A Plain and Sweet Christmas Romance Collection

by Lauralee Bliss

  “No, Dmitri fell off the ladder this morning and broke his leg.”

  A scenario flashed through Martin’s mind of Hanna trudging to the village and going to Kir for help. With it came a pang of remorse and jealousy. It appeared the blacksmith had capably put everything in order, if not better than it was before. “Kind of you to help. But it’s almost dark. We can take over here, if you want to head back to town.”

  “I’ll finish the job. I’m almost done. Anyway, Hanna invited me to supper.”

  Watching the blacksmith reclaim his territory made the hairs on Martin’s neck bristle. But he knew he’d left Hanna angry and now had lost even more ground where she was concerned. He glanced at Filipp. His brother came to his aid. “There’s no need for you to come back tomorrow. We can handle the chores.”

  “You won’t be leaving?”

  “Not yet.”

  Kir opened his mouth to object but closed it again as Viktor bounded into the barn. “Hi, Martin, Filipp. Hanna says supper’s ready and there’s plenty for everybody.”

  “We’ll be right in. Ten minutes more,” Kir replied.

  After cleaning up, they all went inside the small house. Before Martin could get a private word with Hanna, she’d ushered them to the table and was serving ham and eggs. He studied her face for any signs of remaining anger, but all he saw was strain and fatigue. He regretted his harsh words of earlier. The poor woman had enough to deal with, without his judgmental comments. He would be apologizing even if Filipp hadn’t recommended it. But now, everything had changed. Now it would be a contest with the blacksmith to see who would stay the longest to get a private word with Hanna. And everything he’d planned to say was no longer appropriate.

  The door to the bedroom creaked, and a woman who could only be Hanna’s mother came into the room. Quickly, Martin and Filipp stood and scooted back their chairs. Following their lead, the blacksmith also stood. She crossed the room and placed a steadying hand on the wall. Filipp made the introductions. But Martin didn’t miss that she gave him the most scrutiny.

  “I’m sorry I haven’t been much of a hostess,” she apologized. “Please, sit down and enjoy your meal.”

  “How’s Mr. Friesen?” Martin asked.

  “The pain lessens with the medicine the doctor left. He’s fretting about his work. Worried about the animals freezing.”

  “I won’t let that happen,” Kir assured her.

  Martin jutted his chin. “As long as we’re here, we can handle the chores.”

  “Any idea when you’ll be leaving?” Kir asked.

  Straightening his shoulders, Martin met the other man’s steady gaze. “No.”

  Kir nodded and looked at Sonya. “I’ll check in at the train depot. After they leave, I’ll make sure your chores are taken care of, whether it’s me or someone else.”

  Hanna, who’d been refilling their drinks, paused behind Kir’s chair and placed her hand on his shoulder. “That’s kind of you. I don’t know what we would’ve done without your help today.”

  Jealousy burned like fire in Martin’s chest.

  Sonya Friesen swiped tears from her eyes. “It’s humbling to accept help when everyone has their own work and hardships to consider, but I know the good people of Mountain Lake will take care of us. This is a good place to live.” She turned to Martin. “We’d welcome your family if they’d choose to come here instead of continuing on to Winnipeg.”

  Filipp cleared his throat. “We’ve met a lot of good people, but I don’t think Father would want us to abandon his plan at the first bump in the road.”

  “Is that all this is?” Sonya asked. “A bump in the road?”

  The woman was even more direct than her daughter. Dessert was served, and when Martin saw how heavy Hanna’s eyes grew, he knew it wasn’t fair to drag the evening on any longer. It was obvious Kir had no intentions of leaving first. Martin stood and carried his plate to the sink. “We’ll check on the animals on the way out. Then be up early and go straight to the barn. You can find us there if you need anything.”

  “No need,” Kir said. “I’ve got to get my horse from the barn tonight. Best I get going, too.” Yet he lingered, so Martin and Filipp snatched their hats and coats and left the house.

  As soon as they were in the soddy, Filipp started the fire. “Things changed in the blink of an eye. Maybe it’s time we reconsider this situation.”

  Chapter 7

  The next day Hanna washed a breakfast plate and placed it on a towel next to the kitchen’s dry sink. Sunlight glinted off the copper, drawing her attention to the window where her brothers hovered around Martin. A pang of longing pierced her heart. How would God answer her Christmas prayer to restore health and joy to their family when every day brought more complications?

  “You’re going to stare a hole in that window.”

  “I’m watching Stefan and Yury. It’s good to have them out from underfoot.”

  Her mother stepped up behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder. “It looks as though they are pestering Martin as he mends the fence. Maybe you should go and rescue him. I can finish here.”

  “Martin’s mad at me.”

  “At supper he came across protective. Jealous of Kir, even.”

  Hanna disagreed. “He thinks we’re a good match.” But the rivalry between the men couldn’t be denied. The air had been so tense, she wouldn’t have been surprised if it had ignited.

  “He said that?”

  “Practically.”

  “Kir made his intentions pretty clear. I don’t think he’s waiting until spring to court you.”

  “Helping Dad is not courting,” Hanna continued to protest even though she harbored the same suspicions.

  “No, but it will put him in your dad’s good graces and give him the opportunity to make his intentions known.”

  Hanna sighed. “Jah, you are right about Kir. Yesterday he broached the subject but warned me not to give him my opinion on the matter until I’d had more time to consider it. Being with him causes some old feelings to return. I know he’s a good man who makes me feel safe and secure. I suppose we could have a good life together. And until I met Martin, that would’ve been good enough. But not now.” She folded her rag and placed it over the rim of the sink. “I don’t know. Maybe this attraction to Martin isn’t even love. Maybe it will diminish, and…” Her voice softened. “It really doesn’t matter; he’s not staying in Mountain Lake. I wish he’d never come.”

  “Poor thing. It will work out. You’ll see. But it wouldn’t hurt to go out and see if Martin has anything he intends to say about the matter.”

  Smiling, Hanna replied, “I do owe him an apology. But it’s hard to face.”

  “Your dad wants to talk to the brothers about the farm. If you don’t want to go, then I’ll do it.”

  “I’ll go.” Hanna donned her dark bonnet and pulled her shawl tight against her long blue dress as she headed toward the corral where Martin was working. From a distance, she saw that he knew how to handle a hammer, and his lean physique possessed a rugged strength she found more appealing than Kir’s hard, bulging muscles. “I’m glad you found the breach before you brought the animals out.”

  Martin flinched, lay aside the hammer, and turned. “Viktor told me. Clever on your part. I’m sorry we’d taken the sleds. That we weren’t here to help.”

  She gazed into his shuttered blue eyes. Yet she plunged ahead. “I’m the one who’s sorry. I said things yesterday I regret. It was a rough day. I scarcely remember what I spouted off about.” She dropped her gaze. “Foolishness on my part.”

  “I understand your frustration. You’ve been honest with your feelings, and I’ve been holding back. Under the guise of not hurting you, but maybe for my own protection. Only, I’m discovering that holding back doesn’t change how I feel.”

  She nodded. He was right. Hearing that he cared about her didn’t change the fact that once the tracks reopened, he must ride out of her life.

  He pushed up the
brim of his black hat. “Maybe it’s not in my place to say it, and I’ll probably make you mad again, but I think Kir is using your father’s accident to worm back into your life. Say the word, and I’ll warn him to stay away.”

  Hanna raised her chin. “And why would I do that?”

  He stepped so close it was hard for her to think. His eyes mirrored his desire, nearly buckling her legs. He tilted his head, and she held her breath as his lips brushed hers. When she opened her eyes, he smiled, dropping his hands to her waist. Her pulse quickened as he drew her closer, and she readied herself for another kiss.

  Instead, he jerked and released her when a snowball smacked the back of his head. A fine showering of snow burned her cheeks.

  “Yuck!” shouted Yury.

  Martin’s shoulders sagged with regret as he turned to face the two giggling intruders. The boys continued in their sport, pummeling Martin with snowballs. Hanna laughed and ducked behind a fence post to scoop up a handful of snow.

  “Loser has to play marbles with Stefan,” Yury goaded.

  Hanna got a few good shots in, but her cloak was white by the time she and Martin were able to properly defend themselves and drive back their attackers.

  “You lost,” Yury shouted before he and Stefan ran for shelter behind the barn.

  “That was a setup.” Martin grinned. “And couldn’t have been more ill-timed. Where were we?”

  Having her good sense return in realizing they were visible from the kitchen window and her brothers could return at any moment, she shook her head. “I was sent to tell you that Dad would like to talk to you and Filipp about some farm matters.”

  She was almost disappointed when he let the matter drop. “All right. Tell him I’ll soon be done with the fence. Then I’ll fetch Filipp and be in.”

  She nodded and started to leave.

  “Hanna.”

  Turning, she asked, “Jah?”

  He stood with legs askance and arms crossed, sporting a wicked grin. “I’ll probably send Kir away with or without your permission.”

  Saucily she replied, “Be sure to include that information in your conversation with Dad.” Then she wheeled and headed for the house, her heart feeling lighter than it had in days even though Martin had no intentions of staying. Right now knowing that he shared her feelings was enough. She paused on the porch and whispered a prayer.

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  “The cow’s still milking?”

  “Jah. All the animals pulled through.”

  “Good.” Dmitri sighed, resituating himself on one elbow. “This is a fine fix I’ve gotten myself into. I knew better than taking a shortcut.”

  “You did the right thing. You didn’t want to keep the animals waiting, digging out the barn door every day. That’s probably why they’re still doing good.”

  “I’m fortunate I should be back on my feet before plowing and planting. But with such a harsh winter, my worries aren’t over. I know the townspeople will pitch in, but I can’t expect them to make it to our farmstead through a blizzard. If that happens, it could wipe us out. Or the women will try to do the work.”

  “God will provide, dear,” Mrs. Friesen interrupted, setting a pitcher of water by his bedside. “I’m sure it’s His provision that we have these good brothers here to help us. See? Anyway, we women aren’t as frail as we appear.”

  Dmitri laughed. “Says the girl who’s just recovering. It’s true He takes care of us, but the snow’s caused everyone a lot of problems.”

  “Mountain Lake is a good stopover for the passengers. These were not all Christian people, and they’ve experienced the love of God here. I believe it was all a part of a bigger plan.”

  “Jah. You’re right.”

  She patted his shoulder and left the room.

  “I like to let her think that,” he teased after she was gone.

  “Good thinking,” Filipp replied. “It’s a trick our dad uses, too. While we are talking, do you have any special instructions for us? Martin finished repairing the fence, and we’re planning to exercise the animals outside to give them some fresh air.”

  “Jah, that’s what I’d do. Just keep water and wood and care for the animals. As you know, Viktor knows what needs to be done. But when you leave the farm, would you close up the soddy and stop in at the blacksmith’s on your way to the train depot? Tell Kir the situation. I’m confident he’ll keep his word and figure something out for us. He knows everyone in town, and he’s a good man.” He chuckled. “I’ll probably have him for a son-in-law someday. If Hanna ever comes to her senses.”

  Martin cringed.

  “I hate to impose, but you look to be sturdy lads. Help me get out of the bedroom?”

  “Sure,” Martin replied.

  Dmitri started to throw back the covers then hesitated. “Better yet, have Sonya come and get me dressed. If it’s not too much trouble.”

  “We’ll be back.”

  “Thanks. Sonya’s right. You’re a blessing.”

  “Just returning your good deeds. For lending us the soddy.”

  Outside, Martin mumbled, “He favors Kir and soon there’ll be nothing to stand in the way of him pursuing Hanna. I can’t believe I encouraged him in the first place.”

  “Don’t fret so. Tomorrow I’ll go into the village and get us some answers,” Filipp replied. “You know what’s at stake for our family. I know it’s hard, but be careful around Hanna.”

  Chapter 8

  The next day Hanna found Martin alone in the barn. “I suppose you know Filipp checked to see if we needed supplies and then headed to the village?”

  “Jah.” His voice sounded rusty, gruff even.

  She toed the snow with her boots. “And I suppose he’s checking on the train? You must be anxious to be on your way again.”

  Martin dropped the pitchfork and stepped close. “Surely by now you know that’s not so.” His gaze was piercing, demanding. “But you must be anxious for us to leave so that Kir can return. You once told me you hoped we’d leave soon.”

  She touched the sleeve of his coat. “And I apologized for that angry outburst. But I’m not going to keep embarrassing myself by begging you to stay. Anyway, Kir has nothing to do with the matter.”

  “Doesn’t he?” He slipped his arm around her waist possessively. “We would get along so good, you and I. We’re both blunt and honest. There wouldn’t be any secrets between us, would there?”

  She laughed, touched his cheek with her glove. Maybe not if they were allowed to pursue a relationship, but for now, she wasn’t going to blurt out all her feelings about him or Kir. But his nearness caused her heart to race. He sensed it and pulled her into an embrace. She didn’t resist. She didn’t want to hinder what might be the most thrilling moment of her life. This time he kissed her tenderly, taking his time.

  When she drew back, heart thudding with desire, it was all she could do to put some sane distance between them. Breathless, she admitted, “You do strange things to me. I don’t deny it. But this is not why I came to the barn.”

  “You sure? You knew we’d be here alone.”

  “I was checking on the cow.” She went and gave the Holstein a soft swat on its black-and-white hindquarters. “We’re old milking buddies. She must miss my soft touch.”

  “I can attest to that.”

  Feeling her face heat, she said, “Dad’s ready to be moved out of the bedroom, if you don’t mind helping him.”

  “Hanna.”

  “Jah?”

  Martin’s conflicted emotions flittered across his face. “I wish I could tell you”—he shrugged. “Let’s not keep him waiting.”

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  The next day dark snow clouds accumulated in a graying sky. With only two days until Christmas, Hanna planned to take their gifts to the Immigration House before the weather prevented her from delivering their offerings. The two comforters had been finished and wrapped in paper the night before. Enticing aromas filled the air as Hanna and her mother sang the German
version, “Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht,” of “Silent Night” and finished the last batch of peppernut cookies.

  “When you take these into the village, why don’t you invite one of the brothers to go along? They’ve been working hard and may enjoy the experience of Christmas giving since they’re away from their family. And with the weather so unpredictable, it’s best not to go alone.”

  “I’ve gone to the village many times alone.” Too often for the doctor, she thought.

  “But it always worries me. And you don’t want to spoil Christmas for me.”

  Hanna was reminded of her prayer and knew she must acquiesce for her mom’s sake. “Fine. I’ll ask Martin.”

  “Ask me what?” Martin peeked inside, while keeping his snowy boots planted on the porch.

  Hanna’s hand clasped her bosom. “You scared me. How long have you been standing there?”

  Laughing, he replied. “Just now. The smell drew me in. My mom makes those cookies.”

  “Then come in,” Sonya insisted. “And close the door, or you’ll mess up this batch. We’ve got the temperature just right.”

  Quickly cleaning his shoes, he stepped into the female domain and seated himself at the table across from Stefan and Yury, who were already enjoying fresh milk and cookies. “Can you play marbles tonight?” Yury mumbled with his mouth full.

  “I hope so.” Martin bit into the small round delight. “Mmm, delicious. Ask me what?”

  “I’m going into the village and Mom doesn’t like the way the sky looks.”

  “Me either. I’ll go along.”

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  Later on the journey to the village, the temperature dropped drastically and the clouds became even more menacing. Hanna and Martin concentrated solely on making it to the village in good time. When they jumped off their sleds, she was breathless and her feet throbbed from the bitter cold. Taking the lead, she limped straight for the Immigration House. Entering, she longed for the warmth emanating from the hearth but turned instead to the kitchen with her cookies.

  “Peppernuts!” the cook exclaimed. “I didn’t know if you’d come through this year with all your troubles.”