The Baker's Christmas Miracle

by Cheryl Wright

  He was feeling joyful today. He didn’t know what it was, but his heart was filled with love.

  The moment Abigail was ready, they rugged up and left the house. It felt strange to not be in the bakery preparing bread for the day. Ethan knew his father would be admonishing him if he was here, but he needed to do this. For Abigail.

  They headed toward the livery and hired a wagon then headed to the small forest outside of town.

  They soon came across a stand of suitable trees. “This one?” Ethan said, standing next to a fine looking tree.

  Abigail looked pensive. She stepped toward the worst looking tree of all. “This one,” she said, sorrow in her voice. “This tree is unloved. We need to nurture it.”

  He laughed, but she wasn’t laughing.

  “I know what it feels like to be unloved,” she said quietly. “And I think you do too. We can add some decorations to it, and make it the best tree around.”

  “Alright,” Ethan said, against his better judgement. He got the saw from the wagon and cut down the spindly tree Abigail had chosen. “I still think that other one was better.”

  “You didn’t return me for something better, did you?”

  He studied her for a few moments. She was right. His wife was far from perfect when she arrived. She was fragile and uncertain, but look at her now. She was perfect. Beyond perfect.

  He placed the tree on the wagon then reached out and put his arms around her. “You are something else,” he said gently. “Is it any wonder I love you so much.”

  The words were out before he could stop them. He’d loved her almost from the first moment they’d met. There was something about Abigail that caught his attention. Perhaps it was her forthrightness, or maybe it was her beauty.

  He couldn’t be certain, but he knew from the moment he set eyes on her, she was the one. His forever love.

  “Oh Ethan,” she wailed. “Do you really mean that?” She rested her head on his shoulders. “I didn’t think anyone could ever love me. Except for my mother.”

  She wrapped her arms around him and held him tight. “I love you too,” she whispered. “You are such a kind and gentle person, and you treat me like an equal. I can’t believe my luck with finding you.”

  He lifted his head and kissed her lips, gently at first, but then more urgently. “I think it’s time to get home,” he said when he finally came up for air.

  He winked at her, and Abigail wondered when he thought he was going to bake bread today.

  Epilogue

  One year later…

  Abigail squatted down at the bakery Christmas tree decorating it. Ethan was kneading bread and watched as his wife did what she loved to do – make the season more festive.

  “No, no, no!” She screamed and tried to stand. “This can’t be happening.”

  Ethan rushed to her side and helped her to stand, then looked to the floor. Her waters had broken. The baby wasn’t due for another couple of weeks, but babies were unpredictable.

  At least that’s what Doc Grogan had told him.

  He lifted her gently and carried Abigail into the bedroom, laying her on the bed. “I’ll go get the doc,” he said. “Don’t you move.”

  She nodded but knowing her stubbornness, he wouldn’t count on it. “Towels, grab some towels,” she shouted urgently as he was about to leave to get the doc.

  He did as he was told and slid them under her.

  His heart was pounding – he was going to be a dad. Okay, so he knew that for the past six months or more, but it was more eminent now.

  He ran in a circle. What was he doing?

  “Get the doc,” Abigail shouted. She knew him far too well.

  “Getting the doc,” he said, sticking his head through the doorway.

  “Go! Or you might have to deliver this baby.” His eyes opened in shock. Was she serious?

  He turned around and ran. “Going,” he called as he left the house.

  Doc Grogan lived in town, so he didn’t have far to go. He ran as fast as his feet could take him.

  “You seem in a hurry,” Mrs Jensen said as he ran past.

  “Baby’s coming,” he shouted as he continued on his way.

  “Oh my goodness,” she said, and began hurrying toward the house. Mrs Jensen would be a big help, and was good friends with Abigail, so he didn’t try to stop her.

  It seemed like forever later when he rejoined his wife, Mrs Jensen by her side.

  “Be a dear and put on the kettle. And some pans of water – as much as you can.”

  He leaned into his wife, and patted her hand. “Everything will be alright. Doc’s on his way.” He kissed her gently on the lips.

  She looked up at him. “This is all your fault,” she said between gritted teeth.

  He laughed.

  “I would leave about now, if I were you,” the doc said behind him. “Childbirth seems to bring out the worst.”

  “I’ll put the water on,” he said, backing out of the room.

  Bertha Grogan, the doc’s wife, arrived around the same time. She shoo’d him out of the house. He did what he knew Abigail would want him to do – he made bread.

  Despite having closed the adjoining door so he couldn’t hear her screams, the sounds were only slightly muffled. It killed him that he wasn’t there to support her.

  Instead of kneading the bread, he pounded it. Ethan was certain it would be the worst bread he’d ever made. But he honestly didn’t care.

  But Abigail would.

  He threw the dough into the rubbish and started over. He kneaded the dough with love, as he normally would, and placed it in the tins, then the oven. Thankfully it was the last batch for the day.

  He needed to start on the muffins next. Despite the closeness to Christmas Day, they would be busy. In fact it was busier because of the celebrations. People were stocking up before the holidays.

  Thanks to Abigail, the bakery was thriving. Thanks to her also, he was happier than he’d ever been.

  The adjoining door flew open after what seemed like hours. “Congratulations Dad. Come and meet your son.”

  Mrs Grogan leaned in and hugged him and Ethan had to fight back tears. He was a father. “What about Abigail? Is she alright?”

  “She’s fine. Come and see for yourself.”

  He almost ran toward the bedroom, then stood in the doorway staring at the scene before him. His beautiful wife sat up supported by pillows behind her, holding their newborn baby boy.

  He had streaks of red hair just like his mother.

  “Come and say hello to your son.” Abigail looked pale, and she sounded tired, but he could see she was filled with joy.

  He sat on the edge of the bed and hugged them both. “Thank you,” he whispered as he brushed the tears from his eyes.

  “That makes two of the best Christmas gifts I’ve ever had.” She stared at him in confusion. “You and our baby boy.”

  He leaned in and kissed her forehead. “I love you Abigail Harper, more than words can ever say.”

  As he pulled back he saw the trickle of tears run down her face. “I love you too,” she said quietly. And in that moment, Ethan knew they would have a long and happy life together.

  The End

  Scroll down for Abigail’s Christmas Cake Recipe

  From the Author

  Thank you so much for reading my book – I hope you enjoyed it.

  I would greatly appreciate you leaving a review on Amazon, even if it is only a one-liner. It helps to have my books more visible on Amazon!

  Below I’ve listed some of my other books you may be interested in.

  To read more books in the Mail Order Brides of Dayton Falls series, Click Here.

  Brides of Montana is another historical romance series that may interest you. You can check it out here.

  About the Author

  Multi-published, award-winning author, Cheryl Wright, former secretary, debt collector, account manager, writing coach, and shopping tour hostess, loves reading.
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  She writes both contemporary and historical western romance, as well as romantic suspense.

  She lives in Melbourne, Australia, and is married with two adult children and has six grandchildren. When she’s not writing, she can be found in her craft room making greeting cards.

  Check out Cheryl’s Amazon page for a full list of her other books.

  Other Links:

  My Website

  Visit my Blog

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  Christmas Cake Recipe

  This Christmas cake recipe has been in my husband’s family for generations and has been adjusted along the way. His mother gave it to me after we were married in January 1975, and I’ve been using it ever since.

  It’s a really moist cake, and has also been used for wedding cakes.

  *It is important to note this cake does not rise a lot.

  Into a large basin or mixing bowl place the following mixture:

  1 kilogram (or 2 lb) mixed fruit

  2 cups (1 lb) brown sugar

  2 tablespoons each Sherry and Orange juice, or if preferred, 4 tablespoons of either. (You may need more to ensure all ingredients are wet – I’ve been known to double this amount.)

  Stir well and soak overnight, covered in plastic wrap to prevent mixture drying out.

  **If unable to soak overnight, soak for minimum of two hours**

  Next day, stir to separate any ingredients that have melded together overnight. There is no problem if they are stuck, it’s just easier to mix if you separate the ingredients at this point.

  Now add 1/2 teaspoon each of the following spices:

  Nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, salt, and bicarbonate soda.

  Mix until all ingredients are combined.

  Add 2 oz (60 grams) chopped almonds. Mix well.

  Combine 250g (1/2 lb) butter and 1/2 cup (4 oz) milk. Heat in saucepan over slow heat only until butter is melted. Do not allow to boil.

  Add butter/milk mixture to fruit etc, then add:

  3 beaten eggs

  1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence

  1/2 teaspoon lemon essence

  Now slowly add 3 cups plain flour, mixing between each addition. Blend in well and pour into a paper lined tin.

  (I use 9 inch or 23 cm wide tin, with height of 2 1/2 inch or 6 cm. this is a perfect fit for the mixture)

  Bake 275 degrees F (140 degrees C) for approx 5 1/2 to 6 hours. (May take less time in fan-forced oven – anything from 4 1/2 to 5 hours) Cooks best if piece of brown paper is placed loosely over top of cake. *If you use a different size tin, cooking time will need to be adjusted.

  Do not open oven door for at least 2 1/2 hours.