Work Text:
December 23
Kate arrived at Tulsa International Airport and took a deep breath while waiting in baggage claim. Her mother had agreed to pick her up but something about being back in Oklahoma had her anxious. Her heart knew it was a certain cowboy rather than the location itself. They talked for a few weeks after her return to New York, but work got busy, and she had to make up for lost time and eventually stopped responding to his texts and calls.
“How was the flight?” Cathy spoke stirring Kate from her thoughts.
“Only mild turbulence.” She stared out the window as they left the airport and began driving towards Sapulpa. The sights of the Oklahoma countryside bringing back memories, not all negative. The festive lights around made her feel like a child again.
“What’s on your mind? I can tell you’re lost in thought sweetheart.”
“It’s nothing mom.”
Cathy raised a brow, “would that nothing happen to be a certain cowboy?”
“Why are you asking about Tyler?”
“Mother’s instinct. He was a good man. What happened between you two?”
“Nothing happened. My flight was delayed, and he took me to dinner before it was rescheduled.”
“The look on your face doesn’t spell nothing. Did you sleep with him?”
“Mama! Tyler was a gentleman, that’s not, I mean he’s not the type to sleep with a girl on the first date.”
“You went on a date?”
“No.”
“Did you kiss him?”
“Mom please stop…why are you concerned about this?” Kate bit her lip remembering the peck on her cheek he gave her before she went through security. She felt the warmth of his lips on her skin for hours after that and longed for more but had to go back to New York. She was seconds away from giving everything up but talked herself out of it.
“The way I see it is I’m not getting any younger and I want to know my daughter will eventually find a husband.”
Kate instantly began regretting putting her headphones in her bag in the back of the truck and sank into her seat. “My life is in New York. His life is in Arkansas.”
“I see but your mom is here in Oklahoma. At least you are visiting again.”
“I told you I would.”
“Javi stopped by not too long ago and I let him know you were coming home for Christmas.”
“I’m not the best with communication. It’s why I stopped responding to Tyler.”
“The front is coming in tomorrow. Not that snow bothers you.”
“I like snow. At least here there’s a view.” They pulled into the dirt driveway where she seen the house had lights on it. “Christmas lights?”
“Yeah, Boone wanted to help decorate when him and Javi stopped by.”
She wondered if Tyler ever came with them. “Did he mention anything about Tyler?”
“Only asked about you.” And moped around the farm but Cathy wasn’t about to tell her daughter that part. She knew they cared for eachother.
—
Kate sat her bag on the bed and began unpacking for the week. She held onto the shirt she had snatched out of his truck before getting on the plane. Often, she wore it to bed as it was three sizes too big for her. Anything to feel close to him despite the distance between. On her dresser was a picture of them on top of his truck that Ben had snapped. “I’m sure he would answer if you called.” Kate jumped as her mother interrupted her thoughts.
“Don’t sneak up like that mom.”
“Sorry. I’ve had pot roast in the crockpot all afternoon so dinner will be ready within the hour.”
“Thanks mom it smells great.”
Her phone lit up with a text,
Javi: Hey Kate, your mom said you’d be home for Christmas. Thought I’d check if you made it in alright.
Kate: Yeah, I’m here now.
Javi: You should text him.
Kate: My life is in New York Javi. This won’t work.
Javi: Whatever you say. You know, there is this thing called distance relationships. You guys could make it work, just saying.
Kate: I’ll remember that thanks Javi. I hope to see you this week.
Javi: Boone and I will drop by before New Years.
Kate: See you then. Glad he makes you complete.
Javi: Me too.
Placing her face in her palms she sighed and rubbed her temple. “Why does the universe think I can make a long-distance relationship with Tyler work?” Looking at her screen she pulled up a picture of them together she had snapped at the diner that evening after her flight delay. Her heart wanted Tyler, but her life deemed otherwise.
“Come eat Kate.”
“Be right down.” She tossed her phone to the side and headed downstairs for dinner. “This is delicious mom. Do you still make ham on Christmas?”
“Of course. It’s been lonely the last few years but I’m glad you’re finally home.”
“Me too.” But was she? She began picking at the carrots with her fork.
“You know, if you wanted to harvest carrots, I could always plant some.”
“Huh?”
“Katie, you’ve been picking at your food like something’s bothering you. If you don’t perk up, I’m about to call that boy over myself.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
“Watch me.”
“Mom please stay out of my dating life.”
“Which you don’t have. Kate, you’re torturing yourself. Now call that boy and invite him over for Christmas dinner.”
—
Kate picked up her phone and text Javi.
Kate: Javi, I need your help. My mom is pressuring me to text Tyler and invite him to Christmas dinner. I think I messed things up between us by ignoring him.
Javi: Boone said he went to visit his aunt that’s all I know.
Kate: Thanks.
She went to the barn and sat at her desk, opening her laptop to catch up on emails. Realizing the one she had been waiting for had arrived.
Dear Miss Carter,
Upon further review of your credentials, we would like to welcome you to join our team here in Norman. We understand you have obligations out of state and are ready to talk terms for relocation and transfer.
I await your response.
Happy Holidays.
Sincerely,
Dr. Cameron Walsh
“Well mom is going to love this Christmas present.” Reaching for her phone she decided to take a chance but instead noticed a text.
Tyler: Merry Christmas Kate. I hope you at least still talk to your mom. I helped put up some lights and her tree with Boone a few weeks back. She shared more interesting stories about your childhood, I hope you don’t mind. I guess you have a habit of roaming around the farm naked because she said you did it one Christmas morning. Well, I wish you the best. Take care.
“Of course she would embarrass me like that.” Soon she would return to Oklahoma permanently and begin a new chapter in her story. Her new job was here, her mom was here, Javi was here, and the wildcard was Tyler. Was she ready for a relationship? Would life get in the way? Were they even compatible? So many thoughts filled her head giving her a migraine. Massaging her temple, she decided to go to bed and get some much-needed rest. Tomorrow was a new day, and she had some decisions to make.
Kate: Yeah my mother has a habit of sharing my childhood stories with strangers, although it seems you’re no longer a stranger to her. To answer your question yes I do try and make contact with my mom. Sorry I’m not the best with communication especially when life gets in the way. I’ve got mom an extra special gift this year.
Tyler: You coming home anytime soon?
Kate: Tell you later.
—
The aroma of fresh bacon and eggs filled the air. She opened her eyes and sat up in bed. It had been a while, but the thought of fresh farm eggs sounded delicious compared to the cold deli style sandwiches in New York. She made her way down the stairs towards the savory breakfast. “Morning mom.”
“Morning sweetie. Did you sleep alright?”
“I did.” As she reached for the toast, she brought up Tyler. “Javi said Tyler is visiting his aunt.”
“I see.” Cathy sipped on her coffee.
“Mom, what did you do?”
“Nothing.” Cathy grinned as Kate went to take her shower. “Well, nothing bad.” She looked down at her phone.
Boone: Hey Mama C, T is on his way.
Cathy: Thank you, son.
Boone: Send a slice of that fresh German chocolate cake back with him.
Cathy: Will do.
—
A few hours later, Kate had finished setting the table for Christmas Eve chili supper when the ring notification went off on her mothers' phone. “You uh expecting company?”
Cathy walked out of the kitchen and to the front door. “Tyler, son, come inside.” She opened the door wider for him to squeeze inside. He gave her a hug and placed a small gift bag in her hand. “I thought I told you no gifts.”
“When do I ever listen?”
“You’re stubborn just like my daughter.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment. What is it you need help with, Boone said you sounded desperate.”
“It’s in the kitchen.” Cathy walked into the kitchen with Tyler trailing behind. Upon seeing Tyler Kate was in shock and dropped the ladle she was using to stir the chili. “Kate, don’t just stand there greet the boy and clean up this mess.”
“Mom! What have you done?” She wiped up the mess off the floor and stood in front of Tyler, quickly realizing she was wearing her fleece Grinch pajamas.
“Hey Kate. Nice pajamas.” Her cheeks flushed and if she could speak words, she would be chewing her mother out but instead she’s focused on Tyler and the reason he’s standing in her mothers' kitchen.
“Hi.” She bit her lip and chewed on it.
“Something smells wonderful Cathy.” The aroma of chili powder and the sight of kidney beans on the floor from Kate’s dropping the spoon incident.
“It’s my famous Christmas Eve chili, a tradition in our family. Would you care to join us for dinner and have a bowl?”
“Well, I wouldn’t want to intrude but I guess I could stay. What is it you needed help with?”
“She didn’t need any help. Isn’t it obvious, she wants to set us up again.” Kate tossed a towel into the sink.
He scoffed. “Damnit Boone.”
“Have a seat son and let’s eat. Kate go grab another bowl for Tyler.”
Kate wanted to be frustrated with her mother but couldn’t. Somehow, she hoped this would help her work out the new plan she had. As they ate, she sat beside him at the table.
“This chili is delicious. I need to get your recipe.”
“It’s a family secret, even I don’t know it.”
“You’re a Carter and you can’t make this? Kate, you need to step up your game darling.”
“The rules of the family recipe are simple; she can’t have the actual recipe until she’s married with at least one grandchild.”
Kate covered her face. “That’s not a thing. Stop lying to him.”
“Can I just…”
“No.” She cut her off.
Tyler leaned over and rubbed her back. The feel of his hand shocked her. “Let your mama give you a hard time Kate. She’s missed this. I think we both have.”
“Since when did you two become buddies?”
“Tyler here has been helping around the farm and he and Boone helped decorate the house and my tree.”
“You’ve had this planned.”
“You can thank Boone for that.”
“I’m sure he didn’t act alone.” Kate shook her head.
In midst of their dinner and conversations, the storm arrived, and it began to snow heavy, a blanket of the icy crystals covering the ground and Tyler’s truck. Kate peeked out the snow-covered window while rinsing dishes. “It’s really coming down out there.”
Tyler checked out the window and reached into his pocket pulling out his truck keys. “I better get going before they shut down the highway. Thank you, Cathy, for dinner, it was—.”
“Tyler James Owens, you are not about to go out and drive in this snowstorm.” Cathy grabbed his keys from his palm and placed them on her key rack. He was stumped.
“Ma’am my truck can…”
“Don’t ma’am me. You’re staying in my guest room tonight.” He looked towards Kate after her mother pointed her index finger at his nose.
“Yes ma’am.”
“I wouldn’t argue with her, she always wins.”
“I can’t believe she actually took my keys.”
“That’s my mother for ya.”
Kate sent Javi a quick text.
Kate: Mom just took Tyler’s keys preventing him from traveling in the storm.
Javi: I remember when she used to do that with us.
Kate: Good times.
Javi: Enjoy time with him Kate, he’s a good man. I’ve learned a lot about him from Boone.
Kate: I’m glad you have Boone.
Javi: You may not realize it yet, but you have Tyler. Don’t let him get away.
—
Later that evening, they sat on the couch watching A Christmas Story marathon sharing a blanket. Kate leaned her head on his shoulder. “I’ve watched this movie every year on Christmas Eve since I was a child.”
“Same.”
“This and Christmas Vacation.”
“My aunt loves that one.”
“Mom does too.” Thoughts filled her mind of how not only they share a passion for the sky and all things weather but also Christmas traditions.
He kissed her head. “I’m still here Kate.”
“I know.”
“Are you going to go back after Christmas and ignore me until chase season?”
“Works been busy, I’m sorry.”
“Have you thought about transferring here?”
“Plenty of times. Tyler you were not in my plans. I imagined after Jeb and that accident I’d never date again. You scare me.”
“Is it me or the thought of being with me?”
“What difference does it make?”
Cathy yells from her room. “Will you two stop arguing and kiss and make up so this old woman can get some sleep already?”
Kate blushed and dug her head into his chest while he chuckled and whispered in her ear. “I think your mom wants us together.”
She mumbled, “you have no idea; on the drive from the airport, she was telling me I need to get married.”
“How bold of her.” He caressed her cheek. “Come on let’s go outside, talk, and watch it snow.” He stood to his feet and reached for her arm pulling her up. She slipped her boots and coat on.
“Wow it’s really coming down.”
“I’d say around six maybe seven inches now.”
“The snow blanketing the farm is beautiful.”
“It is.” He grabs a handful of snow and packs it into a ball tossing it towards her mid back hitting his target.
“Hey, that wasn’t nice.” She takes a handful of snow powder and tosses it at him then runs into the yard. Slipping on a patch of black ice under the snow, she falls and rolls over making a snow angel while he stares at her.
“You’re a child at heart Kate.”
“Thanks, you should try it.”
He grinned and laid in the snow beside her making his own snow angel. They shared a laugh together. “I haven’t played in the snow in forever.”
“Same.”
—
Cathy peeked out the window and snapped a pic of them together, sending it to Javi.
Cathy: The plan to bring them together is working.
Javi: About time.
—
They moved into the barn where it was warmer. He leaned against her desk and found a printed email. “Is this true?”
Oh no, she realized she forgot to hide it. Hopefully her mother hadn’t found it. “Yes. I wanted to surprise mom tomorrow on Christmas.”
“Kate this is an incredible opportunity. I’m happy for you.” He smiled softly. “What are you going to do?”
“I was going to look for a place after Christmas and hopefully be relocated by the start of chase season. Which reminds me, I’m going to need a team to help me when I come home with the attached grant. Know anyone?”
His heart was pounding. He stood closer to her and placed the papers back on the table and moved a strand of hair out of her eyes. “Kate, I…”
She wrapped her arm around his neck and pulled him to her pressing her lips to his. His arms moved down her mid back pulling her closer to him. After a moment, she stepped away biting her lip. “I have been wanting to do that for a while.”
“Me too.” He cupped her cheek. “You came back to me.”
“I will come back. I still have to finish the transfer and pack up my desk and apartment.”
“Am I dreaming?”
“Am I? If so don’t wake me.”
“Don’t wake me either Kate.” He gave her another soft kiss. His watch clicked and it was midnight, officially the start of Christmas.
“Merry Christmas Tyler.”
“Merry Christmas Kate.”
“We should go back inside and watch more movies on the couch, together.” She whispered against his lips.
“I’d like that.” He stole another kiss.
Once inside she grabbed a thicker blanket from her closet and noticed a pair of men’s fleece pajama pants with a bow on them placed on the couch. “Oh, she planned this alright.” She smiled and handed them to Tyler. “These must be for you.”
“To Tyler from Santa. Huh, how cute. I guess while we were in the barn Santa came by.”
“Yeah. He did.” She removed the papers from her pocket and placed them inside her mothers stocking.
He changed into the comfortable pants and a white undershirt and took his place on the couch. She curled up beside him and rested her head on his chest. He ran his fingers through her soft hair and kissed her head. They began watching Home Alone, where she fell asleep in his arms. “Goodnight Kate.” He never wanted to wake up from this dream.
—
Christmas morning came and Cathy woke to do morning chores. She noticed her daughter curled up on the couch in Tyler’s arms asleep. It was priceless seeing them together and she wanted to cherish the moment by snapping a quick picture of them. She crept outside to check on the cows and gather the eggs.
—
The door shutting startled Kate awake. She realized the warmth she had felt all night was gone. “Tyler?” Her mind began to worry it was all a dream and she grew disappointed, tossing a pillow across the room in frustration for ever letting him go and ignoring him.
“Kate?” Her mom asked.
“Yeah, sorry I fell asleep watching movies.”
“I know and I understand why.”
“You were right mom, I messed up. I should’ve never ignored Tyler.”
“Sweetheart.”
Tears began to form in Kate’s eyes. “I’m tired of dreaming about being with him. I want to make it happen.”
“Katie.”
She stood up and grabbed the letter for her mom. “Merry Christmas mom.” She wiped the tears from her cheeks, watching as Cathy opened the paper.
“You’re coming home?”
“I am. And I’m going to marry Tyler someday.”
She hugged her. “I’m proud of you Kate.”
“I’m going to get my phone and call him.”
Cathy was a bit confused. “Kate?”
“Not now mom I gotta chase what my heart wants.” She rushed to the stairs and collided with a warm body, looking up her eyes met his. “Tyler? How did… I thought… oh God you heard all of that.”
His hand ran through her bed hair. “I did Kate, and you know what I always say, if you feel it, chase it.” He pressed his lips to hers then wiped a stray tear from her eye. “I’m all yours.”
“Is it too soon to say I love you?”
“Not at all darling because I am in love with you; have been since you first made fun of my face being on a teeshirt.”
Cathy watched them kiss and smiled. “It’s a Christmas Wish come true.”
Kate looked up and noticed mistletoe and pulled Tyler to her for another kiss. “Here’s to forever.”
“And us.”
“Are you sure this isn’t a dream?” He pinched her. “Owe. Not a dream.” They kissed again.
The End.