Page 22 of A Redemption Mountain Christmas (Redemption Mountain #27)
The adults trudged up the porch steps, the church service, as wonderful as it was, had left them exhausted after the busy week preparing for Christmas. Inside, the warmth from the crackling fireplace embraced them, thawing the chill.
“I’ll make coffee,” Rachel said. “Dax, would you bring out the wrapped presents?”
“Of course.”
“I’ll help you.” Booker followed him down the hall.
It took little time for the two men to retrieve the presents, setting them near the tree. The adults set about arranging the gifts around the tree. Quiet laughter filled the room as they speculated on the reactions their presents would elicit come morning.
“I hope Tommy and Sherilyn like what I bought them.” Lucien set two wrapped boxes beneath the tree.
Julia, who’d been invited to stay at the ranch for Christmas, gave his arm an affectionate squeeze. “I’m sure they’ll be thrilled.”
The others murmured in agreement. In this small way, they could create a little extra Christmas magic for the children.
Julia stifled a yawn as she entered her bedroom an hour later, the events of the day catching up with her. She sat at the vanity and began brushing out her long, chestnut hair, thinking back on the lovely Christmas Eve service. Reverend Paige’s sermon on new beginnings had given her much to ponder.
A hint of a smile played at her lips as she recalled Lucien’s rapt attention during the service. Perhaps he, too, felt the tug of the message. She sighed, wishing she could glimpse inside his complex mind.
As Julia prepared for bed, she retrieved the telegram on her nightstand. She had read it so many times since its arrival, still having a hard time believing the news it contained. In the morning, she would share it with Lucien, though she couldn’t guess his reaction.
Setting the slip of paper back on the nightstand, Julia climbed into bed. She blew out the lamp and soon drifted off, the telegram’s message echoing in her mind.
Outside, the wind howled as Eliza and Spencer stood together on the porch. His arm was around her waist, drawing her close as they talked in soft voices. Their breaths mingled to create soft wisps of white vapor.
“It’s so beautiful out here,” Eliza whispered. She felt his grip around her tighten in response.
“Yes, it is.” His voice was husky with emotion. Tilting up her chin, he claimed her lips in a tender kiss.
Eliza broke the kiss on a reluctant sigh, knowing they both needed rest before the busy Christmas Day ahead.
“We should get some sleep,” she murmured.
“You’re right.” He pressed one more kiss across her lips before stepping away. “Sweet dreams.”
Her heart fluttered as she watched him make his way to the bunkhouse. Entering the house, she touched her lips, feeling flushed, as she walked up the stairs to her bedroom.
Preparing for bed, Eliza couldn’t keep the smile from her face. The decision she’d wrestled with now felt so clear. She would stay in Splendor and hope to find a future with Spencer.
Going to the window, Eliza peered out at the bunkhouse, picturing Spencer asleep within. Anticipation bubbled within her at the thought of telling him her choice to stay. She hoped with all her heart he would want the same.
Christmas morning dawned crisp and clear. Eliza awoke to the sound of laughter and footfalls down the hall. The children were already up, no doubt agape at the gifts around the tree. The smell of coffee and sizzling bacon wafted up from the kitchen.
After washing and dressing, Eliza made her way downstairs. She found Rachel, Ginny, and Julia already at work.
“Merry Christmas!” Julia greeted her.
“It smells wonderful in here.” She grabbed an apron and pitched in, making the coffee cake her mother served every Christmas since Eliza had completed medical school.
Soon, the table was laden with food and ringed by the boisterous, happy family. Eliza placed her fragrant coffee cake on the table.
“My mother’s recipe,” she said, setting it down.
The children’s eyes grew wide at the sight of the treat. Tommy licked his lips while Sherilyn bounced in her seat.
As everyone began passing plates, the conversation grew more animated. Eliza watched in fascination as the children talked about the presents, speculating on what they’d get. She’d never experienced such excitement. As an only child, there was no one to share the excitement.
After breakfast, the real Christmas cheer would come when the children opened their gifts. And tonight, she would tell Spencer her decision. Her chest squeezed, anxious and excited at the same time.
Lucien kept a watchful eye on the children as the happy commotion of Christmas morning unfolded around him.
Though Tommy and Sherilyn were smiling and laughing with the others, he noticed a lingering sadness in their eyes they couldn’t fully mask.
His heart ached for the hardships they’d endured at such a young age.
As Tommy helped Sherilyn spoon strawberry preserves onto a biscuit, Lucien vowed to himself these two would never again feel the uncertainty of being abandoned.
Nor would they face the bitter chill of sleeping unprotected on a back street.
He would do everything in his power to surround them with a home, food, and love.
After breakfast, the gift giving began in earnest. Lucien made certain Tommy and Sherilyn received extra attention.
He showed genuine interest and delight as Tommy demonstrated how his new bugle worked, getting the attention of everyone in the room.
Lucien picked up Sherilyn, settling her on his lap when she ran to him with a huge smile and her new doll clutched in both hands.
Though Lucien said little, his steadfast presence and undivided focus on the children spoke volumes. By the time the last shreds of wrapping paper had been cleared away, Tommy and Sherilyn were both chatting with ease, their troubles forgotten under their Uncle Web’s reassuring watch.
When the children ran off to play with what they’d received, the adults opened their presents.
These were more practical. Shirts, socks, gloves, sweaters, scarves, sewing material, hair ornaments, and perfume.
Booker was stunned to receive a pair of well-crafted leather gloves from his sister.
Julia was equally surprised at the emerald green wool shawl from her brother.
Booker smiled at his sister’s delight over the shawl, glad to have chosen something both beautiful and practical to help keep her warm.
Dax eagerly donned the warm knitted socks Rachel had made, wiggling his toes in their woolen comfort. Luke gave an approving nod to Ginny as he inspected the sturdy new work gloves, flexing his fingers to test their fit.
Eliza’s eyes lit up when she opened the lavender sachet Rachel had sewn, breathing in the soothing floral scent. “What a thoughtful gift, Rachel. Thank you.”
Though simple, these heartfelt gifts brought joy and conveyed the love between family and friends. As pleasant conversation filled the room, a spirit of gratitude and community swelled in the ranch house, the true meaning of Christmas overtaking all.
As the adults continued exchanging gifts, Rachel and Ginny made their way over to Lucien.
“We have something special for you, too.” Rachel handed Lucien a neatly wrapped box. Though caught off guard, Lucien accepted it with a polite nod. Carefully, he untied the string and lifted the lid.
Inside were several items of children’s clothing, clearly worn but well cared for.
There were warm flannel shirts, a pair of sturdy boots, pairs of woolen socks, dresses, and sturdy shoes, all in children’s sizes.
Folded beneath were picture books and two handmade quilts in bright, cheerful patterns.
Lucien’s eyes misted over at the generosity. These were gifts for Tommy and Sherilyn, who’d arrived with so little. Rachel and Ginny were ensuring the children would be warm and comfortable in their new home.
Clearing his throat, he looked between the women.
“We know you’ll give them a good life,” Rachel said.
Lucien swallowed hard, overcome with emotion. Unable to find the words, he enfolded both women in a heartfelt embrace.
The meaningful gift would help provide for the children’s needs, but more importantly, it conveyed the Pelletiers’ quiet welcome and support. Lucien was deeply moved.
Lucien was still absorbing the kindness shown to him when Julia approached, holding a telegram against her chest. “This came to me yesterday. I contacted a friend, and, well… It’s best if you read it.” She held it out to him.
He took the slip of paper, intrigued. As he read the words, his eyes widened. He read it again as if struggling to comprehend the message.
After a long moment, he met Julia’s earnest gaze.
“It’s from my daughter, Miranda.” She nodded, already knowing the contents of the telegram.
“She is doing fine, is living in Chicago, and wants to arrange a visit.” He looked up.
“I haven’t seen her since she was a young girl.
I can’t believe it,” he murmured. Lucien quickly folded the telegram and tucked it into his shirt pocket as if afraid the news might slip away.
“Did you do this?”
“All I did was send a telegram to a long-time friend who lived in the same town as your wife and daughter. I didn’t expect it to do much good. I was shocked when she responded.”
He embraced Julia. “Thank you,” he whispered, voice thick with emotion.
Then, overcome, Lucien stepped outside into the brisk morning air. He needed a moment alone to process this staggering news. Another unexpected gift.
After Lucien departed, Eliza walked to the tree to pick up a wrapped package, handing it to Spencer. “This is for you.”
He unwrapped the gift to reveal a handsome tooled leather belt with an ornate silver buckle, his initials in the center.
“It’s beautiful,” he breathed out, running his fingers over the intricate tooling. He lifted his gaze to Eliza’s. “I’ll think of you every time I wear it. Thank you.”
She flushed with pleasure at his reaction.
Setting the belt down, he reached into his pocket, ready to pull out his present to Eliza when the front door burst open, and Billy rushed in, his face flushed. His wild-eyed gaze landed on Eliza.
“It’s Shining Star! She’s having the baby.”