the columned front porch. “Do you know what would be good now?”
    â€œSomething tells me it’s not going to be what I’m thinking,” Trey guessed.
    â€œA hot cup of cocoa.”
    â€œNope, that isn’t what I had in mind.”
    Well aware of that, Sloan laughed, and Trey responded with a wide smile of his own. “My turn will come later.”
    â€œYou sound awfully confident of that,” Sloan teased as they entered the house.
    â€œDamn straight I am ’cause I know you love me.” He shrugged out of his sheepskin-lined parka and draped it on a wall hook.
    â€œAnd you love me,” Sloan countered, unbuttoning her own parka. “Which is why you’re going to help me fix that cocoa.”
    â€œI think that’s called wifely blackmail,” Trey chided with affection, then flicked a glance toward the living room where the sound of the television could be heard. “First we’d better see if anyone else would like some cocoa.”
    But when they crossed to the living room, Trey was surprised to find his mother was the room’s sole occupant. “Where is everybody?”
    Jessy pulled her attention away from the program she was watching. “I’m not sure but I think Cat’s in the kitchen, and Laredo left shortly after you went to the barn.”
    â€œSo early?” Trey said with some surprise.
    â€œHe claimed he wanted to figure out where to install the hot tub I’m getting him for Christmas,” she replied with a disbelieving smile.
    â€œYou’re getting a hot tub to put at the Boar’s Nest?” Trey grinned at the thought.
    â€œAccording to Laredo, I am.”
    For the life of him, Trey couldn’t imagine his mother lounging in a hot tub, but if anyone could coax her into one, it was Laredo. “Gramps called it a night, did he?”
    â€œNo, he’s in the den. Wade Rogers phoned and he took the call in there where the television wouldn’t bother him.”
    â€œThat name sounds familiar.” Trey frowned, trying to recall where he’d heard it. “I can’t place it, though.”
    It was Sloan who answered. “He’s the son of someone Chase knows—the one who stopped by on Monday when you were at South Camp.”
    â€œYou mean the one Jake decided was going to be Cat’s new husband.” His smile widened into a grin as he made the connection to Wade Rogers.
    â€œThat’s the one.” Sloan nodded, then directed her attention to Jessy. “We’re going to make some cocoa. Would you like a cup?”
    â€œI’ll pass.”
    Sloan glanced at the closed doors to the den. “Should we check with Chase?”
    Jessy waved aside the question. “Just make him a cup. If it’s fixed, he’ll drink it.”
    â€œWill do.” He tucked a steering hand under Sloan’s arm and turned her toward the kitchen. “Come on, little miss cocoa maker, let’s get this show on the road.”
    Jessy had been right when she guessed that Cat was in the kitchen. She was standing at the counter, pouring a dark liquid into an over-sized plastic bag containing a large roast. She spared the pair a glance when they walked in.
    â€œHow’s the filly?” she asked Trey.
    â€œShe’ll be fine. What’s that you’re fixing?” He bobbed his head, indicating the plastic bag.
    â€œI ran across a new marinade recipe that I decided I wanted to try on tomorrow’s roast. It recommends letting it set overnight.” Cat zipped the bag shut. “So what are you two up to?”
    â€œSloan decided she wanted some hot cocoa.” Trey removed the jug of milk from the refrigerator and held the door open for Cat while she placed the pan with the marinating roast in its bag on a cleared shelf. “So far we have orders for three cups. Care to make it