“I’ll be there. Don’t you worry about that.” She tossed her head and half-smiled at Millie. “See you both there.” Angel left them and went to another table on the other side of the café.
Dean stared after Angel and then turned to Millie. “That woman, I’m never sure about her. She seems friendly.”
“I don’t know her well either, but I bet she has a story to tell.” It wasn’t that Millie didn’t like Angel, but she didn’t trust the woman.
After throwing his napkin on the table, Dean looked at his pocket watch. “I better get back to the store. Are you finished?”
Finishing her water, Millie nodded. “Yes, thank you for lunch. I want you to know I do not expect you to pay my way.”
“Today, I’m paying. Let’s get back to the store. Well, you go ahead. I’m going to stop by Sheriff Sims and tell him your ideas. We’ll go out this Friday morning.” He grinned at her. “But I’ll be back before the social. And I’ll pick you up at the boarding house.”
Millie nodded. That he might be interested in her as more than a charity case did cross her mind. She’d find out soon enough. She made her way back to the store and put up her coat and grabbed the apron.
Jacob smiled at her. “You make Dean smile. He hasn’t done that in some time.”
“Oh, is that so. Well, thank you for telling me.”
The young man grinned. “You make me smile, too. I’m glad you’re working here. You make the store feel good.”
“Thank you, Jacob.” Millie grabbed her duster and went back to the shelves she’d been working on. While she missed her father dearly, she had to admit that it felt good to be amongst people and not in the dark shack.
Chapter 9
Dean surprised himself by waking up and feeling like he used to. He whistled a happy tune and dressed. Looking out the window, he saw it was a bright sunny day with perfect weather to drive about and help hungry families.
The sheriff rode ahead on his horse while Doc rode beside Dean on the wagon.
Dean pointed to the side. “Millie said they were just west of her cabin.”
The sheriff nodded.
After fifteen minutes, they found a rough road that took them to the small clearing surrounded by six small shacks. Dean reined the horses to the center of the meadow.
He called out in a loud voice. “We have supplies for any who need it. Care of the people of Stonybrook.” After a few minutes of not seeing a soul, Dean called out again.
Finally, and old woman, large in girth with white hair, came out of one of the huts. “What do you mean you have supplies? We didn’t order any and sure don’t have money to buy any.”
The sheriff dismounted and pulled open the back of the wagon. “It’s near Thanksgiving, and we wanted to help those in need. Just like the first Thanksgiving.” He pulled out sacks of flour, bacon, coffee, and sugar.
The big woman came out and looked at the items. “Why are you doing this?”
Dean stepped down from the wagon. “We want to help those going through a hard time.”
The woman nodded. “I’ll take a bag of flour and sugar.” She walked back to her house and came back out with some clothes. “I won’t be having any more children, and these don’t fit no one. If you can find someone who can use them, give them away.”
Dean took the items. Despite being well worn, they were clean. “I’m sure someone can use them. Thank you.”
The big woman put a hand to her hip and then yelled. “Come on out and when you do bring anything you have that’s extra.”
Soon, five families surrounded the wagon. Dean stopped a few of the men and told them about the place where the hogs hid out. “Go and build a pen around them, and you’ll have a good source of meat.”
“Down the creek and near the split?”
“Yes, Millie said it was just above the split on the west bank. Said it would make an ideal pen to trap the hogs.”
“We’ll do that. Thanks, Mister.”
By the time they left, it was too late to go anywhere else, and they drove the wagon back to town. Dean smiled. “That does make a soul feel good.”
Doc patted his knee. “I have noticed a bit of a lighter step in you. There a reason for that?”
“Might be.”
Doc grinned. “So, Tom wasn’t far off when he came to you looking for a husband for his daughter?”
“Maybe not.”
“Oh, so you found her a good man.”
Dean slapped the reins. “All right. Yes, I like Millie. She’s pretty and smart and has a good heart.”
“You taking her to the social?”
“I might be.”
Doc stared at him.
“Oh, all right. I’m taking her to the social, and I hired her to work at my store.” Dean tried to appear irritated, but he found himself grinning instead. “Yeah, Doc. I like her. I’ve been thinking about how alone I’ve been. There’s more to life than making a living.”
“Glad to hear that, Dean. Real glad.”
***
Millie put on the new dress she’d bought at Nan’s Dress Shop. Wilma had helped her pick it out, and she agreed that the soft blue color made her brought out the blue in her eyes.
Wilma was in a yellow dress that accentuated her dark hair. “I think we’re both beautiful. We’ll have the men looking at us tonight.”
“Dean said he’d pick me up. We can walk to the livery from here.”
Wilma shrugged. “It is cold. Feels like snow in the air. I’m going to go on ahead if you don’t mind.”
Millie nodded. She went downstairs and sat in the parlor. Verna and Velma were knitting but said they’d not be going to the dance. Joan was going, and that left Cassie and Angel.
Cassie finally stood and took her coat from the rack. “I guess I’ll go to the livery. It’s not often we have a big doings in town. Joan, do you want to walk with me?”
Joan nodded. “I’m ready. Millie, if I see Dean, I’ll hurry him along. Not like him to be late.”
Millie nodded. The clock on the fireplace said it was seven. The time that Dean had said he’d pick her up.
After Joan and Cassie left the house, Angel came down the stairs. “I thought you were going to the dance with Dean?”
“I’m waiting for him.”
Angel looked at the clock. “Well, he’s late. Not sure I’d let a man treat me in such a way.”
Millie stood. “He’ll be here. I trust him.”
“Men aren’t to be trusted.” She whirled around in her shimmering dress that looked more of a saloon girl’s outfit than for a town dance.
Millie figured it would get the attention of every man in the place, though. “Do you dislike men?”
With a mocking laugh, Angel walked in front of her. “No, not at all. I love them. All of them.”
“For some reason, I don’t believe you.” Millie walked away from the woman and heard a knock on the door.
She opened it to see Dean.
“Sorry, I was a few minutes late. The horse gave a little fit when he found out he was going to the dance.”
Millie laughed and glanced back at Angel. “I’m ready. We could walk.”
Dean took her arm and escorted her to the buggy. “I think there’ll be snow by the time we leave.”
Outside, the cold air was sharp and stinging. The last time she’d been out, it had been much warmer. “I think you’re right.”
He stopped the buggy at the livery barn and helped her out. “Thank you for going with me. It’s been a while since I came to one of the socials.”
Millie held onto his arm and walked into the decorated barn. Pastor Knox and Carley had done a wonderful job of hanging colored paper and lanterns. The aroma in the barn was a mixture of delicious smelling food. Many of the women had cooked and brought desserts to try out.
The fiddlers were warming up.
Dean turned to her. “I’d like the first dance. All of them really.”
Millie felt her cheeks warm. “I
’m sure no one else will ask, but I’m honored. Of course, you may have the dances.”
The fiddlers started with a slow waltz, and Dean took her hand. “Just follow me.”
“It may surprise you to know that my father taught me to dance.” She put her hand in his. Soon they were dancing, and she felt as if she were floating on air.
Dean was handsome in his suit. Gracious in the way he treated her and others. Father had always told her that the way people treat the least, explains the way they will treat their friends. Dean was kind to all that she saw.
Dean looked into her eyes. “I hope you’re having a good time.”His voice was deep and tender.
She met his gaze and nodded. “Yes. Wonderful.”
There was a commotion at the door. Millie looked and saw Angel walk inside the barn. Murmurs took over the joyous talk.
But when Millie looked at Dean, he hadn’t taken his eyes from her.
Dean pulled a lock of her hair from her face. “Don’t pay that woman any mind. Angel tries to get attention. She craves it, but most people shy away from her.”
“My attention is on you.” Millie smiled as he twirled her around.
“Good. I aim to keep it there.”
After the dance was over, Dean drove Millie back to the boarding house. “I want to tell you how much I enjoyed the evening. The biggest part was because of you.” He held her hand and then helped her from the buggy.
“I enjoyed it, too.”
He walked her to the porch and opened the door for her. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” He stood there on the porch, looking at her.
Suddenly, Millie thought she detected that spark in his eye for her. Could he be the one? Had her father known all along that Dean was the man for her? Warmth shot through her, and she knew one thing, she didn’t want him to leave.
“I guess I better go. It’s an early start tomorrow. For me that is.” He took her hand in his. “Thank you for going with me.” Gently, he kissed her hand.
Millie had never felt so wonderful, shaky, and happy all in one time.
He closed the door and waved at her before walking down the steps to the buggy.
Joan came up from behind her. “Well, I think I see some happiness.”
Millie turned to her. “Yes, I am very happy.”
Chapter 10
Millie practically floated to her room. She went inside and took off her coat and hung it up. On a whim, she ran to the window to see if she could see Dean driving the buggy back to the livery.
In the distance, she caught a glimpse of him, and her heart melted all over again.
Then a flash of color caught her eye. Angel. What was she doing? The woman was walking in the cold with no coat on and going up the hill toward the church.
Snowflakes began to fall, making the scenery seem peaceful, except for the woman out in the cold. She was walking toward the church, but Millie recalled the Pastor saying he’d be at the hotel tonight.
Millie started to turn away, but she couldn’t. Something was terribly wrong with Angel. She watched as if mesmerized by the events. What was the woman doing?
Angel walked to the top of the hill and laid down on the grassy knoll beside the church.
Fearing the woman would freeze to death, Millie grabbed her coat and ran down the stairs. “Wilma, Joan.” The clock struck eleven. The downstairs was dark. All the others had gone to bed.
After a few more calls, the two women came from their rooms. “What is it?”
Millie pointed outside. “Angel, she’s outside without a coat, and I saw her walk up the hill to the church and lay down on the knoll. We have to go save her.”
Wilma sighed. “You sure? The woman is always up to her tricks.”
Joan gazed at Millie and nodded. “Get your coats. We’ll go and see what Angel is doing.”
Millie was the first out of the door, and the icy cold took her breath. Snow was coming down hard now. She carefully walked down the steps and waited at the bottom for the other women.
Finally, they came. Joan had a blanket with her. The three of them walked toward the church.
Joan shivered. “It is getting colder by the minute. What is that crazy girl doing out in this weather?”
“How did you even see her, Millie?”
“I was looking out the window to watch Dean drive the buggy to the livery. I saw him, and then I saw Angel walking up the hill.” Millie stepped up her pace. Angel was in trouble. She could feel it in her soul.
Finally, they were on the path up to the church. Millie called out to Angel, but there was no answer.
Wilma slipped on the icy path and almost went down if she hadn’t hung onto Millie.
“It’s getting slippery. Be careful.” Millie looked at Joan. “Do you think you should stay down here at street level? You could go and get the doctor and maybe the sheriff.”
Joan nodded. “I think you’re right. Be careful. I don’t trust Angel or what she’ll do.”
Millie nodded but was already on her way up the path. “Angel, we’re coming.”
There was no answer, but Millie knew the woman was up ahead. She hurried her steps, careful of the icy footing. Wilma was behind her, coming slowly.
Then Millie ran up the hill and looked around. “Angel, where are you?”
She ran toward the church. The snow was coming down so hard that it was difficult to see. Not to mention that the wind had picked up and was blowing the flakes in swirls. Millie looked around but couldn’t see her.
She ran to the big cross in front of the church and tripped. Millie looked down and saw Angel.
“Angel.” Millie grabbed her and held her close. The woman didn’t have a coat on and appeared to be asleep. Millie gently laid her down and took off her own coat and held it around Angel.
“It’s going to be all right. You came to the right place. The cross. Jesus can set you free from all the pain and trouble you’ve been in. Trust Him, Angel. Your heart knew where to come.” Millie rubbed her arms and legs, trying to wake her up.
Wilma shouted for her.
“Over here. Hurry.”
In seconds, Wilma found them and wrapped the blanket around Angel. “How is she?”
“Freezing. Take an arm and message it. We have to get her warmed up. I hope Joan comes quickly with a buggy.”
Together they worked on the woman. After almost giving up hope, Millie saw Angel’s eyelids move, and then she awoke.”
Looking suspiciously at them, Angel tried to pull away.“What are you doing here? Why did you come?”
“Angel, we came to save you.” Millie pulled her coat tightly around her.
Her teeth chattering, Angel glared at her. “I don’t want to be saved.”
“Don’t you? Look where you are? Right under the big cross at the church. I’d say even if you don’t think so, your heart does. Call out to Jesus. We’ve got you, and we’re not letting you go.”
Angel stared at her in disbelief. “Why do you care?”
“Because others cared for me. It’s what we do for one another.” Millie held Angel’s frozen hand and rubbed her fingers back to life. “Come on, Angel. You have a long life to live. And I believe that you have a lot to give others.”
Wilma pointed, “There’s a buggy.” She stood up and waved her arms.
Soon the sheriff stopped the buggy.
Dean jumped out of one side and ran to Millie, taking off his coat, he draped it over her shoulders. “Can’t have you getting cold.” He bent down and scooped Angel into his arms. “We’ll get you nice and warm before you know it.” He carried her to the buggy and put her in Joan’s waiting arms.
The doc nodded to the sheriff. “Let’s get to the boarding house. We’ll get her warmed up and on the road to recovery.” The doc waved Wilma over. “You go ahead and get on the other side of her and keep the wind from her.”
Dean held Millie in his arms. “We’ll meet you there. I’ll keep Millie warm.”
Joan threw them a blanket.
> Dean put it around Millie. “Ready for a walk in the snow?”
“I’d say so.” She smiled at him. You know, if I hadn’t wanted to look out my window to watch you drive the buggy to the livery, I would have never seen Angel walk up the path. In a way, you really saved her life.”
He grinned. “You’re the real hero.” He held her close. “Are you warm enough?”
She snuggled against him. “Next to you, I am.”
They were back on the porch to the boarding house. Dean looked at her. “You know, I think your father knew what he was doing when he came to me that day. He asked me to find you a husband. He even said I’d make you a good one.” He smoothed her hair away from her face. “He was right.”
Millie gazed into his eyes. “My father was a wise man. I’d say he knew exactly what he was doing.”
Dean opened the door to the boardinghouse and escorted Millie inside.
Millie ran to Angel, who was sitting up and drinking a warm cup of coffee. “I’m so glad to see that you are sitting up.”
Angel looked at her. “Why did you save me?”
“I had to. I saw you walking out there so cold and alone. You could have been me. I wanted you to know someone cared whether you lived or died.”
“I wouldn’t have done the same for you.” Angel’s words were hard, but her voice and eyes were not.
“I know, but that doesn’t matter. We can only give out what we have. I’ve been blessed, and had a good father and mother. Yes, we were poor, but I was taught the ways of the Lord. When you meet Him, you’ll know.”
Angel shook her head. “Me and God don’t get along. I’m sure he won’t want anything to do with me.”
Millie smiled. “Think again, Angel. Look at all of us. We all ran outside in the snow to rescue you.”
Joan came in from Angel’s room. “All right, let’s give her some time to herself. I have a nice warm bath for you. Let’s get you out of the wet clothes, into the hot bath, and then into bed. I’m going to be taking care of you for the next few days.”
Millie smiled as Angel and Joan walked into the other room. “I think Angel will be all right.”
Dean hugged her to him. “So do I. Largely, because of you.”
Rescuing Mistletoe Millie Page 6
