Poor Boy's Christmas with Bonus Book

by Kathleen Ball

  “Let’s just go meet them.” He started them walking again. “I would like to hear how the restaurant is going. I still can’t believe Edith held onto it for me.”

  “Edith knows who I am. Will she give me away?”

  “And taint my good name? She wants me to marry, so she’ll be quiet.”

  They continued to walk until they came to the main house. He gave her hand one last squeeze before letting it go. They walked up the porch steps and opened the door. Edith frowned at Molly before she made a beeline for Poor Boy. She pulled his head down so she could kiss him on the cheek. Heat suffused his whole face.

  “Here he is! Isn’t he as handsome as I told you, Ann Marie?” Edith beamed while Ann Marie looked decidedly uncomfortable. “Poor Boy, this is Ann Marie and Aaron Pike.”

  Aaron stuck out his hand and Poor Boy shook it. “Nice to meet you, Aaron and you too, Miss Pike.”

  “Please call me Ann Marie,” she gave him a sweet smile.

  “This is my sister, Molly.”

  “Molly, hello. What a pretty name,” Ann Marie said.

  “Yes, it’s very nice to meet you, Molly,” Aaron said with an appreciative look in his eye.

  Molly nodded as Poor Boy sized up Aaron. He already didn’t like him. He had a glint in his brown eyes that didn’t sit right with Poor Boy.

  “Come in,” Shannon said graciously. “It’s always nice to have visitors. Hello, Aaron. Hello, Molly. It’s nice to see you again. Edith, you look lovely today.”

  Edith narrowed her eyes at Shannon as if wondering why Shannon was being so nice to her. Edith had caused Shannon an awful lot of grief when Shannon had first come to town.

  “Thank you,” Edith replied stiffly. “Is Cookie around?”

  “Of course I am. I skedaddled over as soon as I heard the wagon drive up.” Cookie hurried to Edith’s side and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.

  The affection between the two surprised Poor Boy. He’d never pictured Edith allowing a show of affection in the company of others. Things sure had changed since he’d been gone.

  “Cookie, I was hoping we could have some of that tea I gave you last week,” Edith said.

  “Of course you can, and I have some cookies to go with it. I was hoping you’d come out today.”

  “Molly, would you mind helping us?” Edith asked. “Aaron, why don’t you sit in this chair, and Ann Marie and Poor Boy you can share the settee.”

  Edith didn’t fool Poor Boy for a second, but he did as she bade. He waited for Ann Marie to sit, and then he took his seat next to her. He had to admit she was lovely. Her hair was honey blond, and her blue eyes looked almost purple. She had a nice smile too. Both she and Aaron shared the same coloring.

  “Edith has told us so much about you, Poor Boy. I feel as though I already know you,” Ann Marie said. There was kindness in her eyes and he liked that.

  “Are you planning to take control of the restaurant?” Aaron asked.

  “Aaron, we’re not here to talk about Eats’ Place. We’re here on a social visit,” Ann Marie gently scolded her brother.

  Poor Boy didn’t miss the anger in Aaron’s eyes. Didn’t the siblings get along?

  “Aaron, to tell you the truth I didn’t know about Eats’ still being open until the other day. It’s been a lot to take in, and I haven’t given it much thought. As a deputy, I’m not sure how much time I’d have to run the place. We’ll have to wait and see.”

  Aaron frowned. Did he want the restaurant for himself?

  Shannon excused herself and went to check on the napping children. Edith sat down in a chair next to Poor Boy, leaving an empty seat next to Aaron. He watched as Molly came in with a plate of cookies. She put them on the table and looked at the empty chair then at Aaron. Her lips formed a straight line and wariness flashed in her eyes. She sat down, and Poor Boy wanted to laugh at how she sat leaning away from Aaron.

  “I’ve got the tea, folks,” Cookie said as he set a tray of tin cups and the coffee pot on the table next to the cookies. He pulled a wooden chair over from the table and sat next to Edith. “Aaron and Ann Marie have done a great job with Eats’ Place. They added to the menu and you don’t have to eat the meal of the day. You have choices and people seem to like it. I’ve eaten there a few times and they cook almost as good as I do.”

  “That’s quite the compliment, Cookie,” Aaron said.

  “Yes, indeed.” Poor Boy nodded. He leaned forward and accepted the cup of tea Edith had poured for him.

  “Ann Marie cooks and waits tables. She helps take care of the books. She’s a very accomplished woman,” Edith enthused as she stared at Poor Boy.

  “How nice,” Poor Boy said. Dang it all! What was he supposed to say?

  “Being the deputy is a dangerous job. You don’t have to worry about the restaurant at all. We have it all under control. Don’t we, Ann Marie? We have a big crowd every night. With a daring job, you need to focus on that and not worry about Eats’.” Aaron smiled but it didn’t reflect in his eyes. There was something off about that man.

  “I can’t believe it’s almost Christmas,” Ann Marie said. “I just love Christmas! Don’t you, Poor Boy?”

  He didn’t like the way they excluded Molly from the conversation. “Molly and I plan to enjoy our first one together. I’m really looking forward to it. I’m thinking of getting a tree for the cabin.”

  “What fun!” Edith exclaimed. “We’d love to help decorate. Wouldn’t we, Ann Marie?”

  “Oh yes! We could have a tree decorating party! What do you think, Aaron?”

  Aaron raked his gaze over Molly. “I think it would be a fine idea.”

  Molly shuddered and then took a drink of her tea. She had enough on her mind and didn’t need the extra worry of a Christmas party.

  “We just moved in and we’re still unpacking,” Poor Boy said.

  “You don’t need much,” Edith insisted. “How about tomorrow evening? It’ll be such fun! Mind you, it’s a small place so it’ll just be us.”

  Ann Marie turned toward Poor Boy. “I can’t wait.”

  He put on a smile. “Neither can we. Isn’t that right, Molly?”

  His gaze locked with Molly’s, and his lips twitched. She looked fit to be tied. “I haven’t had a tree in a long time.” The sadness in her voice stole all his humor. She might not be here when Christmas arrived. He gave her a reassuring smile.

  Putting his cup down on the table, he then stood. “Molly is still weary from all the traveling we did to get back to Texas. I think we should let her rest. It was nice to meet you.” His heart swelled at the grateful smile Molly bestowed on him. Holding out his hand, he helped her up and then led her out of the house.

  “Aaron seems very nice,” Poor Boy teased. “Ouch,” he teased some more when she tapped his side with her elbow.

  “He’s strange, and I don’t like the way he looks at me. It’s very different from the way Rollo looks at me. Heck, Rollo’s stare is very respectful compared to that slime Aaron. He kept staring at my…well my…umm.”

  “I saw where he was staring. He’s no gentleman, though he wants me to think he is.”

  “Well, they will be here tomorrow for a party. Is it selfish that I did want to put up a tree but with just you and me? Edith and Cookie are coming, aren’t they?”

  He shrugged. “I have no idea. I can’t imagine Edith wanting to miss it.”

  Molly chuckled. “You’re right about that.”

  They walked into the cabin and stared at each other until Molly broke it off.

  “I really am tired,” she said.

  “I’ll let you take a nap then.”

  “Poor Boy, do you think you could hold me until I fall asleep? I’m just so darn scared. If I go to prison, I want to be able to remember what it felt like to have your arms around me. If I die I want my last thoughts to be of the comfort you gave me.”

  He swallowed hard. No matter what, he was going to get hurt, but he couldn’t deny her request. He wanted to ma
ke the same memories for himself. He nodded, and she smiled as he followed her to the bed.

  Molly took off her shoes and settled herself on the mattress. He did the same and then, lying on his back, he pulled her into his arms. He kissed her temple and held her, caressing her back and her hair until he heard the sound of her even breathing. His chest tightened. He was going to miss her when she was gone. He’d never known a woman so real before. She made no pretenses, well except for when she’d said she was Corny Cornelius. He smiled. Yes, she was one of a kind.

  Chapter Five

  The next day dawned, and Molly sat on the bed biting her bottom lip, trying to figure out what was involved with a tree trimming party. She was out of her element. Her family had always celebrated together. There were enough of them that they didn’t invite guests. Bittersweet memories filled her. They’d been such a happy family. Now she was alone.

  She stood up and started straightening the cabin, not that there was a mess but keeping busy sometimes kept her nervousness at bay. Poor Boy slept in front of the fire and the peaceful look on his face was like a tonic to her soul. He’d be with her and everything would be fine. It wasn’t as though she’d ever live in this town or get to really know its people.

  Tears filled her eyes as her peacefulness disappeared. She turned away and quickly went back toward the bed and got dressed, glancing over her shoulder often to be sure he wasn’t awake. Grabbing her wrap, she quietly opened the door, stepped out into the chilled air and sat on the front stairs.

  The rising sun was a beautiful sight and she tried to keep the knowledge that she didn’t have many more to view at bay. Life was for the living and for right now, she was still alive and somewhat free. Poor Boy never made her feel like a prisoner and she was grateful. Her life had taken many twists and turns in the last few years but she never thought she’d end up waiting on a judge to decide her fate.

  She had been part of the bank robbery, and for some reason, before it happened, she’d never given the fact that other people could have been killed a thought. Now she was left to wonder if any of her brothers had had to kill an innocent person. Hopefully their souls were at peace and they had nothing so heinous to repent for.

  Her nose grew cold and it struck her as funny. Usually her hands felt the cold first. The observations she made now were so different from what she usually thought about. She watched as Cookie hustled to the main house and entered without knocking on the door. It was nice they were all part of a big family. They all genuinely enjoyed each other’s company.

  Christmas was coming, and it wasn’t a time to feel sorry for herself. It was a time to celebrate the birth of the son of God. That was what mattered. She’d either celebrate on earth or in heaven. Her fate was no longer in her hands. Smiling, she watched as the sky grew lighter. It would be a good day.

  Six hours later, she decided she was so very wrong. All three of them, Edith, Aaron and Ann Marie arrived right after lunch. They all gathered inside the main house, and Edith started the visit off with eye-narrowed stares, which added to Molly’s unease. Edith also drew her away from Poor Boy at every turn, allowing him to spend more time with Ann Marie.

  Molly’s only consolation was that Poor Boy looked as uncomfortable as she felt. She watched as Ann Marie took every opportunity to brush up against the deputy. Meanwhile, Aaron kept giving her an eerie grin.

  “Are you going to cut down a tree? You should do it now before it gets dark,” Shannon said.

  Poor Boy stood. “Aaron, I’ll grab the axe and we can go.” Poor Boy’s hair practically stood on end from running his fingers through it. A telltale sign he wasn’t happy with the way things had been progressing. Molly hid her smile behind her hand.

  “What fun!” Ann Marie enthused as she jumped up and grabbed her cloak. She handed it to Poor Boy for him to put it on her.

  Molly started to stand.

  “Molly, perhaps you could help wash the teacups,” Edith suggested, but by the glare she gave, Molly knew it wasn’t a suggestion.

  Not sure what to do, she sat back down and clasped her hands in front of her. Edith was probably right. She’d just be in the way.

  Shannon opened her mouth, but before she could say a word, Poor Boy walked to where Molly sat and reached down, taking her hand in his. “I wouldn’t dream of leaving Molly out of the fun. If need be, I’ll wash the cups myself when we get back.” He pulled Molly up, gave her a quick grin, and led her to where she’d hung her wrap. He took it off the peg and put it gently over her shoulders.

  “Have fun!” Shannon called as they went out the door.

  Molly took a deep breath. “Do you think we’ll get snow for Christmas?” she asked as they walked toward a grove of pine trees.

  “Does it feel like it’s going to snow?” Ann Marie asked. “It’s getting warmer by the hour.”

  Molly didn’t answer her; she just kept plowing ahead. Ann Marie could be a big pain in the neck. Molly’s shoulders were so tight with tension, they’d begun to hurt, but they relaxed as she realized it didn’t matter what Ann Marie, Aaron or Edith thought.

  “Poor Boy, which tree does you think we should chop?” Molly asked turning in a circle admiring all the trees around them.

  “How about that one?” He pointed to one that wasn’t too tall.

  “That’s not a good tree at all,” Ann Marie said. “You need to make sure the branches are nice and full.” She walked for a bit, examining tree after tree until she found one she liked. “This is the one.”

  Without waiting for a consensus, Aaron took the axe and began to chop the tree down. He wasn’t at it for very long before he became winded and announced he was taking a rest.

  Poor Boy took off his coat, put on his work gloves, and grabbed the axe from Aaron. It only took him a couple of powerful swings before the tree came crashing down. The smile on Poor Boy’s face was worth putting up with Ann Marie and Aaron for. She’d seen him smile before, but this one was one of joy. His smile was contagious as was his happiness.

  “Let’s drag it home,” Poor Boy said as he grabbed part of the tree.

  “I’m still tired,” Aaron complained.

  “I’ll help you,” Molly said not waiting for Ann Marie’s answer.

  The tree was big, and they could have used the siblings’ help. How was it they supposedly worked wonders at Poor Boy’s restaurant, but here they acted lazy? Something wasn’t right with these two. Molly shrugged. They weren’t her problem.

  They pushed and pulled, and finally they got the tree inside the cabin. Poor Boy made a small wood stand, and the tree was gorgeous with its majestic branches. It took up more room than she thought seemed practical, but it would be fine.

  Cookie had left popcorn and cranberries on the table for them to string. Molly sat and began to string the popcorn. Ann Marie plopped herself down on the couch and watched.

  “Why don’t you help? There’s plenty of popped corn.” Molly stared at the other woman.

  “I don’t know how.”

  “It’s easy, really. I can show you,” Molly offered.

  “I’d rather just watch.” Ann Marie turned away from Molly and kept her gaze on Poor Boy.

  Poor Boy drew a chair alongside Molly, grabbed the needle and thread, and began stringing the popped corn adding in a cranberry every so often. Molly laughed when it was apparent that Poor Boy was actually eating more than he strung. He gave her a heart-gripping smile while he winked at her.

  Ann Marie crossed her arms in front of her as she continued to stare. “Poor Boy, would you like to take a walk with me?”

  “Thanks for the offer, but I’m helping Molly. It seems everyone else just wanted to watch.” He gazed at Ann Marie and then at Aaron.

  “Got anything to drink around here?” Aaron asked.

  “I could make us some coffee if you like,” Molly offered.

  “No, I meant whiskey or the like.”

  Poor Boy shook his head. “Sorry, we just moved in. We have coffee or water.” />
  Aaron frowned. “I thought this was going to be a party. I’ll help string the popped corn so you can take my sister for a walk. I’d like to get to know your sister better.”

  Ann Marie stood and grabbed her cloak as if it was all settled. Poor Boy did not appear happy as he stood up to follow. “We’ll be back shortly.”

  As soon as they left Aaron sat down next to Molly. “I’m glad they’re gone. I don’t think your brother approves of me. I don’t know what he has stuck in his craw, but he needs to remove it.”

  Her body tensed at the way he spoke about Poor Boy. “If you want to grab a needle I can help you thread it.”

  Aaron laughed and pulled a flask out of his pocket. “We might as well have fun while they’re away.” He took a big swig off his flask and offered it to her.

  “What is it?”

  “Whiskey, of course. The very best, not at all like that nasty saloon swill. Here have some.” He pushed the flask into her hand.

  “I don’t like whiskey, sorry. Why did you ask if we had whiskey if you had your own?” Aaron shrugged, took the flask back and poured more whiskey down his throat. “Damn good stuff. I wanted to be sure to have mine for the ride home.”

  “You might as well save the rest. It is a long ride. Would you like to sing Christmas Carols?”

  Taking yet another drink, he shook his head. “The first time I saw you, I was enchanted. How about a kiss before your brother comes back?”

  Her heart sped up, and she stood. Walking behind the table, she hoped to keep some distance between them. The nerve of the man. He stood and stared at her with glassy eyes. He’d imbibed more than he should have. Perhaps she could outrun him and get away.

  She tried to move around the table, but he blocked her path. She then tried to move the other way, only to be blocked again. He wasn’t going to let her go. She sighed and then tried to smile.