“W–we need to help Glynna.” Mattie blinked, trying to regain her sense of equilibrium.
A scuffling drew their attention across the room to where Glynna sat. “I’m almost free. Just my skirt is caught.
“Stay here.” Conall squeezed Mattie’s hand and winked.
She watched him carefully make his way through the debris, casting aside part of a broken chair, a tree branch, and other small items. He freed Glynna’s skirt, helped her up, and hugged her. Mattie couldn’t help being amazed how God had brought them all safely through the awful storm and destruction.
Chapter 9
Mattie stretched as the early sunlight brightened the eastern side of the tipi. The scarred structure had seen better days, but with it mended, at least they had shelter. She gazed around the dying fire, thankful that no lives had been lost in the terrible storm. Glynna lay beside Milly, softly snoring. Though she had some cuts and bruises, she was not seriously hurt. Doc had placed several stitches in Conall’s head and said he hoped he’d had some sense knocked into him.
Mattie smiled. The longer she stayed with the Donegans, the more she felt at home. She blew out a breath. But it wasn’t their home. Leaving would be difficult, but they would soon have to. The Donegans no longer had a home, only the barn, where the men slept, and the dugout, where the supplies that had been salvaged from the cabin remains were stored. Their being here created more of a hardship for Conall’s family. But getting Milly to leave would be no easy task. She’d practically flown into Brian’s arms when he raced his horse to the cabin the day of the storm, worried about his family. And the way he kissed her sister—it reminded her of Conall’s kiss. She touched her lips, knowing it was the only time she could allow that to happen. If he kissed her again, she feared she’d never leave.
A horse’s whinny and the sound of voices drew her to the tipi’s opening. Brian walked beside a wagon, talking to the two men sitting on the bench. Behind them, wagon after wagon followed, most driven by a man with a woman sitting next to him, and more men riding alongside on their horses. What was going on?
Conall didn’t know when he’d ever been so tired. The whack on the head had taken more out of him than he’d expected. Doc Scott had harped at him all day long that he should be resting instead of working, but a man couldn’t lie abed when a town full of kindhearted folks had come to rebuild his home. And rebuild it, they did.
Conall stared at the clapboard walls, already completed. Even the door stood attached to the frame. Only the glass for the windows, which had to be ordered from Kansas City, and the roof, which he and Brian would finish, remained. By Christmas, just eight days away, they should be back in their home. Granted, it was smaller than the first cabin, with just one bedroom, but they’d make do and could add on come spring.
Mattie walked up to him carrying a bucket and smiling. “Would you like some water?”
He nodded, although all he really needed was another look at the woman he loved. Still, he took the ladle she handed him and downed the cool liquid.
“It was kind of all these folks to come and help. We have so much leftover food that we probably won’t need to hunt or cook much for days.” She shook her head. “I can’t get over how these people—some you don’t even know—rallied today to rebuild your cabin.”
The wonder in her voice made him question whether she’d ever known what it was like to live in a community. Yes, most of these families lived somewhat isolated on their own land, at least a mile away from the nearest neighbor, but they were all neighbors, and they banded together when someone needed help. “I imagine things wouldn’t have come together so fast if there had been others who lost their homes.”
Mattie nodded. “That’s true. I’m glad no one else did.”
“Me, too.”
“I was surprised how most of the folks here today didn’t even frown at my buckskins, and they were all nice to us.” Mattie waved at several departing wagons and watched as they drove down the trail. “I never knew that strangers would do such a turn of kindness for others. Pa never let us stay in a town.”
Conall took the bucket from her arm and set it down. “Your father is a wise man.”
Mattie’s brow creased. “Why do you say that? If we’d have lived in a town, we would have learned how to live among others and would not always have had to live alone.”
He brushed back a lock that had come loose from Mattie’s braid and tucked it over her ear. “If I had three daughters half as pretty as you and your sisters, I’d keep them hidden, too.”
She stared up at him with those amazing, penetrating eyes as if she thought he was joking.
“I’m serious. I’m sure he did that to protect you from men like the ones who attacked you.”
She pursed her lips and ducked her head. “You may be right, but if he’d stayed around instead of leaving us alone so often, he would have been there to protect us.”
Conall cupped her arms then realized they were out in the open where anyone could see. He tugged her behind the new walls of the cabin and around to the side with no window openings. “Your father did what he thought best, and you had to trust him. He was a man alone with three daughters to raise, and that can’t have been easy. Forgive him if he made the wrong choices sometimes.”
Mattie shrugged and blew out a sigh. “I do, but I suppose I just realized today what we’ve been missing.”
“But you no longer have to miss such things.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean…” Conall took a deep breath and prayed that Mattie felt the way he did. “I don’t want you to leave. Stay here. With me.”
Mattie’s eyebrows dipped down. “In your cabin?”
“Yes. No. Well, maybe for a time until we can build our own cabin.”
Her mouth opened and eyes widened.
Conall rubbed the back of his neck. “That didn’t come out right. I love you, Mattie. I want you to be my wife.”
Her mouth and eyes widened even more. Then her lips snapped together for a long moment. “I know nothing about being a wife. I don’t even own a dress.”
Conall tugged her close. “Then be my bride in buckskin. I don’t care if you never wear a dress, except maybe on our wedding day.”
Mattie smiled, and tears glistened in her eyes. “Are you sure? Taking me as your wife wouldn’t be easy, and it means you’d be saddled with my two sisters.”
He brushed his finger down her cheek, and her eyes drifted shut. Leaning closer, he whispered, “I don’t think we have to worry about Milly. If he hasn’t yet, Brian will soon be staking a claim.”
“You truly wouldn’t mind being married to someone like me? You know, I can barely cook a thing—and I can’t sew.”
He tapped her nose. “Maybe not, but you can learn. And who else will have a wife who can hunt and skin a rabbit in two minutes flat?”
Mattie grinned. “Not many, I reckon.”
“So, will you marry me, lachóigín?”
Mattie’s throat tightened. She’d never been a crying woman, but tears stung her eyes. This wonderful, handsome man wanted her—a half-wild woman—to be his wife. He deserved much better than her, but when he looked at her with such love in his eyes, all she could do was nod.
He grinned then pulled her close, all but crushing her to his chest. His lips touched hers, gentle at first, but then increasing in pressure and intensity. Yet there was no fear like there had been when she was attacked. Only happiness—and delightful sensations she’d never encountered before. When Conall finally stepped back, she knew that a future with this amazing man was all she wanted.
Christmas Day
Mattie followed Conall as he carried Jess into the house from the tipi where she’d been resting. The table was crowded with all manner of food, some they’d prepared themselves and other items that kind neighbors had contributed. Brian, carrying a large platter of meat cut fresh from the pig that was roasting, met them at the door with Milly close on his heels.
“That smells good.” Jess held out a hand. “Can I have a bite?”
“Not until we’re at the table, missy.” Milly wagged her finger, though the grin on her face belied her scolding.
Glynna smiled when they’d all made their way inside. “Any sign of Doc yet?”
Conall shook his head. “If he doesn’t arrive soon, I say we eat without him. He may have been called out to care for someone.”
Pursing her lips as if undecided, Glynna finally nodded. “I suppose that’s a possibility. Why don’t you go ahead and take your places?”
Conall set Jess down then pulled out the chair beside her for Mattie. She smiled and leaned close to his ear. “Why thank you, kind sir.”
He ran a finger down her cheek. “My pleasure.”
A loud knock pulled everyone’s gaze to the door, but Mattie jumped. She hadn’t seen a soul when they were outside only a minute ago. Doc must have come from a different direction than normal, because she’d scanned the road looking for him.
Conall opened the door, and there Doc stood, but behind him was another man. Doc strode in, grinning like a possum, then stepped aside. Mattie’s heart lurched, and she took a step away from the table. The man’s tired gaze collided with hers, and he smiled.
“Papa?”
“It’s me, my darlin’.”
Mattie rushed toward the door at the same time as Milly. Their father wrapped an arm around each of them and chuckled, that deep-throated laugh she adored. He’d lost weight and smelled clean instead of like a wild man, and he was here—alive—in time for Christmas dinner.
A pounding on the table drew her attention.
“Papa! What about me?” Jess held her arms out to him.
Mattie and Milly stepped aside, and their father strode farther into the room and lifted his youngest daughter in his arms. After a long hug that brought tears to Mattie’s eyes, he leaned back and lifted up Jess’s leg. “And what’s this? I’m gone for a little while and you go and get hurt.”
Jess pursed her lips and frowned at him. “You were gone for a long time, Pa.”
He blew out a loud sigh. “That I was, darlin’, that I was. I took sick on my way back to you all, but a kind doctor in Guthrie had mercy on me, took me in, and nursed me back to health. Soon we all will be back on the trail. I’ve a hankerin’ to see California.”
California. Mattie’s heart took another jolt. She couldn’t bear to see him go off again—and what about Jess? Would he take her away?
Milly pushed past her, dragging Brian along with her. “Pa, we’re not going anywhere.”
He looked up, surprise wrinkling his leathery skin. “What’s that you say?”
Milly stamped her foot and shook her head. “This is Brian Donegan—the man I mean to marry.”
Pa stood there blinking for a moment then grinned. “He can come, too.”
Milly’s mouth dropped open, clearly unprepared for such a response.
Mattie walked through the crowded room and stopped in front of Pa. “I’m not leaving either, Pa.” She waved to Conall, and he stepped to her side. “Milly and I are getting married.”
He frowned and scratched behind his ear. “You and Milly?”
Mattie chuckled, her cheeks warming. “No, of course not. Milly is marrying Brian, and I’m marrying Conall Donegan. They’re brothers.” She looped one arm around Conall’s then motioned at Glynna. “And this is their sister, Glynna.”
Her father stared at Mattie as if searching for the truth in her gaze. She’d never disappointed him before, and if she did this time, her heart would break, but she knew what her future held. God had made that clear to her the day the tornado hit. “It’s true, Pa. The Donegans are good people. They took us in when Jess got hurt and even fetched Dr. Scott to see to her.” She hugged Conall’s arm, a bit uncomfortable voicing her feelings aloud where all could hear, but she felt she must. “I love Conall, and Milly loves Brian.”
Pa snorted and shifted his feet like an angry buffalo then turned to Conall. “Do you love my daughter, young man?
Conall straightened, but Mattie could feel the tremble that coursed through him. “Yes sir. I do. I…uh…mean I love Mattie—Matilda.”
“She must like you a heap if ’n she told you her given name.” He winked at her and Conall then looked at Brian. “And what about you?”
Brian glanced at Milly and cleared his throat. “Aye, sir…um…I also love your daughter…uh…this one.” He wrapped his arm around Milly’s shoulders. “If you take her away, I’ll just follow.”
Pa stroked his beard, looking contemplative. He glanced at Jess. “And what about you?”
Jess crossed her arms. “I just wish everyone would sit down so we can eat.”
A smile broke out on Pa’s weathered face. “Knowin’ that you twins have found men who love you and that you love is the best news I’ve heard since Dr. Peters said I was going to live.”
An audible sigh filled the room, and Mattie grinned up at Conall. Her father had given his blessing.
Glynna clapped her hands. “If you would all please find a seat, we’ll eat. Brian, please get the rocker off the porch so Mr. Carson has a seat. I’ll get another place setting.
Later that evening, Mattie and Milly talked with their father. He explained how his time at the doctor helped him to see that sometimes they needed the help of others. He couldn’t stay forever but would for a time, and Jess could stay with her sisters if that’s what she wanted. Mattie snuggled down beneath her bearskin, happier than she could ever remember. This Christmas was the best she’d had since her mother’s passing, and the way things looked, there would be many more wonderful Christmases in the future. She closed her eyes, fully prepared to dream of her handsome husband-to-be.
The Gold Rush Christmas
Michelle Ule
Dedication
For the adventurers who sailed to Alaska with me:
Robert, Christopher, Jonathan, Nicholas, and Devin;
and for the one still awaiting adventure:
Michael
I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work,
so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease,
whilst I leave it, and come down to you?
NEHEMIAH 6:3
Chapter 1
Port Orchard, Washington
August 1897
Here’s the last quilt.” Samantha Harris brushed tears from her eyes and tossed her heavy gold braid over her shoulder.
Mrs. Parker sighed as she folded the wedding ring quilt into the final crate. “I remember your dear mother stitching the quilts on the veranda. She tucked a prayer for your future husband and Peter’s future wife into each stitch. I’m sorry she’ll never learn who they are.”
Peter grinned. “I’m sure Samantha can find a husband in Alaska territory.”
“I’m hunting for Pa, not a husband.”
“Maybe you’ll find both.” Peter set her indigo carpet bag with the luggage. “Alaska’s a land of golden opportunities. We’re throwing off civilization’s shackles and sailing to a territory of unlimited prospects. I’m ready to go.”
Mrs. Parker frowned. “You’re like your father—never satisfied. You’ve always wanted to be somewhere else. How your mother fretted over your rash schemes.”
Samantha glanced at her twin as she set her father’s carved candlesticks on the quilt. She stuffed in the last two feather pillows, sprinkled dried lavender on top, and spread a clean sheet over them. Peter nailed on the lid. The Parkers would store their few remaining possessions.
“Look how your sister taught at the Port Orchard School the last three years. She never complained about taking care of your mother while your father…” Mrs. Parker hesitated.
“Shared the Gospel with the Indians?” Samantha grabbed the heavy crate, which also contained her mother’s cherished china, and carried it to the door with Peter’s help. She heard the Parkers’ horse clopping up the road with a cart.
“I d
on’t know what she saw in your father. An itinerant preacher who itched to preach to ruffians even after Port Orchard became civilized. He got his travels, but your mother paid a pretty penny for them. She wouldn’t approve of your taking Samantha off to the wilderness. You should be ashamed of yourself, Peter Harris.”
“I’ll return next year to attend the University of Washington.” Samantha hoped her brother’s promises and her mother’s dream would come true. “But we need to find Pa first.”
Reverend Parker entered carrying four Bibles under his arm and gripping a letter in his hand. He scowled at Peter. “Muscular Christianity sounds like your idea.”
“Sir?”
“You challenged Miles, didn’t you? You told him to abandon his books for action. Are these not your words?”
Peter stood at attention. Samantha froze.
“According to this, my son left seminary just short of his ordination exams.” Reverend Parker shook the letter. “He wants to explore his faith in practical ways and take his chances in the Klondike goldfields. He’s headed to Alaska, and we are not to discourage him, only pray.” Reverend Parker offered the Bibles. “If so, he’ll need these extra Bibles.”
Mrs. Parker gasped.
Samantha advanced on her brother. “Did you invite him to come with us?”
“Miles wants to be a preacher. Miners have spiritual needs. I told him Alaska could prove his calling to ministry.” Peter set the Bibles with their luggage.
“You talked Miles into going to Alaska? He’s…” She chose her word carefully. “He’s clumsy!”
Reverend Parker read aloud. “Don’t try to stop me. I prayed and believe this is God’s direction for my life right now. I love you. Tell Peter and Samantha I will see them in the north.”
A Pioneer Christmas Collection Page 49
