The Christmas Vow

by Shanna Hatfield

  Filly huffed. She would have swatted Luke on the arm if he hadn’t been holding Maura. “Adam told Blake and Ginny. Of course, she came to tell me so we could offer to help. In fact, I need to hurry along so I can meet her at Tia’s.”

  Arlan smirked. “Tell my wife she doesn’t need to worry about dinner tonight. Adam insisted on taking us out to the restaurant to celebrate.”

  “How did you know Alex would be there?” Filly asked, setting the basket on Luke’s desk. She removed her things and left the basket that contained diapers, extra pins, a tin of soft crackers, and a few toys for Maura. She kissed the baby’s cheek then backed toward the door.

  Arlan grinned. “Because you three come up with more schemes and nonsense together than you’d ever dream up on your own.”

  Filly scowled at Arlan, and then Luke when he barked with laughter. She shook a finger at him. “I’ll not be gone long, so don’t stuff our daughter so full of candy she won’t want a bite of her dinner.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Luke winked at her then helped Maura wave goodbye as Filly rushed out the door.

  Unable to believe Adam Guthry had shown up on her doorstep that morning and practically insisted she marry him, Tia didn’t know whether to be elated or heartbroken.

  On one hand, she couldn’t be happier at the prospect of marrying Adam. It’s what she’d always wanted. The moment she’d set eyes on him at Carl’s funeral, all the love she’d held for him resurfaced, bubbling up to fill the empty caverns of her heart.

  The sound of his voice, the warmth of his touch, the sight of that dimpled smile destined to weaken women’s minds and resolve made her realize how much she’d missed him.

  Other than keeping Toby safe by her side, there wasn’t a single thing that would please her more than marrying Adam.

  However, it devastated her tender heart to hear him admit the only reason for the proposal was to protect Toby. She’d hoped some little part of Adam still cared for her, still loved her.

  Evidently, she’d done such a thorough job of destroying his love, not a smidgen of it remained, if he’d ever loved her.

  Tia couldn’t quite reconcile how she would marry Adam, knowing he’d never love her, never truly want her as his wife. Because he’d made a vow to keep her son safe, it seemed as if she’d be stealing his freedom, shackling him to her and Toby.

  Adam was one of the few men who would keep a promise no matter the personal cost. He’d been that way when they were children. Apparently, his sense of loyalty and honor had grown nearly as big as the man himself.

  For as long as Tia could remember, Adam had been dependable and trustworthy despite his drive to experience adventure. He’d never once let her down. She was the one who’d faltered, who’d failed them both so miserably.

  In light of the second chance she’d been blessed with that morning, Tia intended to utilize everything in her power to do right by Adam.

  He might be sacrificing his freedom for her son, but she’d sacrifice everything she was, every possession she owned, to bring him a measure of peace and happiness.

  Determined to make the marriage work, despite Adam’s refusal to love her, Tia sat down at the kitchen table.

  Adam thought it would be nice to have a simple ceremony at the church with their closest friends and family followed by a small reception. He suggested they wed that Thursday, just three days away. After the wedding, he would send a telegram to Judge Devereux, letting him know he no longer had any chance of taking Toby.

  Dazed by the sudden and unexpected proposal, Tia agreed to Adam’s plans. Now, though, she wished she had more time to prepare for a wedding.

  Even though she’d wed once before, it had been a quiet ceremony without a hint of celebration. For reasons that befuddled her at the time but later made complete sense, Patrick had insisted no one but Roland attend their wedding.

  They’d stood before a judge at the courthouse and exchanged vows with Roland as their witness. Tia didn’t have a fancy gown or a wedding cake, although Patrick had produced a small bouquet of yellow tulips for her to carry.

  Overwhelmed by memories, Tia closed her eyes and took a deep breath. In need of a few quiet hours to gather her thoughts and composure, she was grateful Adam took Toby with him for the afternoon.

  She’d just filled the kettle to make a cup of tea when a knock sounded on the front door.

  As she rushed to answer it, she pushed in a few loose hairpins and whipped off the apron covering her gown. She peeked around the edge of the drapes in the parlor to make sure the detestable Mr. Nivens hadn’t returned.

  The three women standing on the front step made her smile. She almost tripped over her skirts in her haste to open the door.

  “What a treat to see all of you.” Tia stepped back and motioned them inside. “Please come in.”

  “Hi, Tia!” Ginny breezed inside and hugged her enthusiastically. “We heard the news and came right over.”

  “The news?” Tia asked, confused.

  “You did agree to marry Adam, didn’t you?” Alex asked, removing her gloves and setting them along with her coat and hat on the hall tree.

  “Well, yes, I did.” Tia looked at each of them then laughed. “I forget how fast news travels in a small town.”

  Filly grinned and took Tia’s hand in hers. “We’re all so happy for you, Tia. Thrilled. We came to offer our services. If you need any help with wedding plans, we’re happy to do whatever we can.”

  “And if you’d rather we mind our own business, you can show us to the door.” Alex said, smiling at the woman who would soon be her sister-in-law. Alex had always wanted a sister. Now she’d have one who was sweet, kind-hearted, and fun.

  Tia looped her arm through Alex’s and led the way into the parlor. “I’d love some help. I was just sitting here, pondering how I’d pull together even a small wedding on such short notice. Any ideas you ladies would like to share, I’m open to suggestions.”

  Alex hugged Tia’s shoulders as they sat together on the sofa while Filly and Ginny settled into side chairs. Filly set the tin of toffee on the table in front of her then took out the tablet she’d started making notes on at the house.

  “Abby would have joined us, but her shop was full of customers and she couldn’t get away. She did say if you need a dress, she will figure something out,” Filly said, offering Tia an encouraging look.

  “Oh, that’s so kind. With the abundance of dresses I own, I’m sure something will suffice. In fact, before you ladies leave, perhaps you could help me choose the best one to wear for the wedding.”

  Ginny excitedly wiggled in her seat. “We’d love to. Filly volunteered to bake a wedding cake and I know some of the other women from church would be happy to contribute to a meal. We could have a nice luncheon after the ceremony if you wed in the morning or dinner if you decide on an afternoon exchange of nuptials.”

  “I think a late morning wedding would be best. That way, no one is out in the dark or cold if they are traveling from outside of town.” Tia smiled at her friends. “I haven’t done this before, so I’m not sure of the best thing to do.”

  “Didn’t you have a big wedding when you married Mr. Devereux?” Ginny asked, leaning forward in her chair.

  “No. We wed at the courthouse with only his brother present. Patrick didn’t want his parents to know. I should have realized then that…” Tia swallowed back a sigh of regret. “Anyway, this is my first wedding in a church and the last time I’m getting married, so I’d like to make it special for Adam.”

  Tia glanced around at the women she considered dear friends. “I’m at your mercy. Tell me what you ladies have planned.”

  Ginny giggled and clapped her hands. Filly rolled her eyes and Alex grinned. “Well, what do you think about…?”

  Chapter Ten

  Adam stood at the front of the church with Arlan and Chauncy Dodd.

  The pastor grinned and thumped him on the back. “Are you ready to do this?”

  “If I wasn�
��t, I sure wouldn’t be standing up here letting Arlan choke the life out of me with this tie.” Adam scowled at his brother as he adjusted the knot in the ascot tie around his neck, tightening it ever so slightly.

  “I’m not choking the life out of you. You’d think a sailor, of all people, could execute a respectable knot for a tie.” Arlan stood back and admired the deep green tie Adam wore. It looked festive against the white of his shirt and the dark gray wool of his suit.

  Adam sighed and glanced down the aisle, wishing it would make Tia appear. The faster she made her way to him, the sooner they could exchange their vows and he could step out of the limelight.

  He had no idea how Alex, Ginny, Filly, and Abby had managed to decorate the church with enough garlands and bows to please any bride. Someone had fastened a sprig of mistletoe tied with a red ribbon directly above where he would stand with Tia.

  A wry grin touched his face as he glanced upward. Amused by the subtle prompt for him to kiss his bride, the addition of mistletoe to the décor was unnecessary. He could hardly wait to touch her lips again.

  What he really needed was something that removed the consuming desire he felt for the woman. Every moment he spent in her presence made it multiply until Adam thought of little else but making her his own.

  Thinly stretched, his self-restraint wouldn’t last much longer. He had no idea how he’d live in the same house with Tia and refrain from touching her, loving her.

  As people filed inside the church and settled into the pews, Adam glanced at Arlan. His brother offered him an encouraging nod.

  Tia had left Toby in Abby Dodd’s capable hands as she readied for the wedding. Alex would serve as her matron of honor while Filly and Ginny rushed around making last minute adjustments to their preparations.

  Toby looked up from where he and Erin studied a picture book and waved at Adam. The little boy didn’t seem to understand what would take place that morning between his mother and the man he continued to refer to as Mr. Adam.

  “You’ll be a good father to him, Adam,” Arlan whispered as the last of the guests found seats. “It’s in your nature.”

  “Thank you, Arlan. That means a lot coming from you. I have no idea what to do, but I figure Tia will let me know if I’m not doing what I should.”

  Arlan chuckled. “That she will.” He tipped his head toward the back of the church. “Speaking of Tia…”

  Adam turned his gaze to where the doors opened and Alex walked up the aisle in a deep red gown that accented her dark hair and the lively light in her eyes. Her gaze focused on Arlan, no doubt recalling their wedding that had taken place at the beginning of the year.

  “Your bride is amazing and gorgeous, little brother.” Adam cast a quick glance at Arlan.

  “So is yours,” Arlan said, watching the bride begin her walk down the aisle on the arm of Luke Granger.

  Emotion clogged Adam’s throat as he thought of all the times he’d imagined marrying Tia when they were young.

  In his dreams, he’d never pictured her looking that beautiful. The light streaming in the church windows refracted from the rhinestones strewn across her cream silk gown. The delicate embroidery of white and silver threads made it appear as though snowflakes floated across her skirt and bodice with a rhinestone set in the center of each one.

  A modified Elizabethan ruff gave her a regal air, although the layers of airy tulle ruffling around her neck and lining the top of her bodice were undeniably feminine.

  Dazzled by her appearance and the gleam of her brown tresses caught in a loose bun at the back of her head, he noticed a thin shimmering band of rhinestones in her hair.

  Adam glanced down as she lifted the bouquet of red and white roses she carried, offering him an appreciative smile.

  Alex suggested Tia might like a bouquet so Adam sent a telegram to a hothouse in Portland and had the roses sent on the train. One of Alex’s older students rode into Heppner to pick them up. Adam had no idea how Tom Grove got the bouquet back to town without the blossoms freezing, but the flowers looked like they’d just been plucked from a summer garden.

  Adam glanced over at Toby when the child leaned close to Erin.

  “My mama looks like a pretty doll,” Toby declared. His loud whisper carried throughout the church. Adam agreed with the boy’s assessment.

  Entranced with his bride, she stole his breath away. When Luke placed her hand on his arm and offered him a teasing grin, Adam barely registered it.

  Although he continued staring at Tia, mesmerized by the sparkle in her eyes that appeared almost golden in hue, he listened as Chauncy asked who gave Tia to be wed.

  Luke cleared his throat and waved his hand around, to encompass everyone. “Her friends and I do.”

  Chauncy smiled and nodded his head, motioning for Luke to take a seat next to Filly and Maura.

  The ceremony was simple and brief, but Adam took each word to heart. He didn’t lightly make a vow to Tia. For as long as she’d allow, he would cherish and protect her.

  After all, a vow was much more than a promise, far deeper than a commitment. It was a pledge, a troth to another, and Adam intended to honor every word.

  Even if Tia never felt another ounce of love for him, he would shelter her from life’s storms, encourage her dreams, and offer her a safe haven in his arms.

  A broad grin covered Chauncy’s face as he pronounced them husband and wife then instructed Adam to kiss his bride.

  Heedless to those watching, Adam bracketed her face with his hands and slowly lowered his head to hers. He thought he heard Tia whisper his name in the moment before his mouth brushed against hers, softly, reverently. Love poured from his lips to hers at the tender connection.

  When he lifted his head, Tia’s eyes held such a look of longing, Adam almost ravaged her mouth right there, but a slap on his back from Chauncy disrupted the intimate moment.

  “May I present Mr. and Mrs. Adam Guthry? If you’ll please join us over at Granger House, a luncheon is ready for the enjoyment of all.”

  Adam secured Tia’s hand around his arm and started down the aisle. He stopped and picked up Toby, giving the little boy a warm hug before the three of them made their way to the back of the church. They shook hands and accepted the well wishes of friends as people made their way out of the church and down the street to Luke and Filly’s home.

  Abby took Toby with her and Erin while Chauncy closed up the church.

  Adam glanced at Tia’s gown with the silk train shimmering in the midday light. “You look like a snow princess today, Tia. That’s a beautiful gown.”

  She looked down at her skirt as it sparkled in the sunlight. “Thank you. I wore it to a holiday ball a few years ago. It seemed a shame not to wear it again, so I’m glad I saved it.”

  Adam studied her from head to toe. “Can you pick up your train?” he asked.

  Tia gave him a curious glance, but leaned back and lifted the train, securing it with a hook so it didn’t drag on the ground. When she finished, Adam winked at her and swept her into his arms, carrying her down the church steps and through town.

  “Adam! You shouldn’t carry me like this! Put me down!” Despite her fussing, Tia thrilled at the opportunity to be in Adam’s strong arms.

  When she’d first walked into the church with Luke, the sight of Adam in his finery caused her knees to wobble.

  He was handsome on any given day, but the dark gray frock coat, double-breasted waistcoat, dark pants, snowy white shirt and dark green tie caught her by surprise. She’d never dreamed he’d appear so dashing dressed up.

  Evidence of an attempt to subdue his hair into some semblance of order made her smile. Tia’s fingers itched to reach up and muss it before Chauncy began the ceremony.

  How she longed to be loved by Adam, to freely give her love to him, but that wasn’t meant to be.

  Nonetheless, accepting the crumbs of his affection seemed better than feasting on another’s love. From experience, she knew no one would ever fill the place
Adam had laid claim to in her heart. Too late, she realized she didn’t want anyone else to try.

  Part of her hoped Adam would return to Portland and agree for her to stay in Hardman. She couldn’t fathom living in the same house with him, sitting across from him at the table every day, and not admitting how much she loved him, wanted him.

  As he carried her through town to Luke and Filly’s home, Tia glanced up and caught Adam’s gaze. The brilliant blue of his eyes twinkled with humor while dimples popped out in his freshly shaven cheeks.

  It would be so easy for her to steal a kiss, but she didn’t. Instead, she grinned at him. “If you’re not careful I might get used to this.”

  “It would be my pleasure, Queenie, to carry you anywhere you want to go.” Heat turned Adam’s eyes into liquid warmth as he stared at her.

  Unnerved, Tia glanced at the bouquet she still held in one hand. “Thank you for the flowers, Adam. They’re lovely, and so thoughtful. I didn’t expect to have a bouquet.”

  Adam smiled, revealing his dimples again. “I know you didn’t, that’s why I ordered them. I’m glad you like the flowers. Alex thought they’d be festive, like Christmas.”

  “They are festive, and I love roses.”

  As they turned down the walk to Granger House, several people on the porch cheered as Adam carried her up the steps and inside the house. He set her down in the parlor where Toby ran over and gave her a hug.

  Once Chauncy arrived, he asked a blessing on the meal and the group indulged in the lunch prepared by the women of the church who each contributed a dish.

  After everyone had eaten, Filly brought out a multi-layered white cake embellished with frosting scrolls and one of the roses from Tia’s bouquet.

  “It’s too pretty to cut,” Tia said as Filly handed her a silver cake knife. The blade and handle bore etchings of hearts and vines. “You went to so much work, Filly. How can we thank you?”

  “By cutting this cake, and having a happy ever after.” Filly patted Tia’s arm and stepped out of the way as Ginny nudged Adam next to Tia.