Dutton Blood: A Yellowstone Legacy Book: Two

1

The evening slipped by almost unnoticed.

The fire burned low in the massive stone fireplace, casting a warm amber glow across the great room. Outside, snow continued to fall, blanketing the Yellowstone in silence.

Someone had turned on another old Christmas movie, though very few people were actually watching it anymore.

Emma had curled into one corner of the sofa beneath a quilt Beth had tossed her earlier.

Savannah occupied the opposite end, absently petting Reba, who was stretched across both of their laps and snoring softly.

Charlie sat on the floor with her back against the couch, one arm resting across her knees.

John looked around the room over the top of his book.

"I think we're all about out of steam."

Beth yawned before immediately denying it.

"I did not."

Rip raised an eyebrow.

"I watched you."

"I was breathing deeply."

Charlie laughed.

"Sure you were."

Jamie stretched his arms over his head.

"I'll admit it."

"I'm tired."

Kayce nodded.

"We've been outside half the day."

"And ate enough for three days," Monica added with a smile.

Gator poked his head out from the kitchen.

"Coffee before bed?"

Beth looked interested.

Rip answered for her.

"No."

Beth frowned.

"You don't get to decide that."

"I do if I want to sleep tonight."

John chuckled.

"Listen to him."

Charlie glanced at the grandfather clock in the corner.

Its soft chime echoed through the lodge.

"...Ten already?"

Emma blinked.

"It can't be."

Savannah checked her phone.

"It is."

"How did that happen?"

Charlie smiled.

"Christmas."

Emma tilted her head.

"What?"

"Time moves differently on holidays."

John nodded thoughtfully.

"Always has."

Tate was the first casualty of the evening.

Kayce looked over toward the armchair.

His son had fallen asleep clutching one of his new Christmas presents.

Monica smiled.

"He didn't even make it."

Rip laughed quietly.

"He gave it a good fight."

Kayce carefully lifted Tate into his arms.

The little boy barely stirred.