“I’ll get it. It’s ready to cook. I also have green beans and potatoes. Even the items to make cherry pies.” He started for the door and stopped. “I’m not a bad cook. I can help in the kitchen if you’d like me to.”
Like a wave, relief flooded over her. Like him or not, she was no longer alone on this holiday. No longer the only one to try and make a home for her children. This man. This stranger, who had been so thoughtful, was already eager to help her. She could see it in his eyes. Feel it in the air as the atmosphere of her home had changed.
Claire wondered if Thomas would mind, but then again, he was no longer here, and she welcomed the help and the food. “Let me get my coat and help you carry things inside.”
Mr. Freemont stopped at the door and waited for her. “I can bring it in if you want to help the girl decorate the tree. She looks eager to start.”
Claire looked, and indeed, Leah sat at the box and pulled out the few ornaments they had. She must have felt her gaze because her daughter looked at her with hope in her eyes.
“Mama, can we put these on the tree?” Claire caught the misgivings in her daughter’s question.
Knowing that Leah was worried about upsetting her, Claire nodded and went to her. “Yes, let’s decorate the tree while Mr. Freemont brings things in. Then I’ll help him with the turkey dinner.”
Leah’s eyes grew big. “Oh, that will be so good. I can help some too.”
Claire smiled. A real smile and lovingly cupped her daughter’s precious face. “He brought the makings for pie. Just me and you will make the pies.”
Beaming, Leah put the first ornament on the tree. “You don’t think Papa will mind, do you?”
The very question that Claire had been asking herself. Yet, her daughter had suffered enough. “No, Papa won’t mind at all. After all, he’s with Jesus and his mother and father.”
Leah smiled tenderly. “That’s good. I know he misses us, but if he’s with his Mama and Papa, then he’s happy.” She put on another ornament.
And so, the morning went. Claire and Leah decorated the tree, and when Tom came back into the house, he lent a hand with the garland.
By the time they finished, Mr. Freemont and Mr. Gantry had most of the items out of the wagons.
Claire looked at them and saw how tired they looked. “Please, sit down and rest. Thank you for making our Christmas so wonderful. I don’t know how to thank you enough. I’ll get you some coffee and porridge to warm you up.”
She went into the kitchen to get them the items and carried the tray to bring it out to them. “I’ll get busy with the turkey. I hadn’t planned on it, so I don’t have dressing. But the potatoes will be wonderful.”
Leah grinned. “Mama makes the best potatoes.”
Mr. Freemont nodded. “Thank you for the porridge and coffee. It was just what I needed. If you want, we can stay in the barn.”
“No, no. I have a guest room. If you won’t mind sharing it.”
Alex stretched out his legs. “This porridge is good. Thanks for offering the room.”
Mr. Freemont stood. “I’ll help with the turkey.”
“Oh, no. You rest.”
“I promised I’d help with dinner, and please call me, Ethan.”
Claire nodded. “I welcome the help.”
“Mama, there are presents under the tree. Can we open them?” Leah sat by the tree, lovingly fingering the presents.
“Once I get the turkey on, then we’ll open them.” Claire looked at Ethan and whispered. “Thank you for the presents. I didn’t expect that at all. I’m afraid I didn’t make you anything.”
“Don’t think a thing about it. Alex and I had fun buying presents for you and the children. I hope you like what we brought.”
“I assure you, we are most grateful.” Claire went into the kitchen and was astonished at all the food Ethan had brought with him. Oddly, they were just the things she needed and would have gotten herself if she’d had the money.
Chapter 8
Ethan couldn’t have been more delighted to meet Claire and her children. While the boy was a bit wary of them, Leah welcomed them into her life and home with great excitement.
And Claire. He just wasn’t sure what she felt. At first, the woman had been almost standoffish. But that could be because he’d surprised her. She did warm up as the morning progressed.
Ethan went into the kitchen and cleaned the turkey for her. Though she didn’t have any stuffing, she expertly brushed butter on the big bird and sprinkled the seasoning on it. Despite her objections, Ethan helped her with the potatoes as he was an expert peeler.
Claire ushered him out of the kitchen. “Leah and I will make the pies. Then after dinner, we will open the rest of the presents.” She’d allowed Leah to open one after they had their porridge. Then she had persuaded the girl to wait for the others to be opened after the turkey dinner.
Leah had opened the one her mother had put under the tree. Ethan figured that spoke to the loyalty and love the little one had for her mother. The tenderness sparked love in his heart for the little girl as if she were his own daughter.
Claire pulled out the pie dishes. “Mr. Freemont, please go and sit down. You’ve done more than enough.”
Seeing that she meant it, Ethan went into the main room and sat on the couch next to Alex. Ethan elbowed him. “Stop snoring.”
Alex shook his head and sat up. “Sorry. I guess I was more tired than I thought.”
Tom sat in the big chair that Ethan assumed had been the boy’s father’s. The boy might be more of a problem to him. Not that he was rude or uncordial, but neither was he friendly.
Hoping to take some of the kid’s misgivings away, Ethan pointed outside. “I hope the oxen will be useful to you. I didn’t know how bad the situation was, but figured you could either use them to plow, sell them, or eat them if the winter was bad.”
Tom shrugged. “You made a good choice. The cows we can pasture and put with O’Hara’s bull. We do have a milk cow, but she’s getting older.”
Ethan looked out the window. Clouds were overtaking the sun and throwing them back into the dismal gray of winter. “Do those clouds look like they carry snow to you?”
Tom turned and looked. “Yes, they do.”
Alex shook his head. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much snow. Good thing we put runners on the wagons.”
Tom pointed at the window. “The wagons, what do you want to do with them?”
“Whatever you think we should, Tom. I’ve come to help but not take over. I knew I needed two to bring the items I wanted to bring. I wasn’t sure if you would have a wagon or not. I would like to give one of them to Alex if he wants it.”
Tom shrugged. “Fine with me. They’re your wagons.”
Alex stretched. “I don’t know about you men, but smelling that turkey is making me hungry.”
As if in response, Claire and Leah came out of the kitchen with a load of plates. “Dinner is about ready. Take your seats, and we’ll bring the food.”
Ethan got up. “Do you want me to carry the turkey?”
She stared at him, tears welled up in her eyes.
Tom came in behind him. “I’ll carry the turkey. That was always Pa’s job.”
Ethan nodded. “Then, that is how it should be.” He backed out of the kitchen and went to sit at the table. Not wanting to offend this family anymore, he asked Leah where he should sit.
The child looked up at him with adoring eyes and pointed to the chair opposite the door. “You sit there, and Mr. Alex sits beside you. I sit right here.” She pointed to the chair on the other side of him.
Ethan had just sat down when Claire brought out the dish with mashed potatoes piled high. She looked at him. Shock and perhaps a twinge of anger on her face as she saw where he was sitting.
Tom came out, glared at him, and set the turkey down. Picking up the knife and fork, he nodded at his mother. “I’ll carve the turkey.”
Ethan got the uncomfortable idea tha
t Leah had seated him in her father’s chair. That had been the last place he’d wanted to sit. And by Tom’s glare, Ethan was sure he’d done the unforgivable.
After everyone sat down, Claire bowed her head and folded her hands. Leah did the same, but when Ethan looked at Tom, the boy was staring at him. Ethan did as Claire and nudged Alex to do the same.
Claire’s voice started as if she were unsure. “Father in heaven, we thank you for these gifts. The blessing of food and family and friendship. We thank you for the gift of Your Son and praise You for giving us the gift of eternal life. Amen.”
“And bless Papa. Jesus, tell him we miss him. Amen.” Leah sat up straight and smiled big and pleased as she’d spoken her heart unashamed and full of faith.
Claire nodded. “That was nice, Leah.”
Tom passed the plate with the meat. “We have plenty.” He put some on his plate and looked at Ethan. “Thanks for bringing us the food.”
“My pleasure, Tom. I only want to help.” Ethan hoped Tom would understand. Yet, he knew the boy would want to be the head of the farm. It was his land. His home. His mother and sister that Ethan had come to live with. Life here would be a delicate balance. But Ethan was patient. And he would give the boy time.
Claire, on the other hand, was still hard to read. He didn’t want her to think she had to marry him solely because he’d brought her a turkey and goods to see them through the winter. Indeed, it was the Lord Himself who had given him the idea.
After dinner, they gathered in the den around the tree. Alex stood uncomfortably near the door. “Ethan, I’ll go and check the livestock.” He winked at him.
“You do that. Then you come back in. I didn’t forget you.”
Leah sat next to him. “I can hand out the presents.”
“Can you? Well, then get that one in front and read the name.”
Eagerly the little girl grabbed the package and looked at the writing. With a big grin, she hugged it to her. “It says Leah.”
“Then, you open it.” Ethan’s heart warmed at the child’s joy as she tore off the wrap and revealed a doll.
“Oh, Mama. Look what Ethan got me.” She held up a doll.
Claire smiled pleasantly enough. “How nice. But you must call him, Mr. Freemont.”
“Yes, Mama. Thank you, Mr. Freemont. It is just what I wanted.”
“You’re welcome. Now get that one in the back.”
“The tall one?”
He nodded.
Leah pulled the package toward the front and smiled. “Tom.” She looked at her brother and handed him the present.
Tom looked at him and then his mother. After she nodded, he tore open the package. “I needed a rifle. Pa had promised me one this year.” Sudden embarrassment stole the boy’s smile as he looked at his mother.
“It’s all right, Tom. Your father would be pleased for you.” Claire looked at Ethan. “You chose presents very wisely.”
Ethan reached for one at the front of the tree and handed it to her. “I brought you a present or two also.”
She blushed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t get you anything.”
“Open it.”
Claire opened the package, and a whispered oh escaped her lips. She held up a blue dress. “I have never had a dress as pretty as this one.”
“I hope you like it.”
She looked at him. “I do. I truly do.”
“Mama, you can wear it at the New Year’s Eve Party at church.” Leah fingered the material. “It’s so soft and pretty.”
“Thank you, Mr. Freemont. That was most kind of you.” Claire’s voice wavered as she stared at the dress.
“Call me, Ethan, please. As a gift to me.”
Claire nodded. “Thank you, Ethan. From all of us.”
“I’m not done with the presents.” Ethan stood.
Leah looked at the present remaining. “This one says Alex.”
“There might be a couple of presents outside.”
Leah’s eyes brightened. “Outside?”
Ethan stood and held out a hand to Claire. “Come on. Everyone.” He led Claire to the door and opened it. Standing on the porch, he waited until Tom and Leah stepped outside beside them.
Alex came from the barn leading two horses.
Ethan took the reins to the smaller blue roan. “I thought this horse was perfect for you, Leah.”
The little girl squealed. “For me? My own horse?”
Alex brought the buckskin gelding to the porch. “I believe this one is for you, Tom.”
The boy shook his head, and with tears in his eyes, he stepped forward to take the reins. He ran his hand over the saddle. “Even has a scabbard to put the rifle in.” He turned to Ethan. “Thank you. I’ll try to make it up to you.”
“It’s a gift, Tom. All I want is for you and Leah to enjoy them.”
“Can I ride, Mama?” Leah grabbed for the saddle, and Alex hoisted her up. “What’s her name?”
Ethan patted the horse’s neck. “Misty Blue.”
“Oh, I love you, pretty horse.”
Tom mounted his horse. “I’ll take her around. We’ll be careful.”
Ethan handed the rifle to Tom. “You’re outfitted. I remember I got my first horse when I was about your age.”
Claire sighed. “Watch your sister. She’s never ridden alone before.”
Leah grinned. “I know how, Mama. Papa let me ride with him bunches of times. Ready, Tom?”
Leah’s brother grabbed the horse’s bridle and started off at a slow walk. “Hang on, Leah.”
Alex watched the children and then turned to face Ethan. “I think they like their presents.”
Ethan hoped so. He turned to look at Claire, and his heart dropped. She looked tired and worried. He only wanted to please her and ease her burden, but she didn’t appear happy. Ethan’s plans weren’t working out. He thought she’d warm up to him.
Claire sighed and went back into the house. “Would you watch the children while I clean up the dishes?”
Ethan nodded at Alex. “I’ll help you. Alex will watch them.”
She turned and wiped her hands on her apron. “Please, you’ve done so much for us. The least I can do is wash the dishes and clean up.”
Seeing how uncomfortable she was around him, Ethan nodded. “All right, I’ll sit here with Alex. But first, I have something to get.” He went inside the house and retrieved the present for Alex. He grabbed a piece of turkey on the way out and sat on the porch.
“Alex, I got you something.”
“Shouldn’t have, buddy.” Alex shrugged. “Just paying me to tag along is more than I could wish for.”
Ethan handed him the package. “Go ahead. Open it.”
“But I didn’t get you anything.”
“That’s all right. Please.” Ethan grinned in anticipation of what Alex would do.
After ripping open the package, Alex stared at it. “What?”
“One of the wagon’s is yours. You knew that. I filled it with goods. You should have enough to stay here and find a woman to your liking. In the spring, you can team up with a wagon train going to Denver or even California. Although if you go that far, you ought to sell everything and take the train.”
“No one has ever given me so much. I don’t know what to say.” Alex looked away and wiped his sleeve across his face. “Thanks, Ethan.”
“You might check and see if they need someone to work with the horses at the livery. I’d say you’re an expert.”
Alex’s eyes were teary. He got up, walked to the end of the porch, and looked out at the children riding their horses.
Ethan didn’t bother him. He knew what it was like to have someone believe in you when no one else did. Mr. Elder had done as much for him when hiring him for the library. To top it off, the man had left him an inheritance. It was that inheritance that had enabled Ethan to even think of going to Last Chance.
After the wonderful Christmas Day that he’d had to share the inheritance with this family and
Alex, Ethan believed that Mr. Elder would be pleased with the joy his money had given everyone. Ethan had the most enjoyment of all by giving to everyone. Tonight, he felt like the richest man in the country.
Chapter 9
Claire undressed in the dark of her bedroom. Oh, she knew the men were in the guest room at the other end of the house, but it was a bit unnerving to have men in the house. After putting on her dressing gown, she turned on the lamp and crawled into bed.
She glanced at the dress. It was such a fine gown made of silk. She’d never had anything like it before. Indeed, Ethan Freemont was a city man. Perhaps she could tell him her secret desire and come spring, he’d take them to town.
Unable to take her eyes from the gift, she got out of bed and tiptoed to the beautiful dress. Never had she seen one with such a rich color of blue. It would accent the blue in her eyes.
“Ethan. A strong sophisticated name. So much like the man.” She did like him. Marriage? Well, she’d have to see. But she couldn’t have chosen a better man for her family. He didn’t talk much about farming. That only raised her hopes of escaping the life of a farmer’s wife.
Yes, if they left the farm, the children would be unhappy. But they could adjust. Claire certainly didn’t want Leah to follow in her footsteps and work so hard for so little. Oh, yes, Thomas had plans to make the farm pay off in a few years, but so many never did.
They’d already lost so much because of the drought and now the winter. Such backbreaking work only to make a meager living. Leah hadn’t had a store-bought dress until now. Tom, well, he went without to give his sister new shoes.
Late at night, Claire sewed what clothes her family wore, and it was getting harder to afford the material. Some women sewed the bags their feed came in. Claire had drawn the line with Thomas and told him that her daughter would not wear a feed sack.
Reluctantly, Thomas had allowed her to take her egg money to buy the material to make Leah and Tom's clothes. As for herself, she wore the same worn dresses day in and day out. The one nice one was saved for Sunday.
Excitement rumbled from deep inside her. To wear such a beautiful dress would set her apart from the other women. Not that she wanted to make them feel bad, but she wanted to feel good. To walk into a room and have people stare at her because she was beautiful. To wonder where she got the dress. To envy her.
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