by Jaclyn Hardy
“Is she all right?” Nathaniel wanted to go see her, but Charlotte stood in his way. He needed to talk to his wife.
Charlotte nodded. “No thanks to you.”
“Thank you again for taking care of her. You can go now, but it’s snowing. If you’d rather stay, I can make you a bed of blankets.”
Joshua pulled the milk off the stove. “It’s probably better to stay here tonight.”
Nathaniel crept into the bedroom and pulled out an armful of quilts. He took them out to the living room where Joshua and Charlotte were moving furniture so there was a big enough space on the floor. He handed off the blankets and then went to get more. While they made the bed, Nathaniel took the milk outside to cool and stoked all of the fires. The snow still came down, making the land bright in the moonlight.
Madeline still slept while Nathaniel changed and climbed into bed. She shifted over to rest her head on his shoulder, but never said anything. Nathaniel stared up at the ceiling, content to be home with his wife. Tomorrow they would talk, but for now, he wanted to enjoy the peace and quiet of his home.
***
Nathaniel hefted the milk can and carried it into the house. The snow had ended sometime during the night, but not before dropping three or four inches on the ground. It was Christmas Eve, and the weather must have decided to play along.
He took the milk can straight to the stove so it could be prepared to be churned into butter and made into cheese to sell after the holidays.. Madeline was nowhere to be seen, which meant she was probably still sleeping.
That meant he had a chance to read the paper in peace. He sat at the table and read the first page before turning to where it was continued. It read more like a journal than an article and while she had a few stories of their time together, she’d been careful with what she said about him. The last paragraph had him wanting to crawl into a hole. His mom and Madeline had been right. He should have listened and continued reading.
Two arms wrapped around his shoulders and hugged him from behind. “Do you still hate me?”
“I never hated you.” Nathaniel turned and pulled Madeline into his lap. “But reading that you’d signed up as part of your research made me turn into a fool. I’m sorry.”
Madeline rested her head against his chest. “I know you are. Just trust me when I tell you that I do not regret for a second that I came here to be your bride. And while it started out as research, it’s become so much more.”
“I’m glad to hear that, because I’ve totally, completely fallen in love with you.” Nathaniel pulled her in for a kiss.
The sound of sizzling pulled them away from each other. Madeline scrambled off of Nathaniel’s lap so he could take the milk off the stove.
“I guess we won’t be making butter from that one.” Madeline laughed. “It’ll work for the cinnamon rolls I planned to make for tomorrow.”
“You’re not going to be cooking. That’s too much standing.” Nathaniel stirred the milk to make sure it wasn’t ruined.
Madeline sighed. “Well, I have to do something. I can’t just lie around while our families are here. What would your mother think of me?”
“She’ll think you’re doing the responsible thing by resting.” Nathaniel dried his hands. “I actually need to go pick her up. Do you need anything?”
“Chocolate. I’m craving chocolate.” Madeline sighed. “Except I haven’t seen it since I moved here.”
Nathaniel grinned. “I’ll see what I can do. I shouldn’t be too long. They’re staying at an inn near the stagecoach station.”
Madeline brightened. “Where we were married?”
“Yes, that one.” Nathaniel leaned down and kissed her. “Just please stay out of trouble.”
“I always do.” She pointed at the couch. “I don’t plan to leave the couch until I’ve written the next few articles. Oh, and could you possibly pick up any newspapers you can find?”
He nodded. “Mother picked yours up on the train, so maybe she grabbed others on the way as well.”
“Thank you.” Madeline sat down and put two quilts on her lap and waited for the paper and pen from Nathaniel. “Oh, Joshua and Charlotte are heading into town to meet his father and will be watching for my parents as well.”
“I checked while I was there yesterday. I hope they’re all right.”
Madeline shrugged. “They’re fine I’m sure.”
Nathaniel left the house and went to get Lucky. He hated leaving Madeline again. He should have told Matthew and David how to get to his homestead the night before. But this way he could check for chocolate. He hadn’t seen much of it in town, but perhaps Clarence bought some especially for Christmas.
Madeline sat in the middle of gifts, wrapping, and people chatting excitedly about the gifts they’d been given. Thankfully her parents got along with his mother. Perhaps a little too much. Finding out that Nathaniel’s family would be staying was a huge relief. She would have family here to help out instead of having to rely on Charlotte all the time.
There were only a few gifts left under the tree, but by that time everyone was too busy looking at the ones they’d already opened.
Nathaniel handed a gift to Madeline and smiled. “This one is from me.”
Madeline looked at him in surprise. “You’ve already given me so much.”
“Well, this one isn’t just for you. Open it.”
Madeline ripped open the tissue paper and gasped. Three small pairs of pajamas and a couple pairs of booties were inside. She couldn’t believe a baby could be so tiny. “They’re wonderful. Thank you.”
“We don’t know if it’s a boy or a girl, so I tried to find something that would work for either.” Nathaniel picked up one of the pairs of the pajamas for the others to see.
There were several oohs and ahhs. Madeline passed around the rest of the outfits, then pointed to a box near the back of the tree. “That one is yours, Nathaniel.”
He grinned and dove under the tree for it. “How did you hide this under here without me knowing about it?”
“I had Mother do it for me while you were helping me with the popcorn last night.” Madeline laughed at his expression. “Did you really think I needed you to help me hold the basket over the fire?”
“I was just being helpful.” Nathaniel opened the box and pulled out some leather gloves and a new pair of boots. “Wow, thank you. I’ve been needing a new pair of boots.”
Madeline raised an eyebrow. “I know. I saw the holes in the bottom of your others and made sure to order new ones.”
The rest of the gifts were for Nathaniel’s family. Hats for the boys and a brooch for his mother. Madeline felt a pang of sadness that she hadn’t been there when he’d picked out the items. It was wonderful that things were good between them again, but it had been devastating when he’d left. Tears formed in her eyes and she forced them back.
She stood and went to the kitchen so she could compose herself. Besides, she needed to check on the ham. That was at least something she could do to help. Both mothers had prepared dinner, insisting that Madeline get some rest. Everything looked and smelled perfect, but she would have liked to be a bigger part of it.
David walked over and pulled a piece of the ham off. “I’m here to make sure you don’t do anything you’re not supposed to. And to make sure this ham tastes right.” He popped the piece in his mouth. “Well, the ham is good. I’m going to check another piece just in case. And you’d better go sit down.”
“Nice try. Hands off until we have the blessing.” Madeline took out a couple of hot pads. “You can help, though. I can’t lift the pan. Will you put it on the table for me?”
David took the pads from her and picked up the ham. “Just for that, I’ll have to try some more.”
“Fair enough.” Madeline moved the rolls from the pan to a tray and moved those to the table as well.
Mother came over, and Madeline knew she was in trouble for working. “Mother, could you get the butter for me?”
“Yes. While you sit down. I don’t mind you sitting in the kitchen to talk, but I’d like to see my grandchild, which means you need to be careful.”
Madeline sat and watched her mother as she set the table. “How long do you plan to stay, Mother? I noticed you had a few extra bags stowed away.”
Mother set the plates down and put a hand over Madeline’s. “I’d planned to stay for a couple of weeks to make sure that everything was good between you and Nathaniel. When I found out about the baby, I convinced your father to let me stay until you’ve had him. Or her. I hope you don’t mind.”
“I would love to have the help.” Madeline smiled. “You will love it here, Mother. The town is the cutest, and the people are wonderful.”
“Speaking of which, it’s clear that you don’t have enough room here at the house. Would you and Nathaniel mind finding a place at an inn for me?”
Madeline glanced over at Nathaniel. “His family is staying near the stagecoach station not too far from here. We can probably find you a place there. Is Father leaving then?”
Mother laughed. “You know him. He doesn’t stick around for long. Too many places to visit to sell his wares.”
Nathaniel caught them looking at him and came over. “What are you two planning?”
“Mother needs a place to stay until the baby is born. I was thinking of the same inn where your mother is.”
“That’s wonderful. It will be good to have you here to help Madeline. Staying in town might not be needed. I was thinking of building another room onto the house.” Nathaniel sat next to Madeline. “Our baby will need a room anyway, and your mother can stay in the room for now.”
Madeline’s eyes widened. “You’ll do that for us? How long do you think it will take?”
Nathaniel nodded toward his brothers. “Between us, we could probably get it done in a week or two. She’d need a place until then, unless she wants to sleep on the couch.”
“I would prefer a room at the inn if possible. I wouldn’t want to impose on the two of you, and I’m not as young as I used to be. Sleeping on the couch would mean not being able to move during the day.”
“While it’s a comfortable couch, I think I would agree with your decision. We can take both of you there when I go to drop off the others.” Nathaniel pulled the potatoes off the stove and set the pot on the table. “All right, who’s hungry?”
***
Madeline stared up at the ceiling, the pounding of the hammer matching the pounding in her head. For two weeks she’d been listening to Nathaniel, David, and Matthew arguing and pestering each other over the noise of the saw and hammers. They were supposed to be done soon, but Nathaniel wouldn’t let her near the room, insisting that it was a surprise.
She rolled off her bed and stumbled into the kitchen. A sandwich sounded good right then and hopefully it would help her headache.
Mother looked up from the quilt she was working on. “What do you need, sweetheart? I can get it for you.”
“No thank you. I need to get up and walk around anyway.” Madeline cut two slices of bread and paused. “Would you like one?”
She looked up from her sewing. “I don’t remember when I ate last. A sandwich sounds wonderful. Do you need me to get anything?”
“I need some ham. We should have some in the cellar.” Madeline took one of the newly made blocks of cheese and cut several slices off of it. She might as well make sandwiches for Nathaniel and the others while she was up.
Mother came in from the cellar several minutes later with a ham. “The silence is almost deafening now. Are the boys finished?”
Madeline frowned. “I hadn’t realized they’d stopped. I haven’t seen them, though. Maybe we should check on them.”
“I’ll cut the ham. You go see what they’re doing.” Mother smiled and went to work on the sandwiches.
Madeline went to the newly added door and rattled the knob to see if they’d locked it. She jumped when it suddenly opened.
“Are you ready?” Nathaniel stood in the doorway with a grin on his face.
“For?” Madeline tried to peek around his shoulder, but he moved in her way.
Nathaniel pulled out a handkerchief and covered Madeline’s eyes. “For your surprise. We are finished.”
Madeline gasped. “You are? I thought you said it would be another couple of days.”
“Joshua was finished with his part sooner than we thought.” Nathaniel led her into the room, then undid the handkerchief. “Open your eyes.”
The room was beautiful. The log walls were the same as the rest of the house, but it was done in yellows and greens for the baby. A new cradle sat against one wall. It had a cherry stain, and there were delicate carvings along the edges. Madeline’s eyes filled with tears.
“This is beautiful. Joshua did this?” Madeline ran her fingers along the sides and touched the small quilt inside.
“He did. He also built the dresser and finished the wardrobe I started for you. We’ll move it into our room once your mother leaves.”
Madeline looked up from the cradle and noticed the rest of the furniture. A bed had been brought in for Mother, and the wardrobe matched the one in Madeline’s room. The baby’s dresser matched the cradle. She opened the drawers and found the clothing Nathaniel had bought.
“This is wonderful. Thank you.” Madeline hugged David and Matthew first, and then threw herself into Nathaniel’s arms. “It’s so perfect.”
“I’m glad you like it. We’ll gather your mother’s things when I take Matthew and David back to the inn.”
Madeline glanced between them. “Have you found a house yet?”
David nodded. “Although not together. I’m going to move into town to start a butcher shop. I figure it’s the best way to help Nathaniel out. I found a house already. Matthew thinks mining is the way to go.”
“It’s what we’ve been doing in California, so it just makes sense.” Matthew elbowed his brother. “I smell food. Madeline, I hope you enjoy your new room.”
“Thank you.” Madeline turned back to the cradle and placed a hand in it. Soon she would have a little one to sleep in it.
Nathaniel wrapped his arms around her from behind and kissed her neck. “Was it a good surprise?”
Madeline turned and wrapped her arms around his neck. “You’ve constantly surprised me since I arrived, my love. And I have to say this one might just be the best one.”
SEVEN MONTHS LATER
Madeline stared down at her perfect little boy. He was only a few hours old and she was already completely in love with him. His fingers were long and slender, just like his father’s. Nathaniel brushed Madeline’s hair from her face and kissed her forehead.
“He’s beautiful.”
Madeline nodded. “Have you decided on a name?”
Nathaniel was silent for a moment. “I know you’d like to use our fathers’ names, but I thought maybe we should go with Mark.”
“I like the name, but why not your father’s name?”
“Mark Hudson is the reason you showed up here. If you hadn’t applied as a mail order bride for research, you never would have come into my life. And now that you’ve put him to rest, I think we need to honor him in a different way.”
Madeline smiled. “You’re sure?”
“Absolutely. As long as we can go with my father’s name for the middle.” He took Mark’s hand in his. “What do you think, buddy? Does Mark Ambrose Poulton sound good to you?”
“You’re going to use his name?” Nathaniel’s mother stood in the doorway.
Nathaniel nodded. “I think Father would have approved, don’t you?”
His mother held her arms out, and Nathaniel gently picked Mark up and placed him in her arms. She rocked him for a moment before speaking. “Yes. I think he would have.”
Madeline lay back against her pillow, smiling at the interaction between her husband and his mother. The urge to write just one more article with a follow up on what had happened in the last year was stron
g, but she pushed it away. She’d done her job. And now she got to sit back and see the results of her leap of faith.
Nathaniel curled up next to her on the bed. “Thank you for agreeing to marry me.”
Madeline laid her head on his shoulder and smiled. “You’re welcome. It turns out that it was the best decision I’ve ever made.”
JACLYN HARDY
This is a work of fiction, and the views expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the author. Likewise, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are represented fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events or locales, is entirely coincidental.
Book design and layout copyright © 2019 Dragons & Fairy Tales Press
Cover design copyright © 2019 Dragons & Fairy Tales Press
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
Copyright © 2019 by Jaclyn Hardy
For those who want an escape.
Samantha slowly turned the doorknob and pushed the door shut. Finally. She had some peace in her room. It wouldn’t last long, but at least she could get away from Mama. Samantha flopped on her bed, something that was completely against all her etiquette classes. She rolled over and stared up at the ceiling, wishing she could get away from all of this.
Not that it was all bad. She loved her home here in South Carolina. It was much better than New York City and a few other large cities she’d visited with her family. But if she had to sit through one more dinner with a suitor, she would scream.
Commotion erupted in the hall just outside her room, and she knew she’d been found. Samantha slid off her bed and tiptoed to the balcony. She glanced behind her, then climbed over the railing and flailed until her feet hit the ivy lattice below. Her escape. Mama would know where Samantha was going next, but at least she had a head start. It was colder than she’d expected, but then it was early January. She should have brought something warmer to put on once she got down.
