Christmas at Saddle Creek

by Shelley Peterson

  Details tomorrow, Sunny added. I need sleep.

  Merry Christmas, Sunny, messaged Bird. We’ll never forget this one.

  Sunny nickered sleepily. Merry Christmas, Bird.

  Bird patted his neck and rubbed his ears. She left his stall and walked down the aisle to the door, then turned and messaged, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

  Every horse but Sunny stomped and neighed and nodded in response. Sunny laid himself down and promptly fell asleep.

  Bird returned to the house in a trance. She was so exhausted that when she removed her wet outer ­clothing and hung them up, she didn’t notice when they fell to the floor.

  Aunt Hannah was watching her. “Bird, you sweet thing. You get upstairs to bed. Sleep in as long as you can.”

  Bird nodded numbly. She climbed the stairs on her hands and knees, peeled off her wet clothes, and dropped into bed.

  In seconds, she was dead to the world in the Land of Nod.

  Bird was dreaming. Everything was beautiful. The sun was streaming through her open curtains, and there were winter birds chirping and singing and ­cheerfully bantering to each other. Cardinals, blue jays, and chickadees were in a marvellous, magical chorus, each outdoing the other to serenade this wondrous day.

  She opened one eye. This was no dream. She hadn’t bothered to close her curtains when she’d gone to bed, and light was pouring in. The birdsong was almost ­deafening.

  She looked at the clock beside her bed. It was two o’clock in the afternoon.

  Two o’clock, thought Bird. I’ve been sleeping for nine hours! She counted again. By the time she’d gotten to bed it was after five o’clock in the morning. Yes. Nine hours.

  She stretched from head to toe. Her nose twitched. Something delicious was cooking downstairs, sending up aromas to call her from her bed. It wasn’t bacon, but it was definitely appealing. Turkey? Of course, she thought. It’s Christmas Day.

  Christmas. Her stomach dropped. It was always such a disappointment.

  Her mind cleared with a snap. What about Mrs. Pierson? And Cody? She’d fallen asleep without knowing if they’d be okay. And the last time she’d seen them, they’d both looked terrible.

  Bird jumped out of bed. Her room felt unusually cold. She threw on a clean sweatsuit and slippers, ran down the stairs, and opened the door into the kitchen.

  “Good morning, Bird, and Merry Christmas!” sang Aunt Hannah. She was peeling potatoes at the sink, and she looked ridiculous in a Santa hat and Christmas apron. She wore reindeer slippers and red striped socks that made her look like an aging elf.

  “Close the hall door behind you?” she asked. “We’re trying to keep this room warm.”

  “Okay.” Bird did as she was told. “I slept forever! Where’s Mrs. Pierson? Where’s Cody?”

  “Over here, you dear, dear girl,” said Mrs. Pierson.

  Bird twirled to face the old woman. She was on the kitchen couch, nestled under layers of quilts. “You’re alive! You look great! How are you feeling?”

  “Aside from an ache where I banged my head and the pain in my ankle, which I stupidly twisted, I’ve never felt better.” Mrs. Pierson smiled at Bird. Her bright blue eyes twinkled just like before. “You and your horse saved my life last night, dear. I really don’t know how to thank you.”

  “It was Cody. He came to get me. I would never have known you were in trouble, otherwise. He’s the one you should thank.” Bird looked around the room for Cody. Lucky’s bed was empty.

  She turned to Hannah with dread in her heart. She had to ask. “Where’s Cody?” she whispered.

  Hannah grinned. Bird looked at her questioningly.

  Mrs. Pierson answered. “Over here, dear.” She lifted the top quilt. The old coyote was on the couch, cuddled up under the covers with the old lady.

  Cody lifted his head and yawned. Hello, Bird girl.

  Bird’s eyebrows lifted. She was astonished. Cody was a wild animal. He hated being indoors. He hated being cuddled. He hated being close to people. She would never have imagined this sight in a million years.

  “Why are you so surprised, Bird?” Mrs. Pierson’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Cody visited me in the hospital years ago and hid under the covers to escape capture. We’re renewing our acquaintance.”

  Bird shook her head. “I never heard that story.”

  “Ask Abby Malone someday, dear. Cody and I go way back.” She patted Cody’s head softly. “It was when I was trampled by Pete’s cows.” She grimaced with the memory.

  Bird remembered hearing something about that. She’d ask later, but her concern at that moment was for Cody.

  Cody? Are you okay?

  I’m very old and very cold this winter. Warm now.

  I’m glad.

  I did not wish to be saved.

  Are you happy now? To be alive?

  Yes. I am beholden. The coyote put his head back under the quilt. I have one more task to perform before I leave this place.

  One more task?

  I know not what. Not yet.

  Bird considered the coyote’s words. She knew from experience that she would find out their meaning in time. Now the sight of Cody and Mrs. Pierson on the couch made her chuckle. “You two belong together.”

  Mrs. Pierson threw back her head and laughed. “I never wanted a dog. I didn’t know I was waiting all my life for a coyote!”

  Hannah was finished peeling the potatoes and began rinsing lettuce. “Oh, Bird, your cellphone was ringing while you were asleep. I let it go to voice mail, but it rang again so I picked it up.”

  “Who was it?”

  “The Emergency operator. He wanted to speak to Bertha.” She smiled at Bird and wiped her teary eyes with the back of her hand. “Onions. Anyway, the road is cleared. I told him not to worry about Mrs. Pierson, but to please get our power connected because we have people coming for Christmas dinner.”

  Bird was puzzled. The kitchen lights were on, and judging from the delicious aroma, the oven was cooking a turkey. “We don’t have power?”

  “Cliff hooked up his portable generator for us.”

  “That’s nice,” said Bird. Cliff was the farm manager and Hannah’s valued right-hand man. “That leaves him in the cold.”

  “That’s not all,” said Mrs. Pierson. “He took the ­tractor over to my farm this morning and took the tree off my house. He got my kitchen door closed.” She looked very pleased. “And he tarped the hole in the kitchen ceiling and drained the pipes so I don’t have a flood. Cliff is a nice boy. I invited him to dinner.”

  “Great,” said Bird. “Is his family coming?”

  Hannah answered, “No, they can’t get here because of the storm. Quite a few of the major roads are still closed.” She glanced at the clock. “Bird, eat something now because dinner will be on the table before you know it, and I’ll need some help.”

  “Sure! I’ll grab a banana and go see how Sunny’s doing.”

  “He’s right outside in his field,” said Hannah. “He looks no worse for wear.”

  “That Sundancer,” smiled Mrs. Pierson. “I wish I’d been awake for the ride home in the sled. But then again, maybe it was better that I blacked out. The pain was horrible.”

  “You sure seem better this morning, Mrs. Pierson.”

  “I am, dear. Dr. Paul wrapped up my ankle and gave me some painkillers that work miracles.” Her eyes ­twinkled with mischief. “I’m going to fire my doctor and get myself a vet.”

  From the look of her now, Bird wished she’d had some of Paul’s drugs to give Mrs. Pierson on their trip home last night.

  She went to the kitchen door and saw that her coat and boots were still wet. She borrowed Hannah’s red jacket and boots, and went out to the field across from the house.

  Sunny!

  Hey, Bird. You look like Hannah.
The big chestnut gelding ambled up to the fence. You smell like her, too.

  And you look like Charlie. She patted his nose.

  Cliff mixed up the blankets.

  Thanks for helping last night.

  You mean for suffering through a long and dangerous journey that could have ended in disaster?

  I mean for saving a nice old lady and a nice old coyote from certain death.

  I was happy to do it, Bird.

  I was happy to do it, too.

  But don’t ask again too soon. That was hard work.

  Agreed. I slept like a log.

  Oh, Bird. Hannah left something for you on the gate. There. Sunny looked over at a black cloth bag that was attached to the post with a long red ribbon.

  What is it?

  It’s not food, that’s all I know.

  Bird snorted. If there’d been anything edible, the bag would not still be hanging untouched.

  She opened it and pulled out a leather show bridle. It was the most beautifully made bridle that she’d ever seen. Bird took off her gloves and felt the softness of the leather, and she delighted in the hand-done stitching. The card read, “With love and pride, Aunt Hannah and Paul.”

  Sunny, now people will notice us when we enter the ring!

  Ha. They do already. A little leather doesn’t win a class.

  It’s still really nice.

  Nice if you make it fit me just right, and as long as it doesn’t get in the way of my brilliance.

  Nothing can. I don’t need to tell you, you’re the best.

  The horse rubbed his head affectionately on Bird’s shoulder. She scratched him behind his ears. They stood silently for a few minutes, enjoying the peaceful ­companionship.

  The silence was interrupted by the sound of a car bumping over ice. Girl and horse turned to look.

  It was Stuart driving his Jeep up the driveway. Her mother, Eva, was glowering in the passenger seat and her sister, Julia, sat in the back.

  What are they doing here? wondered Bird.

  Julia began to wave madly when she saw Bird. As soon as the car stopped, she threw open the door and hopped out.

  “Bird! Bird! We’re here for Christmas! I’m so excited!” She ran to her big sister and gave her an enormous hug. “Merry Christmas!”

  “Merry Christmas, Julia! This is a surprise!” Bird was elated to see Julia but had very mixed feelings about her mother, who after Bird’s wrinkly cheerleader remark had made it abundantly clear that she was not a part of her Christmas.

  Stuart carried two suitcases from the car. Grinning, he put one down to wave to Bird. Eva rushed past him into the house without a glance.

  Merry Christmas to you, too, Mom, Bird thought.

  “Does Aunt Hannah know you’re coming?” she asked.

  “Yeah, Mom called her this morning. Some of the roads are closed so we can’t go to Stuart’s family in Muskoka. Hooray! Didn’t she tell you?”

  “I just woke up so I guess lots of things have ­happened.”

  “You never sleep in. Are you sick?”

  “No. It’s a long story. I’ll tell you all about it, but take in your bags. I have to go up to the barn and then I’ll be right there.”

  “Okay,” called Julia. She was already hopping and skipping to the car to get her things.

  “Oh, Julia,” called Bird. “Mrs. Pierson’s on the couch with a sprained foot so don’t jump on her.”

  She watched her little sister fondly. Julia always brought cheerfulness wherever she went. Christmas was looking up.

  Suddenly, in mid hop, the younger girl stopped. “Bird? This sled? And these hoofprints! Was Santa here?”

  Bird laughed. “Of course Santa was here. You’ve been a very good girl. Ask Mrs. Pierson about it.”

  Sunny, did you think of that when you were pulling the sleigh last night, on Christmas Eve?

  What?

  That you were Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Mrs. Pierson was Santa?

  No.

  I didn’t, either.

  But I did notice that I was born in a stable. The horse lifted his head and let out a whinny.

  You think you’re so funny. Bird laughed, then reached up to give him a rub behind one of his ears. I promised you a bran mash. Let’s go.

  A big one. You promised me a big bran mash.

  And you will get it. You deserve it.

  4

  Surprise Arrivals

  O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree …

  After hanging the new bridle in the tack room with care and giving Sunny his mash, Bird returned to the house from the barn. There were two men in the kitchen wearing heavy work coats. One was quite tall and thin, and the other was short and burly. They worked for the hydro company and had reconnected the lines on the road. They had dropped in to check if the power was back on.

  “Are you sure you won’t have a coffee?” Hannah asked.

  “Maybe one for the road, if it’s really no trouble. Double-double for both of us, thanks.”

  “How are the roads?”

  “The crews are working around the clock,” said the tall man. His name tag said Tom. “But nothing’s moving north of here, and roads to the west are still a disaster.”

  The stocky man, Bob, added, “We’ve been at it all night.”

  Mrs. Pierson asked, “Have you had anything to eat, dears?”

  The two men looked at each other, unsure of how to answer.

  “You haven’t, have you!” she declared. “Hannah, get these men a sandwich with their coffee!”

  “And a beer,” said Stuart, who’d just walked in from the hall. He pulled a chair from under the table and sat down. He appeared subdued to Bird.

  “Can you stay for Christmas dinner?” asked Mrs. Pierson. “It’ll be ready in just a couple of hours.”

  Bird smiled. Mrs. Pierson was always so welcoming, even in somebody else’s house.

  The men shook their heads simultaneously. Bob said, “That’s mighty nice of you, but no can do. We’ve got a lot more ground to cover before the end of our shift.”

  “Come back, then,” insisted Mrs. Pierson. “We’d be happy if you would. Wouldn’t we, Hannah dear?”

  Hannah was put on the spot. Bird could see her ­mentally counting how many more places could be set at the table.

  Tom answered before Hannah could respond. “Well, thanks, but my wife is cooking up a storm, and that’s where I’m headed after work. Bob here is the bachelor.”

  “A bachelor?” said Mrs. Pierson. “Hmm. I might have someone for you.”

  Bob blushed. “I’m a bachelor, but my good mother would cry if I miss her Christmas dinner.”

  “Bring your mother, too,” said Mrs. Pierson. “And Tom, bring your family. All of them!”

  Bird and Hannah looked at each other with ­amusement. Bird began to wonder if the drugs Paul had given Mrs. Pierson were a little strong.

  “Here you go!” Hannah handed them two packed lunches.

  “No beer?” Bob kidded.

  “In the bottom of the bags, for after work. Coke for now.” Hannah wagged her finger at him and grinned.

  Bob gave her a business card. “Thanks so much! You’re very kind. Just call if there’s a problem.”

  Tom walked over to Mrs. Pierson on his way out. “I’m not sure you recognize me, Mrs. Pierson. I’m Tom Francis.”

  “No! From my church? My goodness!”

  “Yes. We live next to the church on Mississauga Road. I preach on Sundays and work the hydro lines during the week.”

  “I am so sorry! My glasses broke when I fell last night. It’s good to see you, dear young man.”

  “And you, too. Well, we’re off to work so folks can cook their turkeys.” He turned to leave but stopped. “Oh, your farm will be up and running, soon.
Goodbye, ma’am. I’m sorry about your fall. You are one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.” He reached out to shake her hand. Immediately, a loud growling sound caused him to recoil.

  “Oh, dear! My coyote gets upset when he meets new people.” Mrs. Pierson lifted a corner of the quilt to reveal the snarling face of Cody. “But what a lovely thing to say!”

  Tom backed up quickly. “A coyote?”

  “Not an ordinary coyote, Tom dear,” said Mrs. Pierson. “This is Cody. Surely you’ve heard of him.”

  Tom’s eyes widened as he stared. “I thought he was a local legend.”

  Bob stepped closer to take a look. “Well, I’ll be. He’s real.”

  Cody’s growl intensified, and Mrs. Pierson said, “We mustn’t push our luck. He’s a legend, but he is a wild animal. You’re a little too close for his comfort.”

  Both men stepped back at the same time. “Not a problem,” said Bob, holding his hands up in submission. They said their goodbyes and departed.

  “Merry Christmas!” called Tom as he closed the kitchen door.

  “Bye, dears!” Mrs. Pierson called after them. “Merry Christmas!”

  Hannah closed the door behind them. “I hope we didn’t scare them.”

  “My goodness. Reverend Tom Francis. He gives beautiful sermons, and he is so generous with his time. Our congregation can’t afford a full-time minister.” Mrs. Pierson tucked Cody back under the blanket, where he settled contentedly.

  With the men gone, Bird said, “Aunt Hannah, I can’t believe the gorgeous bridle you and Paul gave me. I love it. It’s incredible! Thank you!”

  Hannah wiped her hands on her apron and gave Bird a hug. “Merry Christmas, darling. I’m glad you’re pleased. Since you were sleeping, I thought we could do presents in a different way this year.” She grinned. “And I knew you’d go outside to see Sunny as soon as you were up.”

  “Well played!” Normally, they sat around the tree and opened gifts in front of each other. This way was just fine, Bird thought. “I have something for you, too. I hope you like it.” She handed a gift bag to her aunt.

  Hannah opened the bag. “Oh! Lovely!” She examined two white hand towels embroidered with ‘Saddle Creek’ in dark green, with a black riding hat and whip. “Bird, these are perfect! I’ll put them in the powder room in the hall right now. How thoughtful.”