Montana Bride by Christmas

by Linda Ford

  He turned to his sleeping son. “I only want what’s best for him.”

  Grandfather sat back. “Then you’ve chosen wisely with Annie. She knows how to get through to the boy.”

  Hugh went again to the front window to watch for her return. She did seem to understand the boy. Was it enough?

  He saw her cross the street. She huddled inside the too-large coat, a woolen scarf about her head. She carried a bundle as she hurried toward the manse. He grabbed his coat and hat and dashed out the door before he had the buttons done up. He was in front of the church before he got his gloves pulled on. The cold had a fierce bite. Annie must be about frozen. He reached her side and relieved her of her parcel, put an arm about her shoulders and pulled her close to provide shelter from the cold wind as he rushed her homeward.

  It was only to make sure she was safe, he told himself by way of excuse for how he held her. Because Grandfather had warned him about her being a Marshall. And perhaps a goodly portion of his reason was because he needed her to help with Evan. Nothing more than that. Oh sure, she made good soup and biscuits and had a tender heart toward stray dogs.

  He went straight through the front door and didn’t slow down until they reached the kitchen when he released her.

  Grandfather watched them, approval in his eyes. Did he think his warning had sent Hugh out to bring Annie home? For his own peace of mind, he wished that was the reason but the only thing he’d been concerned about was getting her in out of the cold. For her sake. No one else’s.

  She shrugged out of her coat and unwound her scarf, bits of static-filled blond hair forming a crown about her head. She rubbed her hands over her head to smooth the flyaway strands.

  “Brr. It’s cold as the North Pole out there. Guess it won’t snow while it’s so cold. Right, Grandfather?”

  He shook his head and looked mournful. “That’s an old wives’ tale.” He turned to Hugh. “Some think it can’t snow when it’s cold. ’Taint true. I can tell you.”

  Hugh rubbed his hands together, resisted an urge to put his hand to the spot where her shoulder had pressed into his chest. It meant nothing. He felt nothing more than something similar to how he felt when taking care of Evan—protective, concerned. He despised himself for the lies he tried to believe. Shouldn’t a man—especially a preacher—be truthful even in his thoughts? Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts. He knew the verse from Psalm chapter fifty-one. He could not face the truth…that there was something about Annie that had wormed its way—unwanted and unwelcomed—to the depths of his heart.

  She warmed her hands at the stove then turned to the parcel he’d placed on the table. She untied the strings and looked at Evan. “I got you two candy sticks, like I promised.” She handed Evan a red-and-white-striped candy stick and a black one. He took them from her with a shy glance.

  “I got you one as well, Grandfather.” She handed him a butterscotch-colored one.

  “That’s my girl.” Grandfather stuck the end of his candy stick in his mouth.

  “Uncle George says hello. He wanted to come and see you. I said that was fine.” She brought her gaze to Hugh. “That’s okay I hope?”

  For a minute, he wondered if he had swallowed his tongue and then he found it. “Of course. You may invite anyone you like.”

  Something flickered through her eyes. He wished he could tell if it was surprise or approval but it was gone too suddenly.

  Her hands paused over her purchases. “I got you something as well. I wasn’t sure if you liked candy or what flavor but I chose this one. Green apple.” She handed it to him.

  “Thank you.” As of this moment it was his favorite.

  He couldn’t tear his gaze away from her blue eyes and generous expression.

  “I also saw this and thought of you.” She pulled out a small book with a dark brown cover and handed it to him. “I hope you don’t have a copy.”

  He drew his gaze from hers to read the title. “The Morning Watches and Night Watches by John Ross Macduff.” He stroked the cover, his throat too tight to speak.

  “Is it something you already have?”

  He shook his head.

  “Then I hope you’ll enjoy it.”

  He had to say something and swallowed hard. “I will certainly enjoy it. I’ve long wanted a copy. I have to ask. Where and how did you get this?”

  She grinned, pleased with his reaction. “Someone traded it to Uncle George for supplies.”

  “I’m so pleased you were able to get it from him.”

  He couldn’t stop smiling, and feeling a little embarrassed by his reaction he opened the first page. “‘Come near, and bless us when we wake, Ere through the world our way we take; Till, in the ocean of Thy love, We lose ourselves in heaven above!’” The words so stirred him that his voice deepened.

  Her eyes shone. “That’s beautiful.” Her words were but a whisper.

  Their gazes held, hers full of wonder, his likely full of surprise and—

  He couldn’t say what he felt. Awe, attraction and something that felt warm and homey in the depths of his being.

  The sound of Evan slurping his candy drew them both to look at him and they laughed, their gazes again coming together. Time stood still as they looked deeply into each other’s eyes. He wondered if she could see to the very most secret places of his heart, read his wants and failures.

  Then she blinked and turned back to her parcel, taking out common, everyday supplies and putting them in the cupboard.

  He didn’t want the feeling between them to end. He wanted to celebrate. That reminded him. “My sermon is on the prodigal son—or as I am thinking of it—the lost son. When the father found the son, he celebrated. I have found my son.” He smiled at Evan who had started his second candy stick. “Is there some way we can celebrate?”

  She stood beside him. Close enough that the place where her shoulder had rested for a short time grew warm. She leaned in close to whisper, “You mean like giving him a bath and putting clean clothes on him?”

  He whispered back. “It would take two of us. And maybe the rest of the Marshall family to get him into a tub of water.”

  She chuckled at his irony, her eyes flashing sunny skies as she looked at him. “One of these days it is going to have to happen but today might be a bit soon.” She turned back to Evan. “I can think of ways for us to celebrate but what can we do that would include Evan?”

  “I know. I guess my idea won’t work right now.”

  She tapped her index finger on her chin. “Let’s not give up quite yet.” The tapping continued and then she nodded. “I know of something he might cooperate with.”

  If she had come up with an idea that would work for Evan he might be tempted to kiss her.

  No, he wouldn’t. What was he thinking?

  “He likes to eat on the floor. Perhaps we can go to his level.”

  He pictured them all hunkered down in the corner, shoulders drawn up and backs to one another. “You think we should all sit on the floor to eat?” He knew he sounded as shocked as he felt. “Isn’t that encouraging him to remain as he is?”

  “Not if we turn it into an indoor picnic and sit in front of the fireplace.” Slowly, she faced him, eagerness and caution chasing each other through her expression.

  He decided at that very moment that he wanted to encourage the eagerness and ignore caution. “A picnic? That just might work.”

  They had moved as far away as possible from the other two in the room and kept their voices to a whisper so they wouldn’t be overheard.

  Grandfather pulled his candy stick from his mouth. “What are you two plotting?”

  “A celebration,” Annie said. “A party to show how happy we are that Evan has been found.”

  “As long as there’s food.” Grandfather resumed sucking his candy.

  Hugh echoed the comment except his was As long as Evan and Annie are here.

  He didn’t even bother trying to correct himself.

  *
<
br />   Annie couldn’t stop smiling. He liked the book she’d chosen for him at Uncle George’s store. He hadn’t suggested a gift was inappropriate. He seemed thrilled. She was so pleased about it that she would be secretly celebrating her success in doing something that made him happy, every bit as much as she’d celebrate Evan’s safe return.

  Not only that. Hugh had rushed out to escort her home.

  As if he’d been watching and waiting for her return. He’d missed her. Been concerned for her safety. Only three days and he already needed her. By the end of four weeks, he would never want to let her go. Once they were married she knew she could count on permanency. Like Grandfather said, marriage was forever. Yes, Hugh’s wife, even Dawson’s first wife, had proved otherwise but Hugh was the preacher. He would keep his marriage vows just as she meant to.

  Now to prepare a picnic. Her feet seemed to float off the floor as she sliced bread and spread butter, adding slabs of leftover roast beef. She sliced it paper-thin for Evan, having noticed last night that he had trouble chewing the meat. She packed it all into a basket she found in the pantry wondering for a moment what reason Hugh had for such a basket. She shrugged her shoulders. Likely Mrs. Ross had used it to bring home things from the store. She found a checkered tablecloth. And last she wrapped up the remaining items in the parcel she’d carried home with such anticipation. This would be part of the celebration.

  While she prepared the food, she talked, doing her best to make Evan understand what would happen. When the basket was packed she turned to Hugh, Grandfather and Evan. “Let’s go on a picnic.”

  She and Hugh would sit on the floor to be close to Evan but Hugh carried a chair in for Grandfather. The fire was bright and cheerful, the only source of light in the room.

  She stood at the doorway as Hugh and Grandfather passed. Hugh gave her a questioning look. “Let’s see if he comes on his own,” she whispered in response to his unasked question.

  “Evan, bring your mat and let’s go to the other room.” She waited, hoping, praying he’d do it on his own. “I have something more for you in here.” She rattled the parcel. “I’ll give it to you after we eat but you’ll have to join us in the other room.”

  Please, Evan. Please. She met Hugh’s eyes, saw the same concern and hope that filled her, and clung to his gaze, searching for and finding encouragement. Strengthened, she turned back to Evan. He watched her from his lowered eyes.

  If he didn’t go on his own accord, Hugh would carry him but what could she say to urge him to move on his own?

  “I think Spot the dog who thinks he’s a boy would race you to the fireplace so he could be the little boy. If you hurry and beat him, you can make him understand he has to be a puppy.”

  His movements jerky, Evan shifted so he could pick up his mat and half walking, half running, never standing up fully, he scurried past her and tossed his mat to one side of the fireplace as far from Hugh as he could.

  Annie met Hugh’s eyes. She had to wipe a tear from hers. To most this wouldn’t seem like a big step but both she and Hugh knew it was huge for Evan to do this on his own.

  She followed and sat between them, at Grandfather’s knees, pleased when Evan didn’t shift farther to the side. Grandfather squeezed her shoulder and she understood that he was gratified by Evan’s progress.

  She spread the cloth and put the basket in the middle. “This is nice,” she said. “It might be cold outside but we are warm and safe here.” She hoped Evan understood that she meant he was safe.

  “I’ll ask the blessing.” Hugh bowed his head but he didn’t immediately pray and when he did, his voice was deeper than usual. “Father God, I thank You for the safe return of my son, Evan. Thank You so much for helping me find him. Help him know he is safe and loved. Thank You for Your many blessings—family, friends and a warm house and for the food we are about to eat. Amen.”

  If she hadn’t thought he would jerk away she would have reached out that very minute and hugged Hugh. Instead she passed around the sandwiches.

  “This reminds me of when I first came out here,” Grandfather said. She knew he was about to launch into one of his stories about the early days and she leaned back against his knees, content to be in this place at this time with these people.

  “I didn’t have a house at the time but I had a good solid shelter. It had frame walls up to my shoulders and a canvas cover. I cooked outside over a fire. Sort of like this.” He sighed. “I kind of miss those days.” Then he chuckled. “Don’t miss the cold though.”

  Annie turned to Hugh. “Grandfather says he was the first white man here. Though I’m not sure how that can be. There’ve been prospectors and explorers since Lewis and Clark.”

  “Harumph. I was the first one to put down stakes.”

  “Oh, well that’s different.” She grinned at Hugh to inform him she teased her grandfather.

  “Now, don’t be giving him a hard time. He’s earned every accolade he wants to own.” Hugh’s eyes were full of something so warm, so claiming that heat rushed up her neck and pooled in her cheeks. Thankfully Grandfather could not see.

  He chuckled. “You listen to Hugh. He knows what he’s talking about. After all, he’s the preacher.”

  “I’ll get the hot chocolate.” She rushed from the room.

  She fought to gain control of her tangled thoughts. Their agreement was one of mutual convenience. There was to be no claiming involved. She slowed her breathing realizing she had no call for concern. As Grandfather said, Hugh was the preacher. He had to keep his word to keep feelings out of their arrangement.

  And who, an errant voice in the distance of her thoughts asked, would make sure she stuck to her plans?

  I will. I must.

  “Can I help?”

  She hadn’t realized that Hugh had followed her and startled at his question. “Sure, you can take mugs for yourself and Grandfather.” She filled two of the waiting cups, relieved that her hands didn’t shake because her insides were as jumpy as a fly against a window pane. She delayed so he could return to the living room.

  He stood to the side and waited for her.

  That made her hand jerk so hard she almost spilled the hot liquid on herself. She cooled Evan’s drink with milk and picked up the other two cups, stiffening her arms to stop any shaking.

  They returned to the other room. Annie put Evan’s cup of hot chocolate in front of him.

  He waited until she sat down again before he took the cup.

  One day soon, she decided, they would get him to start being a little boy.

  They drank their hot chocolate slowly. She couldn’t say what the others were thinking but Annie didn’t want the evening to end. She turned to Grandfather. “Tell about the time a bunch of desperadoes came to your camp.”

  Grandfather was an excellent storyteller. He knew how to make a dramatic moment more dramatic and how to drag out anticipation. He wove a tale of bad guys coming to visit him and told how they had looked at his belongings. He’d been sure they would steal everything. What was he to do?

  Annie smiled as Evan shifted so he would watch Grandfather. She looked at Hugh, saw the same pleasure on his face. And something more. Or was she imagining that she saw approval?

  She must not let herself grow too fond of this man. Her heart wasn’t ready to take the risk of being hurt again. It would never be ready for that risk.

  She forced her gaze to the fire, watching the flames leap and twist, and listened to Grandfather tell how he’d invited the bunch to join him for a meal and as they ate he told them about God’s love for them.

  Grandfather finished his story with a flourish. “And that’s how, by showing them kindness, I outwitted the bad guys.”

  Evan let out a thin sigh. He looked at the parcel at Annie’s side.

  “I almost forgot. I’ve got something for you here.” She brought the parcel to her lap and slowly folded back the paper, taking her time as she enjoyed watching Evan’s anticipation. Unable to stop herself, she looked
toward Hugh, saw the same look on his face as on Evan’s and chuckled.

  Hugh raised his eyebrows in silent question.

  “You and Evan are wearing matching expressions.”

  Hugh’s gaze went to Evan. Evan stared at him for the length of the blink then lowered his head. He couldn’t resist the allure of the parcel and as he watched, Annie withdrew a new shirt, white with blue stripes. “Just the right size for you,” she said to Evan.

  His mouth hung open and he stared at the shirt then looked at the one he wore as if comparing them.

  “One more thing.” Annie waited for him to look her way again and pulled out a pair of woolen trousers. “To go with the new shirt.”

  Again, Evan looked from the new to the old.

  “New clothes to wear after you have a bath,” she said.

  Evan shifted, grabbed his mat and scurried back to the kitchen.

  Annie called after him. “I won’t make you bathe but you need one. You let me know when you’re ready.” She sighed. “I wasn’t sure how he’d react.”

  Hugh shifted, folded his legs in front of him. “Don’t look at it as a failure. After all, he joined us of his own accord and he’s a lot more responsive than a few days ago.”

  “I’m going to bed,” Grandfather announced. “My old bones are tired.”

  Annie shifted to allow him to get up and watched as he made his way down the hall. Worry about him and concern about Evan knotted inside her.

  Hugh reached over and squeezed her hand. “We’ll take one day at a time, letting Evan set the pace.”

  She shuddered. She had pulled life tight around her, closing herself to love, seeking safety and security, yet she could well lose Grandfather soon. “Everyone I care about dies or leaves.” She hadn’t meant to speak her fears aloud. “Seems to me the safest thing is not to let myself care anymore.” She meant not to care about anyone new. “If Grandfather—” She shook her head as her throat tightened so she couldn’t go on.

  He squeezed her hand. “Life is full of uncertainty. I know I don’t need to tell you there is only one thing we can count on. God’s faithfulness. Has He not upheld you through your many losses?”