by Maggie Ryan
Gabe removed the clump he’d draped over a branch, grumbling as he pulled a piece free. “At this rate, it’ll be next Christmas before this tree is finished.”
Jewel moved to her tiptoes and kissed him. “I promise, it will be worth it. I remember seeing a tree at Windsor Castle… it took my breath away.”
Gabe slid his arm around her and bent down. “I know of something else that could cause you to be breathless.”
She giggled and slipped from his grasp. “Not until this tree is done, Mr. Vasquez!”
The decorating went much faster as miners entered the saloon that had been closed for most of the day. It seemed that each one wanted to help and the time flew as stories of Christmas memories were shared. Nettie set out cookies and slices of cake, pitchers of milk and cups of hot chocolate which men who normally threw back shots of whiskey and tequila consumed without complaint. Not a single gem took a man upstairs… well, if you didn’t count Opal. By the time the saloon cleared, the tree was gracing the center of the stage, the star within a fraction of an inch of the roof.
“You’re right, querida, it was worth it.”
“It is,” Jewel agreed. “We won’t light the candles until Christmas day but it is perfect. I can’t believe it’s only a little more than a week before the party. We have so much to do…”
“You can think about that tomorrow. It’s late and I’m exhausted. Time for bed, my love.”
They did go to bed but it was another half hour before they slept. Their love making was slow and gentle and yet every bit as satisfying as their earlier romps had been.
Chapter 21
Jewel entered the mercantile, pulling Nettie’s list from her reticule. Approaching Sam who was filling a box with items he’d pulled, she said, “Good morning, Sam. Just a few more things.”
“I heard congratulations are in order,” Sam said, wiping his hands on his apron before taking the list.
“Yes, for both me and Opal. I still can’t believe Gabe and John proposed on the same day.”
Sam chuckled. “I can’t believe it’s taken this long for them to come to their senses.” He scanned the list and nodded. “Unlike most of the things you’ve requested, I actually have these in stock.”
“Speaking of which, I’m still expecting a few packages. Are you sure they’ll be here in time? I’d hate to disappoint…”
“Juliette?”
Jewel turned and her eyes widened. “Anna… oh my gosh, Anna!” The two women met in the middle of the store, throwing their arms around each other, not allowing the baby the woman was holding to keep them from hugging. Jewel felt a tug on her dress and looked down. “Hello, Jayne,” she said, squatting down to hug the little girl. “Where’s Henry?”
“With his pa,” Anna answered. “I… I can’t believe it’s really you! I never expected to see you again.”
Jewel laughed. “Especially in Culpepper Cove. When did you get here?”
Anna smiled and adjusted the baby on her hip. “It’s a miracle really. Thomas’ claim wasn’t as lucrative as he’d hoped, but we fell in love with California. The weather is so much nicer than London’s. I was waitressing for a few hours a day while he watched the children and then he’d go out looking for small jobs. We had just about decided we’d have to return home on the first ship out of San Francisco. It’s not a city to raise children.”
“No, it’s not,” Jewel agreed, remembering the roughness of the city as it had been boomed with thousands of men drawn to the promise of gold. “So, what changed your mind? Why Culpepper Cove?”
“That’s the miracle,” Anna said. “Thomas had put his name out looking for work and one day last week, he went to speak to a Mr. Vasquez…”
“Gabriel Vasquez?”
“Yes, do you know him?”
Jewel laughed. “I’d say so. I’m going to marry him.”
“Really? Well then you must know what a wonderful man he is. He not only offered Thomas a job, but do you remember Bradford Townsend? He was on the ship with us?”
Jewel’s response was interrupted by the little girl. “Ma, I’m hungry.”
“Shh, honey. We’ll get something to eat soon.”
Jewel bent down again. “I’m hungry too. Would you like to come have lunch with me?” The little girl nodded. Jewel smiled and took her hand and then saw that Anna looked reluctant. “I’m sorry, I should have asked you first, but, please come? My treat.” When the woman nodded, Jewel remembered Sam.
“Oh, Sam, don’t forget. Put the Miller’s charges on Gabe’s account. I’ll send someone to pick up the orders.”
“Sure thing, Miss Jewel, and congratulations again. I’m getting an invite, right?”
“Everyone is,” Jewel said. “We’re getting married on Christmas Day.”
It wasn’t until they were nearing the Petticoat that Jewel remembered that while it was home to her, it was a saloon. Her steps slowed, causing Anna to stop beside her. “Is something wrong?”
Jewel really liked this woman and her family. She’d felt welcomed every time she’d gone below decks to visit. She’d fallen in love with the children, bringing them cakes and rolls that the elite passengers didn’t eat and had prayed they would find their dream in the new land. Gabe had no idea that she would know anyone he’d hired so he’d made his choice based on his own opinion and Thomas’ merits. Would discovering her occupation ruin the chances of their friendship continuing? There was only one way to find out.
“Anna, I need to tell you that we’ll be eating lunch at the saloon.”
“All right…”
“And that Gabe and I own the saloon. It’s our home and it’s also a…” looking down at Jayne, she lowered her voice, “a brothel.”
“Are you saying that you… you are a madam?”
“Yes,” Jewel said, meeting the woman’s eyes. “I am and I won’t apologize for it.”
“Why would you?” Anna asked. “Juliette, you were kind to my children on that ship. You never once treated us as if you thought you were better than we are. Your gift when we parted helped keep us alive until Thomas’ hard work began to pay off. Your fiancé just made it possible for our family to have a new start. We’ll soon have a new home. Goodness, I don’t care if you’re up on stage every night, shaking what God gave you. You are my friend.”
Too moved to speak, Jewel could feel tears swimming in her eyes. What do you say to someone who judged you not by your position of birth or chosen position in life, but for the person you were inside? Anna smiled and reached for her free hand, giving it a squeeze.
“Now, what was that about lunch? I’m starving too!”
“Do you want another cookie, child?” Nettie asked.
“No, ma’am, I’m stuffed!” Jayne said, rubbing her belly. Jewel smiled and hugged the little girl who’d insisted on sitting on her lap to eat her dessert.
“Everything was delicious, Miss Nettie,” Anna said. “I haven’t had a properly roasted chicken since I left England. It was moist and whatever spice you used was delicious.”
“Nettie is from Louisiana. She brought her secret Cajun recipes to California,” Jewel offered, loving the smile of pride on Nettie’s face.
“Cajun? I don’t think I’ve heard that word before.”
“It’s the pride of New Orleans,” Nettie said. “I make my own blend. A little of this, a pinch of that. The proper spice can make a meal sit up and take notice.”
Jewel listened as the two women began to talk food and variations of preparations. It sounded like a foreign language to her but these two were so deeply into their conversation that neither even noticed when she stood to lay Jayne down beside her little brother on the pallet Nettie had made in the corner. They didn’t notice when she refilled their cups and didn’t even notice when Gabe entered, followed by Thomas and Henry. Putting her finger to her lips and pointing to the sleeping children, she beckoned the men to join them. It wasn’t until Thomas bent to kiss his wife’s cheek that she even paused.
“Thomas, look… it’s Juliette. Can you believe it? Here in Culpepper Cove? Oh, and wait until you taste Miss Nettie’s cooking. It is the best I’ve had in months.”
“Hello, Juliette.”
“Hello, Thomas. I’d apologize for stealing your wife and children, but I’d be lying as I’m so very pleased to have run into Anna at the mercantile. Come, sit down and eat. No, I’ll get it, Nettie.”
She saw Gabe’s eyebrow quirk and she smiled. “I didn’t say I’d cook it, I just said I’d serve it. That I can do.”
“Let me help,” Anna said, standing before Nettie could say no. “It’s the least I can do after you made that meal.”
Jewel was a little surprised but very pleased when Nettie smiled and said, “Thank you, child. It’s nice to have some help.” Once they’d served the men and little boy, and Anna had checked on the sleeping children, and retaken her seat, Jewel shared her idea.
“Thomas, Anna told me that you are staying in the cabin up at the mine?”
“Yes, though I felt bad when I learned that the men who had been living there were moving into tents. They assure me they don’t mind, but though I appreciate it, I know it gets awfully chilly at night.”
Remembering her recent camping trip, Jewel had to agree. “I have a proposal…”
“Juliette, you and Gabe have already done enough…”
“Oh no, this would be for me,” Jewel insisted. “Please don’t say no until you’ve heard it.” At Thomas’ nod, she continued. “I need help.” Giving Nettie a smile, she continued. “Well, more specifically, Nettie needs help even if she is a stubborn old mule and won’t admit it. Anna seems to know a lot more about food than I do… well, to be honest, all I know is how to eat it.”
“Anna’s a very good cook,” Thomas said, giving his wife a smile, obvious pride in his voice.
“And I never have,” Jewel admitted. “To be honest, if Gabe had to rely on meals prepared by me, the poor man would wither away.” Turning towards Anna, she continued. “I’d like to offer you a job, here at the saloon… in the kitchen of course. There is a boarding house run by the Bentleys at the end of town. Rooms for you and the children would be included in your salary. Anna and Henry could join the other children at our new school and you can bring the baby here.”
Anna’s eyes were wide and it took her a moment to answer. “That… that’s too much.”
“No, it’s not,” Jewel said, reaching across the table to take her hand. “Perhaps I need to mention that when I say Nettie’s cooking is popular, I mean extremely popular. You’ll be busy from lunch to dinner, and actually, more than that as we are hosting a party for Christmas day.”
“That’s when you’re getting married?”
“Yes, and my friend Opal is as well. Most of the town is coming.” Turning back to Thomas, she added, “It will be a good opportunity for you and Bradford to meet other miners. If Anna wants to, please say yes, Thomas.”
Thomas didn’t answer immediately, finishing his coffee and then looking towards Gabe. “My family would be safe? I worried every time I had to leave them…”
“This isn’t San Francisco,” Gabe said. “I won’t lie and say we never have trouble, but we also have a sheriff and two deputies who are dedicated to keeping Culpepper Cove safe. We have several families and more arriving. Jeb, he’s the sheriff and a very good friend of mine, along with our mayor, another friend, make it their job to keep problems to a minimum.”
“And the Bentleys are very sweet. They are an elderly couple but love children… they raised almost a dozen of their own,” Jewel interjected.
“And it would allow the other men to move back into the cabin,” Anna threw in.
“Is this something you want to do, Anna?” Thomas asked.
“Yes, very much. Our children would get a chance at an education that we’ve always wanted for them and I’d get to learn about Cajun cooking.”
“Cajun?”
Gabe chuckled. “Trust me, you’re gonna love it. And trust me that if Anna says yes, it will be a great help to Jewel.”
“Please say you will allow it,” Nettie spoke for the first time. “I love this child,” she paused and patted Jewel’s hand, “but she can’t boil water. It will be nice sharing my kitchen with someone who knows which end of a knife to use.”
Thomas grinned and nodded. “If you want…”
Anna squealed and jumped up, running around the table to give her husband a hug. “Thank you.” When she burst into tears, Henry looked startled but she instantly gave him a hug as well. “It’s all right, son, mum is just very, very happy.”
Nettie promised to watch the children, while Gabe and Jewel took the Millers to meet the Bentleys. Mildred and William were as warm and welcoming as they’d been when Jewel and her group had first come into town. While the men talked, Mildred gave Anna a tour of the house and her choice of rooms on the second floor. Jewel insisted she take two instead of the one Anna said would be lovely.
“You’ll need a good night’s sleep which you can’t get sharing a bed with three children,” Jewel said with a smile.
“And you’ll want a bit of privacy when your husband joins you,” Mildred interjected.
Anna blushed but agreed, taking the two rooms at the end of the hall. “We serve breakfast as well though it’s not as good as Miss Nettie’s.”
“It’s delicious,” Jewel countered, putting the smile back on Mildred’s face.
Thomas joined them and approved the rooms, the look the two exchanged having Jewel needing to turn away. It was obvious the couple wasn’t accustomed to having a room of their own. She made a mental note to ask Gabe to allow Thomas a night off soon.
After stopping at the mercantile to pick up their orders, Gabe and Sam helped load the Millers into the wagon ignoring his protest that without his family staying, there wasn’t the need for so many supplies.
“I’m not worried anything will go to waste,” Gabe said. “You and the other men will be working hard and taking turns cooking. It won’t measure up to your wife’s or Nettie’s, but it will be filling.”
“Thank you, Mr. Vasquez…”
“Call me Gabe, oh, and Thomas? When you bring your family back tomorrow, plan on spending the night. It’ll help assure you that they’ll be safe and well cared for. I don’t want your mind wondering about their safety when you’re in the mine.”
The man hesitated and Jewel smiled. “I’ll give you a tip, Thomas. Never ever argue with Gabe about safety. In fact, never argue with anyone in Culpepper about it. These Californians take it very, very seriously. If you doubt me, ask just about any woman you see and she’ll confirm it.” Jewel watched Anna’s eyes widen as she dropped a hand to rub at her backside and heard Thomas chuckle.
“I’ll remember that. We’ll see you tomorrow.”
Gabe and Jewel went back inside the mercantile to pick up Nettie’s supplies. Walking back to the saloon, Gabe said, “That was a nice thing to do, asking Anna to work for us.”
“It was fate,” Jewel said. “You hired Thomas without even knowing I’d traveled over from England with them. It was meant to be.”
“It was still nice,” Gabe said, giving her a smile.
“Well, we did agree to use Elena’s foundation to help others. I can’t think of a better family to be our first recipients.”
Chapter 22
The days flew by as Christmas approached. Anna was soon considered a member of their family, her children spending hours rolling out dough to be made into cookies and pie crust. Delicious aromas filled the entire saloon, miners often hinting that they wouldn’t mind a little taste… just to make sure the recipes were just right. Everyone was so excited about the upcoming party that Jewel didn’t even blink when Nettie warned her that she’d be starting a big pot of chitlins that afternoon.
She’d spoken to Lola who assured her she’d be delighted to bring not only tortillas but tamales and a pot of menudo to the party. Dishes from Germany had been tested and
whole-heartedly approved as had others from Ireland and, of course, England. Standing in the doorway between the card room and the main part of the saloon, Jewel looked around.
“Just like all the men in here, we’ll have many different countries being represented,” Jewel said.
“That’s the beauty of this country,” Gabe said. “While there will always be those who don’t trust or respect others who are different than they are, the majority not only accepts but welcomes them for their differences. It makes a country stronger if you ask me.”
Jewel knew he was remembering how hatred of Americans and gringos had affected him and slid her arms around him. “It and men like you,” she said softly. “Everyone should give everyone else a chance. You lose the opportunity to find great people and customs if you don’t.”
“Does that mean I’ll be seeing you eating chitlins and menudo?”
“Um…”
Gabe laughed and hugged her again. “That’s all right. You can stick to tortillas and tamales. And, of course, me.”
“That I can do,” Jewel agreed.
A loud thud drew their attention to see the swinging doors bouncing back from the walls they’d slammed into, Jeb who was grinning like a fool barely stepping out of the way before they collided into him. People looked at him and then each other, confusion on their faces at his dramatic entrance.
“Can I have everyone’s attention?” Jeb called loudly. The crowd quieted and Charlie stopped playing mid-note.
“Jeb, is everything all right?” Gabe asked, he and Jewel moving across the room.
“Hell, yes,” Jeb said, his smile seeming to grow even larger. “Drinks are on me in honor of the birth of my sons and my daughter!”
The crowd roared and Gabe turned to look at Jewel. “Did he say son and daughter?”
“No, he said sons and daughter. Oh my, Gabe… Ruby didn’t have twins… she had triplets!”
“Tres?”
“If that means three, then yes.” She laughed as Gabe turned pale. Who knew that her big, strong Mexican could lose enough color to look like a gringo?
