Her eyes opened wide.
Was he really? It didn’t seem feasible – they’d only known each other for a little under a month. Surely he was confused – it was her cooking he loved.
“Have you nothing to say? I laid my heart out to you, and you keep silent?” His arms came up around her waist and he pulled her closer to him as she continued to sit on his lap.
“I...” She twisted around to face him. “How can that be? You don’t really know me.” She turned away and continued to eat as though nothing had happened between them.
He stood, pulling her up with him. His fingers brushed her cheek. “Your skin is so soft, your face alluring.” He reached out and pulled her closer. “I can see into your soul when I stare into your eyes.”
She blinked.
“Do you not think those are the thoughts of a man in love?” He didn’t wait for an answer, instead leaned in and kissed her lips, pulling her closer still.
Ella wasn’t sure if she should be happy or scared. Her heart did a little jig, telling her happiness was a far better option.
* * *
Thomas had waited a long time for this.
He’d felt the pull toward Ella almost from the moment they’d met. He had to admit to being put off by her disheveled look, and by the state of her worn and tattered clothes.
At first he didn’t understand her situation. How could he?
But now? Now he’d come to recognize the gentle person she was, and the dark situation she’d been plunged into by circumstances beyond her control.
He breathed in her scent. She smelled of the rose water he’d placed in the bathroom for her, and insisted she used.
It wasn’t an entirely unselfish gesture. He wanted to know her scent, her essence, and since she didn’t already have one, he created one for her.
She was a genteel woman who deserved better, and Thomas knew he was the luckiest man in the world. He needed to show her that was the truth.
As his lips covered hers, he felt her stiffen. But only at first. His hands caressing her back seemed to help, and she eventually relaxed into him.
She left him breathless and he pulled away. “Ella,” he whispered in her ear. “You are very special to me.”
Her arms snaked around his neck, and a thrill went through him. What did he do to deserve her?
He didn’t want to move, and would happily stay entwined with her for the rest of the day. But he’d promised her a day of adventure.
“What say we finish eating and go for a stroll? I believe there’s a stream not far away.” He guided her back to the blanket and they sat quietly eating, an uncomfortable air between them. Thomas recognized it for what it was.
He’d overstepped the boundaries, and now she was backing off.
“Tell me more about yourself, Ella. You’ve told me so little.”
She glanced up, a look of terror on her face. He reached out and touched her hand. “Only if you want to,” he said gently.
When she didn’t speak, he made the first move. “Shall I go first?” She nodded. “I am a lawyer as you know. My father was a lawyer and it was expected I would eventually take over his business, which I did. Now it’s your turn.”
She stared into his eyes. “My parents died when I was twelve. It was devastating, but at least I was old enough to remember them. We went to the stables most weekends – father rode, mother and I often stayed behind. I got to spend time with the horses.” Her face lit up, and he made a mental note for future adventures.
“At first I was sent to my aunt’s to live, but she died soon after and I ended up in an orphanage.” He squeezed her hand. He couldn’t begin to imagine what she’d endured.
She swallowed hard, so he gave her a reprieve. “My upbringing was privileged. I know that now. At least once a month we attended grand balls, Galas, and would often spend the weekend with one of Father’s high flying friends. Magistrates, more often than not. My first job was working as a lackey in Father’s business. I was paid handsomely for doing his dirty work.”
“My first real job was in the bakery,” she said, eyes averted. “It’s where I learned to cook.” She wouldn’t look at him, and he wondered why.
“Ella? Is something wrong,” he asked, more worried than curious.
She shook her head, but tears filled her eyes. “I left there to come here,” she said quietly.
“Did something happen?” His heart pounded. He sensed something was terribly wrong here. He lifted her hand and kissed it gently. “I won’t judge.” He lifted her chin to see her more clearly.
“Edgar Cronk, my boss, he...” Tears streamed down her face and his anger rose. He was certain he knew what came next. “He touched me. When I made it known, I was labeled a....a hussy. It’s why I became a mail order bride – to get away.”
Furious, Thomas pulled her to him. What he wouldn’t do to get his hands on that man. He kept himself in check – Ella wasn’t the source of his anger, and he couldn’t let her think she was.
He would visit the sheriff first thing Monday. Edgar Cronk would pay for his dirty deeds.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have forced you to marry me. It could ruin your reputation,” she said between sobs.
“You have no need to be sorry. This is not your fault.” He stood, bringing her up with him, and offered her his kerchief. “Shall we go for that walk now? Perhaps push some of this sadness to the back of your mind?”
She nodded and they packed up the food, placing the basket in the buggy. The creatures of the forest would have a field day if they left it out in the open.
Thomas put his arm through hers, and they strolled toward the stream. They heard it before they could see it. He had a vague idea of its direction before they’d started their trek, and was pleased the sound could direct them further.
They passed through a stand of trees and came to another clearing. In no time, the stream stood before them – a large waterfall was not far from where they stood. Ella watched in awe.
“It’s beautiful here! Can you smell the fresh air?”
He laughed but knew exactly what she meant. It did smell clean and fresh up here. His family had often driven up here on their way to visit friends. He’d heard the waterfall on occasion, but had never seen it before. “It truly is.”
Ella leaned in and touched the water, pulling her hand back quickly. “It’s freezing,” she said, glancing up at him.
He plunged his hand in to the quickly running water. “Oh heck. Yes it is,” he said, laughing at his own stupidity.
He glanced up to see Ella laughing too. It warmed his heart. He hated seeing her sad, and didn’t want to be the source of her sadness.
“Shall we go closer to the waterfall?” He hooked his arm through hers again and guided her. Despite the thickness of her coat, knowing he was touching her put a bounce in his step.
Until recently, Thomas was certain he would never be happily married. Ella was the catalyst to proving that wrong.
Chapter Seven
It had been a long day, but a fruitful one.
Thomas had a much better understanding of Ella’s previous life. It didn’t make him happy, but it helped him to understand her better.
The moment they arrived home, she began to tidy herself up, beginning with her hair. She proceeded to the kitchen after that.
“Shall I make bacon and eggs for supper? It’s a little late to prepare much else.”
They’d mostly had such a wonderful day, he didn’t want it to end. “Let’s not. We’ll dine at the hotel. You’d enjoy that wouldn’t you?”
She didn’t say a word, but he instinctively knew what she was thinking. “Forget the cost. We’re going to celebrate tonight.”
“Celebrate?”
He could see her confusion, and he couldn’t blame her. “There’s always something to celebrate, Ella. Tonight we’ll celebrate getting to know each other better.”
She ran her hands down her gown, and his eyes followed the movement.
She looked down and spotted dirt on the edge of her skirts. “Oh no!” She looked panicked, but there was no need. That’s why they had soap.
It was then he realized she was not used to have multiple gowns available. He moved closer and spoke gently. “You have a wardrobe full of clothes, Ella. A little bit of dirt isn’t a disaster.”
She brightened and headed toward the bedroom. It took a lot of restraint, but he headed to the sitting room, where he stoked the fire while he waited.
She returned a short time later.
“You look beautiful, Ella. Perhaps too beautiful – I don’t want other men ogling you.” Spots of pink stained her cheeks.
He helped her into the thick overcoat, then hooked his arm through hers and they were on their way.
Despite the evening chill, it was a pleasant stroll from home to the hotel, and Thomas enjoyed it thoroughly. He hoped his wife did too.
When they arrived, Mrs Henderson showed them to a table near the back. Thomas preferred it because it gave them privacy. It was also further from the kitchen, and therefore quieter.
He glanced at the menu, and reached out for Ella’s hand. She didn’t pull it away. “What would you like?”
Her eyes scrolled the list. “What’s good?”
“It’s all good, but the lamb shanks with mash and carrots is very appetizing.” She decided on that and Thomas waved for the waitress.
She put down a plate of bread with butter, and two glasses of water, then took their order.
The candle burning in the middle of the table gave the place a romantic feel. It suited his mood perfectly.
“I’m really glad my sister wrote to you, Ella.” She glanced up and a smile crossed her lips.
“So am I. Otherwise we would never have met.”
He squeezed her hand. Despite the years of loneliness he’d endured, he never for even one moment thought he could be as happy as he was right now.
Ella had brought sunshine into his previously dull life. She’d brought happiness, and she filled his heart with love.
He fingered the wedding ring he’d given her since the ceremony. It had belonged to his mother, and was a family heirloom. “I wish we could have our time over. We’d have a huge wedding, and invite the whole town.”
She stared down at the ring, then glanced up at him. “Neither of us would want that,” she said softly. “At least I know I wouldn’t. Besides, the money could be better spent in other ways.”
He felt confused. “Such as?”
“Did you know there are families in this town struggling to survive? They don’t have enough food to get through week to week?”
He shook his head.
“Their children won’t receive even one gift for Christmas. It makes me terribly sad, Thomas. I’ve been there, and I know what it’s like.”
His wife who had lived here for a matter of weeks knew more about this town than he did. “How do you know this?”
“The Ladies Auxiliary at the church. They visited me recently, and told me about it. They thought I might be able to help with some cooking.” He could see she was touched by the situation these people found themselves in, and wondered what they could do to help.
Their food arrived and he reluctantly let go of her hand. “Eat up. We’ll talk about this more later.”
That brought a smile to her lips, and she took a mouthful of the steaming food. “This is really good.”
He smiled. She deserved a day off, and he was so glad he made the time. Life used to be totally about working, and money. Now he had more to live for.
They barely finished eating when a waitress cleared their plates. “Would you like something else, Mr Winston?”
“Yes, thank you. We’ll have an assortment of Mrs Henderson’s delightful cakes and slices.” He grinned and she walked away. Ella was in for a treat.
When the platter of miniature cakes arrived, her eyes opened wide. “This is far too much,” she said, overwhelmed by the spread before her.
“You’re worth it,” he said, and meant every word.
“I ate far too much, and am beyond full,” Ella protested as they began the stroll home.
He glanced across at her. “Just as well we have to walk home then, isn’t it?” The cheeky look on his face told her he was joking with her.
Today had been very special. Not only had they spent the longest time together they’d ever done, but she had gotten to know Thomas better.
He’d been more relaxed with her than he’d ever been. Her only regret was telling him about her troubles at the bakery. It had made him quite distraught, and the last thing she wanted to do was upset him.
“Is that...?” She reach out her hand and caught some flurries as they fluttered downward.
“Snow? You’ve never seen snow before?” He looked amazed.
“It doesn’t snow in Harken, and I’ve lived there most of my life.”
He grinned and she wondered what he was thinking. “Give it a few more days and it will be much heavier. When there’s enough we can build a snowman.”
Excitement trickled through her. It sounded amazing.
“Here were are,” he said, scooping her up off the ground.
She wriggled in his arms. “What are you doing, Thomas?”
“Carrying my wife across the threshold.”
Her arms snaked around his neck and she snuggled into him. “You did that the day we wed, silly.”
He stared into her eyes. “It meant nothing to either of us then – it was all for show. Today is different. Today it feels like we are truly a married couple, and I intend to prove it to you.”
Ella knew her cheeks would be pink, but this time she didn’t care. Not one little bit.
* * *
The church bells rang, and Ella looked up. “It’s time,” she said excitedly, and pulled off her apron.
She looked around at the spread of food surrounding the large church kitchen. Along with Thomas and herself, the Ladies Auxiliary had spent almost a week planning this very special event.
Ella’s heart was filled with warmth.
She stared at the large baskets of food, ready for their special guests to take home. There were also toys with particular children in mind, and she knew their gesture would make a difference in their young lives.
She looked up as the doors to the hall opened. People flooded in and her heart fluttered.
Tomorrow was Christmas and she knew she’d helped make the lives of many families much better. Really it was Thomas, he’d paid for it all, but her suggestion was the catalyst. He didn’t seem to mind at all, which made her heart sing.
Tables and chairs were set up ready for the elaborate Christmas luncheon to be served. No one would be turned away – an invitation had been sent out to everyone. Those living on the outskirts were personally invited, and they ensured those doing it the hardest would be there, even if they had to be collected.
She felt an arm come up around her shoulders. “You’re a very special woman, Ella Winston,” her husband said, then leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.
In private, they’d decided this was their wedding celebration, but to everyone else, it was a Christmas celebration and one of friendship.
As Thomas had said, it could easily be both.
Pastor Gillis came to stand beside them. “I don’t think either of you understand what you’ve done today.” He nodded then walked away, making his way through the guests.
“I do,” Ella said quietly. “I honestly do.”
Thomas pulled her into an embrace. “I can’t wait to see the faces of all these children when they receive their gifts,” he said. “Let’s make this a yearly event.”
Her heart sang. He might hide it from some, but Ella knew she’d married a good man.
Epilogue
Ella awoke to find Thomas’s hand across her swollen belly.
He was sound asleep.
She tried to slip out of bed without disturbing him, but it wasn’t to be. He reach
ed out for her hand and tried to pull her back.
“Just a little while longer,” he said, wiggling his eyebrows at her.
She stared at him. “And what exactly do you think got me into this position in the first place?”
Baby James crying had her throwing the blankets back to go to him. “This is the last one, Thomas,” she said firmly.
He grinned. “I seriously doubt that,” he said, getting out of bed himself. He came to her and pulled her into a gentle hug, and together they went to young James.
Ella changed his diaper and put him on the floor, Thomas standing in the doorway watching them both.
“Da-da,” James said putting his arms out toward his father. He then pulled himself up on the side of the cot and took his first wobbly steps.
They both stared at him in bewilderment. There’d been no indication he was even close to this point.
Ella grabbed at her stomach, and Thomas frowned. “Everything alright,” he asked, stepping toward her.
She grimaced, but managed to make her way to the sitting room, her arm hooked through her husband’s. Thomas carried James.
“I’ll get the doctor, just in case.”
“Please don’t,” she insisted. “It’s just a twinge.”
He stared at her. He knew her all too well. He snatched up the baby and placed him in his stroller, covering him with a blanket.
Thomas helped her into a chair. Before she could sit, her waters broke. “Just a twinge, eh?” Thomas asked, satisfaction written all over his face. “I knew I was right.”
He leaned in and kissed her forehead then covered her with a blanket. “We’ll be back shortly,” he said, heading for the front door.
* * *
This was the part Thomas loathed.
To hear his wife in such pain was heart-wrenching. He knew it was his fault, and she let him know it was.
He’d walked young James around town more times than he cared to remember. The little fellow didn’t need to hear his mother screaming in pain.
A Groom for Christmas (Spinster Mail-Order Brides Book 9) Page 6
