****
Sage glanced across the kitchen at Tracy, who was working on Christmas Eve dinner. “Are you sure you don't need any help?”
“Yup.” She smiled at her. “I'm just glad you decided to come after all that's happened in the last few days.”
Picking up a pickle from the relish tray, Sage muttered, “Like Wyatt would let me stay home alone. Between you and me, he's gotten a little over protective lately.”
“That's just the way he is, especially if he cares about someone…”
Kasey interrupted her mother as she ran into the kitchen. “Mom, can we open Uncle Wyatt's and Sage's gifts now? Please.”
“You know we do it after dinner.” Tracy placed the pies in the oven.
“But, Mom,” Wyatt said from the doorway to the kitchen.
Tracy turned hands on her hips. “So you're behind this.”
He nodded, leaning against the door frame. “Come on, just this once. 'Sides I want Sage to open her gift now. If that's all right?”
Tracy sighed, and looked at Sage, who just shrugged. It didn't matter to her when they opened presents.
“All right, one gift now, then the rest after dinner. Now shoo, all of you, out to the living room.”
Kasey ran out the door to the living room to relay the good news. Sage followed a bit slower, Wyatt gave her a smile as he slid his arm around her waist and walked with her. Jesse, Tracy's husband, sat in the recliner next to the Christmas tree. “So you got her to give in.”
Wyatt grinned. “You just have to know what buttons to push.”
Sage smiled up at him as she sat down on the couch. “I'll remember that.”
The guys chuckled. Wyatt walked over to the tree and chose one of the boxes. Sage frowned at him as he brought it over to her. “Why does that box have holes?”
“Open it and find out.” Wyatt sat down next to her.
As Sage started to pull the top off the box, Tracy came out and sat on Jesse's lap. When the top came off, a shaggy, golden, furry head popped out. The Terrier from the pet shop, looked up at her from inside the box. Sage glanced around the room, then back to the tiny puppy.
“You don't like him?” Wyatt said, reaching over and petting the dog.
Reaching inside the box, Sage pulled the little guy out. “Oh no, I love him. I'm just surprised.”
Wyatt took the box off her lap. “Kasey said you really liked him when you guys went shopping.”
“I did.” Settling the dog on her lap, she smiled. “He's wonderful, Wyatt, thank you.”
“Great, can we open our present now?” Kasey asked, reaching for a large box under the tree.
Chapter Six
“You really like him?” Wyatt asked for the thirtieth time as they got out of the truck in front of the house.
“Yes,” Sage replied, holding the little dog in her arms. “I just feel bad, I only got you a sweater, and you got me…” She trailed off as she saw the front door ajar. “Wyatt.”
“I see it.” He walked around to her side of the truck. Digging his cell phone out of his pocket, he handed it to her. “Get back in the truck, and call the sheriff.”
Wyatt waited until Sage was in the truck with the doors locked, then went toward the house. Cautiously, he pushed the door open. The living room was a mess. It appeared as if a tornado had hit it. Cushions were spread around the room. The Christmas tree had been toppled, ornaments broken and scattered. The kitchen looked about the same, with drawers pulled out and their contents spread all over. Cupboards were open, their carefully organized contents on the floor. He moved on to the office which had never been very neat but was now in complete chaos. The entire house had been turned upside down. After a careful search of the house, he went back out to the truck.
Sage unlocked the passenger door as he came over. She held the terrier, petting it so hard he thought it was going to go bald. He let out a breath as he opened the door. “It's a mess inside, but there's nobody there now.”
“The Sheriff said he'd be right out. I feel really bad that he has to come out here on Christmas Eve.”
Wyatt reached up to help her down. “Don't worry, hon, it's his job.”
“I still feel bad.” Sage walked beside Wyatt to the house, then followed him inside. Something about the scene struck her as familiar, then it hit her, Tony's place had looked the same way the night they'd killed him. She set the little dog down and watched him run around.
Wyatt put his arm around her. “You okay?”
She nodded, as he pulled her closer.
“See, it's a good thing I made you come with me. I don't want to think about what would have happened if you had been here alone.”
Sage let herself be comforted by Wyatt's arms around her. She didn't want to think about it either.