Page 20 of A Redemption Mountain Christmas (Redemption Mountain #27)

Leaning back in his chair, Lucien closed his eyes for a moment, thinking back to the last time he’d seen his family.

Booker’s question didn’t bother him. The memories are what ate at his soul.

The memories of the family farm, his brother, the wife Lucien once had, and the daughter they’d once shared.

How had he let everything meaningful slip away?

“It’s not complicated, Book. I left the family farm in Missouri years ago. Changed my last name from Weber to Hunt when I started getting hired for my skill with a gun. My younger brother stayed, got married, and never left Missouri. They had two children, Thomas and Sherilyn.”

“What are you going to do?” Booker asked.

Ford stood, grabbed the pot from the stove, and poured them more coffee. Setting the pot back on the stove, he returned to his chair.

“What I promised. I’m going to ride to the Pelletier ranch and get my family.”

Booker’s eyes widened. “But where will you live? How will you provide for them?”

Lucien thought of the money in the pocket of his jacket. Enough for a ranch near Splendor or anywhere in Montana or the Dakotas.

“I’ll figure it all out.”

“I’ve got an idea,” Booker said, his mouth tipping up at the corners.

Lucien didn’t return the slight smile. “I’m listening.”

“Julia’s comfortable here. She feels safe, likes the people. She even went to church for the first time since we were young.”

“Did she drag you along?” Ford asked.

Booker chuckled. “Tried. Julia’s relentless when she gets an idea in her head.”

“It’s a matter of time.” Ford grinned.

“Afraid it might be.”

Lucien drummed fingers on the table, waiting, considering what to do after getting the children. “And Julia?”

Taking a swallow of coffee, Booker set the cup down. “I’ve got some money tucked away. Julia needs a place to live away from a saloon. You and your kin need a place.” He shrugged as if the solution was obvious.

Ford barked out a laugh. “How long has it been since you shared a house with someone, Lucien?”

He thought of his wife and daughter, knowing they were a topic for another time. “Not since leaving home.”

“Seems Booker’s come up with a fine idea.”

Standing, Lucien grabbed his hat, settling it low on his head. Heading to the door, he turned back, narrowing his gaze on Booker.

“Might work.”

The bitter wind whipped at Lucien’s face as he and Booker rode the winding trail toward the Pelletier ranch. Their breath came in icy puffs, vanishing in the chill. Pulling his coat tighter, he anticipated the warmth of the ranch house awaiting them.

His thoughts turned to Booker’s suggestion about combining their money to buy a house large enough for everyone. As Lucien mulled it over, hope began to rise in his chest. Having a permanent home could allow him to locate his daughter. A chance at a new life, a stable life. It was a tempting idea.

They crested a small rise, and the sprawling Pelletier ranch came into view. Lucien took in the sight. The large two-story ranch house with smoke curling from several chimneys, the big barn, and several smaller outbuildings made an impressive sight.

They rode to the front of the house and dismounted. Lucien paused, steadying himself as he prepared for the reunion. His nephew and niece were here, family he hadn’t seen in years. How would they react to seeing him again after so long?

Anticipation and nervousness twisted Lucien’s insides. He wanted this to go well. With a deep breath, he nodded to Booker, and they approached the front door.

Rachel Pelletier opened the heavy oak door, stopping short at the sight of the two unfamiliar men on her doorstep. She studied them with curious eyes, taking in their solemn expressions.

“Afternoon, ma’am,” the taller one spoke, dipping his head respectfully. “Name’s Lucien Hunt. I’m looking for Tommy and Sherilyn.”

Rachel’s eyes narrowed. “And what business do you have with the children?”

Before Lucien could respond, Eliza Gladstone joined Rachel at the door. The doctor eyed the men with equal wariness. Lucien cleared his throat.

“I’m their uncle. Their father was my brother.”

Rachel and Eliza exchanged a surprised look.

“You’ll forgive us for wanting some proof of your claim,” Rachel said.

Lucien nodded. “Of course. I’ll explain everything, if you’ll allow me to come inside.”

Rachel considered a moment before stepping back and gesturing them in. “All right then. Please come in.”

The two men stepped into the warmth of the house. Eliza helped relieve them of their coats and hats before leading them into the parlor. Rachel fixed Lucien with an expectant look.

“It would be best if I started at the beginning…” Lucien said. He launched into an account of his relationship to the children, ready to answer their questions and convince them of the truth.

Before they could speak further, the study door opened and Dax Pelletier stepped out to join them. He approached Lucien with an outstretched hand and a smile of recognition.

“Lucien Hunt. I’ll be,” Dax said as they shook hands. “Haven’t seen you for a while. What brings you out this way?”

Lucien returned his smile. “Good to see you, too, Dax. I’m here about my niece and nephew, Tommy and Sherilyn. I just found out they were staying here.” He introduced Booker.

Dax nodded, gesturing for Lucien to follow him. “Let’s talk in my study.” He looked to Booker. “You’re welcome to join us.”

The two men followed Dax into the richly furnished study. As they settled into the leather chairs, Lucien studied the family photograph on the desk.

Dax didn’t speak, letting Lucien tell the story in his own time.

“I didn’t know my brother had passed until I arrived back in Splendor this morning,” Lucien said. “If I’d known, I would have come for the children straightaway.”

Dax leaned forward, steepling his fingers. “I take it you plan to take them with you when you leave?”

Lucien nodded. “I surely do. They’re my blood.” He hesitated. “Assuming they’ll have me. I know it’s been some years since they last saw me.”

“I’m sure they’ll be glad to see their uncle again.”

Lucien shifted in his chair. “There’s more, Dax. I plan on settling down for good. No more wandering. Booker and I are looking to put down roots.” He met Dax’s gaze. “A fresh start for all of us.”

Dax stood, clasping Lucien on the shoulder. “That’s real good news. Those kids deserve some stability. You have my full support. Now, let’s go find those children.”

They left the study and joined the women in the living room.

A magnificent Christmas tree stood in the corner, trimmed with ribbons, candles, and ornate glass balls glimmering in the firelight.

Garlands draped the mantle and windowsills, filling the room with the fresh scent of pine.

The atmosphere was one of warmth, joy, and celebration, a stark contrast to the bitter cold outside.

“Why don’t I get the children?” Rachel didn’t wait for a response before leaving the room.

A minute later, giggles and small footfalls preceded Tommy and Sherilyn entering the room. Tommy’s eyes went wide when he saw Lucien.

“Uncle Web!” He ran to him with arms outstretched. Lucien swept the boy up in an embrace before setting him down. “Look how you’ve grown.” He chuckled. Seeing Sherilyn hold back, Lucien walked to her, kneeling down. “Do you remember me?”

She shook her head, then nodded. “I don’t know.”

“I’m your Uncle Web, and I remember you, Sherilyn. As I recall, you were three the last time I visited.”

“I’m six now.”

“That’s what I understand.” He rose and held out his hand, waiting until she placed her much smaller hand in his. “How about we sit down?”

She nodded, moving her gaze between Tommy and her uncle.

Lucien sat on the sofa with Tommy and Sherilyn, listening as they talked about everything they’d been up to on the ranch. Neither harbored any resentment about him not being at the stage office to meet them, only delight at being reunited with their uncle.

When Tommy mentioned their parents were gone, Lucien told them a story about him and their father fishing as boys, bringing bittersweet smiles to their faces. Eliza watched the encounter with misty eyes, moved by the obvious tenderness Lucien showed toward his niece and nephew.

Rachel relaxed as she watched Lucien reconnect with Tommy and Sherilyn. When there was a lull in the conversation, she stood and placed a gentle hand on Lucien’s shoulder.

“It’s getting late, and you two must be tired and hungry after your long journey,” she said. “Why don’t you and Booker stay for supper and spend the night? We have plenty of room.”

Lucien met her gaze, surprise and gratitude in his eyes. “We’d be much obliged for the hospitality, ma’am.”

Rachel waved her hand. “Hospitality is what the season is all about. Now come, let’s all gather at the table while we bring out the food.”

Soon, they were all seated around the large dining table as Rachel, Ginny, and Eliza brought out dishes of roast beef, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and a bowl of canned fruit.

As they ate, the conversation and laughter flowed freely. Lucien and Booker found themselves enjoying the stories shared by Dax and Luke.

When supper ended, Lucien took the children back into the living room. Booker followed while Dax and Luke disappeared into their study.

Needing some air, Eliza slipped into her coat and stepped out on the porch. Tears burned at the back of her eyes as she walked down the steps and away from the house. Even from where he stood by the barn, Spencer could see she was distressed. He strode across the yard to meet her.

“Eliza?”

She turned, tears glistening on her cheeks. Without a word, Spencer opened his arms, and she stepped into his embrace. Her body shook with quiet sobs as she pressed her face into his chest. Resting his chin on her head, he held her close, doing what he could to provide the comfort she needed.

After a long moment, Eliza’s crying eased. She lifted her head to look up at Spencer, gratitude shining in her eyes. He smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

“I’ve become more attached to the children than I planned,” she said. “They are so precious.”

“And you’ll miss them.”

“Yes, I will.”

“I’m sure Lucien will let you see them as often as you’d like.”

“If I stay,” she said.

“Yes, if you stay.” Leaning down, he brushed a kiss across her lips.

Inside, the mood was much lighter. Laughter rang out as Booker told the children a story about him and his sister, Julia.

Lucien watched as Tommy and Sherilyn became lost in the tale of a boy teaching his sister how to ride a horse, warmth gathering in his chest.