One Tough Christmas Cookie - Lucy McConnell Page 0,2

and care for the endangered reindeer species. All 731 of the animals lived on their ranch in North Dakota. Seven hundred and thirty-one reindeer, and only six of them could fly.

As the official supplier of reindeer to the North Pole for generations, the Nichollas family felt a sacred obligation to the animals and their wellbeing. Keeping the fliers indoors was as much for their protection as it was to protect Santa.

In order for the fliers to get their exercise and train to pull the big sleigh one day, they were taken to the indoor arena for reindeer games. Snowflake had already had her workout, but she enjoyed being free.

The sound of sleigh bells came from overhead. Caleb broke into a grin. That noise meant one thing: a Kringle—or two—had come to visit Reindeer Wrangler Ranch. Visits from the famous, though reclusive Christmas family in December were rare. Five days into December usually meant that the Kringles were tinsel deep in Christmas preparations. Something was either very right or catastrophically wrong. He picked up his pace, dumping the oats in Snowflake’s pen and sliding the lock on her stall door.

He made it out of the barn just in time to see single reindeer with two riders tumble into a snowbank.

“Dunder!” he cried, recognizing the old guy by his broad shoulders and heavy antlers. His landing was off-balance and out of sync. In other words, completely unlike the Dunder who’d become a legend on the ranch before taking his place in Santa’s harness.

As he drew closer, Caleb saw Stella Kringle wrapped around a guy he’d never seen before. Not shocked in the least—this was Stella, after all—he studied Dunder. “Oh no.”

The reindeer breathed heavily, his side rising and falling fast as he lay there, his legs stretched out and his head down. Dunder was an amazing specimen of a reindeer and strong as an ox. If he lay down after a flight, it was bad news.

Caleb walked over and tapped the guy flirting with Stella on the shoulder. “If you two are done making out in my snowbank, I’d like to take a look at your reindeer.” He’d need help and had a lot of questions.

Stella froze as if she’d been caught by the man in red himself. “Caleb? H-hey.”

Funny things happened inside of him right then. A half a cup of jealousy sloshed about. He and Stella had dated when he was in high school. A long time ago, to be sure, but there was always a part of him that wondered if they were meant to be together. By the way she gazed adoringly at her companion, he didn’t stand a chance of ever winning a sleigh ride to the North Pole.

Pity.

The second emotion that popped up was relief. Stella was a handful on her good days. The idea of being married to her was exhausting. More power to this guy if he could keep up with her.

More than anxious to take care of Dunder, he grabbed the back of the guy’s coat and hauled him to his feet. The guy brushed himself off and gave Caleb the once-over.

Caleb did the same. They were about the same height and build. The stranger had a couple days’ beard and an easygoing feel about him. Except that he seemed confused and guarded in the unfamiliar situation. That was understandable. Riding a flying reindeer wasn’t an everyday occurrence—for some people.

Stella threw a hug his direction, and Caleb picked her up, drawing in her lemon-and-chocolate scent. Kringles were magical, and being near one of Santa’s daughters could put Scrooge in a good mood.

“It’s good to see you again,” she said.

“You too, sugar bee.” Caleb wrapped her up snug as a gift on Christmas Eve. Some of his best childhood memories and pranks involved this woman and her four magical sisters. Being part of the Christmas legend of Santa Claus had brought so much goodness into his life. The Kringles were the best kind of people, and he was grateful to call them all friends.

Of course, knowing Santa’s family wasn’t something he could brag about at the local diner on a Saturday morning as the old-timers traded stories.

“You wanted to look at Dunder,” the stranger ground out as he glared at the two of them hugging away.

Touchy, touchy. The man’s obvious discomfort wouldn’t go over well with Caleb’s brothers. They’d latch on to his insecurities and tease until he threw a punch or stormed off.

Stella blinked and came to herself. Shoving off Caleb’s broad shoulders,