Gift of Hope

by Shanna Hatfield

  “You’ve already given me your photograph and I’ve got that lacy handkerchief scented with your perfume in my bag.” He accepted the tiny gift and studied it a moment. “What is it?” His fingers fumbled with the ribbon as he tried to untie the knot.

  “Here, let me.” Amy deftly untied the bow then waited as he folded back the tissue and looked at a small metal disc. Across the surface in feathery script she’d written, “Thinking of you. Love always, Amy.”

  “That’s sweet,” he said, noticing a small hole at the top of the disc.

  Amy leaned forward, peering down at it resting on his palm. “Oh, that’s the back. Turn it over.”

  Marc flipped it over and studied a scene painted on the metal. A midnight sky with a round moon and twinkling stars made him think of a summer night he and Amy went for a drive. They hiked up a hill and sat on a rock staring at a broad expanse of navy velvet sky dotted with what seemed like a million diamond-bright stars, watching a big, full moon rise above them. It was the first time he told her he loved her. The first time she admitted she loved him. The first time he’d considered what he wanted for his future. And that was Amy. A life with her.

  “Did you do this?” he asked, tracing the tip of one finger over the artfully painted disc. It was hardly bigger than a quarter, making it something that would be easy for him to take with him no matter where he went.

  Amy nodded her head. “Do you like it?”

  “I do. It’s wonderful. You constantly amaze me with your talents.” He kissed her cheek and held her close once again. He’d watched her knit scarves and socks, even when the spring temperatures made her do it outside where it was cooler than sitting in the house with a pile of wool yarn on her lap. She informed him somewhere, during the cold winter months, a soldier would be happy to have a warm scarf or pair of socks. And she was right. He’d seen her help her mother and sister make quilts. Goodness only knew what else they’d done for the war effort.

  Amy moved back and tapped the metal medallion in his hand. “I don’t know if they’ll allow it, but I thought maybe you could put that on the chain with your dog tags, so you’ll always have a remembrance of me close to your heart. When you’re out there, missing home, just remember I’m right here, thinking of you, looking up at the same stars and moon, wishing you were here beside me.”

  “Bella,” he said, his voice cracking as the enormity of what he was about to do suddenly hit him. Could he really walk away from this woman, from a love he knew was lasting and true, without any certainty that he’d ever see her again?

  Her arms slid around his waist and she rested her head against his chest for the length of several heartbeats before she stepped back and tipped her head toward the house. “We better get you to the train. You don’t want to miss it., even if I rather hope you do.”

  Marc followed her inside the house where it seemed all his family, including aunts, uncles, cousins, and neighbors were waiting to bid him goodbye. Like a grand marshal leading a parade, they all followed as he took Amy’s hand in his and headed down the street toward the depot.

  Helen and Reece waved from where they waited on the platform with Amy’s parents as the sound of the approaching train made it impossible to speak.

  When it stopped at the depot, Marc set down the one bag of belongings he planned to take with him. He hugged his aunts, shook hands with his uncles, tweaked the noses of his younger cousins, then accepted a tearful, tight hug from his mother.

  “Make sure you wear clean underwear, and keep your socks mended, and don’t forget to eat your vegetables,” she cautioned, treating him like he was the same age as the twins, instead of a man heading off to war. At twenty-three, he certainly didn’t need to endure the lecture, but he realized it was her way of letting him know she loved him and would worry about him. She handed him a tin full of his favorite cookies and gave him one more teary kiss to the cheek before letting him go.

  He'd barely set the tin in his bag and straightened when his sister, Ruby, launched herself into his arms. Just a year younger than him, they’d always been close and gotten along well. Ruby was also engaged to be married, but her young man had already headed off for basic training two months ago. She’d recently received word he was on his way to Europe.

  “Keep the twins out of trouble while I’m gone,” he said, grinning at her.

  “You know that’s impossible. No one can keep those two out of trouble,” Ruby said, in an indulgent tone. “According to Gramps, they’re just like Pop and Uncle Ben used to be.”

  “Well, do your best, Ruby Roo. I love you, sis.”

  “I love you, too, you big lunk.” She hugged him one more time before his Italian grandmother demanded a turn at bidding him farewell.

  Caterina Campanelli had run away from the mafia in New York and got off the train in Pendleton back in the early 1900s. The first person she encountered when she arrived in town was a deputy, Kade Rawlings. According to his great-aunt Aundy, such fiery sparks sizzled between the two of them, there was concern they’d set all the wheat fields aflame. In spite of their tendency to differ in their opinions, often quite loudly, the home Gramps and Nonna built together was a happy, loving place, one Marc always enjoyed visiting. It was almost as much fun as spending time at his grandmother’s Italian restaurant. His Aunt Rachel took over running it when his grandmother finally agreed it was time for her to slow down.

  “Oh, my darling boy.” Caterina stood on her tiptoes and bracketed his cheeks between her palms. “Be safe and don’t forget to write to us.”

  “I’ll remember, Nonna.” He kissed her wrinkled cheek then accepted the basket of food she handed to him. Rich, spicy aromas wafted up from it. “Did you pack all my favorites?”

  “Of course!” Caterina gave him a bright smile, kissed him once more, then turned away to hide her tears.

  Marc shared quick words of parting with Amy’s parents and sister who had come to say farewell to Reece and him.

  He dropped down to his knees and hugged both of his rascally little brothers. “You two behave, and don’t cause trouble for Mom and Pop. Okay?”

  “We’ll do our best,” Rogan said, giving Marc a solemn look completely out of character with his normally boisterous personality.

  “We’ll try to be good,” Rory vowed.

  “That’s all I ask.” Marc grinned and hugged them once more then stood and gave his father a bear hug.

  “I’m proud of you son,” Brett Rawlings said in a ragged voice. His hand settled on Marc’s shoulder, offering a comforting touch. “Just make sure you return to us.”

  “I will, Pop. I will.” Marc gave his father another quick hug before shifting his attention to his grandfather. Kade Rawlings had served the town as a deputy, then sheriff, before becoming a judge. Still robust and energetic, even as he neared his seventies, Gramps was someone Marc greatly admired.

  “Well, kid, I sure wish you’d reconsider and stay home,” Kade said as he pulled Marc into a hug. Although the two of them were close in size and height, something about Kade still seemed larger than life.

  “I know, Gramps, but I have to do this.” Marc didn’t want to get into an argument with his grandpa, defending his decision, moments before he had to leave.

  “Then give ’em heck and come home safe,” Kade said. He grinned and thumped him on the back before he moved away and settled his arm around Caterina, drawing her close as she mopped at a steady stream of tears.

  During all his family goodbyes, Amy had waited off to the side, standing near her mother.

  Now, all Marc wanted to do was hold her close and never let her go. He watched as she laughed at something Reece said and felt the warmth of her smile fill him with its radiance, even though it wasn’t directed at him.

  “All aboard!” echoed across the platform and passengers hurried to climb up the steps onto the train.

  With time running out, he rushed over to Amy and wrapped his arms around her. “Don’t forget me while I’m gone,” he said, once
again burying his face in her hair and breathing in the scent.

  “Never. I could never, ever forget you, Marc. You’ll always and forever be in my thoughts and in my heart.”

  “Be well, my beautiful, Bella, and know wherever I am, I love you and I’m thinking of you.” He kissed her, not the kiss of passion they’d shared earlier behind the carport, but one of gentle promises. When he raised his head, he took the little night sky scene she’d painted for him from his pocket and held it on his palm. “Every night I’ll look at this and dream of you.”

  “I’ll dream of you, too, Marc. I’ll keep right on doing it until you’re home again, here with me.”

  The conductor called a final warning to board.

  Marc grabbed his bag and the basket of food from his grandmother, accepted a box of pastries from Amy’s mother, and gave Amy one last, hasty, desperate kiss.

  The train started to chug forward as he jumped onto a step and stood there for a moment, waving to his family.

  Amy’s gaze fused to his and he smiled. “I love you, Amy Madsen!” he yelled, loud enough for his voice to carry above the ringing rattles and belching bellows of the train.

  Several people in the crowd on the platform laughed and cheered as Amy’s face turned beet red. She looked mortified and pleased all at the same time as she waved to him.

  Marc was still grinning as he went inside the train car and took a seat next to Reece.

  “You ready to do this?” Reece asked as Marc stowed his things and leaned back, settling in for the long journey ahead.

  He turned to look at Amy’s brother-in-law and shook his head. “No, I’m not ready, but it’s what we have to do.”

  “Yep,” Reece agreed, then fell silent as the train began chugging away from Pendleton.

  Marc fingered the metal disc from Amy, wondering how many nights he’d look up at the sky and wish he was with her before he could hold her once again.

  Available on Amazon!

  Meet more Baker City Brides characters in these sweet romances!

  Baker City Brides Series

  Determined women and strong men fall in love in a town known as

  the Denver of the Blue Mountains

  during its days of gold in the 1890s.

  Crumpets and Cowpies (Book 1) — Rancher Thane Jordan reluctantly travels to England to settle his brother’s estate only to find he’s inherited much more than he could possibly have imagined.

  Thimbles and Thistles (Book 2) — Maggie Dalton doesn't need a man, especially not one as handsome as charming as Ian MacGregor.

  Corsets and Cuffs (Book 3) — Sheriff Tully Barrett meets his match when a pampered woman comes to town, catching his eye and capturing his heart.

  Bobbins and Boots (Book 4) — Carefree cowboy Ben Amick ventures into town to purchase supplies… and returns home married to another man’s mail-order bride.

  Lightning and Lawmen (Book 5) — Deputy Dugan Durfey only meant to offer the newcomers a friendly welcome… not fall in love with the delightful woman his best friend plans to wed.

  Hardman Holidays Series

  Heartwarming holiday stories set in the 1890s in Hardman, Oregon.

  The Christmas Bargain (Book 1) — As owner and manager of the Hardman bank, Luke Granger is a man of responsibility and integrity in the small 1890s Eastern Oregon town. When he calls in a long overdue loan, Luke finds himself reluctantly accepting a bargain in lieu of payment from the shiftless farmer who barters his daughter to settle his debt.

  The Christmas Token (Book 2) — Determined to escape an unwelcome suitor, Ginny Granger flees to her brother’s home in Eastern Oregon for the holiday season. Returning to the community where she spent her childhood years, she plans to relax and enjoy a peaceful visit. Not expecting to encounter the boy she once loved, her exile proves to be anything but restful.

  The Christmas Calamity (Book 3) — Arlan Guthry's uncluttered world tilts off kilter when the beautiful and enigmatic prestidigitator Alexandra Janowski arrives in town, spinning magic and trouble in her wake as the holiday season approaches.

  The Christmas Vow (Book 4) — Sailor Adam Guthry returns home to bury his best friend and his past, only to fall once more for the girl who broke his heart.

  The Christmas Quandary (Book 5) — Tom Grove just needs to survive a month at home while he recovers from a work injury. He arrives to discover his middle-aged parents acting like newlyweds, the school in need of a teacher, and the girl of his dreams already engaged.

  The Christmas Confection (Book 6) — Will Hardman’s sweet baker be able to soften Fred Decker’s hardened heart?

  The Christmas Melody (Book 7) — Can a determined woman bring holiday cheer to a man in exile?

  Books by Shanna Hatfield

  FICTION

  HISTORICAL

  Baker City Brides

  Tad’s Treasure

  Crumpets and Cowpies

  Thimbles and Thistles

  Corsets and Cuffs

  Bobbins and Boots

  Lightning and Lawmen

  Dumplings and Dynamite

  Pendleton Petticoats

  Dacey

  Aundy

  Caterina

  Ilsa

  Marnie

  Lacy

  Bertie

  Millie

  Dally

  Quinn

  Evie

  Hearts of the War

  Garden of Her Heart

  Home of Her Heart

  Dream of Her Heart

  Hardman Holidays

  The Christmas Bargain

  The Christmas Token

  The Christmas Calamity

  The Christmas Vow

  The Christmas Quandary

  The Christmas Confection

  The Christmas Melody

  The Christmas Ring

  Gifts of Christmas

  Gift of Grace

  Gift of Hope

  Gift of Faith

  CONTEMPORARY

  Friendly Beasts of Faraday

  Scent of Cedar

  Tidings of Joy

  Boughs of Holly

  Wings of an Angel

  Grass Valley Cowboys

  The Cowboy’s Christmas Plan

  The Cowboy’s Spring Romance

  The Cowboy’s Summer Love

  The Cowboy’s Autumn Fall

  The Cowboy’s New Heart

  The Cowboy’s Last Goodbye

  Holiday Brides

  Valentine Bride

  Summer Bride

  Easter Bride

  Rodeo Romance

  The Christmas Cowboy

  Wrestlin’ Christmas

  Capturing Christmas

  Barreling Through Christmas

  Chasing Christmas

  Racing Christmas

  Romance by Chance

  Taste of Tara

  Saving Mistletoe

  Silverton Sweethearts

  The Coffee Girl

  The Christmas Crusade

  Untangling Christmas

  Welcome to Romance

  Blown Into Romance

  Sleigh Bells Ring in Romance

  The Women of Tenacity

  A Prelude (Short Story)

  Heart of Clay

  Country Boy vs. City Girl

  Not His Type

  Stand Alone Romances

  Between Christmas and Romance

  Learnin’ The Ropes

  Love at the 20-Yard Line

  QR Code Killer

  Rose

  CHILDREN’S BOOKS

  Steve the Mule

  NONFICTION

  A Cowboy Christmas

  Farm Girl

  Fifty Dates with Captain Cavedweller

  Recipes of Love

  Savvy Entertaining

  Savvy Autumn Entertaining

  Savvy Holiday Entertaining

  Savvy Spring Entertaining

  Savvy Summer Entertaining

  About the Author

  Hopeless romantic Shanna Hatf
ield spent ten years as a newspaper journalist before moving into the field of marketing and public relations. Sharing the romantic stories she dreams up in her head is a perfect outlet for her love of writing, reading, and creativity. She and her husband, lovingly referred to as Captain Cavedweller, reside in the Northwest.

  Shanna loves to hear from readers.

  Connect with her online:

  Blog: shannahatfield.com

  Facebook: Shanna Hatfield’s Page

  Shanna Hatfield’s Hopeless Romantics Group

  Pinterest: Shanna Hatfield

  Email: shanna@shannahatfield.com