A Present for Christmas

by Patricia Pacjac Carroll

  Jeff wanted nothing more than to get rid of them. Yes, he did have a bit of money. Then he thought of Diane. She worked hard for her money and had given him some to tide him over until he could sell his first herd of calves.

  “No, I don’t have any money for you. Get out of here.” He blocked them from going into his house.

  Abel shoved him. “I got a blanket in there.”

  “I doubt it, but if you think you do, go get it and get out of here. If you hurry, you can make town before dark.” Jeff watched them to make sure they didn’t take more than they said. Finally, they stumbled out of the house with a pack each.

  Abel stared at him. “What about horses?”

  “You came with none; you can leave with none. You’ve already cost me ten head of cattle.”

  Pa grabbed him by his collar.

  Jeff shoved him back. “Don’t touch me again. You’re nothing to me. Get walking and be happy that I don’t shoot you down like the cur dogs you are.”

  “You’ll pay for this, Jeff. Mark my words, you’ll wish you’d never been born.” Arms on each other’s shoulders, the two walked down the road toward Lone Oak.

  Jeff watched to make sure they didn’t turn around. He wondered if he should follow them to make sure they did leave. Or perhaps warn Kirk that they were coming to his town.

  A cold feeling sank in the pit of his stomach. Would they hurt, Diane? He prayed for her. Prayed she’d remain safe and vowed that he’d go into town to keep her safe.

  Did he love her? There were days when he wondered. Was it that he had feelings from the past and expected it to be the same? He needed to sort out his own thoughts. That Diane was confused was apparent when he’d seen her today.

  Gone was the usual adoring look she gave him. Today, he’d seen her look stern and wary. Angry even. And he’d never seen Diane angry before. Usually, she was weak. He knew that. He had always gotten his way with her in the past.

  If he didn’t want to do something, he could make her feel sorry for him, and she’d give in. Times he had her sneak in and get some money from her father so they could go out to dinner. Even back then, Jeff saw that he’d been a slacker like his father and brother.

  What did he ever see in Diane that made him think he loved her? They had been children and gotten along. But when he thought about it, the town hated his father and older brother. Diane was the only one who would spend time with him and give him things.

  Even when they were children, she was kind and caring. Did he take advantage of her when they were young? Jeff thought back. How much of his love for her had been because she offered him a lifeline when his family was going down?

  Did her love for him come because he was one of a few men who paid her any mind? Not that she was homely, but she hid from others. He was the one that she smiled at and welcomed in her world.

  Mostly, she’d read stories to him. Books that her father bought for her. He still remembered how she would sigh and blush when she would read a romantic book. But mostly, she hid from the world.

  Her father chased him away. “You’re only after what she can give you. You offer her nothing.” Even now, the words stung with solid arrows of truth. He’d loved what she could give him. Companionship, a good name, a future.

  Yet, he offered her nothing. Her father knew it and ran him away from her. Jeff hadn’t thought of her in years. When he saw her at the social, he hoped that her father had been wrong. Now, he knew her father had been right.

  Jeff hated himself at that moment. He hadn’t been honest with her. Yes, he had memories of their times together. Even convinced himself that he’d loved her when they were young and could love her now.

  They could be friends, but the past would always be between them. And then there was the fact that Jeff hadn’t taken care of his ranch. Oh, he could blame his pa and brother, but Jeff was responsible for his own destiny when it came down to it.

  He could have tossed his family out months ago. Why hadn’t he? If he had really loved Diane, he would have. At this moment of truth, he knew that now. He needed to go to her and talk with her.

  Jeff didn’t want to hurt her, but he already had. He knew it. And why did he tolerate Jennifer? He could have told her that he was spoken for, and she had no reason to talk with him. But he hadn’t done that either.

  Hurriedly, Jeff saddled his horse and rode toward town. He had to get there before his brother. Diane was in danger, and Jeff was going to do everything in his power to keep her from being hurt.

  For the first time in a long time, Jeff prayed with a sincere heart for someone other than himself. “God, help me keep Diane safe. Help me explain things to her.”

  Chapter 8

  Adrian sighed. He’d forgotten to tell Claire he wanted to eat in his room tonight. He weighed his options, but after his stomach protested, he put on his jacket and left the sanctity of his room.

  He’d met a few of the people in the house. The one older gentleman was pleasant enough. Then there were the twin spinsters. They were comical but also caring. He was quite fond of them. Carrie and Cassie Lovelace were from an old southern family. They’d traveled west after the war in search of a lost love.

  Adrian wasn’t sure which one lost the love or if they had both fallen in love with the spectacular and brave Mr. Lance Langtree. The sisters explained that he’d been shamed in battle and had gone off to prove his courage, but he’d never been seen again.

  With an urge to write, Adrian enjoyed the story they told and the warmth and kindness evident in both the ladies. Then there was Claire. She was a wonderful woman and an accomplished hostess.

  The one woman he didn’t know well was Diane Hall. She was a smallish woman who gave the impression that if she could, she’d blend in with the wallpaper so as not to be seen. Adrian could identify with that. Though he wasn’t as much shy as not wanting to be bothered.

  Questions about his limp were the most troubling. Any talk of the war, he strove to avoid. While many talked of glory, Adrian had seen only pain and loss. Some of it too terrible for words, even in a book.

  Hoping to sit by the Lovelace twins, Adrian made his way into the dining room. The only chair available was next to Diane. Well, she would be quiet, he surmised. And he was hungry. By the wonderful smells coming from the kitchen, it would be Claire’s excellent pot roast. Plus, her biscuits were worth their weight in gold.

  Adrian had taken his share of rude comments about being so thin. He grinned as he took the biscuit and buttered it. Perhaps, after a few months of Claire’s cooking, he would put some weight on. Of course, that would lead to alterations in his clothes.

  He glanced at Diane. She was a seamstress. That would give them something to talk about when the silence between them grew too ominous. For the moment, he’d enjoy the biscuit.

  Carrie Lovelace folded her hands and waited for Claire to bring out the roast. “Did everyone have a good day?” She smiled sweetly and let her gaze travel up and down the table.

  Adrian nodded at her. “I had a fine day in this nice town of yours.”

  “Oh, well, it is your town too, Mr. Farnsworth.” Carrie twittered her girlish laugh.

  He had just turned to look at Diane when he saw her chin quiver just for a moment, but then she straightened and smiled. “Yes, it was a good day. One of many to come.”

  Claire set the roast down. “Oh, I hope that means we’ll hear wedding bells soon.”

  Diane’s breath caught. She swallowed hard and nodded. “We will see. It is in God’s hands.”

  Adrian hadn’t meant to stare, but he saw that the woman was wounded and hurting despite her smile and assurance. He said a silent prayer for her. He understood such behavior as he had done much the same to cover his aching soul to those around him. He’d even left his home to avoid having to explain why he couldn’t continue on as his brothers seemed to be able to do.

  Seeing that she was drowning in her thoughts, Adrian passed the peas to her. “I understand you’re a wonderful seams
tress.”

  She took the bowl and stared at him. Her green eyes were moist with tears. “Yes.”

  Just one word, but he saw that was all she could afford. Adrian decided to carry on to gather herself before answering and hoped it would take her mind off whatever catastrophe she had encountered.

  “I have some shirts that need to be altered. Plus, after eating this wonderful food, I am sure I will need my trousers enlarged. Possibly even have some suits made. I’m not sure if you know, but I am the new schoolteacher. I begin the new semester.”

  She nodded. “Bring them in, and I will be happy to help you.”

  He was relieved she sounded stronger. She was giving a courageous front. He guessed that it had something to do with the wedding bells and the man who was to marry her. One reason that Adrian had steered clear of any idea of finding a wife. Too much drama and heartache.

  He took the plate of potatoes and placed some on his plate. Then he held it for Diane. “Would you like some? I’ll hold the bowl.”

  “Thank you.” Diane smiled. A real one. She had relaxed and set aside the hardship of the day. At least Adrian hoped she had.

  “I’d like to come in tomorrow if that would be all right.”

  Diane handed him the plate with biscuits. “Another?”

  Adrian took one of the wonderfully light biscuits and set it on his plate.

  “Yes, tomorrow would be fine. Say around ten?”

  “Fine. I’ll be there. I look forward to working with you.” When she truly smiled, her green eyes were such a delight.

  Claire waited until they were finished and went into the kitchen to get dessert. When she came out, she smiled. “I have peach pie if anyone is interested.”

  Adrian was already full, but the dessert looked so delicious. Plus, he had enjoyed sitting next to Diane. She was a delight. Quiet yet engaging.

  “Do you like to read, Miss Hall?”

  “Please, call me Diane.” She paused and got a faraway look in her eyes. “When I was a girl, I loved to read. I confess that it has been years since I read a book for pleasure.”

  “I have quite a collection if you’d be interested. I have some by Dickens, Jane Austen, and George Elliot.

  She blushed. “Perhaps you can choose one for me.” Diane faced him. “That is most kind of you. I have to say that you have made this a perfect day.”

  Adrian grinned. “Thank you, that makes my day a perfect one.”

  ***

  Jeff rode toward town. His heart raced at the danger he believed Diane could be in. He had to get to town before Abel. He was the one who offered the most threat as he’d made lewd comments about her.

  Jeff knew it was to get back at him. He rushed around the bend in the road when a blow to the head sent waves of blinding light and then blackness as he fell from the horse.

  Chapter 9

  Diane awoke the next morning with new hope. Perhaps her life was not to be left in shambles because of Jeff and his family. She saw the sun rise over the hill and hurriedly dressed. For once, she felt joy at going to the shop. She had new business coming in. The new schoolteacher was an interesting addition to the town and Claire’s boarding house. She hoped he’d be down for breakfast.

  Claire had told her that he generally liked to take his meals in his room. He was a shy one. Then Diane remembered his eyes. They were an intelligent brown but warm at the same time.

  She got the impression that he knew she was struggling to keep her tears in check when Carrie had asked about her day, and Claire had announced wedding bells. She thought Adrian had come to her rescue and the honest strength of his gaze and voice helped steady her until she could respond without falling apart. For that, she would forever be grateful to him.

  Diane ran downstairs to the dining room and sat beside Carrie and was disappointed to see that Adrian wasn’t there. He must have had breakfast in his room. Some of the hope for the day dimmed. He was just being nice. That was all.

  After breakfast, Diane made her way to the dress shop. How had her life become so mixed up? Finding her long lost love only to have Jeff disappoint her again. And now, Adrian. Yes, she enjoyed saying his name to herself. It was sophisticated and strong.

  Well, at least, she would get some new business which she really needed. She had to make sure she paid Addy back even if her friend had told her she didn’t need to worry about it. At least Addy was truly happy with a man she loved.

  Diane prayed that someday, she would find a man who cared for her. She shrugged and thought that perhaps it was Jeff. He did care for her. She’d felt sure of a future with him that night they danced at the social.

  She opened the store and glanced at the clock. In thirty minutes, Adrian would come in with his shirts. Diane straightened the shelves to make a good impression on her new client. She went into the back of the store to gather some samples of colors that might make a nice shirt for a man. She held up the blue. It was light and bright and would contrast nicely with Adrian’s dark hair. She smiled as she remembered the way his hair curled at the base of his neck. Funny, she couldn’t think how Jeff’s hair looked. Straight she supposed.

  Bringing the samples to the front of the store, she glanced out the window. It was such a glorious day. Bright and sunny and—her heart stopped. What were they doing in town? And on Jeff’s horse?

  She didn’t want to admit it, but she hated George and Abel. They were evil men and good for nothing. As she would expect, the two of them were walking to the saloon. Then Diane backed away from the window. Abel had looked toward her shop. She didn’t think he’d seen her, but just the thought that he knew where she was, frightened her.

  Where was Adrian? Then she was afraid that he would get hurt if Abel came to the store. She wondered if she had time to get the sheriff. But a quick glance at the clock said no. Footsteps caused her to jump when she saw Adrian come inside her shop.

  “I’m here. Right on time. I value punctuality.”

  Diane smiled. “Yes, as do I.” She handed him the colors. “I thought these would make nice shirts if you’re interested.”

  He handled the material. “I like it.” He shrugged. “Do you think a schoolteacher could wear such colors? I normally wear black and white.”

  “I don’t see why not. It would look nice on you, and there are the socials you could wear them to.”

  His cheeks grew slightly pink. “I rarely attend such occasions.”

  “You should. They’re fun. This is a nice town with good people.” She smiled at him while trying to keep an eye on the window. It seems that Abel had followed George into the saloon.

  “Is there something wrong?” Adrian looked behind him.

  “No, I’m sorry. I was distracted by something I saw. It’s nothing.” She truly wanted to get him to leave her store. She couldn’t bear it if he was hurt by the hoodlums.

  Adrian dropped off a couple of shirts that needed repairs. “There’s no rush on these shirts. You can use them as a pattern on one from that blue color. That is, if you think it would look good on me?”

  She held up the material to his chest. “Yes, it brings out your coloring and brightens your face. I think you’ll love it when I finish it.”

  “Good, then I’ll take it. Just let me know when you’re done. Do I pay you now?”

  “No, when I’m finished.”

  Adrian stood at the door.

  Diane’s heart went to her throat as she saw Abel leave the saloon.

  He shuffled his feet and then looked at her. “Perhaps you’ll have lunch with me today at the café?”

  She glanced at him. She had to get him to leave and quickly. “Yes, that would be fine. I have some things I need to finish, but I can see you in an hour. I’ll meet you there.”

  He acted like he wanted to linger, but she started to walk to the back and prayed he would leave.

  “I’ll see you at the café.”

  She heard the bell ring as he left her. Diane ran to the front and watched him walk down the
street away from Abel. Even from this distance, she could see the anger on Abel’s face now. Fearing for her life, she ran to lock the door and then ran for the back.

  Diane had just gotten to the back door when someone pushed inside. She screamed, but Jeff put his hand over her mouth.

  Blood covered his forehead. “Shh. I came to protect you. Abel knocked me off my horse. When I came to, they were gone. I walked all night to get here.”

  She reached up to him and wiped some of the blood from his head. “Let me help you. Get you to the doctor.”

  Jeff shook his head. “I saw Abel coming. I have to protect you.”

  “Because you love me?”

  Her words caught him by surprise. He whirled to face her. His face a picture of remorse and confusion. He nodded, and then the front door shattered as Abel broke into the store.

  “I’m here, little flower. Diane, where are you?” His words were slurred and full of venom.

  She shrank back and looked at Jeff.

  He pulled out his gun and pointed under the desk. “Hide under there and don’t come out. I’m not sure where Pa is. He could be coming in the back door.” Jeff held a finger to his lips.

  Her heart pounded as she squeezed into the tight space.

  Jeff shoved a box in front of her. She heard him spin the cylinder on his pistol, and then he walked to the front.

  Just after he left, she heard someone kick the back door open. Jeff had been right. His pa had broken in, and they both meant to harm her. Probably to get back at Jeff. Her heart went to him. And she prayed that Jeff wouldn’t be hurt.

  ***

  Jeff walked into the front of the store.

  Abel saw him and glared with murder in his eyes. “Thought we’d hit you hard enough to finish you back on the road.”

  “Get out of here now, and I won’t go to the sheriff.”

  “Too late for that, Jeff. I come to give that lady of yours a lesson on what having a man means. Break her in for you. Or maybe I’ll take her for myself.”

  Hatred boiled up inside Jeff. He aimed his gun at Abel. “I’ll shoot if you don’t leave.”