Mountain Christmas Brides

by Mildred Colvin

  Her heartbeat picked up. That had to be Charles.

  Oh, why did she have to meet him looking so travel-worn? Well, it couldn’t be helped. Her mother had always said a pleasant smile and warm greeting made anyone look becoming. She hoped it was true because that was all she could offer today.

  The conductor took her bag and set it on the platform, then offered his hand to help her down the stairs.

  Mr. Simms walked toward her, followed by his son and granddaughter. He swooped his hat off, revealing a thick head of silver hair. “Miss Bergstrom?”

  She smiled and nodded. “Yes, I’m Annika Bergstrom, and you must be Mr. Simms.”

  “That’s right. And this—”

  The girl rushed forward and tried to tug the bag from her hand. “I can carry your bag for you. I’m real strong.”

  “Hold on, sweetie.” The other man reached to help the girl. “You better let me get it.” He nodded to Annika, but his expression seemed cool.

  Her stomach clenched. Was he not pleased with her? Did she look that bad?

  “This is my granddaughter, Mariah.” Mr. Simms patted the girl on the shoulder. Then his expression faltered. “And this is my son … Daniel.”

  The name jolted her to a stop, and she blinked. This wasn’t Charles? She glanced around the platform, searching for her future groom.

  Daniel frowned and looked away. “Do you have any other bags?”

  “Yes.” She pointed to the baggage car, where a man unloaded her dark brown leather trunk. “That’s mine as well.”

  “I’ll load them in the wagon.” Daniel strode off down the platform, Mariah at his heels, lugging the smaller bag.

  Mr. Simms’s moustache twitched, and he turned his hat in his hands. “I suppose you’re wondering about Charles.”

  “Yes … I thought he’d be here to meet me.”

  Mr. Simms nodded and glanced down the platform. “We had some trouble at the ranch this morning, and Chase, that’s what he goes by since we’re both named Charles, needed to take care of it. But you’ll meet him later at the ranch.”

  “Oh, I see.” Although she really didn’t understand why Chase would send his family to meet her, rather than coming himself.

  Mr. Simms escorted her to their wagon. Daniel joined them and helped the stationmaster lift the heavy trunk into the back. Mr. Simms invited her to sit up front with him, but Mariah begged her to sit in back. Annika settled in with Mariah on a pile of folded blankets behind the bench seat. Daniel sat next to his father.

  As they rolled out of town, Mariah chatted away, telling Annika about all the things she wanted to show her at the ranch, including her doll and her horse, Buttercup. “Let’s lay down and look at the clouds.” She tugged on Annika’s arm.

  Annika joined her on the soft quilts and gazed up at the puffy clouds drifting by.

  “My Uncle Daniel taught me to find things in the clouds. See that one?” She pointed to a cloud on the left. “It looks like our cat, Precious. My momma named her that. She’s mostly black, but she has a white tummy and paws.” She was quiet for a moment. “That one over there looks like a milk bucket.”

  Annika nodded and yawned, trying to take in everything Mariah said, but soon her eyes drifted closed, and she floated off to sleep, dreaming of a dark-eyed cowboy with a wheat-colored hat.

  Daniel glanced over his shoulder as the wagon rounded the curve and rolled toward the house. Both Mariah and Annika had fallen asleep only a few minutes into the hour-long ride back to the ranch. They lay side-by-side now, nestled in the blankets.

  He studied the young woman and frowned slightly, concern tightening his stomach. She looked much younger than twenty-two and didn’t appear to weigh more than an armful of firewood. How would she handle the hardships of ranch life? He’d hate to see her get sick and waste away like Mariah’s momma, Eliza. Her death had hit them all hard, especially Chase. His brother hadn’t been the same since.

  Daniel sighed and shook his head. He, Pa, and Mariah adjusted over time, but Chase continued to run wild since losing his wife. And the fact Mariah looked more like her mother every day didn’t help.

  Was that why Chase spent so little time at home? When he was there, he rarely gave his daughter the affection and attention she longed for. It wasn’t right. He’d tried talking to Chase about it, but that hadn’t helped. Maybe this young woman would give Chase a reason to stay home and spend time with his daughter again, but that seemed like an awful burden to place on her, especially with the way Chase had been acting lately.

  Would he treat her kindly or break her heart? That was what really worried him. He didn’t like the idea of his father springing a bride on Chase. It wasn’t fair to either of them. But he could understand why he’d done it. Somehow, he’d have to get Chase to give the girl a chance.

  “Whoa now.” Pa reined in the horses, and the wagon rolled to a stop.

  Daniel scanned the barnyard and corral looking for Chase, but he didn’t see him or his bay gelding, Sundancer.

  “Time to rise and shine,” Pa boomed to the girls.

  Annika sat up quickly and looked around; then she gently brushed the hair from the sleeping girl’s face. His father helped Annika climb down.

  “I’ll take Mariah in.” Daniel lifted his niece into his arms and glanced at Annika. Uncertainty creased her pale brows as she looked at the ranch house.

  He turned and took in the view as a newcomer might. The large, two-story log house looked sturdy with a fine rock chimney and wide front porch. A small stream wove through the rich grasslands beyond the barnyard, and granite hills rose in the distance. His family had lived on the property for almost twelve years, since the Pacific Railroad came through and brought them here. He and Chase had been fourteen and sixteen at the time. Their mother had died two years later. It wasn’t an easy life, especially for women.

  He climbed the porch steps and called Song Li. The cook pushed open the door but scowled when he saw Annika. As soon as Daniel and Mariah passed through, Song Li let the door bang closed.

  Pa yanked it open. “Come in, Miss Bergstrom.”

  “Please, call me Annika.”

  He nodded and set her bag on the floor. “Daniel, you and Song Li get Miss Bergstrom’s trunk. I’ll take Mariah upstairs.”

  Daniel nodded and passed him the sleeping girl, then headed out the door. Song Li trailed behind him, muttering in Chinese.

  Daniel and Song Li hauled the heavy trunk upstairs. When Daniel reached the top, he stopped and glanced back at Annika. “I suppose you can stay with Mariah for now.”

  Her cheeks bloomed pink. “Yes, thank you. That will be fine.”

  They set her trunk down, and she stepped in the room, taking a wide path around him. The poor girl looked scared as a fawn separated from her mother.

  He took off his hat and wiped his damp forehead. “Why don’t you get yourself settled and then come downstairs? I’m sure Song Li will have supper ready soon.”

  Song Li glowered at Daniel then hurried out the door.

  Annika watched the cook with an anxious expression.

  “Don’t mind him. He’s just worried you’re going to send him packing.”

  Her eyes widened. “Why would he think that?”

  “Song Li has been our cook for the last three years since Eliza passed away.”

  “Eliza?”

  “Chase’s wife.”

  Her face flushed. “Oh yes, of course.”

  “He doesn’t like change or anyone telling him how to do his job. But he’ll settle down and accept you by-and-by.”

  She sank down on the edge of the bed where Mariah slept. “Thank you.” Her voice came out in a hoarse whisper, and tears collected in her blue eyes.

  Daniel nodded and backed toward the door, uncertain what he’d do if her tears overflowed. “Take your time. There’s no hurry,” he said and ducked out the door.

  Chapter 3

  Sunbeams slanted through the window the next morning, waking Annika. The oth
er side of the bed was empty, and the angle of the sun told her it was already mid-morning. She flipped back the covers and hopped out of bed. The cool wood floor sent shivers racing up her legs. She washed and dressed quickly, hoping Chase and his family wouldn’t think she was a lazy woman intent on sleeping the day away.

  Buttoning her dress up the back without her sister’s help was a challenge, but she managed it with a bit of wiggling and tugging. With a final glance in the mirror, she smoothed back her hair, ready to face the day and hopefully meet her future husband.

  Her stomach fluttered. Would he be as handsome as his brother? What a silly thought. A man’s character was more important than his outward appearance. Chase had shown who he was through his letters. That was enough for her. But if he did resemble his brother, she certainly wouldn’t mind.

  Energy hummed through her as she opened her trunk, took out her apron, and slipped it on over her dress. Today she would begin her new life on the ranch and make a place for herself in the family.

  As she descended the stairs to the kitchen, the aroma of coffee and bacon rose to greet her. Her mouth watered.

  The only person in the kitchen was the Chinese cook, Song Li. He stood at the counter kneading dough.

  “Good morning.” She greeted him with a smile.

  He glanced her way and continued kneading. “You late for breakfast.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry.” Her face flamed. “I don’t usually oversleep. I’m used to rising early. I suppose it was the long trip and the wonderful feather bed.”

  His somber expression didn’t change.

  A plate covered with a pie tin sat on the back of the stove. Had they saved her some breakfast? Should she ask about cooking her own?

  Straightening her shoulders, she faced Song Li. She was going to be mistress of this house when she married Chase. He ought to show her more respect or at least common courtesy.

  But memories of the rude way she had been treated by some of the wealthy students at the Hillman School came flooding back. Looking down on him or treating him unkindly simply because he worked for her would not be wise. Kindness and teamwork would more likely win him over. “Something smells wonderful. What are you making?”

  “I cook meat for dinner.”

  “You certainly are an accomplished cook. The chicken you prepared yesterday was very tender, and the dumplings were delicious, the best I’ve ever had.”

  Song Li gave her a curt nod.

  She heard voices and the sound of footsteps on the back porch. “You look busy. Shall I cook myself some breakfast?”

  Song Li gasped, and his dark eyes flashed. “You no cook in my kitchen! Song Li cook! Song Li clean! Song Li take care of family!”

  Mr. Simms, Daniel, and Mariah walked in during Song Li’s outburst.

  “I understand. I simply asked if I could make myself some breakfast.”

  “Your food on stove!” Song Li slammed the bread dough down and wrestled with it as if it was alive.

  Daniel hustled over and snatched the plate off the back of the stove. “Morning, Annika.” He set it on the table and lifted the lid, revealing a stack of pancakes, scrambled eggs, and several slices of bacon. “Would you like some coffee?”

  “Yes, please.” Her voice trembled slightly.

  “Song Li, I want to speak to you outside.” Mr. Simms motioned the cook to follow him.

  Song Li slapped the dough down and stalked out of the room. The front door slammed.

  Bowing her head, she prayed and asked God to give her peace in the midst of this unexpected storm. After a whispered, “Amen,” she lifted her head.

  “How’d you sleep?” Daniel asked as he passed her a cup of coffee and took a seat across from her. His gentle tone and smile soothed her.

  “Fine, thank you. The bed was very comfortable.”

  “You didn’t mind sharing with me?” Mariah asked, climbing into a chair next to her uncle.

  “Not at all. I’m used to sharing with my twin sister, Sophia, so it was a comfort to have you there.” She smiled at Mariah, pleased to see the girl’s eyes sparkle.

  But then, Mariah’s warm expression melted away. “I don’t have any sisters or brothers, and my momma is in heaven.”

  Annika’s heart clenched. She looked at Daniel.

  He didn’t seem bothered by the turn in the conversation. His warm gaze rested on Mariah. “Your momma is probably looking down right now proud as can be to see the way you’re growing up.” He laid his hand on Mariah’s shoulder and winked at her.

  Her smile resurfaced, and she turned to Annika. “You gonna eat all those pancakes yourself?”

  Annika held back a grin. “I believe there are too many for me. Would you like some?”

  “I sure would. I been cleaning stalls with Uncle Daniel, and I’m real hungry.” She hopped up and got a plate and fork from the stack of clean dishes on the counter.

  Annika slid two large pancakes onto Mariah’s plate, and the girl sat down again to eat.

  Song Li marched back in the kitchen, followed by Mr. Simms. The cook bowed to Annika, his expression grim. “I sorry for bad words. You most welcome in this house.” He almost choked on his apology, and Annika suspected he only spoke under threat of losing his job.

  “Thank you, Song Li.” Annika turned to Mr. Simms. “Has Chase returned yet?”

  Mr. Simms exchanged an uneasy glance with Daniel. “Not yet. I think I’ll ride out with a few men and see if we can find him.”

  Annika’s stomach tensed. “Do you think something’s happened to him?”

  Mr. Simms rubbed his chin. “Well now, I wouldn’t worry. He’s probably fine, just taking his time to settle some things before he comes back.”

  What did that mean? She glanced at Daniel, hoping he might explain.

  But he got up from the table and turned away. “I’ll go with you, Pa.”

  “No, you stay here, show Annika around, and keep an eye on Mariah.”

  The muscles in Daniel’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t argue with his father.

  Mariah stuffed the last piece of pancake in her mouth. “I don’t need no one to watch me. I’m big ‘nuff to take care of myself.” Then she jumped up from the chair and grabbed her uncle’s arm. “Could you take me and Annika for a ride? Please, Uncle Daniel, please.”

  Annika froze, her gaze riveted on Daniel. She’d welcome a tour of the ranch, but getting on a horse was the last thing she intended to do.

  Daniel grabbed his hat and strode out the door. Some days he’d like to tell his father exactly what he thought of his harebrained ideas. He didn’t mind staying behind or keeping an eye on Mariah, but he disliked keeping the truth about the situation with Chase from Annika.

  The struggle between his controlling father and freedom-loving brother was a longstanding battle. He usually tried to stay out of it or work behind the scenes to help them forge a temporary truce. But bringing Annika here added more fuel to the flames, and he wasn’t sure he could stop the smoldering argument from turning into a raging wildfire this time.

  He could see why Chase was upset, but running off and leaving them to deal with his unexpected bride wasn’t right either. And shoot, it wasn’t Annika’s fault. What was going to happen to her?

  He glanced over his shoulder. Mariah and Annika walked side-by-side a few paces behind him.

  “That’s the smokehouse where we put all the ham and bacon after we butcher the hogs,” Mariah said. “And that’s the chicken coop. I feed them every morning and collect the eggs. Over there is the springhouse. That’s where we keep all the milk and butter.”

  Annika smiled. “My family used to have a dairy farm back in Sweden. I helped my parents make butter and cheese.”

  “Song Li lets me help make butter, but we never made cheese before.”

  “Well, maybe I can teach you how.”

  Mariah grinned and took Annika’s hand. “That sounds good.”

  Daniel slowed so they could catch up. It was nice to see Mariah happy
for a change. Having Annika around would be good for her, and it would be good for Chase, too, if he’d get himself back here and take some time to get to know her. She had a real pleasing way about her, and those blue eyes of hers looked like the sky on a summer day. Chase would have to hunt a long time to find another bride as fine as Annika.

  Well, there was nothing he could do about his brother right now. He might as well help Annika find her way around the ranch. “Over there’s the bunkhouse.” Daniel pointed past the corral to a long, low building off to the left. “We have about a dozen hired hands. They have their own cook and eat their meals out there, so you won’t see too much of them. They’re all hard workers, but they can be a little rough around the edges.”

  Annika’s golden brows dipped, and she bit her lower lip.

  “They shouldn’t give you any trouble. If they do, just let me know. I’ll take care of it.”

  Her expression eased, and she nodded. “Thank you.”

  “That’s the old barn next to the bunkhouse,” he added. “We store hay there and use the stalls during calving season. And this is our new barn.” He lifted the latch on the big double door and pulled it open. “We mainly use this for the horses.”

  Annika hesitated in the doorway then she hurried in, staying close to Daniel. The sweet smell of hay mixed with the pungent aroma of horseflesh floated out to meet them.

  “That’s Buttercup.” Mariah dragged a stool over to the second stall. She stood on top and reached up to rub her horse’s nose. “Isn’t she pretty? Come pet her.”

  Annika shook her head, her face pale.

  “It’s all right. She’s real gentle. She won’t hurt you.” Mariah’s voice was soft and coaxing, but Annika stayed by Daniel’s side.