by Cia Leah
Markus froze. He didn’t know what to say. Could this lady be trying to trick him into exposing himself for who he really was, or was she telling the truth. He looked at Katie, who smiled at him.
“I knew you looked familiar! Those eyes. How could I ever forget, but with that beard, it was hard to tell.”
“Is it true, Katie, what she says?”
“Yes,” she reached over and took hold of his hand. “Uncle Matt told me all about it and said he wished he knew where you were to let you know and he put the word out you were innocent.”
“I can’t believe it,” he said, looking at Katie and then her grandma.
“Believe it son. You were wrongly accused. Why your Pa was so happy, doc said it was like a miracle that he made a complete recovery. He thinks all the years of worrying over you was what was making his sick.”
“Then Pa is all right? I got a letter about a month ago and Jake said he was dying. It’s why I was trying to get home before it was too late.”
Katie squeezed his hand. “He’s a lot frailer than he used to be, but doc figures now that he’s eating good, he’ll be as good as new in no time. Seeing you will just make him all the better.”
“I wish I were able to ride over there right now.”
“Finish eating. I’m sure that Uncle Matt will take you home after Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow.”
“Maybe I can clean up some too. Get rid of this beard. I hate it.”
Katie turned her head this way and that, staring at him. “Why not just trim it up? I like it.”
“You do?”
Katie nodded and smiled. “Let’s finish eating and let me get the cooking done. We got a lot to celebrate.” As she began clearing the dishes from the table, she couldn’t help but glance at Markus. She’d never told anyone that she always liked him and it had broke her heart when they said he robbed the bank. She never really believed it happened that way, and was thankful his cousin had the decency to clear his name before he died. She took her grandma’s plate and didn’t miss the wink her grandma gave her. Katie smiled and thought this the happiest Thanksgiving ever.
***
A couple weeks had passed since Thanksgiving and Katie was glad that Markus’s father and brother were so happy to have him home again. His Pa’s health continued to improve and Markus had visited her almost every day. She saw him ride up through the window and ran to open the door. Her grandma was napping so they had some privacy. “Come in,” she said, “and give me your coat. I’ll pour you a cup of coffee and give you a piece of the spice cake I made today.”
“I came to talk to you,” he said, taking off his coat and handing it to her.
She hung it up on the peg on the back of the door. “Anything wrong?”
“Katie, I’ve waited to start my life for a long time and I don’t want to wait any longer.” He took her hands in his and pulled her over to the couch to sit beside him.
“What is wrong? Is your Pa all right?”
“Pa is just fine and happy at the thought of grandchildren.”
“Grandchildren? What are you talking about?”
“Us. I always liked you in school, and I think I fell in love with you the night you took me in and patched me up. I don’t know how you feel about it, but I am hoping you will marry me on Christmas Eve at the church in town with everyone there. We can have the reception at the hotel.”
Katie’s mouth fell open and she snapped it shut. Her heart hammered against her chest and she wondered if she’d heard right. “Markus, are you all right? Did you just ask me to marry you?”
“He threw his head back and laughed. “You should see the expression on your beautiful face and in those beautiful green eyes. “Of course I’m asking you to marry me. I love you, Katie, and will spend the rest of my life making you happy.”
“But, where will we live? Do I have to leave here?”
“Pa and Jake have saved up quite a bit of money for me while I was gone. If you don’t want to stay here, I’ll build you a house anywhere you want.”
“Do you like it here, Markus? I know this cabin isn’t that big, but it’s home and I love it.”
“I will love being anywhere your heart desires. We can build onto the house for the kids we have and buy horses. I’m really good with horses. Surely you know how I feel about you.”
She blushed, remembering the few kisses he had given her. “I love you too, but I never thought anyone would ask for my hand in marriage.”
Markus got down on one knee and pulled a ring out of his shirt pocket. This was my mother’s. Pa said it was to go to the son who wed first and that’s me. Marry me, Katie. I love you with all my heart.”
Katie felt the tears slip down her cheeks. “Yes,” she said, holding out her hand. It shook slightly and Markus took her hand and slipped the ring on her finger.
“I want you to wear it now and we will do it right in the church. I don’t want any man coming along needing help and fall in love with you like I did. You’re taken.”
She threw herself in his arms and kissed him. “I’m so happy and have so much to do before Christmas Eve,” she said, when she heard her grandma clearing her throat.
“Well, it’s about time! I wondered when the two of you would get around to it. Come over here, Markus, and hold the chair for me. I’m about to fall off these crutches.”
Markus laughed and ran over to help her. “Grandma, you can live here with us if you want to.”
“Did you hear that, Katie? I can stay here. That is if you want your grandma around.”
Katie leaned down and kissed her grandma on the cheek. “We both love you and when the babies come, you’ll be a lot of help too.”
“I can’t wait to be a great grandma.”
Katie slipped her arm around Markus’s waist. “I think you’ve made us both very happy.
Markus grinned. “This is the best Thanksgiving and Christmas I have had in a long time. I’m back with my family, have a bride to be who is beautiful and caring, and have a grandma and an uncle whom this morning asked me to be his deputy.”
“You’re kidding,” Katie said, looking at him with wide eyes.
“Well, I had to go into town this morning to ask permission for your hand in marriage and he asked me to become his deputy.”
“Uncle Matt is a good man and knows a good man when he sees one. I can’t wait to start our life. A new year will be here soon and I just know it’s going to be the best we’ve ever had in a long time. I love you, Markus.
“I love you too, Katie,” he said, taking her in his arms and kissing her. He thanked God for his blessings and for bringing him home.
THE END
