The Christmas Token

by Shanna Hatfield

  It was in those spare moments that thoughts of Blake made her heart ache fiercely. She’d thought about going to see him numerous times, but decided to leave well enough alone. He’d made his position regarding her perfectly clear.

  Daily, she reached for the heart she’d carelessly returned to him in a fit of anger, fingering her empty pocket. She wished she had the comfort of the smooth wood against her palm. It was her last tie to him and now it was gone.

  Maybe working with the children and attempting to get into the holiday spirit would do her good. It certainly couldn’t hurt.

  “I’d be pleased to help, Abby,” Ginny finally said, offering the woman a warm smile. “When do I need to start?”

  “We asked the children to come for the first practice Thursday after school. After that, you can work out a practice schedule with Chauncy. I’ll be available, of course, if you need anything, but between the store, Erin, and making sure the costumes are ready, I really didn’t feel like I could do the program justice,” Abby said, squeezing Ginny’s hand in relief. “I so appreciate your willingness to help.”

  “I appreciate you thinking of me. I’ll be at the church Thursday afternoon, then,” Ginny said, walking to the door.

  Seeing her ready to leave, Erin rushed over and threw her arms around Ginny’s legs. “Bye, Ginny!”

  “Goodbye, Erin. You be a good girl,” Ginny said, waving at Abby and her precocious child as she hurried to the mercantile to finish her errand for Filly.

  The woman announced last night at dinner she wanted to start decorating the house for Christmas. Luke groaned and mumbled something about breaking his back dragging trunks from the attic, but this morning he was clearly as excited as Filly as he carried them down the stairs and left them in the parlor.

  Filly needed red ribbon for trim and asked Ginny if she’d mind running to the store to pick up several yards.

  Glad for an excuse to be outside in the fresh air, Ginny entered the Bruner’s mercantile and took a moment to look around, inhaling the scents of spices and leather.

  Wandering back to the dry goods area, she found a spool of red ribbon and decided to purchase the entire thing, not wanting Filly to run out. She had a few projects of her own she wanted to work on and looked forward to helping her sister-in-law festoon Granger House for the holidays.

  Noticing Aleta busily assisting a customer at the counter, Ginny spent a few minutes looking around the store. Her gaze landed on a box of her favorite chocolates and she decided to splurge. Luke loved sweets every bit as much as she did and she knew Filly would enjoy the treat as well.

  Aleta smiled and waved her over as the last customer left.

  “How are you today, Ginny?” Aleta asked as Ginny set the ribbon and candy on the counter.

  “Just fine, Aleta. Thank you for asking. I hope this day finds you well,” Ginny said politely, paying for her purchases. She noticed Percy run in from the back room and dance excitedly off one foot to the other, waiting for his mother to acknowledge him. “How are you, Percy?”

  “Fine, Miss Granger,” Percy said, eyeing the box of candy on the counter. “Ma, can I run over to Tommy’s house? His pa brung home a new horse and Tommy said he ain’t never seen anythin’ as wild as him. He already done bucked off three men and one broke his arm.”

  “I suppose so,” Aleta said, giving Percy a motherly glare while Ginny opened the box of chocolates and offered him one. He snatched it with a grin and turned his attention back to his mother. “But you stay away from that horse and be back before the hour is up. I have three deliveries for you to make when you return. And for goodness sakes, learn the proper English your teacher tries so hard to drill into your head.”

  “Yes, Ma!” Percy yelled, flinging open the front door. “Thanks, Miss Granger!”

  Holding the chocolates out to Aleta, she gratefully accepted a candy then Ginny selected one, popping the entire thing in her mouth. She choked on it when she heard Blake’s rich voice greeting Percy as the boy ran around him and down the boardwalk.

  Coughing while discreetly attempting to quickly chew and swallow her mouthful of candy, Ginny looked like a fish trying not to gulp water.

  Aleta smirked and nodded her head toward Blake as he stepped up beside Ginny and stood at the counter.

  Ignoring him wasn’t an option, so she held a gloved hand in front of her mouth and chomped her candy in a most unladylike manner. She would never again stick a whole piece of candy in her mouth, especially not in a public place. Whipping a handkerchief from her reticule, she dabbed at her lips as she swallowed.

  Blake stared at her with a bemused expression on his exceedingly attractive face.

  “Chocolate?” she asked, holding out the box to him. He grinned and took a piece, his eyes never leaving her face.

  Biting into the treat, he finished it quickly then continued to stare at her with a teasing light in his eye and a devilish tilt to his lips. Slowly removing his gloves, he set them on the counter.

  “You missed a spot, Miss Granger,” Blake said, reaching down and wiping a bit of chocolate from the corner of her mouth. Instead of wiping his finger on his pants or a handkerchief, he licked it, never taking his eyes off hers.

  Shocked by his actions, Ginny slapped the lid on the box of candy and started backing in the direction of the door.

  “Don’t forget your ribbon, dear,” Aleta said, holding the spool out to Ginny. She took a step forward and grabbed it, then hurried out the door, toward the safety of home.

  Blake watched her go, trying to remember what it was he came in the mercantile to purchase. His thoughts scrambled in his head the instant he saw Ginny, looking so lovely in a cream and blue gown with a dark blue coat and snappy little blue hat.

  It didn’t matter where he went in town, she seemed to be there. If she wasn’t working on an article for Ed’s newspaper, she was running an errand for Filly or helping Luke with something. Managing to avoid being close to her, today was the first time he’d been near enough to smell her light fragrance and study the way the sun spun gold into that crown of glorious hair.

  Amused by her mouthful of candy, he wanted to laugh as she stood frantically trying to chew it so she could speak.

  When she turned to him with that bit of chocolate clinging to the corner of her mouth, it took every ounce of control he possessed not to bend down and kiss it away.

  He was still mad at her for the things she said Thanksgiving Day and slapping his cheek, but he missed her with every breath he took. His heart hurt more now than it ever did when she’d left him ten years ago. It seemed ironic the pain increased the second she returned the hand-carved heart he’d given into her keeping. He couldn’t believe she’d held onto it, cherished it, all these years only to toss it back at him in a fit of anger.

  He wondered what she meant about writing him letters and never receiving his. If he thought the two of them could sit down and have a rational conversation without either losing their temper or winding up locked in a passionate embrace, he’d go pound on the Granger’s door and insist she speak with him.

  Finally remembering what he came to the store to purchase, he quickly paid Aleta for a handful of pencils and a stack of paper before turning to leave the store. He’d taken just a few steps down the boardwalk when Chauncy Dodd came out of his wife’s store carrying little Erin on his shoulders.

  “Unca Bake! Unca Bake! See me ride Daddy!” Erin said, pounding Chauncy on the head as she bounced from her lofty position.

  “I see you indeed, sweetheart,” Blake said, laughing as Chauncy rolled his eyes at his daughter.

  “Now see here, young lady. Don’t pound your father to death, please,” Chauncy said, grinning as he greeted Blake.

  Walking down the block, they visited for a few minutes before Chauncy snapped his fingers and grabbed Blake’s arm. “Say, Blake, would you have time to help a few afternoons with the children’s program? I’m pretty tied up with getting other things ready for the Christmas service an
d Abby is about at wit’s end trying to fill all the holiday dress orders and keep an eye on Erin along with making costumes for the program. If you have time, we’d really appreciate the assistance.”

  “I suppose I could help,” Blake said, not overly excited at the prospect. He was already burning the midnight oil trying to complete all the last minute holiday orders before Christmas Eve. “What do I need to do?”

  “The first practice is Thursday. You mostly need to help keep the children organized and we might need to construct a few props for the program. ”

  “I can do that,” Blake said, shaking the hand Chauncy offered then squeezing Erin’s hand as she waved it at him. “I’ll see you Thursday.”

  Chauncy waited until Blake was out of earshot to laugh. “He’ll see someone Thursday, Erin, my girl, but it won’t be me.”

  Chapter Ten

  Standing back and studying their handiwork, Filly and Ginny smiled at each other with satisfaction. After throwing themselves into decorating Granger House for the holidays, they were finally finished.

  Garlands draped across the porch, a big wreath hung on the front door and greens with red berries filled pots leading up the steps. Ropes of greenery twined around the posts and even the doghouse featured garland along the edge of the roof.

  Hearing the clomp of boots on the boardwalk behind them, they turned to see Luke approaching. Bart barked and ran around his legs, excited his master was home.

  “Ladies, the house looks marvelous,” Luke said, patting the dog then wrapping his arms around Filly and kissing her cheek. “Did Saint Nick visit early?”

  “Don’t be absurd, Luke,” Ginny scolded, although pleased he noticed and appreciated their efforts to make Granger House look festive. “You know he won’t come until December twenty-fourth and the odds of him coming here are purely up for speculation. We all know you aren’t a very good boy.”

  “Did you hear that, Filly, darlin’? She’s accusing me of running off Santa,” Luke said, slapping a hand to his chest dramatically, affecting a wounded appearance.

  “Maybe you better plan on coal in your stocking this year,” Filly teased, then let out a squeal as Luke tickled her sides and nuzzled her neck.

  “If I’m going to be branded as naughty, I might as well act the part,” he said, turning Filly around and planting a long, involved kiss on her surprised mouth.

  “Can’t you two at least do that inside, where half the town can’t gape if they look this direction?” Ginny asked, marching down the front walk, amused by Filly’s red face and fruitless efforts to get away from Luke’s grasp.

  “Let them gawk all they want. You act like they’ve never before seen a man besotted by a beautiful woman,” Luke said, chasing Filly as she raced past Ginny and in the front door.

  Shaking her head, she walked inside where the smell of cinnamon and bayberry filled the air with a wonderful, welcoming scent.

  Trying to recall holidays spent at Granger House during her childhood years, Ginny didn’t think the house had ever looked or smelled so festive and inviting. Filly truly was talented at turning a house into a home.

  Sitting down to dinner, Luke kept up his teasing throughout the meal and after the last dish was dried, the three of them retired to the parlor.

  Accustomed to Luke and Filly’s evening debates, Ginny often took Filly’s side just to annoy Luke. It made the evenings pass quickly and it was fascinating to hear their differing opinions. They discussed ideas and topics without fear of ridicule or belittlement. There was no anger in their words, just lively opposition that was fun to listen to as they each tried to prove their point the most sound.

  Despite their pleasure in debating one another, anyone could see how devoted they were to each other, how very much in love.

  She’d never heard the two of them fight or argue in the almost two months she’d stayed with them and stopped to contemplate the fact. They didn’t always agree but they seemed to discuss their opinions openly, without judgment.

  Her parents, while completely devoted to each other, didn’t have a relationship Ginny wanted to duplicate. Up until the last few years, her mother always got her way. Always. Regardless of the consequences, her father bowed to her mother’s whims and will. While they seemed to be taking on more of a balanced relationship, she knew her father still often gave in to her mother’s bidding.

  To her, it seemed Luke and Filly treated each other as equals. Oh, there was no doubt Luke was the head of the household, but he listened to Filly, respected her, and gave her ideas consideration.

  Glad her brother had chosen such a perfect woman for him, she hoped if she ever did wed to have the same kind of partnership she saw in Luke and Filly. She didn’t just want a husband. She wanted a confidant, a friend, and a lover.

  Thinking of a lover brought images of Blake to mind and caused her to shift restlessly in her chair. Forcing herself to gain control of her thoughts, she turned to look at her sister-in-law.

  “Did you see the article about America’s first auto race?” Filly asked as she finished reading the paper and set it on a side table.

  “I did,” Luke said, looking at Filly over the top of the book he was reading. “Wouldn’t it have been fun to be there to see it?”

  “I don’t know,” Filly said, looking thoughtful as she considered the possibility. “I assume since it was in Chicago, it would have been cold, and it did say there was snow on the ground. I’m surprised the Duryea won.”

  “Why does that surprise you? Because it was a gasoline powered auto?” Luke asked, curious to his wife’s thoughts. She always had such an interesting way of looking at things, it never ceased to entertain or surprise him.

  “No, because it was only the second Duryea built. I’m guessing a lot of bets were placed on one of the Benz autos winning, since they were sponsored by Macy’s,” Filly said, studying Luke, waiting for him to disagree with her opinions.

  “As much as I’d love to argue the point, my thoughts are the same as yours. Who would have thought a car Frank Duryea built himself would win the race?” Luke said, smiling at Filly, before turning to his sister. “What about you, Ginny Lou? What car would you have bet on?”

  “I don’t make bets,” Ginny said, giving her nose a haughty tilt in the air as she pretended to study her no longer perfectly manicured fingers. “However, in this case, I would have put my money on the vehicle entered by H. Mueller and Company because it won the consolation competition held a few weeks before the actual race.”

  “Have you ridden in an auto, Ginny?” Filly asked, knowing her sister-in-law had many adventures she’d only dreamed of experiencing.

  “Yes, I have. Many times,” Ginny said, recalling all the boys and men who had given her rides, trying to impress her. As much as she disliked horses, she thought she preferred a buggy, though. The autos went too fast, often had strange smells, and never failed to whip her hair into an uncontrollable mess. “Nigel has an auto that he drives everywhere, even the two blocks to church. It’s absolutely ridiculous.”

  “I wonder when we’ll see an auto here in Hardman?” Filly asked. With the way the streets turned to soupy mud in the spring, it would be impossible for a vehicle to travel through the muck.

  “Probably not until one of the upstanding citizens has one shipped in,” Ginny said, giving her brother a cheeky grin. “Shouldn’t the banker be the first to plunge into that sort of investment?”

  “I think the doctor should be the first,” Luke said, in no hurry to abandon his horses for a motorized vehicle. “Or maybe the pastor of the Christian Church.”

  Ginny and Filly laughed, knowing there was no way on earth Chauncy would willingly climb behind the wheel of an automobile.

  “Speaking of Chauncy, I heard you’re going to help with the children’s program, Ginny,” Luke said. Although he expected Ginny to continue to behave in her usual spoiled manner after he gave her the choice of staying and behaving or leaving, she had worked very diligently on changing her
ways.

  She’d made remarkable progress in the last month and he felt proud of her for even trying. When Chauncy and Abby mentioned she was helping with the children’s program at church, Luke couldn’t have been happier.

  “Abby asked if I could help. She’s got her hands full with Erin, her store, and the usual Christmas festivities,” Ginny said, looking from Luke to Filly. “The first practice is tomorrow after school. I was wondering, Filly, if you could make some cookies for the children. I thought that might help win them over.”

  “I’d be happy to,” Filly said, smiling warmly, mentally thinking about what recipe the children might enjoy the most. “If you need help with anything, just let me know. I’m watching Erin tomorrow, but can certainly offer my assistance with whatever you need.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate that. Chauncy will be there and Abby is working on costumes, so I’m sure we’ll be fine,” Ginny said, running a hand down her skirt to her pocket, remembering Blake’s heart was no longer there. Hearing the rustle of paper as her fingers brushed her dress, she remembered she’d picked up a letter for Filly at the post office on her way home from the newspaper.

  “I forgot earlier, but you had a letter come today,” Ginny said, passing an envelope to Filly.

  “Who’s it from, darlin’?” Luke asked, watching Filly’s face light with happiness. It slowly faded as she sent a cautious glance at Ginny before looking at Luke.

  Sensing her unspoken question, he offered an encouraging smile and nodded his head slightly.

  “My father,” Filly said quietly, stroking the envelope in her hand.

  “Where is your father?” Ginny asked, curious. Her mother mentioned in passing that Filly’s mother had died years ago and her father was gone. She didn’t know if gone meant deceased or not in the area. At the time her mother brought it up, she hadn’t cared enough to ask more questions. Realizing she should have asked weeks ago, she was genuinely interested in knowing more about Filly’s family. “I don’t believe you’ve mentioned him before.”