Pony Express Christmas Bride

by Rhonda Gibson

  Every evening they sat together and Thomas or Philip read from the Bible, but this evening she had a new book for them to enjoy. She went to fetch it from her bedroom and on the way back placed the pot on the stove. Josephine handed the book to Thomas.

  “What’s this?” Thomas turned the book to read the cover. “A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.” He glanced at Philip. “Isn’t this the story Rebecca reads just about every Christmas?”

  Philip nodded. “I think it is. You’re right, Josephine. This is a special treat.”

  And at just that moment, the first kernel popped and both men jumped. “What was that?” Philip asked.

  More popping sounded from the kitchen area. The smell of butter and popcorn filled the air. She waited to see which of the men would learn her secret first.

  “Popcorn!” Thomas raised his eyebrow at Josephine. “That’s the surprise?” At her nod, a grin the size of Texas split his face. “We haven’t had popcorn since this time last year. Where did you get it?”

  “An order came in at the general store last week and Hazel was there. She bought several ears and shared them with us.”

  Josephine hurried to shake the pot, not wanting the popcorn to stick or burn, and the sound drowned out conversation for a few minutes, but she noticed that both the men were up and had big bowls ready for their share of the treat. She almost laughed out loud. “And where is my bowl?”

  “This is our bowl,” Thomas replied, to her interested amazement. “That’s the fun of having popcorn. Sharing it.”

  A new and unexpected warmth surged through her. She poured the popcorn into each bowl and still had leftovers in the pot. Josephine sprinkled a bit of salt over both servings and they took their seats again in the sitting room.

  Philip tossed a few kernels into the air and caught them with his mouth. He grinned at Josephine, who quickly did the same, proving to him that girls could do that, too. She shot a grin back at him.

  “Marley was dead.” Thomas’s voice as he began reading was strong and assertive, making the story come alive. He managed to grab handfuls of popcorn from their shared bowl as he read.

  His munching and reading at the same time didn’t take away from the story. Instead it seemed to bring them closer together as they enjoyed the evening and the book.

  Josephine fought back the sadness her uncle’s death brought. She’d lost her uncle, but she’d gained a family she’d only dreamed about since the death of her mother. Something that Josephine needed.

  She looked to her husband, who continued to read and munch on the popcorn treat. Pulling her focus back to the story, Josephine felt her hand touch Thomas’s as they both reached for popcorn at the same time. It felt right and natural, but would it last?

  With the passing of her uncle, she couldn’t help but think about her father. He’d deserted her when she needed him most. Would Thomas do the same? Josephine didn’t know. And that scared her almost as much as the emotions that Thomas’s touch brought to her.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Two days later, Thomas came through the back door. “I’ve been thinking. How would you like to go out in a little bit and we’ll get a Christmas tree?”

  Josephine set her pan of fresh bread on the sideboard with the two loaves she’d made earlier. Having a Christmas tree in the house was new to the area and she was thrilled to get to be a part of it. “I would love that. Give me a few minutes to put on a warmer dress.” She pulled her apron off and hung it by the stove.

  He turned to leave. “I’ll go tell Philip you agreed.”

  “Is he going with us?” Why was she feeling disappointed that it wasn’t going to be just the two of them?

  Thomas shook his head. “No, he’ll need to stick around here. We’re expecting a rider this morning.”

  Joy hit her and she had to quickly turn so that he couldn’t see the pleasure those words gave her. “I’ll get ready.”

  He chuckled. “I’ll finish my chores and speak to Philip.” The door clicked shut behind him.

  Happiness at the sound of his pleasure caused her to pause. Was she falling in love with her husband? Or had that already happened? Josephine pushed the foolish thoughts away. She didn’t want to love him, because with love came trust.

  She walked to her bedroom. A couple of months ago she’d felt truly alone in the world. Today, even though she’d recently lost a family member, she felt the warmth of loved ones. Not romantic love—but the kind that said, we care, we’re here for you.

  Josephine exchanged her day dress to a heavier dress and put on thicker socks. She felt the surge of excitement at the thought of going out to cut down a Christmas tree. Her mind began to work on how to decorate for the holiday. Rebecca’s house had been beautiful with all her many decorations. Some her family had made; others were store-bought.

  At the winter dance, she’d enjoyed Rebecca’s story about the Christmas decorations and the tree. Josephine had hoped Thomas would want to do the same in their home but hadn’t asked. Then her uncle had arrived and, until today, she’d forgotten all about the tree.

  She came out of her bedroom and wondered how long Thomas would be gone. Her gaze moved about the sitting room. Should they get a grand tree like the one at Rebecca’s? Or a smaller one to sit on a table? She’d wait and ask Thomas, although a small tree would be easier to cut down and for her to decorate.

  The fireplace mantel could use some little decorations, too. Josephine walked back into her room and pulled out the various colors of yarn she’d been using to make both Thomas and Philip scarves for Christmas, green, blue, yellow, brown and black. In the bottom of the bag, she found the red yarn.

  Josephine carried everything to the bed and sat down on the edge. She dropped the balls of yarn on the quilt cover. When the black one rolled off the bed, Little One grabbed the ball and took off running. Josephine laughed and let the puppy go. Little One would enjoy the yarn and wouldn’t be whining to get on the bed.

  Using all but the black, Josephine pulled them together and placed a knot at one end. Then she began to twist the various colors into a braided rope. It would look beautiful hanging over the mantel.

  As her fingers worked, she thought about Thomas’s green-and-yellow shirt. It was almost complete. Her gaze moved to the blue-and-brown material that rested on the bed. She’d have to get busy on Philip’s shirt soon. The scarves were going to match them perfectly.

  Placing the gifts around the base of the tree was going to be so much fun. She thought of her friend Hazel, whom she knew was also making gifts for Thomas and Philip. Maybe if they got a small tree, they could get one for Hazel, too.

  The older woman was such a good friend to her. A tree with ready-made decorations might make a nice gift for Hazel. She’d also have a place to put her gifts while they all anticipated Christmas Day, which was only two weeks away.

  Thomas’s voice boomed through the kitchen and into her bedroom. “Josephine! Are you ready?”

  She quickly laid down the long braided garland and hurried into the sitting room. “I’m sorry. I got busy making decorations for the fireplace mantel. Let me slip into my coat.”

  “We’re not in that big of a hurry. Take your time. Don’t forget your gloves and scarf, too. It’s really cold out there.”

  Thomas shut the door behind him. He picked up Little One and untangled the yarn around her little feet.

  After wrapping her scarf around her neck, Josephine looked to her husband. “Ready?”

  He set the puppy back down and set the yarn on the table. “I thought it might be good to hitch the sled to the horse and take it instead of walking. There is no telling how high the drifts are out in the woods.”

  Josephine clapped her hands. “A sleigh ride.” She hurried out into the cold air and breathed in deeply. Her breath came out in a white cloud. “Brrr, it i
s cold out here.”

  Thomas laughed. “I told you so. Are you sure you want to venture out today? It might warm up tomorrow.”

  Her gaze moved to the sleigh. It was painted red. The horse shook its head and the sound of bells filled the cold air. Josephine smiled. Did Thomas realize how romantic this all was? Or did he simply see it as a trip in the woods to cut down a tree?

  “Oh, no, there is no way we are waiting until tomorrow. I’m ready now.” To prove it she hurried to the sled but then stopped. “Well, almost. Hold on a moment.”

  Thomas followed her back inside. “What are you doing?”

  “I’m getting some things we might need.” She poured hot coffee into two jars and wrapped them each in a towel. After setting them on the table, she hurried to the bedroom and pulled two heavy blankets out of the trunk Philip had made for her.

  She carried them back to Thomas. “See? These will keep us warm.” She handed him the blankets and then went for the jars.

  His green eyes shone. “You really are amazing.”

  Josephine wasn’t sure what he meant by that but returned his smile. “Why, thank you. I think you’re pretty amazing, too.” She tucked one of the jars under her arm and opened the door once more.

  Thomas pushed the puppy back inside with his foot, shut the door and hurried to help her climb aboard the sleigh. His green eyes met hers and sent her heart into a tailspin. She laughed and settled on the sled.

  Josephine tucked the coffee against her side and reached for the blankets. She wrapped one about her legs and then waited for Thomas to climb aboard. As soon as he was seated and had the reins in his hands, she tucked the other blanket around his legs.

  They waved goodbye to Philip, who stood in front of the barn watching them. Thomas laughed and yelled to him, “There is fresh coffee on the stove.”

  Philip called after them. “Have fun.”

  Josephine planned on having fun. For the first time in a long time, she felt free of worry. Her uncle could no longer hurt her and her husband had her heart aflutter with just one look. What could be better?

  * * *

  Thomas guided the horse behind the house and along the small path that Hazel took to her house. He had already scouted out the perfect tree for their small house and hoped that Josephine liked it as much as he did. Snow began to drift lazily around them as they rode.

  “Oh, Thomas, it’s beautiful.” Josephine stuck her tongue out and caught a snowflake. She giggled and looked up at him.

  A hint of the fragrant lavender water she enjoyed drifted under his nose on the breeze that carried the snowflakes. “Yes, it is.” He wasn’t talking about the snow but about his lovely wife. Her pretty red curls hung to her shoulders, her beautiful brown eyes sparkled with happiness and her sweet pink lips begged to be kissed.

  He looked away. Her strength after losing her uncle, and now her excitement over Christmas, had him admiring her far more than he should. “I hope you like the tree I have picked out.”

  “I’m sure I will.” She seemed to take in their surroundings all at once. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been out in the snow. I can’t get over how everything is glistening.”

  He smiled. “It’s pretty if you aren’t trying to get the mail through.”

  “You don’t miss it, do you?” she asked.

  Thomas shrugged. “Sometimes I do. It was exciting being a part of something so big. What about you?”

  “I miss the freedom of the open trail. But I don’t miss the constant cold, the worry of the Indians chasing me as I hurried through their lands, and I really don’t miss the outlaws that tried to steal the mochila.” She grinned at him.

  He pulled the horse to a stop at the edge of a grove of trees. “This is it. We’ll have to walk the rest of the way. The trees are too close together for the horse and sled.” Thomas jumped from the sleigh. He helped Josephine down and reached for the ax under the seat. “Hopefully the snow won’t be too deep.”

  “We’re not that far from Hazel’s, are we?”

  Thomas started walking toward the tree line. “No, she’s just over that little hill.” He pointed to his right.

  “Do you think we can get her a tree, too?”

  He felt her hand slip into his left one. Thomas glanced in her direction and realized that she was struggling to get through the deepening snow. “Sure, if you think she’d like one.”

  “Well, I thought maybe we could get a small one and then make a few decorations for it tonight. It will be fun to take it to her tomorrow.” She panted, trying to keep up with him. “Kind of an early Christmas present.”

  Thomas slowed down. “That is a very sweet thing to do. I’m sure she’ll love having a tree of her own.” He stopped walking and turned to face her.

  Her cheeks were a pretty pink. Her lips were red. He couldn’t stop himself. Bowing slightly, Thomas gently brushed his lips across her cool ones. He watched her eyes widen and then her lashes drift down. Thomas pulled her tighter into his arms and kissed her again.

  When he released her, Josephine asked, “What was that for?”

  He rested his forehead against hers. “Because you are so sweet and, well, I just wanted to kiss you.”

  “Oh, all right.” She giggled and reached up to touch his face.

  Thomas felt her gloved fingers trace the scar that marred his cheek. The reminder pulled him back to his senses. He stepped away from her and cleared his throat. “It might be easier for you if you follow me and walk in my boot prints.”

  Why had he allowed himself to think the scar wouldn’t matter? It seemed every time they were close, she touched the hated scar. Why? And did it matter? Was she simply touching him?

  Thomas tried reasoning with himself. Hadn’t she responded just a little bit to the kiss? Could she respond if she absolutely hated his face? He’d thought his heart might burst out of his chest as their lips met, and when she closed her eyes as if savoring the experience, he’d felt on top of the world.

  But when she traced the scar, years of mocking and bullying came crashing back, vicious taunts and rhymes that belittled. No one had ever loved him but his brothers and sister and Ma, and everyone knew Ma had a heart for strays that no one else wanted.

  Had Josephine learned to care about him like Ma? Or maybe like a wife? He pushed the thoughts away. What had he been thinking? She couldn’t possibly be feeling for him what he was beginning to feel for her. He should never have kissed her. Thomas berated himself over and over again as he led her to the special tree. How could he expect her to love his scarred face when he didn’t?

  Chapter Twenty

  Josephine felt the cold begin to seep into her bones as they rode back to the house with two small trees. The joy of their outing had ended after their shared kiss. How much more obvious could Thomas make it that he regretted kissing her? He’d turned into a silent man who just seemed to want to get back to the house and away from her.

  She swallowed the hurt welling up inside. Why had he kissed her? And why had he regretted doing so? Men were so complicated.

  Thomas helped her down and quickly turned away to get the trees from the sled. Josephine continued to the front porch. In her arms she carried the blankets and now-empty jars. Philip bounded across the yard and helped her open the door.

  One look at her sad face and he asked, “What happened?”

  Josephine shrugged. “We got two trees.”

  “And that’s bad?”

  She opened the door and the puppy bounded off the porch. Josephine watched her go to Thomas. She looked at Philip. “I didn’t think so, but you’ll have to ask your brother.”

  Philip shook his head. “All right, go on inside. I’ll take care of Little One.”

  “What?” Josephine stared at him in shock.

  “Little One.”
Philip looked at her as if she’d grown two heads. “What did you think I said?”

  Josephine shook her head. “I thought you called her Mistletoe. That’s the name of my horse. Well, she used to be my horse until my uncle sold her.”

  Philip chuckled lightly. “Did one of the trees hit you on the head? Little One and Mistletoe don’t even sound the same. You act like you’re in a trance.”

  Weariness rested on Josephine’s shoulders. She didn’t bother explaining. “No, I’m okay. Thank you for taking care of the puppy.” She walked into the warm house and shut the door.

  Pulling her coat off, Josephine realized that she’d almost trusted Thomas today with her heart. Their shared kiss and his reaction to it was her wake-up call. Men couldn’t be trusted, not with anything—especially a woman’s heart.

  * * *

  Thomas saw the determination in Philip’s steps as he walked toward him.

  “What happened? When you two left, you both looked happy. You come back and she’s looking like she lost her best friend and you have that persimmon face again.” Philip grabbed one end of the Christmas tree that Thomas was tugging on. Thomas grunted as it came off the sleigh.

  Thomas led the way to the porch. “Stay out of it, little brother.”

  “Oh, now I’m little brother?” Philip set his end down.

  Thomas stood the tree up on its stump and rested it against the doorjamb. “Would you rather I call you nosy brother?”

  Philip chuckled. “No, little brother works, but I still want to know what happened.”

  “Let’s just say I forgot myself and leave it at that.” Thomas walked back to the horse and sleigh. He tugged on the other tree.

  Together they carried it to the porch. As soon as it was on the porch, Thomas walked to the horse’s head and led it to the barn. He was very aware of Philip’s constant staring at his face.

  “You kissed her,” Philip blurted in triumph.

  Thomas stopped and glared. “Now, why would you say that?” he demanded, a little more tellingly than he’d intended.