Page 86 of A Heart Falls Cowboy Christmas

“I’ll go first, since I already know what’s going on and approve,” Ryan offered, reaching into the bag and pulling out a thumb-sized stone.

He held it up so everyone could see the word etched on the surface said SUCCESS.

Ryan hummed as he curled his fingers tightly around the rock. “Success, huh? For this past year, I’d have to say I’m very proud at how successfully we’ve managed to increase the size of the volunteer crew. Heart Falls is growing. The services we offer need to be able to keep up, yet I’m grateful that not only do we have more bodies in the room but committed team members who want to make a difference.” He met the gazes of the men at the table. “That’s because of you. Especially Alex and Ashton, who’ve been in charge of training all year. Well done.”

“Hear, hear,” Maddy offered, and her applause was joined by the rest of the ladies.

Ryan passed the bag to his left. Ashton pulled out a stone and held it in the palm of his hand.

DREAM.

He nodded. “Good one for me.” He lifted his chin and smiled around the table. “I’ve had one great job for many years—foreman at Silver Stone. When I added the volunteer work, I thought I was branching out a little to give to my community. I never dreamed what the fire hall would give back to me.” He paused and cleared his throat.

Sonora laid a hand over his and squeezed.

He nodded at her. “There’ve been a lot of new things for this old guy in the past few years. But I can honestly say dream is a big word. I wish I’d heard it sooner, and I hope you all hear it now. Don’t wait to dream until you’re in your sixties. Dream now, and dream often, because damn, life is good when those dreams start coming true.”

Alex patted a hand on Ashton’s shoulder, and Ryan nodded. Every expression turned serious as they considered his advice.

Mack lifted his cup in the air. “True words. Thanks for that, Ashton.”

Ashton nodded then pushed the bag at Sonora. “Ladies as well. You’re stuck with us, which means you’re stuck listening to us bitch about what goes wrong and cheer about what goes right. You’ve got things to say too.”

There were only a few stones in the bag, so a few got repeated. What they shared was different from everyone, though.

When it was Mack’s turn, he pulled out the stone labeled JOY.

Well now.

He stared at it for a moment. “That’s a huge idea in very few letters.”

“Right?” Brooke leaned into his side.

He hesitated, considered, then nodded. “Have to admit, my first thought when I hear joy is Christmas. That’s when the word gets bandied about a lot. Joy to the world, sing a joyful song, things like that. But that’s not really enough. Joy isn’t only a December thing. Not when I think of this past year, or my time with the fire crew, or my family, or even Heart Falls.”

Everyone’s eyes were on him, with smiling expressions and heads dipping in approval.

“Joy is being in the moment and seeing the new thing. Learning together and then celebrating, and we do that all year long. I’m grateful for all the hours we’ve spent together. For all the sharing and caring and being there for each other.” Mack sat back in his chair and grinned. “You all give me great joy.”

Another cheer went up, and everyone was on their feet. Hugs all around, back slaps when appropriate.

An extra squeeze for Maddy. “You’re a treasure,” Mack whispered to her as he hugged her tight.

“Glad you all think so.” Maddy returned to Ryan’s side and he curled his arm around her waist. “Because you know, I did have another idea⁠—”

Ryan picked her up and whirled her in a circle until she was laughing too hard to speak.

“The only way we’ve found to keep her from running our lives twenty-four seven,” Brooke said as she slipped her fingers into Mack’s.

“I’d say she’s harmless, but that would be a lie.” Mack grinned down at Brooke. “Ready to go home?”

“Absolutely.” Her smile lit the room. “It would be a joy.”

“Pass me another decoration.” Sasha squatted on the tall stool to grab the bright red balloon Charity held up to her. “The place is looking cheerful.”

Charity turned, eyeing the open area of the indoor arena and walkway with a critical expression. “It’s less barn-y than before, and a lot more room than we’d have celebrating Dustin’s birthday in our cottage.”

“Yeah, the family’s gotten too big for everyone to drop in on you anymore. Especially when you add Cody and Fern to the party.” Sasha pinned the balloon in place, attached a streamer, then twisted until the bright yellow was looped just right. One more pin, reaching to the edge of her fingertips, then she dropped to the ground. “All done.”