by Annie Boone
“I’ll go with you.”
His gaze snapped to hers. “You will?”
She nodded as a few more tears slipped from her face. “I lo—” She clamped her lips together quickly as she cut herself off.
She was about to say the sweetest words a man could ever hear. He felt the tug of a smile spread across his face. He cradled her face in his hands. “I love you, Felicity. I think I always have.”
A smile broke across her face, as lightness danced in her eyes. She could finally say it to him. “And I love you.”
He leaned down until his lips gently brushed against hers. Just a small brush but still emotions danced through him, making him feel light-headed. He didn’t know what the future held, but one thing was clear, he’d have a good woman by his side.
Twenty-four
Felicity clutched Josh’s hand as they walked into the Silver Dollar Inn. The lobby furniture had been rearranged to make more room for people to mix and mingle. There was a table set up in the middle with cookies, punch, and a big sugar plum berry cake.
The two entered the lobby, looking around to see who else was there. The party was already in full swing, but they probably wouldn’t be the last to arrive.
“It’s lovely in here,” said Felicity, continuing to look for Lana. “I can’t believe they can transform this place the way they do.”
“Yep. It’s just the perfect place to hold this dance.”
The restaurant had been cleared completely to create a small dance floor. Music from inside filled the lobby, too. They peeked in and saw Annette Patterson, the church pianist, playing some lively music for the few brave dancers on the floor. Jack Pershing, the mayor’s brother, was accompanying Annette on the fiddle.
The table holding the food was dressed in red, reminding her that Christmas was only two days away. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve. She always enjoyed the sweet Christmas Eve service at the little red chapel. It was festive, yet reverent in celebration of the Savior’s birth.
She turned to Josh who had a large smile filling his face, but she could still see a slight fear in his eyes. The coming holiday held so much promise but plenty of uncertainty. At least she would be by Josh’s side. On the drive here, they had agreed to wed soon since they had no idea what was coming next with the ranch. A big wedding didn’t make sense for them.
She glanced around again to see if she could find Lana. She smiled when she spotted her friend standing against the wall near the fireplace. The fire was blazing and popping, warm and inviting. She was about to go to Lana when she realized that her friend was talking to someone.
It was the young man traveling with the New York businessman they’d seen earlier. He was looking at her like she was a treasured jewel. Felicity elbowed Josh and pointed to his sister. He rolled his eyes and seemed completely uninterested in what Lana was doing.
“Miss Felicity.” Josh’s hot breath brushed her cheek as he bent down to her ear. “May I have this dance?”
She giggled. “I don’t know, sir. What will people think?”
“They’ll think I’m sweet on you and they’d be right.” He waggled his eyebrows at her and her giggle turned into a laugh as her cheeks turned pink.
“Well, all right then. I guess I’ll dance with you.”
She took a step toward the dance floor, but he was ahead of her. He jerked her arm gently, spinning her towards him, as they joined the others. Then he stopped and whispered, “Always give me the dance.”
She smiled and nodded her promise. He began spinning her in a circle. She couldn’t contain her laughter. Her small feet followed his with ease and her eyes never left his. When the song was over, she was trying to catch her breath. Dancing to fast music and laughing at the same time can take your breath away!
She looked around the room and saw her parents. She furrowed her brows, trying to get a better look. Josh realized her change in mood and tried to see what had captured her attention.
“Felicity?”
“The man from New York. The big one. He’s talking to my parents. Over there in the corner. I can’t believe he’s just being friendly. What does he want with them?”
Josh looked to the area Felicity was pointing. He shrugged. “Who knows? Maybe he’s just going around meeting the folks. Don’t let it bother you.”
“Well, if he’s really here to get winning recipes to put in a cookbook, shouldn’t he be talking to Mrs. Willet? What could he have to say to my parents?”
“I doubt Mrs. Willet’s recipe will ever make it into a cookbook.” Josh chuckled and turned back to look at the table of refreshments. “Let’s get a nibble. I’m hungry.”
Felicity looked back at her mother, noticing she pointed to where she and Josh were standing.
“Come on, Josh. You can eat something later.” She gripped his hand and dragged him behind her. Her parents had big smiles on their faces as she and Josh approached. Her mother reached out for her when Felicity stopped in front of them.
“Hello there, sweetheart. I’m glad you came by. There’s someone I want you to meet. This is Mr. Paul Hightower. From New York City. He’d like to speak with you for a moment.”
“Speak with me?” Felicity tilted her head to the side in confusion. Then she remembered her manners. “Oh, I don’t mean to be rude. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Hightower. Welcome to Cutter’s Creek.”
She held out her hand and he took hers in greeting.
“This is my, um, my friend, Josh Garrett.” Josh’s smile told her that later he’d tease her that she didn’t know how to introduce him. Soon that problem would be solved. She’d introduce him as her husband pretty early in January.
Josh and Mr. Hightower shook hands cordially and the older man turned back to her.
A full smile split the man’s thick beard and mustache. The smile went all the way to his eyes. This was something she didn’t expect out of a powerful businessman from the big city.
“Now, Miss Lipscomb, I have a business proposition to make. Your parents tell me you’re the one I should speak with. Shall we step over near the desk where we might have a more private place to talk?”
Felicity nodded while she looked at her parents and then at Josh. Her parents smiled and motioned for her to go while Josh shrugged and watched her step away.
“Well, Mr. Hightower, what’s this all about?”
“I’ll get to the point. I’d very much like to publish your cider recipe. I’ve traveled the country this year visiting festivals of all kinds looking for the best recipes at each one. Your cider recipe is one I don’t want to leave out. I’m willing to pay a hefty price.”
He pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to her. She turned the page over and studied the figure she found written there. Biting on her bottom lip, she tried not to show her shock. She looked back up when he spoke.
“Of course, besides the recipe itself, I’ll need you to write a story about how you came to develop it. People are always interested in the background, you know.”
She lowered the paper, a contract she presumed, though she hadn’t ever seen one.
“I didn’t even win. Are you including Mrs. Willet’s recipe, too?”
He chuckled and shook his head. “No, I don’t think so. Her recipe didn’t exactly tickle my fancy. I’ll just leave my comments there.”
She looked at him and saw the amusement in his eyes. Not wanting to add to her previous ugliness to Mrs. Willet, she let that part of the discussion drop.
“I’m finding it hard to believe an old family recipe is worth this kind of money.” Looking down at the figure written on the page again, she still had to work to contain her astonishment.
“Your parents, my dear, said you wouldn’t settle for less than what it’d cost to buy a large herd of cattle. I really want that recipe, so I’m willing to give you what you want for it.”
They knew? Her gaze snapped to her parents, who both nodded at her. Josh was still standing with her parents and it seemed he had no idea of wha
t was going on.
“A herd of cattle for an old recipe?” She shook her head again in disbelief.
The old man bent to her ear and the scent of her cider on his breath surrounded her. “Let an old rich man make a miracle happen.”
This was a miracle indeed. One that would give her everything she wanted, right here in Cutter’s Creek. Maybe God sent Mr.Hightower to Cutter’s Creek, maybe not. Either way, she wasn’t going to let this opportunity slip away.
As she shoved her hand toward the man, she couldn’t contain her smile. “Mr. Hightower, sir, you’ve got yourself a deal.”
Twenty-five
Josh took a step back when Felicity joined him and her parents. The smile on her face was more brilliant than he’d ever seen it. He was so curious to find out what was going on, but he waited on her to share the news as she saw fit.
“Mr. Hightower has offered me a fair price for Grandma’s cider recipe and my story of how I came to use it. Isn’t that exciting?”
Her mother hugged her and her father beamed at her. Josh just stood there, still mostly in the dark about what was going on.
“Yes! So exciting!” exclaimed her mother.
“Congratulations, my dear,” said her father. He looked at Josh and filled him in. “Apparently, Mr. Hightower tasted all the ciders after Mrs. Willet was announced as the winner. He liked Felicity’s brew the best. And it appears she’s accepted his offer.”
“Josh, this money will help replace the cows you’ve lost. And probably some of it can go for bringing in hay to feed them if you need to.” Felicity reached out and took his hand and squeezed gently.
“I can’t let you do this, Felicity. That money is yours. You should use it for what your family needs.”
A large hand landed on his shoulder and he turned to look at her father. Henry Lipscomb guided him away, towards the door of the inn. They stepped out into the white snow shower, as the cold air bit into him again.
“I thought you might be happier, son.”
And he should be. The miracle he prayed for had been delivered.
Josh dug his hands into his pockets and looked up at the cloudy, snowy sky. The snow hadn’t stopped all day and it was still coming down. How many inches of snow lay on the fields? How many of his cows were still alive?
“What would you do, if you were in my shoes, sir?”
“Make sure my girl was happy and cared for, that’s what.” A moment of silence stretched between the two of them and Mr. Lipscomb cleared his throat. “Anything you want to share with me, Josh? Anything at all?”
The color drained from Josh’s face. How did the man know? Could he tell they were planning to marry?
He looked over at the man who would soon be his father-in-law unless Felicity came to her senses before the first week of January. “I guess I need to tell you that Felicity has agreed to marry me. We decided earlier today. I know I should have talked to you first, but things happened a little fast. With the state of my ranch and all, it’s just been a tense time. So…”
Her father planted his hands on his hips. “What’d I tell you when you two started courting?”
“You told me I better not crush her spirit, sir.”
“Listen, I know what you’re thinking. You’re a man. A man shouldn’t depend on his woman, but let me tell you something, if you’re getting married, you’re agreeing to be partners.”
“I know, sir. I admit I struggle with asking for help. I want to take care of her, and the rest of my family, too. It’s upsetting that I may not be able to do that.”
He jammed a finger into his chest. “That Mr. Hightower offered us the money first since we’re Felicity’s parents. We told him he should be talking directly to her because she’d be making her own decision. He asked a little about her and we told him we were hoping to get some happy news from the two of you. We mentioned the problems you’re having at the ranch. He seemed quite sympathetic.”
“Sir, it’s just that—”
“Shut up, boy, and let me say my piece. A bit later, that man stopped back by and said he believed he’d undervalued his offer. So, let me tell you this.” He pushed the finger in harder, making Josh realize how serious he was. “You better not let your pride let her get away. That money will save your ranch and that will make her happy. We’re all witnessing something that many of us don’t usually see so clearly.”
“And what is that, sir?”
“A miracle sent from God.”
The air flew from Josh’s lungs, as his prayer raced across his mind. Was this the miracle from God he’d prayed for?
“So, what’re you going to do?”
Over her father’s shoulder, he spotted Felicity walking toward him with a determined look on her face.
“I’m going to do exactly what I promised, sir. Thank you for reminding me.”
A full smile crossed Mr. Lipscomb’s face and he slapped Josh on the back before he turned to walk away.
Felicity stepped in front of him. Before he could even say one word, she jammed a finger in his chest right where her father had just moments before. “Don’t you even say it. This is my money. And I’ll spend it exactly as I please.”
He never had a chance. He bent towards her, his lips hovering inches from hers, their eyes connecting.
“Dear Felicity, I wouldn’t dare mess up the plan God has for us.”
Twenty-six
Felicity and her parents waited on their porch for Josh to stop and turn the wagon around. Then they went to climb in.
“I’m so excited it’s Christmas Eve!” Felicity exclaimed as Josh helped her up to sit beside him. “It’s almost my favorite day of the year!”
“What is your favorite day, then?” he asked.
“What kind of silly question is that? I have two. Christmas Day and my birthday, of course!”
Josh rolled his eyes and turned to look back at her parents. They seemed quite amused. “Of course. How silly of me.”
They arrived at the red church building and left the wagon with all the others gathering for the traditional Christmas Eve service. Josh’s family should already be there, saving seats for them so they could sit together.
She had invited Mr. Hightower to the service, but she wasn’t sure he would come. She looked for him as they entered at the back. She saw him sitting on the other side and turned back to Josh.
“You all go ahead and get settled. I see Mr. Hightower and I’m going to go say a quick hello.”
He nodded and Felicity made her way to him. She noticed that the young man Lana seemed to fancy was with him.
“Merry Christmas, Mr. Hightower. I’m glad you could make it tonight.”
“Ah, Felicity! Merry Christmas to you, too. Have you met my apprentice, Max Tolbert?”
“I haven’t had the pleasure. Mr. Tolbert, it’s so nice to meet you.”
“And you – Miss Lipscomb, is it?”
“Yes, but please call me Felicity.”
“And I do prefer Max. You’re Lana Garrett’s friend?”
“Yes, we’ve been friends for most of our life. She’s a wonderful girl and I love her dearly.”
“She’s a charming woman, to be sure.”
Felicity looked back at Mr. Hightower as he watched their brief conversation. “I believe we have room for you two to sit with us, if you’d like. You’re welcome to join us.”
“We’re fine where we are, Felicity. We do appreciate your kindness, though.”
Max looked more than mildly disappointed at his boss’s rejection of her offer.
“You’re still planning to join us for Christmas lunch tomorrow, aren’t you?”
“Indeed! Your mother and future mother-in-law shared the menu with me and we wouldn’t miss a spread like that for the world!”
Felicity beamed and nodded. “Good. We’ll see you both tomorrow.”
When she joined her family, Lana leaned over to her. “What did he say? Max, I mean.”
Felicity smiled. “Not much. He s
aid he thinks you’re a bit of a troll. Other than that, we just discussed lunch tomorrow. They’ll be there at one.”
Lana jabbed her in the side with her elbow just as the choir entered singing “Joy to the World.” The congregation stood and sang with them.
Just before the song ended, Josh whispered in her ear. “So, I hear the New Yorkers are coming for Christmas lunch tomorrow. Is that wise?”
“I don’t see what’s wrong with it.”
“Do you want to mix business with personal matters?”
“In case you forgot, it’s already mixed. He increased his offer to help us out. Christmas lunch is the least we can do.”
Josh nodded. “I guess you’re right.”
“Besides, he travels all the time. He’s a bachelor with no family. We can’t let him spend Christmas alone.”
“Again, you’re right. I do love your big heart.” She felt him smile against her ear as he quickly gave her a little smooch just as the singing stopped.
A shiver went from her toes to the top of her head. She felt her cheeks redden. She couldn’t believe he’d just do that in church! How she looked forward to her life with this man!
In just about two weeks, she would become his wife. She could hardly wait. Their wedding would be small and simple. Nothing elaborate or expensive. It would be filled with love and joy which was all she wanted.
The Christmas spirit in her heart today would last to her wedding day and beyond. This whole season had been a miracle and she was grateful. Suddenly she realized that her mind had drifted again and she was missing what the pastor was saying. One of her favorite parts of the Christmas Eve service was hearing the story of Jesus’ birth from Luke.
“Can you imagine needing a place to stay and finding nothing available? Imagine the fear that Mary and Joseph must have felt. If the Silver Dollar Inn is full, what would a traveler do? In Mary and Joseph’s case, they found a stable. And Jesus was born there. In a stable. And then verse eight says,” Reverend Latsch went on, “that ‘there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.’”
