“Okay, then, let’s put Mr. and Mrs. Claus with their welcome sign way back at the house. That way, when the folks get to the end, the old couple will be saying, ‘come right on in and have a cup of hot chocolate,’…” Gemma said.

Liz was shaking her head emphatically. “No! I want them right here at the very front of the property to welcome everyone to the whole light show. Not way back there where you can’t even see them. Put them right here in the corner.”

“I disagree,” Jasmine said. “I think they should go in the other corner since most people are right-handed, and that’s where they’ll look first.”

Liz moved to the corner beside the cattle guard and crossed her arms over her chest. “I want it right here.”

Jasmine and Gemma both cracked up.

“What is so damn funny?” Liz asked.

“You argued with us. I’m proud of you, girl. You might make an O’Donnell yet!” Gemma said.

“You two are…”

“Pigs from hell?” Jasmine asked. “Ever see Steel Magnolias? I love that line.”

“Yes, I did, and I love it, too. And FYI,” Liz said, “I’ve argued with an expert and you two barely qualify as amateurs.”

“You hear that, Raylen? She says she can out-argue us,” Gemma said.

“When hell freezes over,” he shot across the lane.

“Get ready for icicles on Lucifer’s boogers!” Liz taunted.

“I don’t think so, dar…lin’.” Raylen dragged out the last word. “I’m the third son and have two sisters. I’m a professional at arguing.”

“I’m an only child, but I grew up with Blaze, who could argue the words off a stop sign,” Liz shot back across the lane at him.

Gemma nodded and giggled at the same time. “She’s pretty good, Raylen. You’ve met your match on the fiddle and in an argument, too.”

“We’ll see about that,” he said as he carried a decorated Christmas tree to the other side. His arm brushed against Liz’s as they passed each other. He caught her eye and winked. All the arguing left her in an instant and desire flooded her body. She wanted to send everyone home and drag Raylen into the house and into her bedroom.

Whoa, girl! Aunt Tressa’s voice popped into her head. Are you playing too loose and easy with this cowboy? Be a little hard to get so he doesn’t get tired of you, and besides, you haven’t figured out if he has an ulterior motive concerning this land. Slow this wagon down, Lizelle!

“You are frowning.” Jasmine nudged her on the shoulder. “This is supposed to be fun, not a chore.”

“It is.” Liz forced a smile. “Do you think we have enough to cover the whole lane as close as we’re positioning them?”

“You were thinking about Raylen,” Jasmine whispered. “I saw the way you looked at him and that wink he gave you. Did he make you mad?”

Liz put her fingers to her lips. “Shhhh, and no, he did not, but we need to go a lot slower than we started off.”