A Home for Christmas

by Linda Ford

  Wade put the fork back in the corner. “Guess I’ll go see if there’s anything else needs doing.”

  The other man grunted and straightened. “There’s a broken plank on the far pen. Always find driving in spikes helps ease my mind.” And he sauntered away without a backward look.

  Well, that was strange, Wade thought. But he didn’t mind fixing a fence, so he grabbed tools and spikes from the tack room and left the barn. In the yard he paused to look toward the big house, but all he saw was the reflection of the clouds in the windows.

  He wasn’t running from his family or his thoughts or his past. Well, maybe a little from his past. But what choice did he have? It held nothing but regrets and failures, and he sure hoped to avoid them in the future.

  He hustled across the bridge toward the wintering pens. His glance went unbidden to the path he and Missy had followed up the hill. Where she’d fallen into his arms. A smile came from his heart to his mouth. She was a good woman, all right. Far too good for the likes of him. She deserved a man who would never fail her. Not that marriage was in her plans. She’d made that plain from the first night.

  Brand was wrong. Pounding in nails did not clear Wade’s thoughts. With every blow of his hammer he drove home another memory of Missy. How she felt neither too light nor too heavy in his arms as he carried her home. How she’d leaned her head against his shoulder. The feel of her fingers on his palm as she gave him a bit of candy. By the time he’d repaired the fence he was grinning like a crazy kid full of hard rock candy. Good thing he worked in solitude or people might wonder if he was addled.

  He sauntered back to the house after putting his tools away, wondering what the evening had in store and what Missy had done the rest of the afternoon.

  The children raced over to greet him as he stepped inside. He swung them both into his arms. How sweet it was that Joey didn’t protest.

  He gave them each a little whisker rub, ignoring their pretend protests, then shifted his attention to Missy.

  She smiled, her eyes soft with approval. If playing with the children brought that look to her face, he’d play with them every waking minute.

  He set the pair on the floor. Of course he couldn’t and wouldn’t. That was only foolish dreams.

  And yet over the meal and as the evening wore on he found himself looking to her more and more often, yearning for signs of approval, and he was rewarded time and time again until he thought he might actually stand up and cheer.

  The children yawned.

  “Grady, it’s time for bed,” Linette said. “Come along.”

  “You two, as well.” Missy held out her hands to the pair.

  Wade rose, but she smiled and said, “You rest. I’ll take care of them.”

  He settled back into his chair, though his gaze followed them to the stairs. He listened until their footsteps faded away.

  The minutes dragged by. How long did it take to put two children to bed?

  Finally his ear picked up a footstep in the hall above. It could be Linette. Or Louise, who had taken Chloe upstairs a bit ago. Air eased from his lungs as Missy descended. He stood as she stepped into the room.

  She stopped and looked at him, waiting, it seemed, for him to say something.

  His mind went blank, then he said he first thing that popped into his befuddled brain.

  “Would you like to go for a walk?” In the deepest part of his brain, he knew he shouldn’t have asked her to walk with him. But he couldn’t pull the words back and, for the most part, didn’t regret the invitation.

  She stood motionless, not answering.

  Would she find some excuse? For both their sakes, she should, but he held his breath, waiting for her response.

  Chapter Nine

  “I’d like that.” She turned aside to get her coat, but not before Wade saw a flash of light in her eyes. As if she thought walking with him was a good idea

  His breath whistled past his teeth as he hurried to join her.

  They stepped outside. The air was crisp with winter’s breath. There was just a slice of moon, but it was enough to turn the snow silvery and cast enough light for them to walk easily. At the same time it provided enough of an excuse for him to tuck her arm around his and hold her close. That and concern about Vic, of course. The man had still not been spotted.

  “It’s beautiful out,” she said. “So clear and still.”

  Unlike his thoughts, he mused wryly. He couldn’t remember when he’d felt so muddled, yearning after things he knew he must deny himself. An ache the size of the great outdoors grew within him, the desire to open the vaults of his past and lay before her all his secrets.

  They passed the cookhouse, where Cookie and her husband could be seen sitting at the table, a lit lamp between them. Cookie’s hands were busy with some sewing and Bertie held a book.

  “Likely the Bible,” Missy commented. “He speaks at church on Sunday.”

  “Guess I’ll get a chance to hear him.” Wade welcomed the idea, even though he knew every day he delayed his departure made his resolve more tenuous.

  To their right, light glowed from the cabin where Jayne and Seth lived. Missy told him how Jayne had accidently shot Seth while attempting to learn how to shoot a gun. “That’s how they met.”

  Wade laughed. “That will be a story to tell their grandchildren.”

  Her laughter joined his and if he wasn’t mistaken, she pressed closer to him.

  If so, he informed his befuddled brain, it was only to share body heat.

  Yellow light filled the three windows of the bunkhouse. Wood smoke drifted from the chimney. Someone played a lonesome tune on a mouth organ. They paused to listen, then without speaking continued across the bridge toward the hill they’d climbed last evening, though neither of them suggested that direction. They could have just as easily gone past the Jones house and walked that trail.

  “We gave the children the third day of Christmas,” Missy said at last.

  He welcomed the safe topic, coming, as it did, before he started blurting out his past. Would she condemn him as Tomasina’s parents had, as his own heart continued to do? Would she agree that he had failed as a husband and as a man?

  “I surely do appreciate the way you entertain the children,” he said instead. “I’m sure Linette appreciates your help with Grady, as well.”

  “I’m enjoying it. You know you’re welcome to take part in any activity we do.”

  At her invitation he longed to say he’d be there each and every moment, but he had to maintain a few boundaries. “I’ll be there when I can, but I feel I need to help out around the ranch to repay the Gardiners for their kindness.”

  “Of course. I understand.”

  The pigs snorted as they passed. The cows mooed softly. In the distance a wolf howled and Missy’s arm tightened. He gladly pressed her closer to his side. “It’s a distance off,” he assured her. His senses were alert for something more sinister than a wild animal. There was nothing more deadly than a rogue man.

  “Have you seen wolves up close?” she asked, her voice full of concern, which weakened his already faltering boundaries.

  He had difficulty forcing the words from his tight throat. “Once or twice.”

  She shuddered and clutched his arm.

  He closed his eyes and allowed himself to momentarily think of protecting her and shielding her for more than this one fragile moment.

  “How close? Were they attacking you?”

  “Too close for comfort. They were after a calf that had somehow wandered too far from its mama. Would have gotten it, too, if I hadn’t been walking by.”

  “You chased them away? How many were there?”

  “There were four and they turned on me. They like to corner their prey, but I scared them away with my gun.” He did
his best to make it sound harmless, when in reality one had lunged for his throat and he’d escaped only because he’d happened to be carrying a pistol and shot it. Wade would spare her that bit of information.

  A rustle came from the nearby trees and she drew back with a jerk. “What’s that?”

  “I’m sure it’s nothing.” But he wasn’t convinced. He’d come out with no means of protection and the talk of wolves had made him tense, but he’d protect her barehanded if he must.

  A dark shadow leaped from the trees.

  Missy screamed.

  Wade shoved her behind him and widened his stance. Nothing was going to get to her without going through him, and he was prepared to tear any attacking animal limb from limb before that happened.

  The animal stopped two feet away, woofed and panted. “It’s only Dawg.”

  She released pent-up air and leaned against Wade’s back.

  He pulled her around into his arms. “There was never any real danger.”

  “Not for me, but you were prepared to stop a wild animal.” She tipped her face toward his. “Thank you.”

  “There’s nothing to thank me for.”

  “Is that you, Wade?” He recognized Brand’s voice.

  Wade and Missy broke apart, but she continued to clutch his arm.

  Then Brand and Sybil came into view. Dawg plopped down beside his master. “Did the dog scare you?” Brand asked.

  “A little,” Wade confessed.

  “A lot,” Missy corrected. “We were just talking about wolves. My nerves were already on edge when the dog appeared.”

  “Sorry about that,” Sybil said. “He’s completely harmless, unless someone threatens Brand. Then you better watch out.”

  Wade tucked the bit of information under his hat. Not that he thought he and Brand would ever come to any sort of disagreement. “No harm done.”

  “You’re headed up to the courting hill, I see.” Sybil and Brand smiled at each other as if they shared a secret.

  “Courting hill?” Wade tried to think what she meant.

  “Oh, yes,” Sybil went on. “There’s been more than one couple climb that hill, stop at the top and slowly or instantly fall in love.

  Her words sent his heart into a gallop, which he instantly ordered to stop. He had no intention of falling in love with Missy. Nor her with him, for that matter. “We were just getting some fresh air and talking about tomorrow.”

  “I see.” Brand sounded doubtful. “Well, Sybil and I have had our share of fresh air. You’re welcome to the courting hill.” The pair continued toward their cabin.

  With one accord, Wade and Missy shifted direction. She seemed no more eager to make use of the courting hill than he. Though he was tempted to see what would happen if they went up there, he’d forbidden such things in his life.

  They crossed the bridge again and turned onto the trail passing the Jones home. Through the front window they glimpsed Cassie and Roper sitting together in rocking chairs. Missy’s steps slowed as she continued to look toward the house.

  She’d said she wanted to become a secretary and be on her own. Perhaps she was having second thoughts after seeing all the happy couples here.

  Not that it mattered to Wade.

  “Are you ready for the party tomorrow?” she asked, after they’d passed the house.

  “Is there something I needed to do?” Had he missed a task he was responsible for?

  “Just show up and enjoy yourself with the children.”

  He could tell she had more to say by the way she caught her breath.

  “Something that you do very well, I might add.”

  “What? Show up?” Did he sound as surprised as he felt? Surely he was good for more than that.

  Her peals of laughter so startled him that he turned to stare at her.

  She tried to speak, but instead, laughed again.

  He crossed his arms and regarded her with a great deal of patience. He sure would like to know what was so funny.

  She managed to control her amusement, but still grinned widely. He wished he could see her eyes better in the evening light. Then he might be able to guess what this was all about.

  “I didn’t mean that you just show up, like a bad penny or something. Not at all. Sorry I laughed, but your reaction struck me as funny.” She sucked in a deep breath. “I meant that you are so good with the children. It seems you understand their needs. And you’re so patient with them. Yet at the same time, you obviously enjoy them.”

  Her words brushed over him, touching bruises and wounds with a healing balm. For a moment he was speechless, then, aware that she watched him closely, he said, “I do enjoy them. Always have. Even when they were babies. Do you know how special it is to watch them go from one stage to another?” He shrugged. “I was blessed that Susan allowed me to be so involved in their lives.”

  “So were they, I would say.” Missy continued to study him until he had to look away. This time he was grateful the dim light didn’t allow her to see the emotions he knew were in his eyes—regret and sorrow at the loss of his sister and the impending loss of his niece and nephew. Nor could she see the warning in his eyes to not pursue the direction she headed with this conversation.

  She patted his arm. “You’re a good man, Wade Snyder. You should remember that.”

  She could have blown him over with less effort than it took to blow out a candle. When had she gone from pressing him to keep the children to admiring him? Not that he was complaining. It felt downright good to have someone say such kind words. Good thing he hadn’t confessed his past, or she would not be quite so free with her praise.

  They ventured on, her arm tucked about his, and now it felt entirely different. He could almost let himself think she liked him. The thought warmed the recesses of his heart. “What are the plans for the party?”

  “I thought we’d play a few games, have some treats. Can you think of anything else?”

  He was pleased to be able to say he could. “I have popping corn.”

  “Oh, that would be delightful.”

  He glowed with pleasure.

  The night had grown darker, the path harder to see. “We better turn around.”

  “I suppose so.” But she stared off into the darkness.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked.

  She shuddered slightly. “Nothing, I guess. But I always miss my parents this time of year, and now my brother is gone and I’ve had to leave the house I’ve always lived in. I had to leave behind everything but what I could pack into a small trunk. I had two special Christmas ornaments I didn’t bring. I never even thought of it at the time. My only concern was to get away from Vic before he harmed any of us.”

  Vic! Wade grabbed Missy’s elbow and hustled her back along the trail. “We should have never come this far. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

  “Humph. I hope you were thinking how nice it would be to walk with me.”

  At the injured tone in her voice, he relented. “Of course I was, but I plumb forgot about Vic. How is that possible?”

  “Maybe because he isn’t much of a risk. You know the Mounties always get their man. Vic is no doubt rotting in a jail right now, awaiting his trial.” She was definitely aggrieved.

  Wade slowed his steps and pulled her to his side again, but his ears strained to catch any sound. Not until they reached the house did he relax. Even then, he opened the door and ushered her in with urgency.

  * * *

  Missy knew she shouldn’t be annoyed, but she was. Clear through. She and Louise had left Montana to escape Vic. The horrible man had followed them to Fort Macleod and caused fear and havoc, and now he was ruining her stay at Eden Valley Ranch. He wasn’t even here and yet he was exerting control over her.

  No doubt they would soon r
eceive word he had been captured, and then she could start to live her own life without fear. A secretary was what she’d be.

  She slammed an inner door to the thoughts that had sprung up unbidden and unwelcome as they walked by Cassie and Roper’s house. A home. Children safely tucked in bed. A man sitting nearby, sharing the little joys and trials of the day. More than a man, a husband.

  Home and family were not part of her plans.

  Freedom and independence were.

  She entered the Gardiner house and called a good-night to those still in the other room, then turned her steps down the hall. Before she reached the doorway to her bedroom, she heard Wade call good-night and then his footsteps sounded on the stairs.

  He was, as she said, a good man, but for some reason he seemed to think otherwise. If only Missy could make him see what she saw in him, then perhaps he’d make the effort to keep the children.

  * * *

  She wakened next morning to the sound of a floorboard next to her bed squeaking, and jerked instantly awake, her heart pounding. Her first thought was that Vic had found her!

  Instead of his hoarse rasp she heard a child’s high-pitched voice. “I’m awake but Joey isn’t,” Annie whispered.

  Missy fell back against her pillow and pressed her palm to her chest in an effort to calm her heart. She would not be so frightened by the possibility of Vic showing up if not for Wade’s reaction last night.

  She held the covers open, inviting Annie to join her. The little girl crawled in and arranged her two dolls on the pillow. She shuffled down, pulled the quilt to her chin and stuck her icy feet against Missy.

  Missy shivered. “Does your uncle know you’re here?”

  “He’s still asleep.”

  He’d taken a watch again, which cut drastically into the amount of sleep he got. Missy’s throat stung. Here she was again, being a burden to everyone. Vic was a threat partially because of her presence here. Louise had Nate to protect her.

  Vic had pursued her ever since Gordie had taken up with him following Mama and Papa’s deaths. Louise had often come to her rescue.

  Again Missy wondered if she was the reason Louise had married Gordie.