by Anthology
“Are you going to the afternoon performance?” Marlee asked.
“I don’t think Papa will let any of us out of the store. He doesn’t want to miss a sale. We’ll go to tonight’s show after closing,” Audrey said. “You two must be hungry. Every seat in every restaurant in town is taken, from what I hear, so go on back to the kitchen. Becky is cooking.”
“I’ve got something to do,” Carson said. “I’ll meet you here in a bit.”
Before Marlee could answer, he left.
* * *
“They were wonderful, didn’t you think?” Marlee asked.
Carson gazed down at her as they moved with the crowd leaving the social hall and couldn’t help smiling. The Laughlin Singers had put on a good show, no doubt about it. Yet all the songs they’d performed didn’t please him near as much as the look on Marlee’s face.
She talked about the musical numbers as they made their way through town. True, he’d listened to the songs and he’d been pleased with the performances, but mostly he’d sat there thinking.
Carson looked around at the busy street. A lot of folks were still out, though night was falling. Men and women walked arm and arm, mamas shepherded their children, held their hands as they crossed the street. Candles burned in the shop windows and warm lantern light shown from the living quarters above. Bonfires had been set along Main Street and folks were gathered around enjoying the warmth, the fellowship; some were singing Christmas carols.
For all the time he’d spent staring out at Main Street, this was the first time Carson noticed—really noticed—the town’s Christmas decorations. The big wooden candy canes, the red ribbons, the green boughs made him think of his own boyhood, and Christmas mornings with his family. On the heels of those thoughts, others presented themselves, troubling him now as they’d done sitting in the social hall, listening to the Laughlins.
“I’d like to get your house decorated tonight,” Marlee said. “You don’t have to stay. I know you spent a lot of time away from your office today.”
“I’ll stay,” he told her.
When they arrived at the house Carson saw that everything he’d purchased today—well, almost everything—was stacked neatly on the front porch. He carried the packages inside, lit the lanterns and they set to work. Of course, Marlee was doing most of the decorating. Carson had never felt so useless in his life. But he took a great deal of pleasure watching Marlee display everything they’d purchased, since it involved a lot of bending, reaching and swaying of hips.
“I think that’s it,” Marlee declared as she stood in the center of the parlor assessing the decorations. She turned to him. “What do you think?”
He thought she was beautiful. Her face glowed and her blue eyes sparkled in the lamplight. He thought he’d like nothing more than to sweep her into his arms and carry her upstairs to his bedroom.
“You were right,” Carson said.
Marlee frowned and she touched her fingertip to her chin. “About the angels? Or the tinsel?”
“About what you said to me,” Carson told her and walked over. “About how I didn’t appreciate what was going on around me because all I cared about was making money.”
Marlee dipped her gaze. “I spoke harshly.”
“Not too many people in this town will tell me when I’m doing something wrong,” Carson said, remembering what he’d thought about during the musical performance. “So I decided I owed you an explanation. You see, my pa had a good head for business but he never tended to it like he should. He was always taking time away to visit a friend, go fishing, or some such nonsense. Finally, when he realized he’d let things go too far, he was nearly penniless. The strain got to him. His heart gave out.”
“Oh, Carson, that’s so sad,” Marlee said.
“It didn’t have to be that way,” Carson said, the familiar anger growing in him every time he recalled how foolish his father had been. “My mama suffered because he wasn’t taking care of his business. We all suffered.”
“So you wanted to make certain that never happened to you,” Marlee said.
“That’s for damn sure,” he said. “But lately...well, it occurred to me that I could let myself have a few pleasures and still manage my business.”
“That sounds reasonable,” she agreed.
“Take, for instance, decorating this house,” Carson said. He caught her hand and pulled her to the parlor doorway. “While you were busy in the dining room, I took it upon myself to do a little decorating right here on this spot. I hung some mistletoe.”
A breathy little sigh slipped from her lips, causing Carson to angle closer. He slid his arm around her and pulled her against him. A charge went through him as her soft curves met his chest. He leaned down and kissed her on the lips.
She moaned. He groaned and deepened their kiss. Carson tightened his hold on her, pulled her tighter against him. She parted her lips ever so slightly and he slid inside, then raised his hand and cupped her breast.
Marlee gasped but didn’t pull away. Instead she pushed closer, melding their bodies together. Their kiss became frantic. Carson’s knees nearly gave out from the sheer delight of the feel of her. He wanted her, as he’d never wanted another woman. He wanted her now.
But Marlee wasn’t the kind of woman he would bed, then allow to walk out of his life. He had to know she would stay with him always.
Slowly he lifted his head, ending their kiss. Her breath was hot, her lips moist. He gazed at her feeling the unfulfilled expectation between them.
“I’d better take you home,” he whispered.
She nodded and backed away.
Carson walked her home.
Chapter Eleven
“Lucy will be here soon,” Audrey said as she entered the kitchen at Carson’s house.
Marlee said a silent prayer of thanks. Carson had gone to the train station to pick up the businessmen he expected, and if Lucy didn’t arrive soon to prepare their meal Marlee had no idea what she’d serve them.
“You look happy,” Marlee said. “Things going well at the store?”
“Busy,” she said, with a broad smile. “Even busier than yesterday.”
Marlee gave her a closer look. “Somehow, I don’t think a second successful day of the Christmas festival is what’s got you smiling so much.”
Audrey giggled. “Chord is back.”
Marlee hadn’t heard the news. She’d been at Carson’s house almost all day preparing for his company.
“His papa is much improved,” Audrey reported. “The family is still there, but Chord came back because he couldn’t be away from his job any longer.”
“Or away from you?” Marlee asked.
“We missed each other,” she admitted. Then her expression changed. “You won’t believe what Chord heard while he was in Colorado. It’s about Lucy.”
She glanced at the door that led out of the kitchen, then sidled closer to Marlee and lowered her voice.
“Chord had to change trains in the town of Marlow, so he stopped by the sheriff’s office to pass the time,” Audrey said. “Chord mentioned that Lucy and Ian were living here in Harmony. The sheriff assumed they were married, and was shocked to learn they weren’t. Did you know that Lucy was married when she lived in Marlow? And that she and her husband divorced? According to the sheriff in Marlow, that husband of hers wasn’t well liked. He was lazy and just plain mean. He treated Lucy terribly.”
“I’d say Lucy was lucky to be rid of him,” Marlee said. “Good thing he wanted to divorce her.”
“No, no,” Audrey said. “It was the other way around. In fact, when Lucy asked him for a divorce and he wouldn’t grant her one, Lucy set fire to his belongings, then held him at gunpoint until he signed the official papers.”
“Oh, my goodness,” Marlee gasped. She could only imagine how desperate Lucy must have been to get out of that abusive marriage, and she admired the strength Lucy had shown.
“She’s got herself a wonderful man in Ian,” Audrey said.
“Oh, and speaking of wonderful men, everybody is talking about what Carson has done for Christmas this year. Or were you behind the toy donation?”
“Toys?”
“Didn’t you know?” Audrey asked. “He bought toys from all the merchants in Harmony and sent them to the orphans’ asylum.”
So that was the reason he’d left her at the Harmony General Store yesterday, Marlee realized.
A quick knock sounded on the back door and Lucy walked inside carrying two large baskets. Marlee and Audrey helped her get them onto the sideboard.
“Thank goodness you’re here,” Marlee said. “You’re a lifesaver.”
Lucy smiled. “Honestly, I’ve had my fill of baking cookies, pies and cakes for a while. Flora can handle things at the bake shop for a change.”
“I can lend a hand,” Audrey said. “Mama and Papa can do without me at the store for a bit.”
Marlee was relieved to have the extra help. This afternoon Carson had told her that he wanted her to act as hostess at tonight’s dinner, which left her no time to assist Lucy in the kitchen.
Voices sounded in the house.
“That must be them,” Marlee said, smoothing down the skirt of her dark blue dress. It was the best one she owned.
“You look fantastic,” Audrey assured her. “Run along. We’ll handle everything.”
Marlee walked through the dining room and into the entryway where she found Carson and three other men hanging their coats and hats on the rack beside the door. She couldn’t help but smile at the sight of Carson dressed in a white shirt, string tie and black vest. He looked considerably younger and stronger than his guests, all of them with graying hair and widening middles.
Carson made introductions and Marlee greeted them, feeling much more at ease here than in the kitchen preparing their meal.
“Let’s go into the parlor, shall we?” she said, and led the way inside.
A roaring fire burned in the fireplace and the mantel was decorated with evergreen boughs, red bows and angels, giving the room a warm, cozy feel. As she’d seen Mrs. Montgomery do dozens of times, Marlee directed the conversation, asking the men about their families and their plans for Christmas.
“We’re heading east on the last train out tonight,” Mr. Ayers said and smiled. “We’ll make it home for Christmas Day.”
“There’s nothing more important than family on Christmas,” Marlee agreed. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll go check on our supper.”
As she left the parlor, Carson gave her a tiny smile of approval.
The supper of fried chicken, ham, potatoes, three kinds of vegetables and hot buttery biscuits was delicious. Marlee had set the table with the china Carson’s mother and sisters had sent, and used a white candle surrounded by pine and holly as a centerpiece. The table sparkled under the lamplight. The conversation concerned the town of Harmony, mostly, and Marlee made a point to mention all its good points. But she also detected an undertone of business. Carson shrewdly worked favorable information into the discussion with an ease that made Marlee realize why he was such a successful businessman.
“You gentlemen go into the parlor and enjoy your cigars,” Marlee said, after they’d finished their coffee and dessert.
Mr. Powell patted his belly. “I think I’ll invest in Harmony just so I can come back for more of that pie.”
The men chuckled as they left the dining room. Carson hung back.
“Everything was perfect.” His gaze darkened. “You were perfect.”
Marlee couldn’t hide her smile, or stop the flush of pride that swept through her.
Carson left the dining room. Marlee gathered the dessert plates and went into the kitchen. Lucy and Audrey were washing dishes.
“You two did a wonderful job,” Marlee said. “When that weaving mill gets built in Harmony, they ought to name it the ‘Lucy and Audrey’ mill.”
“Do you think they’ll invest their money here?” Lucy asked.
“I certainly do,” Marlee said. After seeing the way Carson handled things, she didn’t doubt it for a minute.
By the time they’d cleared the dining room, washed the dishes and put everything away in the kitchen, Carson returned.
“The meal was delicious,” he said. “Thank you.”
Lucy and Audrey gave him a grateful smile.
“The men are leaving now,” Carson said. “I’ll take them to the station.”
Marlee took the package of food she’d set aside for them and followed Carson into the entryway.
“So you won’t get hungry on your trip home,” she said.
As they left the house, Carson said, “I’ll be back soon. Wait for me.”
Marlee returned to the kitchen just as Audrey opened the back door and Ian and Chord came inside. She figured they must have been waiting outside for Carson’s guests to leave.
“I know there’s some apple pie in this kitchen,” Chord said. “I smelled it clear across town.”
“You’re too late,” Audrey told him with a teasing grin. “We’ve already put everything away.”
“No matter,” Ian said. “We’ll serve ourselves.”
“Don’t you dare,” Lucy said, cutting in front of him. “You’ll just make a mess. I’ll serve it.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Ian said, and smiled at Lucy with such love that it made Marlee’s heart ache.
Lucy served the pie while Audrey poured coffee for them. Laughter and conversation grew as they talked about the
goings-on in Harmony. A short while later, the door to the dining room opened and Carson walked in.
His eyebrows shot up. “Am I hosting another party?”
“No,” Ian told him. “We’re just eating your food, then leaving.”
Everybody chuckled, and Carson laughed along.
“I’ll take another slice of that pie,” he said.
“How did it go with those investors?” Chord asked. “Are they going to go in on the weaving mill with you?”
“Thanks to these ladies,” Carson said, saluting them with the slice of pie Lucy had just handed him, “Harmony will have its weaving mill come spring.”
The night was chilly and damp when they all left Carson’s house. Along Main Street the last of the bonfires burned low and golden lantern light shone in the windows. Warmth settled around Marlee. She couldn’t remember enjoying an evening so much. She glanced up at Carson.
How could she ever return to Philadelphia after Christmas?
* * *
“I can’t believe the town is still so busy,” Marlee remarked as she joined Audrey near a display of knives at the front of the Harmony General Store. Today was the last day of the festival and folks were still pouring into Harmony.
“Is it? Audrey asked, glancing out the window. “Oh, yes, I guess it is.”
Becky joined them. “You haven’t noticed the crowds on Main Street because all you’re looking at is one man.”
Audrey blushed. Marlee had noticed that all morning long Audrey had positioned herself near the store’s windows, and that Chord seemed to be patrolling this section of Main Street far more than necessary. Marlee couldn’t blame her. She hadn’t seen Carson since last night, and she missed him.
“Having Chord back is the best Christmas gift I could get,” Audrey said.
“And what about next Christmas?” Becky asked, nodding wisely. “You’ll be a married woman presenting him with a son for Christmas.”
Audrey gasped and her cheeks turned bright red, but she smiled gently and nodded. “That would make for a wonderful Christmas,” she admitted.
“I can’t wait to have a nephew or a niece,” Becky declared, and threw her arms around her sister. “Won’t it be wonderful, Marlee? A baby by next Christmas!”
Marlee reeled back, as if she’d been slapped. She’d never been so stunned by anything anyone had said to her. Audrey married? With a baby? By next Christmas? Audrey and Chord were so much in love, and marrying and having children seemed like the best thing that could h
appen to them.
But what about her? What would she be doing next Christmas?
The thought sped through Marlee’s mind like a runaway train. Next Christmas, what would she have? The same tiny quarters in Mrs. Montgomery’s house? Alone? Hoping she might get to see her mother for an hour or so that day? Or would she return to Marlow, visit Audrey and Chord in their nice home filled with the laughter of the baby they were destined to have?
Marlee’s heart seemed to skip a beat as another thought jolted her. What about Carson? Would next year find him married—to someone from Harmony? A man like him wasn’t likely to stay single much longer. Would he be happily wed with a child of his own on the way?
All morning Marlee had thought about her time spent at Carson’s house last night. How warm and welcoming it was. How delightful it had been to spend time with him, see how he worked, and to have been involved in bringing a prosperous new industry to Harmony. Marlee couldn’t remember ever feeling as if she were such a part of something, as she felt here in this town with its people, its problems, its bright future...and with Carson.
Yet all of that could end?
She couldn’t bear the thought.
Marlee rushed out of the store. She had to talk to Lucy.
Chapter Twelve
“That’s it,” Uncle Willard announced as he walked through the curtained doorway into the kitchen. He smiled broadly. “The festival is over, our doors are locked and today is going to be our best Christmas Eve ever.”
Aunt Viola turned from the cookstove, wiped her hands on her apron and gave him a hug, as Audrey and Becky cheered and clapped. Marlee’s spirits lifted, as she was swept up in the family’s joy.
“We’ve made more money than I ever imagined,” he said.
Marlee had heard the same from the other merchants in Harmony. The Christmas Festival had delivered even better than expected prosperity.
“I’m sure the town will want to do it again next year,” Aunt Viola declared.
“And every year after,” Becky said.
“All right, girls,” Aunt Viola said, heading back to the cookstove and the turkey she was preparing for their Christmas Eve supper, “let’s get going. We’ve got a lot to do before the church service tonight.”
