Page 11 of A Redemption Mountain Christmas (Redemption Mountain #27)

Spencer sat in an armchair in the Pelletiers’ living room, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, while Dorinda occupied the settee across from him. As the two drank coffee, they enjoyed the fire burning in the fireplace several feet away.

She’d brought Joel out to spend time with his uncle and the other children on the ranch. Rachel had left mid-morning to meet a friend for lunch, giving Dorinda and Spencer time to talk.

“I know it was hard on you after I left home,” Spencer began. “Leaving the way I did, without a proper goodbye.”

She gave him a sad smile. “You don’t need to explain. I know how trapped you felt there.”

He stared into the cup of coffee he cradled in his hands. “The church, the different expectations. I couldn’t adjust from our old church to the Mormon faith. I respected Pa and Ma’s decision, but it wasn’t mine.” He shook his head. “Doesn’t excuse me for running off like I did, Dorie.”

“We were both so young then. It’s in the past. Where’d you go after leaving home?”

“After Salt Lake, I drifted from one place to another. I worked ranches in Idaho, then Wyoming, and finally made my way up to Montana.” His eyes took on a faraway look. “Never could settle, always moving on after a year or two.”

She studied her brother’s face, seeing the toll those hard, rootless years had taken.

He took a deep breath. “In Wyoming, I met a woman named Helen. We married in a rush. Both of us knew we were in love.” He gave a remorseful chuckle. “Lasted less than a year before she took ill. Doc said it was pneumonia, nothing could be done.”

His voice grew thick with emotion. “Helen died within days. I was too poor to afford a proper burial. I had to put her in a pauper’s grave.” Spencer lowered his head, avoiding Dorinda’s gaze. “Maybe if I’d gotten the doctor sooner…or maybe if we’d left Laramie for Montana sooner, as we’d planned…”

Dorinda moved to sit beside him, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder. “You mustn’t torture yourself over what could have been. I’m sure you did all you could for her.”

Spencer shook his head, a lone tear tracking down one cheek. Embarrassed at the unusual show of emotion, he swiped it away.

“The past is done, let it go,” she urged. “Helen wouldn’t want you living under a cloud of guilt.”

After a long moment, he lifted his head and gave her a small nod. “You’re right. I know it in my head. It’s just hard to convince my heart sometimes.”

She gave his arm a reassuring squeeze. “Maybe it’s time you opened yourself up to finding love again. Eliza seems a sensible woman. And quite pretty, too.”

Spencer huffed out a laugh. “She’s not for the likes of me. Eliza’s an educated city woman, and far smarter than I’ll ever be.” Still, his sister’s words sparked something inside him.

Brother and sister sat in contemplative silence for a long time, watching the fire and thinking about what-ifs.

Eliza settled back into a chair next to Rachel, glancing around as she always did at the beautiful furnishings in the Eagle’s Nest restaurant.

“More tea?” Rachel lifted the pot she’d insisted the server leave, her kind eyes crinkling at the corners.

“Yes, thank you.” Eliza held out her cup. As Rachel poured, Eliza gathered her courage. “The town doctors have asked me to join their practice.”

Rachel’s eyebrows shot up. “Well, that’s quite an honor after only a short acquaintance.”

“It is.” She twisted her fingers together. “But to settle in a town so unlike anything I’ve ever known? It’s a daunting prospect.”

“I understand,” Rachel said. “Still, Splendor grows more every year. Seems we’re always searching for another doctor. You’d be a true blessing to us all.”

“You’re too kind. I admit, the thought of blazing a new trail does intrigue me.” She hesitated. “And there are some other factors weighing on my decision.”

“Other factors?”

Pink tinged Eliza’s cheeks. “My initial plan was to travel to California and spend some time there before making another commitment. Instead, and I mean no offense, I’m stranded here.

” She took a sip of tea. “Your Mr. Haglund is another factor.” At Rachel’s odd look, she smiled.

“I simply meant he seems an intriguing fellow, though I hardly know anything about him.” She paused a moment.

“The truth is, we’ve gotten off to a bad start.

I’d like a chance to put the situation right. ”

Rachel hid a smile. “Spencer keeps to himself, but he’s one of the finest men I know.” She grew thoughtful. “He left home at seventeen to find his own way. Worked his way across the frontier before landing here.”

Eliza absorbed this. “He must have such stories to tell.”

“He does,” Rachel said. “Spencer’s worth knowing. If you’ve the patience for it.” Finishing her tea, she set the cup aside. “You should come back for another visit. We’ll be decorating our tree tomorrow. We set food out, and everyone eats while we work. It’s a fun time.”

Eliza nodded slowly, tipped her cup to take another sip. Perhaps she would get a chance to correct misconceptions. After all, she had nothing but time.

Spencer leaned back in his chair and exhaled, his shoulders relaxing. “I do find Eliza interesting. I also find her overbearing, stubborn, bossy, and arrogant.” He raked a hand through his hair. “I doubt she finds me much different.”

Dorinda laughed. “You are honest. Have you thought how you and Eliza might be able to help each other erase your shared flaw?”

His head fell back on a laugh. “It never occurred to me.”

“It was a thought.” Her voice softened. “The past is done, Spencer. It’s time you started living again.”

He stared at the flickering fire, turmoil in his eyes. At length, he looked at her. “I have a good life here, Dorie. I’m not sure I need anyone else in it.” His mouth quirked. “Eliza would be a lot of work. I won’t go out of my way to track her down, but if I see her, I’ll be cordial.”

“Thank you.” She stood, bending to kiss his cheek. “You’ve a good heart, Spencer. Allow Eliza to see all the wonderful parts of you.”

He huffed a laugh as she left. “We’ll see.”

After following her outside to round up Joel for the wagon ride to town, Spencer reflected on their conversation.

He’d become comfortable with his life at the ranch.

All the men got along, Pelletiers were good bosses, the food was excellent, and the job was to his liking.

Why bring an unknown into his life when everything was working fine?

Alone with his thoughts, Spencer sank back into brooding. He walked into the largest barn to toss hay into the stalls. It was work he could do while thinking about something else.

He pictured Eliza’s clear blue eyes and sharp wit. And domineering nature. She was used to throwing out orders and people jumping to comply. As Dorinda suggested, spending a little more time with her could help him understand her prickly nature.

Eliza glanced around the Pelletier ranch house the following afternoon, admiring the festive Christmas decorations. Popcorn and holly adorned the fireplace mantel while a large pine tree stood ready to be trimmed.

“I’m so glad you could come for another visit.” Rachel walked toward her from the hall.

“Thank you for sending a wagon for me. Billy is such an interesting man.”

Rachel nodded. “Yes, he is. He’s so worried about Shining Star. It’s a wonder he can keep his mind on his work.” She clasped her hands together. “We’ll be decorating the tree right after supper.”

Eliza smiled, pushing down a flutter of anticipation. “It looks wonderful already. I can’t wait to help.” She hesitated, clearing her throat. “Will Spencer be joining us?”

“Dorinda, Dutch, and Joel plan to come out from town. So, I imagine he’ll stop by.” Rachel gave her a knowing look.

Heat rose in Eliza’s cheeks. She busied herself examining a porcelain nativity set. “This is lovely, Rachel.”

“My parents sent it to us as a Christmas gift several years ago. It’s an exact match to the one in their home.”

Eliza continued to study the set, unable to recall anything so special in her parents’ home.