Celia poured over the Monday, December 23, edition of the newspaper, billed as the early Christmas edition. On the front page, she spotted the headline she sought.
“Radford Crossing Business Decorating Contest Winners Announced.”
John Henderson ran a nice newspaper, but his headline was so large she thought he must be short of news for this edition. She laughed when she read the winners. Stevens Hotel won first, Pemberton’s Texas Star Saloon won second, and Ortega’s Furniture and Funeral Parlor was third. Howard Dalton’s bank received honorable mention. Celia tried to picture Holly and Howard Dalton’s faces when they learned they were bested by the saloon and the funeral parlor.
She walked into the stockroom and pulled out the certificates she’d prepared. Using her best penmanship, she carefully filled in the names. In addition, first prize received ten dollars, second received seven dollars and fifty cents, and third prize received five dollars. She chuckled again, grateful she didn’t have a certificate for honorable mention.
She finished and left the ink to dry as she heard the bell over the door jingle.
Her father said, “Good morning, Mrs. Dalton. May I help you with something?”
“Uh oh.” Celia suspected trouble and hurried to her father’s aid.
Holly Dalton slapped her copy of today’s newspaper onto the counter and glared at Celia. “What’s the meaning of this?”
“The newspaper?” Celia asked innocently.
“You know very well I mean the winners of your silly contest. Why didn’t the bank win first place?”
“You’ll have to take that up with Judge Henderson. He made the selections.” Celia pointed to the article. “You’ll see here at the bottom, Judge Henderson is listed along with the fact that any questions should be addressed to the Judge in care of his office.”
“Don’t try to play dumb with me. I know you’re thick as thieves with the Stones and I saw you dining with that Montoya man.” She stabbed the newspaper with her index finger. “You did this on purpose.”
Celia’s father furrowed his brow and red tinged his cheeks. “Now see here, Mrs. Dalton, I believe my daughter answered your irate question with a civil reply. I suggest you go home until you’ve recovered from your unreasonable wrath.”
“You’d better hope you never need a loan from my husband’s bank. You’ll be in for a rude awakening.”
Celia kept her face neutral. “If Dad ever needs a loan, he’ll ask the Montoyas or Micah Stone. I’m sure their terms would be fair.” She’d heard complaints of the high interest and short terms for some of the local bank’s loans.
The angry woman’s face bore blotches and her eyes narrowed. “Oh, you…you—“ She sputtered and stamped her foot before she whirled and hurried toward the door.
In her most cheerful voice, Celia called, “Merry Christmas.”
Without replying, Holly Dalton slammed the door behind her.
Celia cringed at the vibrations. “Whew, wonder the door glass didn’t break.”
Her father only smiled. “You made me realize something. Guess I don’t have to worry about trying to please that shrew any longer.”
“You’re not angry with me for baiting her?”
He chuckled. “Appears to me what you said is right. Nice to have powerful friends. I find I’m enjoying the idea.”
“Surely you haven’t bent over backwards to please her in the past?”
Her father appeared embarrassed. “Celia, your mother and I made a lot of mistakes in the last few years. When we came here, we misjudged who was important and who wasn’t. Worse, we got lost on who was nice and who wasn’t. I believe we’re straight now, though. Your mother’s having a little trouble realizing Abby Jordan is not a true friend to anyone. Harriett will come around in time.”
“I hope so, Dad.” She told him about Holly and Zach Stone.
“I hate he was injured, but I’ll bet he considers himself lucky since the scar drove that woman away. Alice Stone is a fine woman who’s always cheerful and kind.”
Near six, Eduardo arrived, stamping his feet while rubbing together his gloved hands. “How are you, George? This afternoon is very cold.”
“Good evening, Eduardo.” Her father looked at her where she was wrapping Mrs. O’Reilly’s purchase. “Celia, your young man is here. I’ll finish that and you two go on over to the parsonage for caroling.”
Celia almost dropped the package at her dad referring to Eduardo as her young man.
“Thank you.” She handed over the parcel and removed her apron as she hurried for her coat.
Smoothing her hair, she hoped her blue foulard dress had remained unstained during the day. Celia smoothed her skirt and brushed at the navy velvet trim at her cuffs. She set her blue velvet bonnet firmly on her head and wound her gray woolen scarf around her throat before pulling on matching kid gloves.
When they were walking toward the minister’s home a few moments later, she wondered what Eduardo thought of being called her young man. She hesitated asking for fear he’d been embarrassed. Although he called her Spanish endearments, perhaps he didn’t mean them.
Did he talk to other women the same way? How would she know? Perhaps she should take Rosalyn aside tonight and ask her opinion.
As if he’d read her mind, he covered her hand with his where her fingers rested on his arm. “Querida, you worry too much. Of course I am your young man.”
He offered one of his characteristic shrugs. “Perhaps I am not so young now that I’m thirty, but young when compared to our parents.”
She sighed in relief. “I was afraid Dad had embarrassed you in front of Mrs. O’Reilly.”
A wide grin split his face. “Hardly. If doing so would not upset you, I would take an ad in John’s newspaper to inform everyone in the county.”
Her heart raced at his outrageous statement, and she couldn’t stop her answering smile. “You’re a great one for taking ads in newspapers, aren’t you?”
He raised an eyebrow. “Do not tempt me, amorada.”
She wanted to tell him he was the one who tempted her. Not that she forgot her sorrow, but memories no longer sliced her heart. She hadn’t loved Jean-Claud but she was sorry such a healthy young man had died—even though he was to blame.
His anger with a man he’d believed had snubbed him at a party had sent him racing their buggy far too fast. When he’d misjudged a curve, the buggy had overturned and he’d been thrown from the carriage. His neck had broken while Celia was pinned in the overturned vehicle. Her major injury was the miscarriage of her baby two months before she was due.
According to the doctor, she’d almost bled to death before she’d been rescued. For a few dark days, she’d wondered why she hadn’t died too. Only when she overheard her in-laws voice the thought she should have died instead of their son did she break from her dark place and begin her recovery.
“Querida, you are the one who said the town needs more cheer. Now you must cease your dark thoughts and show me your beautiful smile or my heart will break.”
How could she resist his entreaty? “Eduardo, you give me reasons to smile.”
“So having me for your young man is not so bad then?”
Still smiling, she squeezed his arm. “Not at all. In fact, I’m enjoying our times together.”
In spite of her pleasure, she braced herself against the brisk breeze chilling her. She was aware Eduardo used his bulk to shield her. They joined with others walking toward the church grounds.
At the parsonage, Melissa handed out sheet music. She gave one to Celia. “Couples have to share.”
Eduardo leaned until his mouth was near her ear. “Twice in one evening. I like that people view us as a couple.”
“Gossip travels fast. We’ve been several places together and Mama and I sat with your parents yesterday.”
“Those are good things that I hope continue, mi amor.”
“Not only friendly people have noticed you’ve been my escort several times recently.” She told him abo
ut her visit from Holly Dalton.
His laughter caused heads to turn their way. He lowered his voice again, “I must tell the Stone families later.”
James raised his voice above the chattering carolers. “We won’t begin singing until we’re in front of the Mercer home. Neither is feeling well, so I doubt they’ll come to the door but be assured they’ll appreciate our stop. From there, we’ll continue, ending at the home of Mrs. Fraser and Mrs. Gamble. After our carols, Rosalyn and Joel Stone have invited us to their home for a Christmas party.”
James and Melissa led the way.
Celia tugged Eduardo to keep near the front of the group. “I don’t want to miss hearing instructions.”
He stopped and put both his hands at her waist. He leaned his forehead against hers. “Querida, slow down and do not pull my arm from my body. Our friends will not run away and leave us.”
Celia sensed heat stain her cheeks as those around her smiled. “Sorry, I can’t keep from being as excited as the children were yesterday before the presents were given. I wanted to be able to hear James because I don’t yet know the names of who lives in each house.”
“To see you so enthused about our evening makes me happy. I will explain as we go along, amorada.”
When they’d reached the first house on their schedule, Melissa led “Hark The Herald Angels Sing” as the first carol.
Chapter Ten
Celia was not surprised Eduardo’s speaking voice translated to a rich baritone that stirred her. Did this man excel at everything? Not only did he sing well, but while doing so he appeared to enjoy himself.
At two houses, there was no sign those inside heard them. Most people opened their door, waved, and called their thanks as the singers departed. A few, like Mrs. Fraser and Mrs. Gamble, served cookies or warm cider to the carolers.
By the end of the hour, Celia’s feet had grown numb from the cold. “I’ll be glad to warm up at Rosalyn and Joel’s.”
Eduardo slid his arm around her shoulders. “We are almost there.”
Inside the Stone’s home, they removed their wraps and were directed to the second floor ballroom. Five musicians played from the slightly-raised stage. The room was decorated with wreaths and ribbons.
A large cedar stood in one corner. A gold star crowned the top and decorations from elaborate to simple covered the branches. Celia was certain Lucy had crafted some of the ornaments.
Joel raised his hands to hush the crowd and the musicians. “Friends, let’s give a round of applause to Celia Dubois for bringing the Christmas spirit back to Radford Crossing.”
Amid clapping, someone started “Hip hip hooray.” Others joined in.
Celia knew a blush tinged her cheeks. “You each deserve the praise. So many of you worked hard, some for months.” She glanced at Eduardo. “This really is a wonderful community and I consider myself fortunate to be here.”
The musicians resumed playing and couples took to the dance floor.
Celia greeted their hostess. “This looks like a fairyland.”
“Alice helped, and she made the mistletoe balls. Normally Hope would have given a hand, but she’s felt so wretched the past week. I think yesterday overtired her.”
Celia’s sympathy went to the woman who usually derived so much pleasure from Christmas. “I hope she’s all right. Has she seen the doctor?”
Rosalyn smiled and pulled Celia to the side so no one else overheard. “We’re so excited. Dr. Ross says Hope’s doing well in spite of her queasiness. He thinks she’s expecting twins.”
“How wonderful. When will he know?”
“Just this morning when he went out there, he was positive he heard two heartbeats.”
Eduardo appeared at her side. “Are you sharing secrets or may I listen?”
Celia looked at Rosalyn, who nodded permission. “Hope is probably expecting twins.”
He raised his eyebrows then smiled. “She and Micah must be happy. But now, if Rosalyn will excuse us, we should dance.” He swung Celia in a circle onto the dance floor.
Celia allowed him to guide her. Dancing with him was like floating on air. They twirled and swayed every dance until the musicians took a break.
“Are you warm enough now, amorada?”
“Perfect, kind sir. You dance as well as you sing.”
He guided her into an alcove. “You are light as a dream, querida.”
He pointed above them. “Oh, but look where we have stopped.”
She raised her gaze. Above him hung rounded twigs of mistletoe tied with red ribbon. “You stopped here intentionally.”
“Ah, but tradition must be observed.” He leaned down so she could kiss him.
She tiptoed to kiss his cheek. At the last second, he turned his head so that her lips landed on his.
His strong arms embraced her, cradling her against him. When he ended their kiss, he offered his bone-melting smile. “Your sweet lips on mine were much nicer than on my cheek.”
She rested her hands on his broad chest. “I suppose I should be angry but I enjoyed our kiss too much to pretend otherwise.”
“Thank you, querida. That makes this much easier.”
He clasped her hand and knelt on one knee. “Celia Dubois, will you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?”
“Yes.” Never had she been this happy. Her heart pounded with delight. She pulled him to his feet and threw her arms around him.
He pulled away just enough to slide an elegant gold ring onto her finger. A central emerald was surrounded by diamonds. “To match your sparkling green eyes, querida. This ring belonged to my grandmother.”
“Eduardo, I’ve never seen anything lovelier.” Tears of happiness clouded her vision.
“Only look in the mirror, amorada. You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, but that is not why I love you. Your inner beauty, kindness, and compassion have captured my heart.” Her fiancé pulled her into his embrace for a bone-melting kiss.
Those nearby applauded. A few male voices hooted.
Eduardo smiled at her as they broke their embrace. “My friends, I’m happy to announce this lovely woman has consented to become my wife.”
More applause combined with well wishes.
He held her hand. “And now, I must ask Celia’s father for his blessing.”
They bid Rosalyn and Joel goodnight.
Joel clapped Eduardo on the back. “I have to admit your persistence paid off just as you predicted. Don’t forget your room’s waiting so don’t ride home in this cold.”
“Thanks, if I survive her father, I’ll return.”
Hand in hand, Celia and Eduardo strolled downstairs. She shared his concern regarding her parents’ reaction. He assisted her and they donned their outerwear and walked into the night.
At the foot of the porch steps, he stopped to tug her scarf around her more securely and button her coat. “The wind has died but the cold remains.”
She noticed no stars shone in the night sky. “Eduardo, what will your parents think of our engagement?”
He slid his arm about her waist. “They will be overjoyed. They have known since the first night we met at the dinner party that I wanted to marry you if you would have me.”
“So early? But you didn’t even know me then.”
“The first day I saw you, I fell in love. I told Micah that you were the woman I wanted to wed. He laughed at me then but has since wished me success.”
She stopped and stared at his face. “So when I visited your home, they knew your plans?”
His gentle kiss evaporated her misgivings. “And approved, querida. I pray your parents will not forbid you marrying me.”
“You’re a good man to be concerned, but I’m not a young girl to be ordered by them.”
“Their blessing will increase our happiness. I wish only the best for you, amorada.”
She sent a love-filled glance his way. “You’ve made that clear, and I wish the same for you.”
He stretched out his
free hand and caught several snowflakes. “Look, querida. Just for you, we have snow.”
“The night was already perfect, but this crowns our perfect evening.”
They reached her home. The parlor light still shone. She would have gone in, but he stopped her.
He twisted the bell. “I want them to be aware you are not alone.”
When her father opened the door, he stepped back to admit them. “Something wrong?”
They hung their coats on the foyer coat rack.
Eduardo smiled at her before turning to her father. “Quite the opposite. I would like to speak to you.”
“Come in and sit down.” Her father gestured toward the parlor.
“Who is it, George?” Her mother peeked around the corner. “Oh, Celia, I wondered who rang the bell this late.”
Celia wanted to dance across the room from happiness, but at the same time she questioned her parents’ reaction to her wonderful news. She tugged Eduardo to the sofa, glad a cheerful fire still burned in the fireplace this cold night.
She sat but Eduardo stood with his hand on her shoulder.
He faced her parents. “Tonight Celia has made me a happy man by consenting to be my wife. I have come to ask your blessing.”
She held her breath when she saw the stricken expression on her mother’s face. Mama collapsed into the chair near where Dad had sat.
Then, her father smiled. “Can’t say I’m surprised. Harriett and I suspected this was coming.”
Her mother nodded. “We’d hoped to have Celia in our home for a longer time. We’ve missed her so these past few years.”
“Understandable, but she will see you often and you may visit her whenever you wish. Our ranch is but a buggy drive away.”
Dad stood and offered his hand. “I can think of no one I’d rather have as our son-in-law. You not only saved her life, you made her laugh again. You’re a good man.”
Mama surprised Celia most by rising and hugging Eduardo. “You’ve made our daughter happy, which is all we’ve ever wanted for her.”
Her father remained standing. “We’ll have a proper engagement party after Christmas. Now, Harriett, we should leave them alone so they can make plans.”
Silver Belles and Stetsons Page 14
