“His leg was broken, and Doc Mary says he may limp the rest of his life.” Martha had bags under her eyes, and Rebel knew the reason why.
“He’s lucky the ordeal didn’t kill him.”
Martha gave her a sad smile. “I’m sorry you had to go out in that storm, but Henry was very grateful and talks about your kindness.”
“Think nothing of it, Martha. I’m happy to help anytime you need it.”
“Funny thing. I don’t know what you and the men said to Henry on that pile of blasted rocks, but he’s changed.”
“How so?”
“He lined the boys up, looked at them real stern, and said he didn’t want any more trouble out of them. If they gave him grief, he’d set them straight in no time.”
Would wonders never cease! It seemed Henry had turned over a new leaf, and it was long past due. Rebel found a seat near where Jenny was playing with Nora’s Willow and Tally’s baby, Dillon, a six-month-old darling.
As wife of the town founder, Tally Colby took charge. “Thank you all for coming. We owe Rebel a debt of gratitude for her brilliant idea for the Advent celebration. Hope’s Crossing needs something like this.”
Everyone started talking at once, their eyes on Rebel.
“I haven’t celebrated Advent in the last ten years.” Belle January slid her hand inside Tobias’s, and their gazes met.
Rebel glanced down at Jenny, on the floor playing with Willow. “It’s been longer than that for me, Belle. I was just a child.”
“All right, we have a lot to discuss.” Tally glanced at a sheet of paper. “Tobias, since you’ll be making the wooden calendar, tell us what you’ll need and how long it might take to build. It needs to be finished by Monday. Advent officially begins this Sunday with the lighting of the first of four candles.”
Tobias stood, his long, white beard flowing down his chest. Although he had to be over seventy, his eyes twinkled like a young boy’s. Rebel could see his delight. “I’m honored. Advent always used to be an important part of the holidays for me and Belle. We have plenty of wood left over from the various buildings, so that won’t be a problem. I’ll start on it today. Making all the little doors will take the most time.” He held up a drawing. “Pass this around, and tell me where I need to make changes.”
After everyone in attendance had seen the sketch, Tally glanced around the room. “Does anyone have anything to say?”
Martha Truman struggled to her feet with considerable effort, wiping away tears. “My boys have never celebrated Advent, and I think us doing so will make a difference in their lives. They need to know that Christmas is about more than one day and why. I know they’ve been unruly, and I apologize. Especially to Rebel. Billy has been unkind to Ely, but I pray this will make him consider his actions.”
Rebel stood. “As I pray it does for Ely too, Martha. That’s one reason I thought of this.”
“Amen,” Tally murmured.
“If no one has any suggestions for me, I’ll get busy.” Tobias put his hat on. “I need every minute between now and Monday.”
“Thank you, Tobias.” Tally turned to the rest. “Now, let’s make a list of names to go inside the doors of the calendar. We need twenty-five volunteers.”
Women around the parlor began raising their hands and signing up.
“I’ll take Sunday, the 19th,” Rebel said, knowing Sundays would be hardest to get taken.
One by one, they filled every day except for December 24th. Tally scanned the group. “Will someone take Christmas Eve?”
The silence dragged on for several moments.
Then a whisper came from the corner. “I will.”
Rebel craned her neck, surprised to see Eleanor Crump slowly rise. The woman kept apart from the rest as though they had the plague or something. No one knew much about her. As usual, the woman’s matted hair, stooped shoulders, and strange bug-like eyes made Rebel shiver. All of the children were frightened of Eleanor and refused to walk near her home, which was little more than a lean-to. Who knew her age? Eleanor could be anywhere between thirty and seventy.
“I’ll take Christmas Eve,” Eleanor repeated softly.
Stark quiet descended, and Rebel imagined everyone was wondering how they’d get the children to go to her house for the treat on December 24th. Or even what the odd woman would give out.
But Rebel felt her pain. “I’m happy you took a day, Eleanor. I’ll be glad to help if you need it.”
“So will I,” Tally declared, along with a roomful of murmured reinforcement.
The woman gave them what appeared a nod and hurried her bent frame out the door. Rebel’s heart broke. She had to find a way to make Eleanor feel useful and wanted. And she’d have a talk with Ely and Jenny about being kind to the older woman—lots of talks.
They were going to learn about the true spirit of Christmas and acceptance of all.
* * *
A weak sun came out that afternoon, but the cold continued to seep into Rebel’s bones. Jack and Clay put in a new windowpane to replace the broken one in her kitchen, and the light lifted her spirits a little.
She decided to decorate the soddy for Christmas and took down the jar that held a few coins her washing, ironing, and sewing took in—forty cents in all. Some colorful paper would be cheap enough, and Ely and Jenny could cut pretty shapes to hang with string.
It wouldn’t be as nice as a tree, but it would be something.
Rebel grabbed her scarf and coat and headed to the mercantile. On the way, she passed the outdoor firepit where the men liked to gather. A man she knew only by name joined them. Tait Trinity had built quite a reputation and had the largest price on his head of all of them, but she liked the honesty and fairness in the outlaw’s eyes. Yet, Rebel suspected that anyone who dared to cross him would find themselves in a bad situation in the time it took to breathe.
Jack warmed his hands. “I hate to change the subject, but what are we going to do about a Christmas tree? There’s nothing in this part of the country except scrub oak and juniper. The children need a real tree.”
That they did. Rebel paused to listen.
“Anyone volunteer to ride to Cimarron after a tall pine and haul it back?” Clay asked.
“I’ll go.” That came from a man she only knew as Drew.
“You just got out of the calaboose,” Jack said. “Alice and the kids would throw a fit.”
Tait Trinity straightened. “I’ll go after it.”
“I’ll ride along to keep you company,” Ridge Steele offered.
Rebel smiled and continued on to the mercantile. One large tree would do. Everything pretty much was a community effort, and she liked that. Sharing made it easy for everyone to enjoy the same thing without the expense or effort falling to one person.
Flakes of snow hit her face, and she glanced up. Now, it felt like Christmas.
But thoughts of Travis that were never very far away muted the joy.
* * *
Supper that night was simple but filling, perfect for a cold winter evening.
Rebel turned the conversation to Advent and told the children Eleanor Crump had taken Christmas Eve.
“Well, I’m not going to her house,” Ely declared. “She’s scary. I think she might be a witch. Billy Truman says so. He says she eats kids.”
“And that makes it gospel?” Rebel asked. “I will not have you being rude.”
“But—”
She fixed Ely with a stare. “We have manners and compassion in this house. You’ll act accordingly.”
Ely ducked his head. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Good.” Rebel pushed back her chair and rose to pour herself another cup of coffee.
After they did the dishes, she helped the children cut pretty snowflakes and other designs from the colored paper. Then she put string on them, and soon they hung from
every portion of the soddy, adding a bit of cheer to their lives.
The glow of a warm fire with snow softly swishing against the windowpanes brought thankfulness to Rebel’s heart. Only one person would make it better, but she didn’t know where he was or if she’d see him again in this lifetime.
Five
The following day after getting Ely to school, Rebel opened her trunk and took out yards of red satin fabric that she’d saved in hope of using it for a wedding dress one day. Underneath lay yards of red lace. She had no use for either now, but the fabric would make a nice gift for Eleanor Crump. It might bring some joy and put a smile on the woman’s face, and that would be worth everything.
After holding the fabric to her face for a long, wistful moment, she put it away and met Nora and Tally. With snow drifting about them, they dove into decorating the town with streamers and ribbon from the mercantile. Other women joined them, and soon red ribbons and greenery hung from every house, pole, and business. A few of the men rode out and came back with sacks of mistletoe that hung in the mesquite and scrub oak. The women added the clumps of live beauty to the decorations fluttering everywhere, and the place was transformed.
By afternoon, the town looked festive and bright, and the mist in the air that fogged their breath added to the holiday spirit. Rebel almost burst with joy, and laughter bubbled over. She flung her arms wide, her face tilted to the heavens.
Tally nudged her. “I’m glad to see you so happy.”
“I’m alive and raising two orphans, and that’s reason to celebrate.” Rebel’s attention shifted to the children walking from school. Nora took two Truman boys in tow, aiming them toward the windmill with arms full of big, red bows. Then she grabbed her son, Sawyer, and Ely, putting brooms in their hands. They swept off the boardwalk in front of the businesses with hardly a grumble.
“Amazing,” Rebel marveled. “They’re even smiling.”
Tally moved closer to whisper. “Did you see the candy canes she sneaked to them?”
“Good heavens. Whatever works, though, I always say.” Rebel turned to a different subject and told the women about gifting the red satin fabric to Eleanor Crump. “I want to make her life better. She seems to have so little.”
“Your big heart is what I love most about you, Rebel,” Nora answered.
Rebel smiled. “You don’t think it’ll make her retreat further?”
Tally hugged her. “Follow your instincts. Maybe your kindness will make a difference. I’ll make more of an effort myself. But are you certain you want to part with that fabric? Weren’t you saving it for a wedding dress?”
“Yes, but I won’t need it without a groom, and it’s time I faced facts. Travis isn’t coming back.” Rebel took a deep breath to still the unease inside her and changed the subject. “Do either of you know why Eleanor keeps herself apart from us?”
“Clay said she used to be married to an outlaw, but he died in a shoot-out,” Tally volunteered. “That’s all I know.”
“Maybe losing her husband threw her into deep despair.” Nora wound red ribbon around a wooden candy cane. “I’m ashamed that I haven’t reached out.”
“Me too. I’ll bake some apple cinnamon bread to take as well.” Rebel mentally went over the ingredients. She’d need to pick up some sugar.
First, she went to check on the children, who were busy making gifts for each other. Clay was patiently helping ten-year-old Violet paint a spinning top for one of the boys. Rebel admired the blind girl’s courage and attitude. Just then, Jenny dropped her top on her green dress, leaving a streak of blue paint. Rebel sighed and heaped praise on her. It was all right.
Twilight found the rough outlaw town looking like a magical fairyland. Red and green streamers blew gently in the breeze, and juniper branches and mistletoe hung from every corner and over every doorway.
Rebel went to the mercantile for sugar and baked two loaves of apple cinnamon bread. She’d take one to Eleanor Crump after church the next day.
Thoughts of tomorrow’s lighting of the first Advent candle that would kick off the season sent excitement through Rebel. She just knew this was going to be a Christmas to remember.
Maybe it wouldn’t be perfect, but doing things for others filled her heart with such joy, and that was the most important thing.
* * *
Before the Sunday sermon, Rebel and the women gathered the children in the vestibule and let them draw a number from a hat. The child with a number one would light the first candle.
Henry was there on crutches with his leg splinted. He seemed to take no joy in the drawing, standing glumly at the side.
His brother Billy pushed several of the kids, and Rebel took him aside for a scolding. “Straighten up, Billy, or I’ll be forced to tell your father.”
A grin split the boy’s face. “He’s gone.”
“He’ll be back, and you can bet he’ll get an earful.” Rebel was satisfied to watch the boy squirm.
Before she knew it, Henry was there, his hand on Billy’s arm. “Remember what I told you?”
Billy swallowed hard. “I’m sorry, Miss Rebel.”
Whatever Henry had said had made quite an impression. But then, Martha herself had testified to the change in her oldest.
“That’s fine, Billy. Now get back in line and behave yourself. Act like you have half a lick of sense.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Henry returned to his place against the wall, and the drawing went smoothly. Pretty little Violet got number one.
“I’ll help you light it, honey,” Tally said, smiling. She glanced out at the sanctuary all aglow. “The holder is beautiful, and the candle is waiting to be lit.”
“I’m so excited, Mama.” Violet fumbled for her mother’s hand and took it.
Rebel worked to swallow the lump in her throat, then took Jenny and Ely to their pew.
She didn’t feel very well. Her face was quite warm, and cold seemed to have invaded deep down into her bones. She pulled her shawl closer around herself, determined to stay.
The heartwarming service was filled with beauty, and Pastor Paul gave a wonderful sermon about forgiveness. It seemed appropriate for a church full of outlaws, yet Rebel saw their misdeeds as justice. When there was little law to be had, a man had to take it for himself.
Her thoughts went to Travis, and she prayed he was warm and fed, not lying dead somewhere.
Tomorrow, Rebel would open the first door of the large wooden Advent calendar, and the children would go to the selected home and collect their treat. The schoolmaster had declared school out until after Christmas, so Ely and Jenny would gather with the other children and resume making gifts for one another.
After cooking lunch, Rebel gathered her loaf of apple cinnamon bread and the red fabric and hurried toward Eleanor Crump’s house. The woman hadn’t attended church, and Rebel hoped she wasn’t ill.
Speaking of that, Rebel felt a bit light-headed, but she pushed it aside and went on. Nothing to make a fuss over.
The house was little more than a lean-to with slanting walls and a grass roof. It blended into the brambles so well that Rebel almost didn’t see it. She didn’t know how anyone could live there.
Eleanor opened the door a crack, looking none too happy. “What do you want?”
“I brought you something and made some bread. I thought you might like a loaf. And I wanted to thank you for volunteering to take Christmas Eve on the Advent calendar. That was really nice of you.”
“I don’t gen’rally welcome visitors.” Eleanor’s gaze was riveted on the apple cinnamon bread. “Maybe just this once.” She held the door open wider.
Rebel handed the fragrant loaf to her and stepped inside. A tiny cot stood next to one wall with a woodstove across from it. Eleanor Crump barely existed. Yet everything was neat.
That surprised her. Taking in Eleanor’s
appearance, she’d expected a pigsty.
She nodded to the woman, meeting her sad, mud-brown eyes. Up close, Eleanor didn’t appear that old. Rebel held out the red fabric. “I also brought this. I hope you like it.”
At first, she thought the woman would refuse, but then she accepted it, running her gnarled fingers across the silky length, her eyes shining.
“Thank you, Rebel.”
“I’ve never had an opportunity to get acquainted, and I’m sorry.”
“Thank you for the bread. It smells good.”
“I came here with the Januarys two years ago. I used to live in Cimarron and worked in the Wildcat Saloon.” Rebel watched the woman’s eyes closely but saw no flicker of shock.
“I know.”
The simple statement jolted Rebel. Maybe she was the talk of the town.
“Then you understand that I have no call to think I’m better than you. I’ve done things I’m not proud of. Everyone here in Hope’s Crossing has, but we do our best to live good, decent lives from this point forward.” Rebel gave her a smile and talked about the town’s decorations. “You won’t recognize it. Everything sparkles, and the smell of juniper hangs in the air, filling the town with freshness.” Rebel laughed. “I’ve never seen the children so excited. This is like one of my early Christmases.”
“I haven’t celebrated the holiday in a very long time. No reason to.” Eleanor’s words dripped with sadness.
“What happened to make you lose your way?” Rebel asked softly.
Eleanor stiffened. “Maybe you’d best go.”
“I’ll be back to visit soon.”
Rebel said goodbye, and as she moved toward the town, her steps got slower and slower. Thoughts of how easily tragedy could strike and steal the ones she loved occupied her. She as well as all the women could certainly attest to the swift changes life could bring, and living in an outlaw town made the possibility even more likely.
Danger continued to surround the town, and the fact that lawmen could swoop in at any given moment kept everyone wary. A bounty hunter had ridden in and taken Travis. Clay had been pardoned by the governor not long ago, but most of the men still had prices on their heads.
Longing for a Cowboy Christmas Page 18
