Silver Belles and Stetsons

by Caroline Clemmons

  “I’m glad things worked out. You have a nice family and it’s as if you’re the fourth brother to the Stones.”

  “Yes, that’s how they treat me now and I appreciate them including me. Also James usually is treated like family. Of course, this week he and Mark will be setting up for the pageant under the supervision of Melissa and Miss Jones.”

  Wanda reappeared. “Bread pudding with rum sauce or peach cobbler?”

  Eduardo raised his eyebrows. “I will have bread pudding. What is your wish?”

  “I can’t resist. I’ll have the same.” After the waitress had left their table, Celia leaned toward Eduardo. “The peaches in the cobbler are from cans, so I can make one of those. Good bread pudding is harder.”

  “What they serve here has always been delicious and arrives with coffee containing whipped cream.”

  She patted her midsection. “Good thing I don’t eat like this every day. I’d be as roly poly as a barrel.”

  “I would still find you beautiful, mi amor.”

  She raised her eyebrows. “So you say now, but you don’t know that for certain.”

  He offered a mysterious smile. “The eye sees one thing, but the heart sees another.”

  Heat stole across her face and she knew his romantic speech had brought on a blush.

  After their meal, they strolled toward her parents’ home. While they’d dined, snow had covered the ground and still fell in heavy flurries. Without the presence of wind, the effect was like a fairyland.

  “Everything is so clean and perfect. No mud or horse droppings or unkempt parts of town. The world looks beautiful.”

  “Do you feel at home here yet?”

  She considered before answering. “In the community, yes, and more so every day. But an adult woman moving back in with her parents after being away for five years is in limbo. I wish they’d accept me for the adult I’ve become. I love them and know they mean well, but some days not losing my temper or snapping at my parents takes all my control and is frustrating.”

  “I have always lived with my parents, but we do well together. Men have more freedom than women, I believe.”

  “Yes, but I think their over protectiveness is because I was away for a while and lost my husband and the baby I carried. If I had remained with them all these years, perhaps I would have gradually become a woman to them. Now, their ‘wounded little girl’ has come back and they coddle me too much.”

  She had been hurting and desolate when she’d arrived a few weeks ago. So much had happened since then that she hardly thought she was the same person. Perhaps she was healing and becoming whole once more.

  She had been fond of Jean-Claud and mourned that a man of thirty-five had lost his life. Losing their baby crushed her completely. Even now, she longed to hold her infant in her arms. How maudlin her thoughts had turned for such a glorious night.

  They’d reached her front walk. Light from inside cast reflections on the pristine scene. When they turned in, she stooped to scoop up a handful of snow and threw it at him.

  He wiped snow from his coat and shook a finger at her. “Now you have created a war, querida. Prepare to eat snow.” He shaped a ball and hit her midsection with it.

  Laughing, she fired another and knocked his hat from his head. “Oops, perhaps we should build a snowman.”

  “I did not take you for a coward. But if you wish.” He feigned innocence.

  “Coward? I’ll show you.” Celia let fly the largest snowball she could hold.

  Eduardo grabbed her waist and swung her around. “You never learn, do you?”

  She wiggled until he slipped on the walk and they tumbled onto the snow-covered lawn. Their laughter summoned her parents, who merely stood at their doorway and watched. Her father had his arm around her mother, who rested her head against him.

  “I will show you how to make snow angels.” Eduardo demonstrated.

  She copied him, but couldn’t resist shoving a snowball in his face before she hopped to her feet.

  He bounded up with a snowball in each hand and pelted her. One hit her shoulder and splashed onto her face.

  After wiping her cheeks, she bent with hands braced on her knees. “Okay, you win.”

  He took her arm and guided her to the front porch. “Of course I do because we will battle until you concede.”

  She stomped snow from her shoes and brushed at her coat. “Goodnight, Eduardo. Thank you for dinner and my first snowball fight.”

  He chuckled. “I will see you on Sunday.”

  ***

  On the afternoon of the Christmas pageant, the church was packed. Celia and her parents searched for an empty spot. Seated with his family in the building’s middle, Eduardo signaled to her. He’d saved three spaces, so they quickly sat where he indicated.

  The paroxysms of panic she’d experienced in the past crept close. With a will she held the paralysis at bay. She took a deep breath, comforted by Eduardo’s strength and acceptance. Relieved, she hoped she was overcoming her debilitating problem.

  After greeting his parents, she said, “We thought we allowed plenty of time.”

  Eduardo leaned near to be heard. “Good thing the church was rebuilt larger than before. Still, there are people here I do not recognize.”

  “Perhaps relatives are visiting for Christmas. I expected a crowd, but didn’t anticipate this many. Isn’t the manger well done?”

  He nodded. “You probably know Mark and James built it.”

  James stood at the lectern. “Welcome to Radford Crossing Community Church and the revival of our annual Christmas Pageant. Thanks to Gwen Jones and my wife, Melissa Billings, for coordinating the production, and to all the people who contributed time and supplies. Thanks also to Celia Dubois for suggesting a celebration and to Erna Baldwin for reminding us of the lost tradition of the pageant. And now let us begin.” He stepped off the altar and walked to the back.

  The organist played “Silent Night” while the Mary and Joseph walked slowly to take their places in the manger. Mary smiled beatifically in spite of the purple surrounding her right eye. Joseph looked on as if guarding her.

  A choir of ten angels sang while they filed up the outside aisles to stand in rows behind the crèche. One of the angels affixed a star to the eaves and another tugged a cord that unfurled the drawing of a donkey beside the Holy Family.

  Heavenly discord ensued and two of the taller angels rolled onto the floor.

  One angel yelled, “You pushed me.”

  The other cried, “You started it. I was supposed to pull the rope.”

  James appeared and separated the two. He sent one to the right and one to the left.

  Eduardo laughed. “Michael and Patrick O’Reilly. Those two are basically good boys but are either battling each other or into mischief. I picture the Stone boys like that as children.”

  Celia grinned. “I hope the O’Reillys turn out as well as the Stones when they’re adults.”

  When everyone was in place, the organist switched to “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” while two children led the ewe and another carried her lamb. Just as they reached the manger, the lamb gave a bleat and leaped down to nurse. The boy who’d carried the lamb—she thought his name was Timmy—turned toward the audience and shrugged as he grimaced.

  While titters rippled through the crowd, Eduardo leaned near her ear. “Live animals and children add to certain disaster.”

  She turned to answer and their lips almost touched. “Gwen said the same thing. Isn’t that Lucy as a shepherd?”

  “Yes, and Seth as the other one.”

  Celia recognized fourteen-year-old Vanda Snedal’s strong voice reading the story of the shepherds hearing the angels and then coming to see the baby. Seth said his lines flawlessly, and so did Lucy. Then they knelt as if in worship before rising to stand at one side.

  The organist launched into “We Three Kings” while the children sang. Three robe-clad boys advanced toward the front. Carrying a small chest, the talles
t of the trio led the way. One of the angels unfurled the camel likeness on the manger’s right side.

  The leading wise man set the chest near the doll portraying the Christ child. “We have come from afar to see the new king. We bring gifts of gold and frank’s sense and…” He smacked a palm against his forehead. “Hell, I forgot that damn line again.”

  Amid gasps and laughter, the second king stage whispered, “Frankincense and myrrh.”

  The taller boy smiled at his helper. “Yeah, that’s right, frank’s sense and myrrh.”

  Resonating through the sanctuary, “O Come All Ye Faithful” rang out. Vanda raised his arms to lead and those in attendance joined in.

  James appeared at the song’s end. “Well, I think that went well.” He smiled as if to let everyone know he lied. “Thanks to our students for their performances, and to each of you for attending. Don’t forget our party next Sunday with gifts for all the children. Now, refreshments are being served in the parsonage.”

  People stood, but most lingered while conversing with others.

  Eduardo pulled out his pocket watch. “That lasted only three quarters of an hour.”

  Celia said, “Think of all the work that went into this production. But the children acted so proud to be in the performance.”

  He nodded at the Stone families. “Some parents are pleased as well.”

  She turned to her father. “Who was the boy who forgot his lines?”

  Her father frowned. “Kenny Martin.” He whispered, ”He has sticky fingers in the store. Have to watch him and his brother Jimmy every minute.”

  The pop of firecrackers sounded from outside. People jumped or tried to see who was responsible. Celia wondered if they were reminded of the terrible raid when the church was burned. No one appeared that alarmed, though.

  She met Eduardo’s gaze. “Who’s your guess, America Cox or Kenny Martin?”

  Eduardo smiled. “Or both?”

  After they’d had punch and cookies and offered congratulations to the performers and organizers, they stood at one side chatting while observing others.

  Her parents came by and her father said, “We’re heading home and will see you later.”

  Eduardo watched them go. “Your father seems to dislike me less.”

  She hated he’d ever sensed her father’s disapproval. “He never disliked you.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “Perhaps not.”

  She was speechless for an answer. He kept sharing comments identifying anyone she might not know. The parsonage was bursting with people.

  “We should probably move outside and relieve the crowding.”

  He ushered her through the others packed inside. “May I see you home when you are ready to leave?”

  “What about your parents and your ride home?” She inhaled cool air in relief when they reached outside.

  He helped her back into her coat and appeared pleased at her concern. “Do you worry about me being stranded? I rode my horse and left him at the livery.”

  “Then I would enjoy having you walk with me. Your horse is a beautiful animal. What’s his name?”

  “Mercury. He flies across the ground.” He held his hand together like wings and swirled them in front of her.

  She laughed at his antics. “And I’ll bet you love riding fast. I’m ready to leave when you are.”

  “Even with the sun, the day is cold.”

  She gestured to a small drift. “That’s why the snow hasn’t completely melted. I’d hoped it would last longer.”

  “Next month you will no doubt get your wish. Then you will ask for spring.”

  She made a face at him. “Are you saying I’m never satisfied?”

  He raised his eyebrows. “Are you?”

  She let go of his arm to spread her arms wide. “I’m happy with today and where I am.”

  He raised his brows. “And who you are with perhaps?”

  She held his arm again. “Ah, you are flirting but I’ll still answer. Yes, and who I’m with at this moment of this lovely day.”

  “You have made me happy by saying so, querida.”

  “Have you noticed that businesses have put up at least a wreath?”

  “I took note of this earlier. And more people are smiling. You see how much your presence has changed the town?”

  She shook her head. “They would be happy anyway as Christmas draws near. Well, except for those few who are never happy.”

  “Not so, querida. Only because of your efforts and organization have events changed. The community had fallen into the abyss of sorrow.”

  “That’s what I noticed, but if I hadn’t come up with the idea to involve others, someone else would have.”

  “I think not—at least not in time to make changes. Hope and I discussed this but we did not think of a solution. You inspired everyone.”

  “Thank you for even thinking so, Eduardo. I’m glad you’re my friend.”

  He clasped his chest in mock pain. “Friend? Can you not even say good friend or special friend or beau?”

  She offered her most coquettish smile. “Are you my beau?”

  “That is my intention. I thought you would have noticed that I am often underfoot.”

  They were at her parents’ house. “I must admit I had hoped your attentiveness had meaning.”

  She thought he intended to kiss her but the front door opening interrupted.

  Her mother said, “There you are.”

  Eduardo whispered, “Does she watch for you?”

  “Apparently. But don’t be upset. I’m sure she means well.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “Perhaps. I will see you on Wednesday to choose the gifts.” He turned and strode away.

  He made a handsome sight. And he was always polite and considerate. Him wanting her to think of him as a beau thrilled her. She hadn’t admitted to him that he had become far too important to her.

  Her mother’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “Celia, are you just going to stand in the cold staring at that man?”

  Chapter Seven

  Eduardo held the tree while Joel made an adjustment to the base.

  From the back of the church, James Billings surveyed the result. “You have it now. Looks perfect to me.”

  Eduardo stepped away and assessed Joel’s work. “How much jostling will the tree survive?”

  Joel gave a test wiggle to a couple of branches. “Probably enough. Most of the kids are careful since their parents will be watching.”

  He gathered his tools. “Guess we’re done here for today. You coming by the house for supper, Eduardo?”

  “I have promised to be at the mercantile to choose toys for the children.”

  A mischievous grin appeared on Joel’s face. “Is George going to help you with those?”

  He intended to send his friend a glare, but could not stop his own laughter. How could he not be happy when he would soon spend time with his true love? “You know very well who will assist me. My beautiful Celia wishes to help choose presents and wrap them.”

  James walked toward them. “I can’t believe Hope isn’t here too.”

  Shaking his head, Eduardo grabbed his hat. “Hope is happy to stay at home until her morning sickness has ended. She is saving her strength for Sunday. She said you must forgive her if she misses Sunday services, but mornings are her worst times.”

  James clapped him on the back. “Don’t let us hold you up.”

  “Adios.” He strode from the church with a light heart.

  As he rode through town, he took note again of decorations. Even grumpy Mrs. Welborn had a wreath on her boarding house door. Perhaps Celia was part magician.

  He left his horse with Pete Hoskins at the livery and walked the short way to the mercantile. At ten minutes of six, they were near closing, which was the time Celia suggested he arrive. Perhaps when they finished choosing toys and gifts, she would allow him to take her to dinner.

  As he entered the store, Celia looked up from the customer she he
lped and smiled. Her father nodded, as usual his smile not reaching his eyes. Eduardo wandered the aisles until the store closed.

  When the last customer had left, Celia hurried toward him.

  Her father locked the front door and turned the Open sign to Closed. “Guess I’ll go on home.”

  He and Celia bid her father goodnight. Finally, he was alone with his love.

  She smiled up at him. “I’m so grateful you’re including me. I brought us a picnic supper to eat before we begin. I know it’s not a pretty place, but we can eat in the stockroom.”

  “I thought to take you to the hotel dining room again. This is better because I will have you all to myself.”

  “We were so busy I missed lunch. Do you mind if we eat now?”

  She led him to a small table with two chairs in a corner of the back room. He’d not seen this section of the stockroom before and peered around as he held her chair. They shared apple cider and a substantial dinner of cold roast beef, cheese, bread, beet and cucumber pickles, and apple pie for dessert.

  He swallowed the last of his cider. “Have you thought about what we should choose? I haven’t yet seen the list, but I remember many of the children.”

  She pulled a sheet of paper from her apron pocket. “Gwen enlisted Melissa and James’ help with the names to avoid missing anyone. Dad also checked and added one family who’s just started an account here. I’m glad you prepare for extras, though. Think how sad to attend the party and be overlooked.”

  “And who is the new family?”

  “The Tuckers. They have two girls and a boy, but they don’t attend school. The family rents from Zach Stone up the mountain. Dad guessed at the children’s ages and thought two were old enough to be in class.”

  “I have not met the people who leased Zach’s place. People are moving into our area rapidly. We should have the sheriff and Joel check the names too. They’ve traveled all over the county.”

  She stood and cleared away the remains of their dinner. “For now, shall we get to work? I’ve looked forward to this all week.”