A Texas Christmas

by Thomas, Jodi Jodi Thomas

  “Does Edwinna know any of this?”

  “Some. I think she won’t allow herself to believe that Viola would ever have had a baby without being married and certainly couldn’t even think about her walking away from them. I’m afraid my aunt may have talked me into coming here hoping to force me into putting the children in the orphanage and walk away, too. Or worse yet, she wants to take them away from me to raise herself. She thinks she’s a more fitting mother.”

  Rand took a drink and leaned back in his chair. “That would explain a lot. The folks in Carroll Creek probably didn’t think much of the situation, I suspect.”

  “You could say that. I certainly didn’t receive any invitations for Christmas dinner. I couldn’t have been ignored any more if I were a pot of rotten garbage.”

  “Temperance society, I’ve heard.”

  “Bible-thumpers, I call them. But I can handle their disapproval most of the time.”

  “What do you do for money to provide for the kids?” Rand didn’t mince any words asking.

  “I had a little saved up, and my parents left some in the bank when they had all they could stomach and packed up and left town. Then they withdrew the money and had it sent to them, but nobody at the bank will give me their address. So when I get back, I’ll find a job. But don’t judge Viola too harshly. At first I received a little money from her every now and again, but that eventually stopped. She must’ve forgotten where she left the children.”

  “So, everyone went on with their merry lives, leaving you and the babies behind.” Setting his jaw, Rand seemed to make a statement rather than asking.

  “I don’t want to lose the children, Rand. That’s one reason I was almost happy for the blizzard once I seriously considered the possibility that Edwinna might have a plan to take the children from me. I thought I could get back to Carroll Creek without seeing her again. That way she can’t take them away from me. Even the folks back home aren’t as overbearing and critical of me as she is.”

  “And why is Addie Claire so afraid of fire?”

  Sarah really didn’t want to answer, but she’d come this far, so there was no reason to withhold anything from him. She took a sip of her drink praying for courage. “A group of mean-spirited folks set a prairie dog on fire in my yard. But before I could shield the twins from what was happening, Addie Claire realized it was an animal. Although it was just a big rodent, it was still a living creature. She’s been scared of fire ever since.”

  Rand stood and put his hands flat on the table. Leaning forward, he looked her square in the eye. “You’re not going back to Carroll Creek with limited funds and nobody to watch after you and the kids.” A comfortable smile came to his lips as he said, “And nobody is going to take your kids from you. My home is yours. Sarah, you need me and I certainly need you and the children, so I don’t want any backtalk. You’ll stay with me.”

  Sarah felt exhilarated, yet apprehensive, as she jumped up to give him a hug of thanks.

  Suddenly feeling light-headed, she rubbed her forehead and before she knew what was happening, her knees buckled and she fell into Rand’s arm, mumbling, “Take care of the babies.”

  Chapter 12

  Enjoying the early-morning hours of Christmas Eve, Rand sat at the kitchen table, drinking coffee. Amused, he smiled, thinking back over having to tuck Sarah in his bed two nights in a row. It could become a habit, one he didn’t mind going on for a long time.

  Daybreak peeked over the horizon, as if skeptical of showing its face after so many days blinded by snow. Today might well prove to be the first day of the rest of Randall’s life—if he had his way.

  Although Sarah hadn’t accepted his offer to stay with him. He could be just as stubborn as the pretty lady, and he wasn’t about to let her go home without a plan for survival. Finding a job, since undoubtedly nobody in town would be amenable in hiring her, was probably not going to happen. But even in the best scenario, who would care for the children during the day? Not many bosses would want two little ones hanging on to their mother’s coattails on the job, and certainly no one would want to care for the children during the workday.

  To him the issue was settled—she would stay in Kasota Springs, and not with her aunt either. However, he had an inkling Sarah’s feelings weren’t as etched in stone as his.

  Before she and the children rose for the day, he had shaved and prepared some of the things he thought he needed to create a special Christmas they would all remember.

  Rand began breakfast. While the bacon was cooking, he went to the great room and moved the table next to his chair over by the fireplace, then brought in the tree he’d made out of metal and barbed wire. He set the angel on top and took a moment to admire his creation. Not bad for an ol’ grouch of a blacksmith.

  Now, as soon as everyone was up, he’d go upstairs and locate two toys he had stored. Ones he’d gotten for his own child, be it a girl or a boy. One for each.

  When he returned to the kitchen, Sarah stood in front of the stove, tending the meat and buttering bread. “Good morning.” She looked up at him with eyes as clear as the Texas sky on a summer day. Sarah wore a red and green plaid dress trimmed in lace, making her look fit to be Santa’s helper.

  “Good morning. Sleep well?” Rand squatted down to fetch something unrecognizable under the table. “Hmm,” he said, after examining the sprig, “Mistletoe—and where did that come from?”

  It was as if Sarah hadn’t heard him, but he wasn’t about to let a great opportunity like this go to waste. “My dad taught me if you find a pretty lady under mistletoe, then it’s your responsibility to see that she’s kissed.”

  Sarah laid her knife aside and peered back up at him. The glow of her smile radiated across the room as she looked up to the ceiling over her head. “I don’t see any mistletoe.”

  Rand stepped in front of her and held the mistletoe high over her head. “Oh, but I do.” He dropped the sprig of greenery with red berries and pulled Sarah into his arms. Crushing her to him, he kissed her with all of his heart. Her lips were warm and sweet on his. As he roused her passion, his own grew stronger.

  Youthful giggles floated through the air.

  Startled, Sarah and Rand quickly parted to see the twins standing by the door with their hands over their mouths, snickering to high heaven.

  Rand saved the day. “Come on, guys, there’s nothin’ to giggle about. I was gettin’ the speck of bread crumb out of your mama’s eye. She’s fine. So let’s go upstairs, get dressed, and when we get back, breakfast will be ready.” He gave Sarah a wink.

  “Hey, Rand, I see you shaved. It felt—looks much better.” Then she added, “Thanks for the help with the kids. Breakfast will be ready shortly.” Red-faced, Sarah returned to her chore.

  Once alone, she buried her face in her hands, feeling the flush on her face. What did the children think? Had they bought Rand’s explanation? She was totally mortified, yet thrilled with his attention.

  And what daring good looks he had that morning. Since she first laid eyes on him, she could only visualize what she thought he looked like behind his heavy beard and mustache, but nothing prepared her for what truly existed underneath all the facial hair. She remained engulfed in his chocolate eyes—warm enough to melt her heart, which still beat out of control at the thought of how handsome he was, standing before her with mistletoe in his hand. The big, rugged man reeked of strength, tall and straight like a towering cottonwood.

  Rand had put on a fresh white store-bought shirt that clung to rippled muscles, making her want to touch every inch of his powerful body. Passion set her body on fire at the image she planned to keep in her mind for a long time—maybe forever.

  The sweetly intoxicating musk of his body wafting through the air didn’t help her pounding heart to settle down an iota.

  A few minutes later, Addie Claire appeared holding her clothes and said, “Dress me, Mommy.”

  Sarah’s heart sang with delight at her little girl’s words. “Did you say
Mommy and not Mummy?”

  “Mr. Frumpy taught me to say it right.” She gave her mama a big hug.

  Rand walked in about that time. “I helped her pick out clothes, washed her teeth, and sorta fixed her hair, but think it’s best you dress her. I don’t have much experience in that area.” He took over scrambling the eggs.

  Sarah felt a zing in her heart, and escorted her daughter into the little room off the kitchen and dressed her. She adjusted the crooked bow in her hair. At least Rand had tried.

  It wasn’t long until everyone sat at the kitchen table enjoying breakfast as they chatted about Christmas Eve. The kids squealed with excitement about their wait for Santa Claus. Trying to stay on a level they could comprehend, Sarah delicately explained that Santa couldn’t go everywhere on Christmas Eve, but he’d get there as soon as he could. Her explanation didn’t seem to deter their excitement in the least. That would give her some time to get some store-bought gifts for the kids from Santa.

  Ajar of chokeberry jam seemed more important to them. Rand put an extra spoonful on Addie Claire’s toast, and within seconds she was a drippy mess of sugar and spice like any three-year-old child.

  “Here, let me clean off your face,” Rand said, picking up a wet cloth Sarah handed to him.

  A few scrubs later Rand laid down the washrag. “Little lady, you look much better.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Daddy.”

  Rand and Sarah locked gazes.

  Cocking an eyebrow, his mouth twitched in amusement. “I didn’t tell her to say that.”

  A warm glow flowed through Sarah as she took stock of how much she loved his gentle camaraderie, his subtle wit.

  They shared a deep, jovial laugh that set the children into silly hoots mimicking the adults.

  “Okay, kids.” Rand shot them a purposeful frown that only made Damon sit up in his chair military style, then gave him a salute. Addie Claire followed suit.

  Once they settled down and began eating again, Rand told Sarah that when he went out to check on the horses, the weather had improved, and as they could see from the kitchen window, the sun now was shining. He had shoveled a lot of the drifts away from the front door and planned to traipse through the snow toward the mercantile and see if it was opened.

  “Do you want to go with me and see if Miss Allison has the mercantile open today, or can I pick up something for you?” Rand addressed Sarah.

  Before she could answer, the children piped up insisting they tag along. “So, what do you think?” Rand asked Sarah.

  “I need to stay here and do a few things.”

  But before she finished, Rand ruffed up Damon’s hair and said, “If it’s okay with your mommy, you can tag along with me.”

  Sarah gave her permission.

  “You guys get in your coats and boots. I’ve got something to do first.” Rand headed up the stairs and entered his mother’s bedroom, where the children slept.

  With no wind and no snow to hamper Rand and the children, the walk to the middle of town was pleasant. They stopped along the way to share in a goodhearted snowball fight, then made angels in the snow, which he was pretty certain Sarah wouldn’t disapprove of. They were dressed warmly, and he had never known of anybody getting sick from being a snow angel.

  Finding the mercantile closed, they began their trek back to the livery, but first he wanted to go by the church to see if anyone had heard whether the train carrying the bell was expected in.

  To his delight, Reverend Johnson told him that the search party had sent word that the train was just a few miles outside of town up by the Sullivan ranch. A passel of men were diggin’ it out and the train was expected to arrive in time for Rand to get the bell installed.

  Christmas Eve candlelight services would be held as planned.

  “I’ve got a couple of things to take care of in preparation for the candlelight services, but if I hear anything further, I’ll send word to you,” Reverend Johnson said, then turned back to Rand. “Thank you for all the work you did.” He offered his hand in friendship.

  Once the minister was out of sight, Rand took the kids up to the manger scene near the pulpit and let them look it over. That gave him time to take the deerskin pouch he’d retrieved from his mother’s trunk and place it behind the exhibit.

  Rand jerked upward as if shot out of a cannon when he heard footsteps coming into the church.

  “I thought I might catch you here,” Sarah called from the door. “I just heard that the train is due in shortly.”

  “Yep, but when it arrives I’ll be busy setting the bell in the tower.”

  “Since we might not see you for a while, let’s take a minute while we have the time and tell each other what we’re thankful for this Christmas.” Sarah gathered the children on the front pew and leaned down in front of them.

  Rand joined her.

  “Damon, go first,” Rand prompted.

  “You’re not really a bear.”

  Rand wanted to laugh out loud but since he needed to show by example proper decorum in the church house, he went on to Addie Claire.

  “That I have a daddy.”

  A knot formed in Rand’s throat. He had resigned himself to the fact that he’d most likely never be called Daddy.

  “Thanks, angel. Damon, how about a Christmas wish? Maybe something you want really badly for Christmas.”

  The child’s answer was simple. “Cain’t think of nothin’ except to stay here with you forever.”

  Addie Claire was more realistic for a three-year-old. “To have more little bears.”

  Rand wasn’t all that sure he wanted more bears in the loft, but if he had his way there would be two little kids to care for them.

  Light flooded the church as both doors were flung open. With the sunlight blinding Sarah and Rand, they could barely make out who marched their way. The whiny, nagging voice gave away the identity of the intruder.

  Without a hello, kiss my foot, or go to blue blazes, Edwinna Dewey headed down the aisle, having a conniption fit along the way.

  Before she could say anything, Rand asked the little ones to go up to the front of the church and make sure everything was in place in the manger for the candlelight services.

  In a matter of seconds, Edwinna Dewey turned into a fullfledged ring-tailed tooter, having a hissy of her own. “Get your things together, Sarah. I’ll have my driver get you and the babies in an hour. I’m takin’ the children where they can be cared for properly.” As an afterthought, she said, “I just knew something like this would happen.”

  Fury rushed through every inch of Rand’s body. “What has happened? We’re in the church house, for heaven’s sake. Why don’t you just go to . . . ?” He still had some choice words on the tip of his tongue that were anything but appropriate to say in front of ladies, not to mention children.

  “You know what happened.” Edwinna raised her umbrella and pointed it at Rand to make her point. “I don’t need any sass out of you, Randall Humphrey. This is between me and Sarah.”

  Sarah took Rand’s arm, and with a steely glare she said, “I’m sorry, Aunt Edwinna, but Rand is as much a part of this as I am—and I am not going with you. I’ve decided to stay in Kasota Springs.”

  Edwinna puffed up like a horned toad with a tummyache. “He’s taken advantage of you. I just know it. It’s despicable putting your children in harm’s way because of your own selfish needs. Exposing the little darlings to this . . . man!”

  “Mr. Humphrey has been nothing but a gentleman.” Sarah stiffened her back and placed her hands on her hips. “What would you have suggested I do? Sleep in a snowdrift?”

  “You should have come to the hotel where you would have been safe with me.”

  “In a blizzard where I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face? No, thank you!” Sarah spat out.

  “It’s just not right. He’s made a tainted woman of you.” Aunt Edwinna stepped up her voice level two notches.

  Rand butted in and asked in a rather calm voice for him
, “What would make it right in your mind?”

  “The only way to make an honest woman out of her would be to marry her.” Edwinna frowned. “But that’s out of the question, I am certain.”

  Rand and Sarah looked at one another and a consensus formed between them. He raised a questioning eyebrow and she nodded slightly.

  Reverend Johnson opened the door, then began backing out, but Rand asked him to come in.

  Almost before the minister reached the gathering, Rand asked, “Are you available after the candlelight service to marry us?”

  “I have some things to take care of to prepare for this evening’s services, but if you’d like, I could do it in an hour or so,” the minister said.

  Sarah and Rand gathered the children. After thanking Reverend Johnson and assuring him that they would sign the county clerk’s book of marriages as soon as it thawed out, they stepped outside, leaving Edwinna in a flit.

  While Sarah put the children down for a nap, Rand finished the Christmas tree and decorated it, putting the angel he’d made on top. Out of a sack, he pulled out a string toy and a doll he’d bought three years ago. He put them under the tree.

  Rand checked his pocket to make sure that his mother’s wedding band was there, along with a bracelet he’d made for Sarah.

  A knock on the door startled him a bit. When he opened it, he saw James Crockett, a head taller, pounds heavier, and years older than Rand. Wearing a heavy coat with moisture dripping from his shaggy eyebrows, he looked like a buffalo that had just come through a snowstorm.

  Without any familiarities, Rand said, “I hope you brought Jughead back.”

  “Sorry I had to borrow him, but I had something I needed to take care of.”

  “Not a very good excuse.”

  James handed him Sarah’s lost bag. “I found this when I backtracked from the train to town. I guess she didn’t see it.”

  “What was so important that you had to leave them on the side of the road to get to my place in a snowstorm?”