Molly's Christmas Miracle

by Cheryl Wright

  * * *

  Daniel straightened his tie, buttoned his suit jacket, then donned his thick woolen coat.

  He draped the scarf his mother had knitted for him around his neck, then snatched up the bouquet of flowers.

  Flurries fluttered down from the sky and landed on his face as he strolled out the door and onto the street. He wondered if his reception would be as chilly as the last time he’d seen Molly.

  She was none too happy with him, that was for certain.

  He shook the flurries away and hoped the snow held off until at least the end of the night. He had plans and he didn’t want them ruined.

  It was barely daylight with the sun already beginning its descent. Soon it would be dark, with only the moonlight to guide them.

  As he headed toward Molly’s cottage, Daniel thought about the future. Their future.

  It was clear Molly was fully entrenched in Fool’s Chance. The same scenario applied to him, only in his case it was Ellisdale. Would they be able to come to a mutual agreement? He sure hoped so.

  When he arrived at the cottage, he straightened his tie once more, and ensured his appearance was as it should be. He needed to make a good impression.

  He lifted his hand to knock on the door, but hesitated.

  Was he doing the right thing by Molly?

  He didn’t want to wrench her away from her beloved Fool’s Chance, and especially A Stitch in Time. On the other hand, she could move her business to Ellisdale where it would thrive.

  As his wife she wouldn’t need to work, but would she despise him for wanting her to stop doing what she loved?

  It was all too hard.

  He shook himself. He loved Molly more than life itself – they would find a way to make it work, he was certain they would.

  He knocked before he changed his mind again.

  The door flew open.

  Molly stood in front of him, her eyes wide. She stood glaring at him.

  “I’m here to take you to the dance,” he said.

  “I’m not ready. I was sure you weren’t coming.” she ground out.

  His eyes scanned her from head to toe. She was the most beautiful creature he’d ever laid eyes on. How had he had the good fortune to win this beauty over?

  But then he went and spoiled it all.

  He pushed the flowers toward her. “No hurry, take your time.”

  Her mouth curled and it took all his effort to not lean forward and claim her lips. “Don’t put your hair up.”

  She stared at him. She knew he preferred it down, as he’d told her so many times. But convention meant she should wear it up. He wouldn’t fight her. Not tonight anyway.

  She indicated for him to come in out of the cold. He didn’t complain.

  Her cottage wasn’t small, but it wasn’t big either. The sitting room was cozy, with a large fireplace, which was roaring right now.

  There were three comfortable chairs scattered about and a low table. A lantern sat in the center of it, but wasn’t on. There was more than enough light from the fire.

  The pale pink gingham curtains were pulled back to let in the light, but no doubt they’d be pulled closed soon.

  Off the sitting room were a number of rooms. One he could see into, and it was clearly a kitchen. He presumed the others were bedrooms and a bathroom.

  He began to doze in the comfortable chair, which was almost luxurious after enduring the stagecoach ride back into Fool’s Chance.

  Eloise didn’t accompany him this time. She didn’t want to infringe on his time with Molly, she’d said. That was rather unselfish of her.

  He sensed Molly standing over him and opened his eyes. She wore the prettiest dress he’d ever seen her wear.

  The gown was made of sapphire blue, and matched her eyes perfectly. It had a high-necked bodice and neckline, long sleeves, and had a black panel with buttons from the neckline down to the waist showing off her trim figure.

  From the waist down, the layers were ruffled, and there was a contrasting skirt peeking out at the bottom. The long sleeves had a matching embellishment.

  Her black boots peaked out slightly below the hem.

  Daniel couldn’t help but stare.

  He shook himself from his sleep-filled stupor, stood, and offered her his arm. They headed for the front door, and were soon on their way.

  She didn’t say much, apart from small talk, and it was obvious she was still mad at him. He didn’t blame her. He had spent every possible moment with her for some weeks, while she made his sister’s ball gown, then disappeared.

  No wonder she wouldn’t speak to him that last day. He wouldn’t speak to him either!

  Somehow, he had to find a way to make it up to her. He thought the world of Molly – she was very special to him, and he’d hurt her. Unintentionally, but it stung nevertheless.

  It was obvious from the pained look on her face he’d made her suffer.

  They arrived at the venue, and he handed over their tickets. He looked about, endeavoring to learn the layout of the place, and perhaps get a reading on the way it would be run.

  He watched as Molly did the same.

  He spotted some empty chairs and accompanied her there. The band were just finishing off a tune, and he urged her to dance to the next one. She was reluctant.

  That was fine. They would sit and talk for a while. They did a lot of that when he was in Fool’s Chance before, and it had brought them closer. He hoped it would work again. Right now he was not the most popular person in Molly’s eyes.

  A few more renditions went by, then a call for refreshments. Daniel hooked her arm through his, and took Molly to get refreshments. She didn’t refuse but he sensed she was only going through the motions.

  She was quiet tonight. Far too quiet for his liking. Was it too late? Had she lost all confidence in him?

  He certainly hoped not.

  The music began again, and the food was cleared away. “Molly, may I have this dance?”

  She glanced at him, determination written all over her face. She was going to refuse, he could see the stubbornness to her features.

  He leaned in and whispered. “Please, Molly? I’ve come a long way to escort you here tonight.” He straightened up and waited.

  She stared up at him, and her face softened.

  His relief was palpable.

  He reached out for her hands. They were so soft, and were tiny against his. He guided her to the dance floor, then pulled her up against himself, at first keeping a distance between them, but eventually pulling her closer.

  Much to his disappointment, Molly didn’t relax into him, likely aware of the prying eyes.

  He could feel those eyes on them, but didn’t care. He did not hide the fact he was in love with one of Fool’s Chance’s favorites.

  They would have to get used to seeing him with Molly. Because by her side was where he belonged.

  The music stopped, and instead of leading her back to their seats, he led her outside. It was cooler out there, but more private. And right now, privacy was what he craved.

  “Are you enjoying yourself,” he asked as he pulled her along behind him. She was obviously reluctant to go outside, alone with him.

  “Except for everyone watching us? I am, thank you.” She was still annoyed, he could tell. Her words were forced, and there was an undercurrent of anger in them.

  “They won’t watch us out here. We’re close enough it won’t cause a problem either, and we can still hear the music.”

  The tiniest hint of a smile appeared on her lips. If only he could kiss those lips – his longing was relentless, but Daniel knew he couldn’t compromise Molly. Especially not for his own selfish needs.

  She stood by his side, waiting for the band to start up again. The moment the music began, he pulled her to him. This time she moved in closer, almost snuggling into him. Daniel did not complain.

  He held her dainty hand, and felt her other arm slip behind him. He did the same.

  Her head rested
on his chest, and he was certain she would hear his heart beat a tattoo. It was racing, and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

  He liked it out here. On the outskirts of the building they were almost hidden. The doors were opened wide, so it wasn’t as though they couldn’t be seen, but no one was watching, unlike when they were inside.

  Molly relaxed totally into him, and he reveled in the feel of her next to him. He leaned down and whispered so only she could hear. “I love you Molly Mason.” Then he lifted her chin to look up to him, and gently kissed her lips.

  “I love you too, Daniel,” she said. “But it’s an impossible situation. We both know that.” Tears began to well in her eyes, and he pulled her closer. He hated to see her upset. He especially hated that he was the cause of it.

  “I can’t imagine my life without you,” he said, then kissed her again. He had to find a way for them to be together, but what that was, he had no idea.

  They both had their separate lives, and lived so far apart. There had to be a way, but what that was, he didn’t know. Not yet, anyway.

  Daniel pulled her closer, determined to make their time together special.

  They stayed outside for what seemed an eternity. They were happy there together, alone.

  That is until Mrs Grayson stuck her head outside and stared at them. “Molly, my dear,” she said firmly. “Why don’t you come back inside.”

  His heart sank. Why couldn’t people just leave them alone?

  Mrs Grayson moved closer. “People are talking, my dear,” she whispered. “We can’t have that.”

  “No we can’t,” Daniel said gruffly, then escorted Molly back inside where they sat and waited for the night to end. Deep down he knew Mrs Grayson was only trying to help.

  They strolled back to Molly’s cottage was just as uncomfortable as the on the way to the dance. She barely said a word, and he couldn’t blame her. He knew the locals were trying to protect her, but protect her from what? From him?

  He was an upstanding man of the community and he would never do anything to discredit Molly’s reputation.

  But of course they didn’t know that. He wasn’t from around here - Daniel Emerson was a complete stranger to the people of Fool’s Chance.

  Perhaps he needed to remedy that.

  As they continued to walk, snow began to fall. Not just flurries this time, but snow. Real snow. Cold and heavy. Molly pulled her thick coat around herself, and Daniel seized the opportunity to pull her close. He used the pretense of keeping her warm, but it was much more than that. To him at least.

  With his arm tightly wrapped around her, he stared down into her face. Her cheeks were pink from the cold air, and her teeth were chattering. He pulled off his coat and wrapped it around her.

  “Oh no, I can’t take that,” she said. “You’ll freeze.”

  He wrapped it tighter around her. “We’re almost there, and your teeth are chattering. We can’t have that,” he said, stopping to envelope her in an effort to warm her more.

  “I appreciate it, Daniel, I really do,” she said looking up into his face. “But now you are cold.”

  “I’ve been colder,” he said, shrugging off her words. “Besides, you have a roaring fire back at the cottage. I’ll warm up quickly.”

  She still didn’t look convinced but they carried on walking. She pulled her key out of her reticule as they arrived, and unlocked the door. His hand covered her gloved one, and she stood stock still.

  As she stepped inside, she returned his coat. “Thank you for a lovely night,” she said, effectively brushing him off.

  He was pained. He thought she’d at least invite him inside for a hot cocoa. “Can I at least warm up at the fire?”

  “I, uh,”

  She looked around, as if checking to see if anyone was watching. He couldn’t blame her. Reputation was everything, and these small towns could be relentless to young women if they thought they’d done the wrong thing.

  Especially when a man was involved.

  He stared down at her, and was about to walk away when she yielded. “I supposed it would be alright,” she said quietly, and opened the door wider to let him pass.

  He rushed toward the fire, and put out his hands to warm them up. She stared at him, then reached out and held his hands. “Oh my gosh, you’re freezing.”

  As she touched him, a shiver shot up his arm. It wasn’t the first time. Whenever Molly touched him, wonderful sensations flooded his body.

  He wasn’t adverse to them, and reveled in them. “Molly,” he said quietly, tightening his grip on her small hands. “What are we going to do, Molly?” he asked, his pain evident in the way his voice cracked.

  As she looked up at him, her eyes shone. “I honestly don’t know,” she said so quietly he almost missed it.

  * * *

  It was a bitter-sweet day. Their last day together.

  Daniel would pick her up and they'd attend church together. For the last time.

  She swallowed back the emotion that threatened to overtake her. Instead Molly concentrated on putting her hair up.

  Her hands stilled.

  Why not leave it down today?

  For Daniel.

  He preferred it that way, and it was after all, their last day together. Forever.

  The thought broke her heart. How could she endure life without her newfound love?

  Molly thought she was happy before, but meeting Daniel had changed her life. She'd never be the same again.

  She stared at her reflection in the mirror. Who was that unhappy woman staring back at her?

  Molly swiped at the trail of moisture on her face. Why did she have to meet Daniel?

  The moment the thought entered her head she pushed it aside. She was all the better for having known him, and she didn't regret a moment of their time together.

  The knock on the cottage door startled her, and she quickly gave her hair a last brushing, and wiped the tears away.

  Molly ran her hands down her dress, despite knowing it was already perfect. She took a deep breath and headed for the door, snatching up her well-worn Bible from the bedside table.

  “Good morning.”

  Daniel had the same sad look she'd seen in her own reflection. “Good morning,” she said feeling a little more cheerful now he was standing in front of her.

  She was about to close the door when he interrupted her. “Forgotten something?”

  She stared at him. What could she have forgotten?

  “You'll need a coat,” he said, pointing to the snow falling down around them.

  Shoving the door open again she grabbed her coat, gloves, and scarf, quickly pulling them on with Daniel assisting her.

  He always had her best interest at heart.

  They strolled silently toward the little church of Fool’s Chance built in 1858 at the peak of the gold rush.

  They found seats at the back of the room, endeavoring to be unseen. No such luck.

  “Good morning Molly, Mr Emerson.” Mrs Grayson gave her a wink and turned back toward the front of the church. The preacher was entering, his bible in his hands.

  This week’s sermon was all about loving your neighbors and treating others as you want to be treated.

  Very timely considering Christmas was fast approaching.

  Molly started as she felt Daniel’s hand sliding into hers. It surely wasn't appropriate behavior for church, but given they’d soon be separated, Molly didn't complain or brush his hand aside.

  It was comforting having her hand in his. She couldn't begin to describe the feeling of knowing he was the one for her.

  But not for much longer. She was such an emotional mess she hated to think what she would be like once he was gone.

  Banished from her life forever.

  Molly couldn't stop the tears filling her eyes, and turned her head to stop him noticing.

  She breathed a sigh of relief when the preacher called for everyone to bow their heads in prayer. It would give her a chance to comp
ose herself.

  As they filed out of the church and chatted with Preacher Jones, Molly recalled she once thought the preacher may have one day wed them.

  All hope of that now dismissed.

  Chapter Six

  “Of course, Mrs Grayson. I can do that.”

  Molly led the older woman over to the rolls of plush velvet. She held the soft mauve material up against her long-time customer. “This color suits your eyes perfectly.”

  “Thank you, Molly. Can I have my usual design, please?”

  Molly wished Mrs Grayson would try something different, but at her age, her best customer wasn’t willing to change. “Of course, Mrs Grayson. Let me do a quick measure to ensure nothing has changed, and you can be on your way.”

  They went to the fitting room, and the older lady began to chatter, as she always did. “Did you see they’re doing something to the old bank building?” She looked down at Molly who was checking the length.

  “No, I didn’t. I’m rarely outside during the day, Mrs Grayson.” She wrote down the measurement, then checked the waist. “What are they doing there?”

  “Well,” Mrs Grayson said, quite animated now. “It appears they’re renovating the inside. Modernizing it perhaps.”

  “It would be nice if we had a real bank here instead of just the Mercantile, don’t you think?” Molly always worried her money wasn’t safe at the Mercantile.

  “Oh, that it would be, Molly. But I can’t imagine it. Can you?”

  “Hold out your arm please, Mrs Grayson.” Molly held the tape measure to the older woman’s shoulder.

  “No, I can’t, my dear. And my Henry, God rest his soul, always said Fool’s Chance was far too small to have its own bank. I can’t imagine that’s changed.”

  Molly nodded. She needed to concentrate on what she was doing. “All done. I can have it ready by….” She glanced across at her diary. “Next Wednesday – if that works for you?”

  “Perfect. Thank you, Molly.” Mrs Grayson moved in and hugged Molly. The other woman was almost a mother figure to her since Aunt Rose had passed on.

  “It’s a pity that Daniel had to leave,” she said. “He would have made a perfect husband for you, Molly.”