A few feet away, Julia slept against Cal’s shoulder, just as Emma rested against Jared’s, all three getting some much-needed sleep. Jared’s mind churned with too many thoughts to let him give in to slumber. This situation was a whole lot like the night Jesus was born to Mary. Had the innkeeper’s wife helped with the birth like Mrs. Sharp was doing? Or had Joseph been left on his own to deliver the holy infant? If Jared and Emma lived on a remote ranch in Colorado, he’d have to be prepared for whatever happened. Just the thought of Emma having to go through childbirth without her mama worried him.
When he considered Joseph’s obedience to God, a new thought took root in his mind. Long before Paul wrote the verses in Ephesians about a husband loving his wife and giving himself for her, Joseph had sacrificed all he had so he could take care of Mary. Could Jared do the same for Emma? The answer came quick and clear: yes! He could sacrifice his dream of owning a ranch in Colorado. Instead, he could marry her the same day as Cal and Julia and go with her to Cleveland. There he would take whatever job he could find to support them, maybe in the steel mills. After enjoying all the fresh air out here in New Mexico, he wouldn’t like to work inside an oven-like building, but for Emma’s sake he could do it. And together they would help Emma’s aunt Maggie to raise her children.
Lord, if that’s what You want me to do, please give me a sign.
In spite of the icy cold of the dimly lit barn, a deep certainty warmed Jared from the inside out, and it felt mighty good. With the snap of a finger, he could forget Colorado, forget his dream of buying his own place, thus surrendering the pride that accompanied such ownership. The idea didn’t give him the slightest grief or regret. Surely that was the sign from the Lord he’d just asked for.
He tugged Emma’s blanket up around her neck and then leaned back against the hay. It seemed his eyes hadn’t been closed more than a minute when a baby’s cry startled him awake. Emma and the others, too.
“A boy!” Jose’s voice rang throughout the barn. “A son.”
Emma and Julia jumped to their feet and scurried to help their mother clean and wrap the newborn. Cal stayed by the brazier to guard against a spark flying out to start a fire. Jared looked to Mr. Sharp for instructions.
“Time to do chores,” the older man said. “Weather permitting.”
Jared opened the barn door and peered out. Dawn was slow in coming due to cloud cover, but at least the snow had stopped. A brand-new day had arrived. Christmas Day. And he had a gift for Emma that was far finer than a hand-carved comb.
*
While Jared and Cal hitched up the wagon and took the Mendez family back to town, Emma helped Julia prepare breakfast in the kitchen. Ma was busy stuffing the turkey Paco had shot yesterday afternoon, and later today, Xavier and Angelique Elizondo would leave their house by the sheepfold and come for Christmas dinner. Tomorrow was Sunday. Then on Monday, Jared’s father and other brothers would again meet the family at the church. Emma would give Robby his candy and socks then. She’d managed to wrap her handmade gifts in brown paper and tied them with ribbons.
In spite of her constant awareness that she would soon be leaving all that she loved, Emma found herself at peace. In fact, a peaceful feeling had come over the whole ranch since the arrival of Maria and Jose’s baby. A new life brought hope for the future, and Emma latched on to hope with all her heart.
Beside the stove Mrs. Cat finished feeding her babies and wandered over to the saucer of milk Ma had set down. All of the kittens’ eyes were halfway open, and the firstborn black one seemed determined to climb out of her wooden box to go exploring. Oddly, Ma had taken to the kittens from the first and sometimes acted as if it was her idea to bring the mama in for their births.
After Jared and Cal returned and everyone had eaten breakfast, the family gathered in the parlor. As always, Pa read the Christmas story from the second chapters of Luke and Matthew so they all would remember the true meaning of this day.
“Just as the magi gave gifts to the Christ Child, we give gifts to each other.” Pa proceeded to pass out his presents, as did everyone in turn.
When Jared handed Emma a hand-carved comb, she felt a rush of emotion that almost made it impossible to speak. Almost. “Oh, Jared, it’s beautiful. You sure do have a gift for carving.” She ran a finger over the smooth wood.
“Here.” Julia took it from her. “Let me.” She undid the ribbon from Emma’s hair and pulled the locks up, securing them with the comb. “Finally. Something to keep your hair in place.”
Emma laughed. She and her sister had often teased each other about such things.
After everyone exclaimed over the rest of Jared’s gifts, Jared and Cal heaped praise on Emma for hers.
“Here’s a gal who can beat us in building a barn and knit fine stitches, too.” Cal held up his gloves and grinned in his teasing way. “Jared, I don’t think you should let this little lady get away.” He waggled his eyebrows at his brother in a knowing way.
Jared gave him a sidelong look that hinted at mischief to come. “Why, Calvin, I’m glad you brought that up. I’ve been thinking on it, and I believe I’ll hang on to her…all the way to Cleveland.”
“What?” Emma’s heart jumped into her throat. “You mean to go with me?”
“Ahem.” Pa was clearly in on Jared’s plan, if his wily grin was any indication. “If you intend to travel clear across the country with my daughter, young man, you’d better get hitched first.”
“Why, Mr. Sharp, that’s my intention.” Jared turned to Emma, and his joking expression turned tender. “That is, if she’ll have me.”
Emma couldn’t get out of her chair fast enough. She scampered across the room and plunked herself down on his lap, throwing her arms around his neck. “Oh, honey, I never would have asked you to go, but if you do, I’ll be the happiest woman in the world.” Not caring a minute what her parents thought, Emma planted a kiss right on Jared’s lips. And from the laughter echoing throughout the parlor, she had a feeling they didn’t mind at all.
*
The day after Christmas was Sunday, so Emma got to share her good news with her friends in town. She thought Suzette Pursers might be jealous, since just a week ago, she’d come close to asking Emma’s permission to flirt with Jared. But Suzette had already turned her attention to another Mattson brother. Will didn’t seem quite as scornful of marriage as the older two brothers were…as Jared had been. Emma wished Suzette well in her pursuit.
Since most folks had just made the trip into town on Sunday, the double wedding on Monday was meant to be a simple affair with only family and a couple of friends in attendance. Of course with all the Mattsons in the church pews, that would still make for a sizeable group. Emma, Ma and Julia had gotten up early to fix a chicken dinner for everyone, to be served after the ceremony. Emma and Julia wore their yellow dresses made from the same bolt but in different patterns. As always, Emma preferred a simpler design. She just hoped Jared approved. If his whistle and raised eyebrows were any indication, he did.
They all drove into town and found the church full, with many people wanting to share their joy and willing to make another trip to do so. It didn’t take long for Pastor Daniel to join the two couples in holy matrimony. Then everyone headed back to the ranch for dinner. As if trying to make up for the way the Christmas Eve Las Posadas celebration had been cut short, folks brought piles of food and spent the entire afternoon.
Mr. Branson, the postmaster, brought along some mail that had been piling up for the folks who didn’t get to town often. He handed Pa several letters and a brand-new Montgomery Ward catalogue. Julia seized the large book and started to pore over its pages with some of the other girls. Pa set the other mail on the dining room buffet and mingled with his guests.
Most of the time Emma respected Pa’s right to hand out the mail as he saw fit. But when she saw a yellow corner sticking out from among the other correspondence, she snatched it up. A telegram! Mrs. Sharp was written on the outside.
W
ith a deep sigh, she pondered what to do. Ma was busy in the kitchen, where Emma ought to be helping. She ought to be enjoying her friends, whom she wouldn’t see for who knew how long. But curiosity got the best of her. Ma had already wired her sister to say Emma would arrive a few days after Christmas. What more did she need?
“What’s that?” Jared came up behind her and put an arm around her waist.
She leaned into his shoulder and gazed up into his beloved face. “A telegram. I think it’s from Aunt Maggie.” She couldn’t keep the sadness from her voice.
He nodded and then seemed to force a grin. “Maybe she’s changed her mind. Maybe she doesn’t need you after all.”
“Hmm.” This time, Emma couldn’t match his humor.
“Only one way to find out.” Jared snatched the letter out of her hand. “Let’s go talk to Ma.” He marched toward the kitchen like a man on a mission.
Hearing him say “Ma” made Emma’s heart bounce like a rubber ball. He didn’t know it now, but Emma had a feeling Ma would heap a prodigious amount of love on him and Cal that would help make up for their mama leaving all those years ago. As for Ma, she had a couple of sons at last.
Just ten days ago, Emma wouldn’t have let Jared grab her mail. Wouldn’t have let him tell her what to do. My, how things had changed. Both of them had changed, and all for the better. She hurried after him.
“Now, son.” Ma eyed Jared briefly while mashing some cooked potatoes. “You’d do well to stay out of the kitchen for a bit longer so we ladies can get the meal on.”
“Now, Ma.” Jared echoed her tone. “Sometimes we men have important business that makes the interruption worthwhile.” He held out the telegram.
Ma’s face grew pale. “Oh, my. I hope it’s not more bad news.” She dried her hands on her apron and snatched the paper, unfolding it with care. Her wary, worried expression turned surprised and then happy. “Thank You, Lord.” She gave the telegram back to Jared and returned to her mashed potatoes.
“Hey.” Emma reached for it, but Jared held it over his head.
“Let’s go to our room and read it together.”
“Jared!” Emma’s face burned at his suggestion.
Several ladies helping in the kitchen laughed and whispered.
Then Emma remembered. She was married, and being alone in a bedroom with Jared wasn’t the slightest bit scandalous. “Our room.” She giggled. “All right.”
Once there, they read the wire together. “Bessie came. Don’t send Emma.”
“I don’t know who Bessie is.” Jared’s dark gray eyes twinkled. “But I already love her.”
“She’s Aunt Maggie’s late husband’s sister and also a widow.” Emma couldn’t hold back her tears. “We don’t have to go. We can go to Colorado and buy that ranch you dreamed about.”
“Darlin’, I’ve been talking to your pa.” Jared held her tight. “He says there’s room enough for all of us here.” He set her at arms’ length. “Which do you prefer? Colorado or New Mexico?”
“Jared, I want you to be happy.”
“And I want you to be happy.”
“I’ll be happy as long as I’m with you.”
“And I’ll be happy as long as I’m with you.”
Jared laughed, and Emma couldn’t hold back a giggle. Here she’d thought Julia and Cal were too agreeable with each other to ever make up their minds about anything. Somebody in this marriage had to make a decision. It might as well be her.
“Very well, Mr. Jared Mattson. I do believe you’re stuck right here on the Sharp ranch. What do you think of that?”
He pulled her back into his arms. “Mrs. Mattson, I can’t think of anyplace I’d rather be.” And he sealed that thought with a kiss.
*
Dear Reader,
Thank you for choosing to read Yuletide Reunion during this Christmas season. I hope your Christmas will be filled with joy as you celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Yuletide Reunion is set on a fictional ranch beside the Rio Grande near the fictional town of Riverton, New Mexico. My sister lives in a beautiful, real-life adobe house beside the river, and during my many visits to see her, I have been inspired by the history of the area. I’ve long wanted to write a story set on her land, although I’ve tweaked the descriptions for this story’s sake. After all, it takes place in 1886, and of course life was harder back then. No phones, no television, no running water. Meals were cooked on woodstoves. Many natural and human dangers faced the settlers every day. Still, our hardy ancestors managed to survive and build strong communities. They also loved to celebrate Christmas, just as we do today.
Our family has many traditions that we enjoy at this time of the year. Perhaps your family does, too. One of the traditions that takes place in New Mexico each year is Las Posadas, a nine-day celebration of Navidad, Spanish for “Christmas.” When learning about the difficulties of past generations, I’m also struck by the attempts of some people to get along with their neighbors. I was inspired to write about two such groups within my fictional community.
For hundreds of years, Mexicans had settled in the land we now call New Mexico, then known as New Mexico Territory. After the 1848 “Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo,” new boundaries were drawn, giving the territory to the United States. The Mexicans living there were given the opportunity to move to Mexico or remain on their land. Numerous families remained. At this time, many Americanos moved into the area, and animosities sprang up between the two groups. In my idealistic community, the pastors of two different local denominations decide to set the example and bring their congregations together, concentrating on their common belief in Jesus Christ instead of their differences.
I love to hear from my readers, so if you enjoyed Yuletide Reunion, please write and let me know. Please also visit my website: http://blog.Louisemgouge.com.
God bless you.
Louise M. Gouge
We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired Historical title.
You find illumination in days gone by. Love Inspired Historical stories lift the spirit as heroines tackle the challenges of life in another era with hope, faith and a focus on family.
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ISBN-13: 9781460388945
A Western Christmas
Copyright © 2015 by Harlequin Books S.A.
The publisher acknowledges the copyright holders of the individual works as follows:
Yuletide Lawman
Copyright © 2015 by Renee Halverson
Yuletide Reunion
Copyright © 2015 by Louise M. Gouge
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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.
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Cowboy to the Rescue
Summoned by two little girls to help their mother in distress, Blue Lyons rushes to rescue widow Clara Weston. When the cowboy discovers the fatherless family has nowhere to go, he offers them food and shelter. But widower Blue won’t get too close to the needy trio. He’s lost too many people he’s cared for, and he isn’t about to set himself up for loss again.
For Clara, any dangers she may face on the frontier are preferable to staying with her controlling father. Although she’s determined to keep her independence, Blue’s kindness and tenderness are hard to resist. Can two pint-size matchmakers help Clara and Blue open their guarded hearts in time for Christmas?
“I’d love to go to church with you.”
Blue blinked as if surprised at her agreement. “Really?”
She laughed, although she felt somewhat annoyed. “Why did you ask if you expected me to refuse?”
“Because I’m worried. I don’t want to see anything happen to you or the girls.”
Her annoyance fled, replaced with gratitude for his concern. “Blue, you’re a good man.”
She watched, surprised, as he turned pink beneath his tan. She chuckled. “Not used to hearing compliments?”
He merely shrugged.
Blue seemed to truly care about her safety and that of the girls. Like she’d said, he was a good man. He should really remarry. He has so much to offer. He—
Not knowing where those thoughts came from, she slammed the door on them right quick.
If Blue Lyons chose to marry or otherwise, it was none of her concern. She had her own issues to worry about. There was no room in her life for wondering if Blue would ever consider taking another wife.
So why couldn’t she stop wondering what it would be like to be married to a man who treated her like an equal and yet showed tenderness and concern?
Linda Ford lives on a ranch in Alberta, Canada, near enough to the Rocky Mountains that she can enjoy them on a daily basis. She and her husband raised fourteen children—four homemade, ten adopted. She currently shares her home and life with her husband, a grown son, a live-in paraplegic client and a continual (and welcome) stream of kids, kids-in-law, grandkids, and assorted friends and relatives.
Love Inspired Historical October 2015 Box Set Page 67
