Page 23 of A Redemption Mountain Christmas (Redemption Mountain #27)

“Billy. It’s going to be all right,” Eliza soothed. “Let me get my bag.” She rushed up the stairs. Grabbing her medical bag, she rushed back down, slipping into the coat Spencer held out.

“I’m ready, Billy. Let’s go.” She hurried out after him, with Rachel and Spencer following.

They stepped inside the cabin to find Bull nursing a cup of coffee while watching his children, Joshua and Chloe, and Spirit Bear. He nodded toward the bedroom. “Lydia is with Shining Star.”

Eliza stopped Billy when he started to walk into the bedroom. “Rachel and I will take good care of her. You should stay here with Bull and Spencer.”

“But…” His voice trailed off before he nodded. “All right.”

Lydia sat on the edge of the bed, holding Shining Star’s hand as the latest contraction slowed. Eliza could see the sheen of moisture on the young woman’s face. Setting down her bag, she took Lydia’s place.

“Everything is going to be all right. Try to relax.”

Shining Star nodded, though her features showed the exhaustion she felt.

Eliza washed her hands and examined Shining Star. The baby would be here soon.

Working swiftly, she guided Shining Star through the birth, encouraging her through the pain. Twice, Billy knocked on the door. Each time, Rachel spoke to him, confirming Shining Star was doing well and it wouldn’t be much longer.

As the baby finally emerged, Eliza’s breath caught in her throat. The umbilical cord was wrapped tightly around the newborn’s neck.

With expert hands, she unwound the cord and cleared the baby’s airways. A tense moment passed as she waited for the little one to draw breath. Then a weak but miraculous cry emerged, followed by a much more boisterous one.

“You have a son,” Eliza said softly.

She handed the baby to Rachel, who wiped a soft, damp cloth over his face. Wrapping him in a swaddling cloth, she placed the squalling infant into his mother’s waiting arms. Shining Star cooed to him, weeping with joy. Rachel then opened the door, signaling for Billy.

He rushed to the door, then stopped, looking at Eliza.

Eliza smiled wearily. “Mother and son are doing just fine.”

“A son…” Billy breathed out before kneeling beside the bed and taking his wife’s hand. As he gazed at his new family, Spencer strode over to Eliza.

“Seems you’ve worked another miracle.”

She nodded, filled with quiet wonder at the fragile tenacity of life.

Eliza and Spencer walked back toward the ranch house, neither feeling a need to rush. She took a deep breath, invigorated by the chilly air. She felt Spencer studying her.

“You look happy,” he remarked.

“I am. It’s been a good day.”

He nodded. “We’re lucky to have you here.”

She felt a rush of warmth at his words. When Eliza first arrived, she’d doubted this rustic town would ever feel like home. To her surprise, the people had won her over with their generosity and spirit.

As they drew closer to the house, laughter drifted out to greet them. They stepped onto the porch and entered the house. Most of the adults were gathered in the living room, chatting amiably and sipping coffee. A few called out cheerful greetings to Eliza and Spencer.

Excusing herself, she found Ginny and Julia busy preparing supper.

Ginny was kneading a large ball of dough, dusting it liberally with flour.

Julia stood at the wood stove, tending to several bubbling pots and pans.

Eliza inhaled the savory aromas of roast duck and split pea soup mingling in the air.

“Something sure smells good in here,” Eliza said as she entered the kitchen.

“Did Shining Star have her baby?” Julia asked.

“Yes, she did. A beautiful baby boy.”

Ginny looked up and smiled. “Wonderful. If you want to help, grab an apron, and we’ll put you to work.”

Eliza smiled and tied a checkered apron around her waist. “What can I do?”

“Here, you can peel these potatoes for the potato cakes,” Julia said, passing her a bowl of spuds as Rachel walked in to help.

Eliza set to work, comforted by the domestic tasks. The women chatted as they prepared the meal, sharing funny stories and memories of past Christmases.

Rachel began setting out the desserts prepared over the last few days. Apple and huckleberry pies, along with pound cake and jars of brandied peaches.

“Those look delicious,” Eliza said.

Soon enough, the food was ready, and it was time to gather everyone for supper. Dax stood at the head of the table and gave a simple blessing for the food and the company.

“Dear Lord, thank you for this meal and for all of us being together. Bless this food to our bodies and our time together to our spirits. Amen.”

“Amen,” everyone echoed. The table came alive then with the clinking of silverware and the passing of bowls and platters laden with food. Laughter filled the room as the ranch hands and their families enjoyed the meal. Spencer sat beside her, sharing private smiles as they ate.

After supper, the women cleared away the dishes while the men retired to the parlor for brandy and cigars. Eliza was humming as she helped wash up, already looking forward to dessert and the rest of the holiday.

Julia picked up two pots of coffee from the stove. “I’ll take this on out to the parlor. Heaven knows they’ll be wanting more by now.”

Eliza nodded, stacking the last of the dishes on the sideboard. She could hear the deep rumble of the men’s voices punctuated by hearty laughter. The children’s lighter tones chimed in now and then as they shared in the joy of the evening.

After dessert, Rachel took a seat at the upright piano. Her slender fingers moved gracefully over the keys as she played a medley of familiar carols. The festive music filled the room, complementing the crackling fire and murmur of happy voices.

Eliza found an empty spot on the sofa next to Spencer. As Rachel launched into “Joy to the World,” Eliza couldn’t resist joining in, lending her clear soprano to the cheerful refrain. Spencer’s deep bass provided a pleasing counterpoint as he, too, sang along.

Eliza marveled at how perfectly their voices blended, weaving in joyful harmony. She flashed Spencer a smile. Brushing his hand against hers, he returned the smile.

These people had become like family during her brief time in Splendor. And the man beside her, his strong voice mingling with hers, represented the promise of a future.

When the song ended, she turned toward Spencer. “Let’s sneak outside for a moment.” He nodded, and they grabbed their coats, quietly slipping out the front door into the bracing night air. Eliza drew her coat close against the chill, though she glowed with an inner warmth.

Unable to contain her news any longer, she shared her decision to stay in Splendor and accept the offer of a position at the clinic.

Spencer stilled, considering her words, and for a moment, she didn’t believe he would respond. Had she made a mistake in thinking a future in Splendor with him was what he wanted?

Spencer took both of Eliza’s hands in his own. “You have become the most important person in my life, Eliza. With you by my side, I’ll have the strength and courage to face anything. I love you. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?”

Joyful tears sprang to Eliza’s eyes. “Yes! There’s nothing I want more than to be with you.”

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small tin container. “This belonged to my grandmother. She wanted me to give it to the woman I married.”

He removed the lid, revealing an oval cameo pendant set in engraved silver. Eliza gasped. It was exquisite.

“May I?” Spencer asked. When she nodded, he gently pinned the cameo to her blouse, over her heart.

Eliza touched it lightly, tears welling up in her eyes. This heirloom represented the joining of their two families. A symbol of the future they would build together.