“I will. Make sure you take a bonus for yourself for Christmas out of my account.”
“Thank you, Jess. That’s mighty considerate.”
“Just take care of my money,” he said as he walked out, ate supper at Ruth’s and headed for the Smythes’ house. When he walked outside, it was almost dark and when he saw the red and green glow coming from the lit lampposts, it made him feel warm inside.
“They really look…well…like Christmas,” he said to himself.
CHAPTER TEN
The next day Jess rode out to his old homestead. He brought flowers to put on the three graves where his mother, father and sister were laid to rest. He stood over his father’s grave for a long time without saying anything. He glanced over at the house. It had been painted recently, probably by Tony, who had promised to keep it in good shape. The barn had been painted, too. He finally sat down in front of his father’s headstone and stared at it for a few minutes before taking his hat off.
“Well, Pa, it’s been a few years now since I’ve come back to visit. I’ve got Tony taking care of maintaining the place in case I move back one day. You teaching me how to use that wooden pistol sure came in handy. I don’t know where you found the gun and holster I’m wearing right now that I discovered under your hat in the barn. I’ve been using it ever since and it’s probably the only reason I’m still alive today.
“I know that Ma wouldn’t want the life I’ve chosen for myself. I’ve killed more men than I can count or even want to remember, but most of them were very bad, the same kind of men who did this to you. I think you’d be proud of me, at least I hope so. I’ve had to kill some men because they forced me to and I know you probably were faced with that too when you wore the badge.
“I’m trying to make up for the bad things I do in life by helping others who are in need. You always told me to share with others and I’m doing that as best I can. I don’t reckon that’ll buy me a seat upstairs, but it just seems the right thing to do anyway. We’re having a very nice Christmas in town this year. I brought toys and clothing for all the poor families around.
“I hope that one day I’ll get to be buried next to you, but most likely I’ll end up being critter food after being back shot out along some trail. I miss the three of you badly and I carry you in my heart every day. Well, I suppose I should get back to town now. I’m having supper at the Smythes with all my friends.” He stood up, donned his hat and turned to his horses when he heard the snorting of a horse coming from inside the barn.
He whirled around, his cocked pistol already in his hand. He looked at the barn as he kept himself protected by the large tree that provided shade for the gravesites. He was about ready to work his way to the barn when he heard the front door of the house creak open. He shifted his stance to give him some cover, but as the door slowly opened, a young boy covered with a blanket stood there looking at him. Jess released the hammer on his pistol as a woman grabbed the boy, pulled him back inside and closed the door. He glanced around the entire area, but saw nothing that could be a threat to him. He stayed behind the tree, watching the house for a few minutes. When nothing happened, he called out.
“Show yourself. I mean you no harm,” he hollered. He waited a minute and the door slowly opened. A woman stood in the doorway with a blanket, the young boy standing behind her.
“Who are you?” asked the woman.
“Name is Jess Williams.”
“That’s the same last name that’s on the headstones,” she said.
“That’s because I used to live here with my family, until they were murdered,” he said. “Who are you and who else is in there?”
“I’m Holly Elinger and I have my two children in here with me.”
“No one else?”
“No, you can come and see for yourself, but I’d rather you put your gun away.”
Jess slowly holstered his pistol and walked toward the house. When he got to the front door, the woman moved back to let him in, but his feet were stuck and wouldn’t move. He wanted to, but the memories all came flashing back through his mind. The woman could see his hesitation and she reached out her hand. He took it and she gently squeezed it.
“Is something wrong?” she asked.
“No, it’s just that I haven’t been inside this house since…” his voice trailed off.
“There is nothing in here that can hurt you, I promise,” she told him in a comforting voice that made him believe her.
Jess did something totally out of the ordinary and closed his eyes as he crossed the threshold and planted his left foot inside the doorway. Then he slowly moved his right foot inside and stood there. When he opened his eyes, the place looked exactly the same as before except the inside had been painted, even the floor. He forced himself to look in the doorway where his mother had been, but the new coat of paint on the floor covered the old memories. He finally let out the breath he hadn’t realized he was holding in.
“You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” said the woman.
“No, I’ll be fine in a few seconds,” he said as he looked around. He saw the young boy wrapped in a blanket sitting on the floor next to a young girl who was also wrapped in a blanket. Jess took a minute to look through the rooms to make sure no one else was inside and then he realized how cold it was.
“Why don’t you have a fire going in the stove?”
“We only found enough wood to cook the cans of beans on the shelves and I wait until nighttime to do it so we get some warmth in the house for sleeping,” she said.
“You should have had your son find a saw in the barn and cut up some of the railing from the corral for wood to heat the place.”
“But it’s not our house and we didn’t feel we had the right to do that.”
“And yet you moved in,” countered Jess.
She lowered her head slightly. “I had no choice,” said Holly apologetically. “We ran out of food and had no place to go. My children were freezing and then we found this place. I assumed by the headstones that the family that owned it perished and it was empty.”
“Actually, all of them died except me,” Jess told her. “And I haven’t been able to step inside the house since then.”
“It’s well maintained, so someone has to be taking care of it,” she observed as she looked around.
“Tony from the livery in town comes out once in a while and keeps it up for me.”
“You said your name was Jess Williams, so I assume you still own this place.”
“Yes I do,” he said. “I haven’t been able to convince myself to sell it and don’t think I ever will.”
“Well, we’ll leave if you want us to,” she said. He looked at the three of them all bundled up with blankets.
“Oh, of course not, you can stay as long as you need to,” he told her. “What’s your boy’s name?”
“I’m Dewey,” he said before his mother could answer.
“Well, Dewey, why don’t you and your sister come outside with me. I’ll cut up some of the railings for fire wood and you two can load the pieces in the wheelbarrow and bring them into the house for the stove.”
“I’ll come, but my sister is crippled and can’t walk,” he said.
“Oh, I’m sorry, I just assumed…”
“Don’t worry, how would you have known?” said Holly.
About an hour or so after Jess cut the wood, Dewey finished loading the last batch in the wheelbarrow and took it to the house. He handed the wood to Jess, who stacked it up near the stove. He threw a few pieces into it and they slowly caught fire from the smoldering embers. Jess walked back outside, grabbed some cans of peaches and beans, along with a chunk of salt pork from his saddlebags. He brought them inside and put them on the table as Holly and Dewey carried Noel to a chair by the stove.
“This is much warmer, Mother,” she said as she held her hands out closer to the stove.
“This is very nice of you to do this for complete strangers,” Holly said as she looked at the food.
“Listen, the town is having a very large Christmas celebration tomorrow starting in the afternoon,” he explained. “There will be food, singing, toys will be handed out to every child who comes and they have shoes, boots and all kinds of clothing for children. You should bring your kids and get them some new clothes to wear, not to mention a great feast of every type of food you can think of. Also, I have a home in town you could use until you get back on your feet.”
“Oh, I couldn’t live in town,” she said as her face reddened. “All I have to wear is this old worn-out dress with holes in it. We were heading farther northwest into Kansas to live with my sister, but it got so cold and we ran out of food. We’ll be leaving as soon as spring comes.”
“All right, but the offer stands and after you get a few new dresses and a pair of shoes tomorrow, you’ll feel comfortable in town. They’re all nice people.”
“I don’t know. Let me think about it,” she said sheepishly.
“If you decide to stay here, I’ll have a wagonload of wood delivered along with plenty of food supplies after the celebration.”
“You’re just a guardian angel who came to help us in our time of need,” she said as she gave him a thankful look.
“I’m not sure about the angel part, but it is Christmas and a time to help others,” he said somewhat embarrassed. “I’ve got to get to a supper with some friends in town. Don’t forget to come to town tomorrow. If you don’t, I’m sending someone out to get you and the kids.”
“We’ll be there, I promise,” she said as she looked at her children. “Especially for them.” She kissed both of them on their heads and smiled at Jess, who tipped his hat and left. He walked out to his horses and climbed up in the saddle, looking down on the three graves.
“I hope you don’t mind someone living in the house,” he said as he turned his horses and headed to town for supper at the Smythes.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Jess returned to Black Creek and stabled his horses. He noticed two of the four horses that had pulled the wagon Woodson and Jacob were in seemed restless. They were snorting and pawing at the ground once in a while. He took two apples from the table and fed one to each of them. It seemed to calm them down a little. The other two horses he had bought to pull the wagon seemed fine.
He took his things and headed for the Smythes. When he walked in, the place was noisy with talk and laughter. He took his things up to his room and left them. When he walked into the kitchen, there were two long tables set up. All of his friends were there along with Mr. Jameson, Woodson, Jacob, Zachary, Sissy and even the four brothers, Don, Roy, Russ and Homer. LeAnn and Sissy were helping Sara with the meal. Jess took a seat next to Andy and noticed a white lace handkerchief on the chair next to him.
“Is that what I think it is?” he asked Andy, who smiled and nodded.
“You didn’t think you weren’t sittin’ next to LeAnn, did ya?”
“No, I suppose not,” he said.
Platters of food were placed on the table and it looked wonderful. After the three women finished, they sat down. LeAnn picked up her handkerchief and purposely bumped into Jess as she took her seat. Jim stood up and tapped a spoon against a glass.
“I’d like to say a few words before we enjoy this wonderful meal,” he said after clearing his throat. “This town has thrived since our good friend Jess Williams began donating to it. He built the new church, the schoolhouse, the town offices and so many other things. He paid for the new lampposts, which look real nice after Woodson painted them red and green, and even installed benches in town. I wanted this to be a celebration of everything he’s done for us, but it seems he’s once again worked a miracle by bringing so many toys and clothing for the children around town. I don’t know how he did it, but tomorrow’s Christmas celebration will be the best one anybody could pray for. No kid will be left without shoes or boots or warm clothing for the winter. And every child will receive a toy to play with. Jess, you really outdone yourself this time.” Everyone cheered and clapped, embarrassing Jess so much that his cheeks flushed. He stood up and looked around at all his friends, old and new.
“I don’t believe in miracles,” he said. “I just happened to run into these fine people who had all these things with them. Maybe fate or destiny played a role, but not a miracle. Anyway, tomorrow isn’t for us, it’s for the children and the less fortunate.”
He sat back down and LeAnn leaned over and kissed him on his cheek. Andy elbowed him and he elbowed him back. Platters were handed around the table and they all filled their plates. Dozer fell asleep twice during supper, but Andy caught his head before it fell into his plate of food. After supper was finished, the women started cleaning the plates. Jim got a bottle and poured all the men a drink. Woodson looked down at Jess.
“So, you really don’t believe in miracles Jess?” he asked.
“Well, I’m not a very religious man Woodson, although I hope there is a man upstairs looking down on us, mostly for everyone else,” he said. “I mean, you know the business I’m in and I wouldn’t think he approves of what I do. I believe in destiny and fate, because I’ve seen it personally in my own life. But miracles, I’m not so sure.”
“Well, every man has to believe what he believes, I suppose,” lectured Woodson. “I tend to believe in miracles and I think one is going to happen tomorrow for sure.” The women all started passing around pieces of pie. All the men objected, moaned and padded their full bellies just before digging into it. After the pie vanished, Don, Homer, Russ and Roy all stood up.
“We can’t thank you enough for this wonderful meal and your friendship,” said Don. “But we need to check the reading room one more time before turning in tonight.
Jim looked at them and smiled. “I left the town offices unlocked, so make sure you lock things up when you leave,” he told them.
“I’ll make sure of it personally,” promised Don as they walked out.
The woman all started cleaning up and Jacob took a large platter of food out to Blacky, who was patiently waiting on the back porch. The men retired to the study where Jim did most of his mayoral duties for the town. He poured everyone another glass of brandy.
“So Jess, where are you headed to after the big day tomorrow?” asked Jim. Jess reached into his front pocket and pulled out a wanted poster on a man by the name of Craig Lancaster. He handed it to Jim who frowned when he read it.
“Do you have to leave right away?”
“No, I’ll stick around a few days, but you know how I hate this cold weather.”
Woodson chuckled. “Son, you have no idea what cold really is,” he said.
“Maybe, but I don’t intend to find out either.”
“So, this man you’re going after, what did he do?” queried Woodson.
“Some really bad things,” replied Jess. “Read the wanted poster for yourself.” Jim handed it to Woodson.
“One has to wonder why any man would do such things,” said Woodson as he read the long list of offenses.
“I’ve often wondered the same thing myself.”
“And you think it’s your responsibility to stop these men?” asked Woodson.
“Someone has to stop them before they harm another innocent person.” Woodson handed the poster back to Jess.
“Well, I have to go and collect Jacob and get back to work,” said Woodson as he stood up. “Mayor, thank you so much for your hospitality.”
“You’re certainly welcome,” Jim told him. Everyone finally left one by one, eventually leaving Jess, Jim and Sara alone in the kitchen.
“I say it’s time to turn in for the night,” suggested Sara. “We have lots to do tomorrow and I’m so excited.”
After returning to his room, Jess washed up and was looking in the mirror at himself. He thought about the woman and her two children out at his old homestead and hoped he could talk her into staying in one of the houses he owned in town. It would be much safer for her and she could probably find a job. He fell off t
o sleep, dreaming of his family and the meager Christmases they’d had. Gifts weren’t plentiful, but the happiness and love he remembered was far more important than gifts. Maybe one day he’d have it again with his own family.
The next morning brought sunshine, but the air was brisk and cold. The first thing Jess did after eating breakfast was check on the house he wanted Holly and her two kids to move into. It had two bedrooms and already had food stocked in the pantry. The cook stove had a few embers smoldering at the bottom. He put some pieces of wood in and blew on them until they caught fire. He made sure the oil lamps were full before he headed to the livery where Tony and Andy had the wagons all ready to go to collect anyone needing a ride into town. Jess rode along with them and made a stop by his homestead to see Holly hitching up a mule to a small wagon. He rode over to her.
“Are you sure you don’t want to ride with the others?” he asked her.
“No, I’m afraid Noel might get hurt,” she replied. “She’s very fragile.” Jess slid from the saddle and removed the blanket from her shoulders and gave her his coat.
“But what about you?” she asked.
“I’ll get another one as soon as I get back to town.”
“I don’t know how to thank you,” she said as she put the coat on.
“I do.”
“What?”
“Promise me you’ll look at the house I have waiting for you in town.”
“But we’re fine out here.”
“It’s not safe for you and the kids and besides, I think you can find work in town.”
“All right, I’ll look at it.”
“Great, I’ll see you there then,” he told her as he swung up in the saddle and headed for the two covered wagons that were full of people.
When they got back to town, it started snowing. Andy and Tony rode the wagons to the front of the town hall. Jess stabled his horses and took his things to his room at the Smythes’ house. He walked out and over to the town hall. Still more people heading to it, some walking and some in wagons or riding horses. He walked inside and it was noisy with people bustling around. Kids were running around playing. Mothers were at the tables picking out clothing, shoes and boots for themselves and their children. Coats were being handed out, even some long dusters for the men. Smiles were stuck on everyone’s face and it made him feel good inside.
A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE: Forty-Sixth in a Series of Jess Williams Westerns (A Jess Williams Western Book 46) Page 6
