by Leah Atwood
“Mother Louisa will take care of it until we return. I’ve already spoken with her.” He gave her an assured grin.
He held his hand out to help her step into the sleigh before going to the other side and stepping in himself. Lucas took a blanket and spread it over their laps then grabbed the reins.
They glided along the snow and Lucas pointed out different spots of interest along the way. Noelle was surprised to discover all this land belonged to Lucas. She was a fortunate woman to find this man, the least of reasons being his wealth. There were several times over the last few days she caught him looking at her and she fervently hoped that meant he was opening his heart.
They had just come to a forested area of large pine trees when Lucas stopped the sleigh. He shifted in his seat so that he was facing her. Taking both of her hands, he lifted them, placing them over his heart.
“I love you, Noelle. I didn’t believe myself capable of loving again but you came here, and I fell fast and hard. I want this to be our first Noel, the first of Christmases that we celebrate as a family. Maybe even add to our family.”
She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Did he really love her already? Who was she to doubt his words? Her heart felt as though it would burst with joy. “I love you too, Lucas.”
They returned to their home snuggled warmly against the frigid weather. She found herself reluctant to end this special time they’d had together, but Lucas promised her they’d be spending lots of time together.
“Will you wait for me in the barn before going inside?” he asked.
She’d wait for him anywhere. That was a silly question. Together they put away the sleigh and horse. Smiles of love passed between them, allowing themselves a few embraces before returning back to the house. When they reached the front door, Lucas opened it and urged her in.
“Happy Birthday.” A chorus of voices greeted her.
Mollie carried a small cake to her with a candle in the center. “I helped bake it.”
Mother Louisa carried several more wrapped packages in her arms. “You didn’t think we’d let your birthday escape without notice, did you?”
Even the ranch hands were there to celebrate her birthday. Noelle turned to look at Lucas, stunned and touched by this surprise. He was the only person she’d told when her birthday was, so he knew this was his doing.
He shrugged and gave her a lazy smile but then pulled her tight to him. “The day you were born your parents were given the gift of a child. Today, when we celebrate the day of your birth, you’ve given me the gift of love. And that my dear deserves a celebration.”
Noelle could not have dreamed of a better Christmas. This year she’d been blessed with so many intangible gifts. She belonged to this family and had found the love of a mother, daughter and a husband she adored.
Dear Reader,
Every year from September through December, I am at my happiest. The fall season and Christmas are my favorite times of the year and I’d be perfectly content celebrating them year round. My husband says otherwise, though.
Merry Christmas everyone! May your holiday be filled with family, love and the celebration of our Lord’s birth.
Until Next Time,
Leah
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11 (KJV)
Other Titles Available From Leah Atwood
Exclusively on Amazon:
Unlikely Substitute (Mail-Order Husbands)
Once widowed, once duped Anne Marie Meadows has no desire to be married, but she is down to her last option. In order to save her farm, she sends for a mail-order husband.
U.S. Marshal Jude Malstrom is a loner dedicated to his work, but when a dying man asks him to deliver a letter, he reluctantly carries out the task.
When nature unleashes her fury, Jude and Anne Marie find themselves in each other's company for longer than they wish. Can they see beyond obligation and find an unlikely love?
The Not Quite Mail-Order Bride
When Wyatt Lance's housekeeper announces she is returning home, he decides that it's time to settle down and find a wife instead of another housekeeper. He enlists the help of longtime friend, Caroline Franklin, to assist him in finding a mail-order bride.
Caroline is in love with Wyatt. He is the only man to attract her since her husband passed away several years ago. When Wyatt comes to ask her a question, she is completely surprised by his request. What will she do when faced with losing the man she loves?
The Mail-Order Bride’s Quilt
Jenny Mason needs an escape from the death of her family. The memories are too much to bear, and when she sees an advertisement for mail-order brides, an idea forms in her head. The next thing she knows, she's waiting for her intended at the train station.
John Thomas sent for a wife because he was lonely. There weren't many prospects in his prairie town for a good wife, and when he receives Jenny's response, he knows she's the one.
Will John and Jenny find love in their marriage, and can a quilt bring them together?
