Work Text:
Tree Topper
As Cathy finished drying the dishes from dinner, she turned to Tyler who was checking his phone. “Hey son, we are going to decorate the tree. You want to stay and help?”
“Ma’am?”
“Cathy.” She corrected.
“Sorry, but I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
Cathy immediately raised a brow and nudged him. Kate had gone upstairs to shower and change into pajamas for the annual event. “Listen to me, you’ve been having dinner every other weekend with us, taking my daughter to dinner, and even doing repairs around my farm. Don’t you dare for a second think you’re a burden in this house.”
“Yes ma’am uh Cathy.” He scratched his head and Cathy chuckled.
“Of all the boys my daughter has ever brought home, you are my favorite.”
“Does this happen often?”
“My point exactly. It doesn’t. The last was Jeb. Javi came around a lot but he was more of a brother to her. Now, got any pajamas in that truck of yours? Cause we always do this in our comfiest ones, and I don’t classify denim as part of the required wardrobe.”
“I’ll go check.” He walked out to his truck and pulled out his overnight bag, finding his favorite pair of sweats and an old UT tank top. In his eyes, it qualified as comfy. As he entered the house, he found Cathy in some red and black plaid pajama bottoms, and a sweatshirt. She was tending to a log on the fire.
Meanwhile Kate came walking down the stairs and it was a moment straight out of the movie, A Christmas Story. She was wearing reindeer slippers, and some pink and green fleece pajamas. “Tyler? What are you still doing here? I thought you had to go to help Boone with something.”
“I was but your mother, well she insisted I stay and partake in the festivities.”
Kate turned to her mother, who was searching for something in a box, probably mistletoe knowing her. Her and Tyler, well they were a ‘thing’ but never made anything official to public. Her mother knew from the beginning that they would end up dating, as did the other Wrangler crew members. As for her and Ty, they hadn’t discussed much. Since she had returned from New York, they had been on a few dates. Tyler had visited almost every other weekend when he wasn’t helping his aunt on her ranch. A couple shared kisses, but again nothing official.
“Sounds about right.” The sight of him in a tank top, showing off his arm muscles had her deep in thought. She loved when he wrapped them around her and held her close to his chest. The way his palms felt cupping her cheek as they shared kisses. She closed her eyes imagining other things.
“Kate?” Her mother quickly interrupted her thoughts causing her to jump.
“Yeah, sorry, what?”
“I was telling Tyler maybe he could help you put the star on top of the tree.”
But all Kate heard was, something about Tyler being on top of her. “Mom, really?”
“Yeah baby. It’s about time we have a man’s help.”
Her cheeks were crimson red. Deep down she was screaming, wondering of all the times for Tyler to be over would be the night she wears her pink and green pajamas and reindeer slippers, a favorite she might add. “Tyler helps enough as it is mom. Why bribe him?”
They noticed he had slipped away to take a call, her mother removed a piece of mistletoe from behind her back. “You wouldn’t.”
“Oh honey I dare. Come on we both know that boy makes you happy. Now go on and let me decorate this house and you end the night with a big ol’ smooch.”
Kate muttered a few things and went for the red tote that had the various ornaments from her childhood. Cathy was handing her a homemade tornado when Tyler returned.
“First you build your own tornado and now a tornado ornament? You really are the OG Wrangler Kate.”
“Oh wait until you see the lightning one.”
“Nice.”
The tree was covered in tinsel and homemade ornaments. The only thing missing was, the star. The very star that Kate’s father had helped design in the barn. It meant everything to both her and her mama. He would’ve loved Tyler. Cathy handed the star to him.
“Now son, this is special. My late husband made this with Kate when she was seven. It’s fragile.”
“Yes ma’am.” He took it and handed it to Kate. “You should put it on.”
“I can’t reach.” Suddenly Tyler lifted her from behind and picked her up to reach the top of the tree. “Oh my god Tyler!” She squealed. “Don’t drop me!”
“Relax I would never.” After she placed the star on top of the tree, and her feet were planted firmly back on the floor, he pulled her to him and tickled her.
She started laughing. “Stop it!”
Cathy smiled, seeing her daughter not only back home but happy put a smile on her face. “Who wants hot cocoa?”
Kate turned, “of course we do mom. Thanks.” Her hand cupped his cheek. “She makes it with milk, it tastes better.”
“My mom used to do that.” They both look up, and as he moved the hair from her face, he leaned in and their lips met. For a brief moment, there was nothing else but the two of them as it deepened. As they pulled apart, she licked her cherry chapstick covered lips and smiled. “Kate, would you—.” But they were interrupted by Cathy coughing.
“You know there is a marathon of the Home Alone films, if you wanted to stay a bit longer Tyler.” She handed them both their mugs.
“Wally how fitting.” Tyler grinned then took a sip. “Oh my god Cathy this is amazing.”
“Only the best son.” She winked at Kate as she went to turn on the tv.
Kate turned to look him, “what were you saying?”
“I…” but before he could say it, Kate pressed her lips to his.
“Yes Ty. I’d love to be your girl.”
“Sapulpa, I think your mom purposely hid her stepping stool.”
“You don’t know my mom. Now come on before she does anything else weird to try and get us closer together.”