Page 5 of A Redemption Mountain Christmas (Redemption Mountain #27)

Rachel and Eliza finished their breakfast and headed out to the barn to find their mounts already saddled. Rachel checked over the two sturdy ranch horses, a pinto mare named Dancer for herself and a chestnut mare named Maple for Eliza.

“Maple has a sweet temperament but plenty of spirit,” Rachel said as she tightened the cinch.

Eliza stroked her mare’s neck, talking in a low tone before mounting up. Rachel swung into Dancer’s saddle with practiced ease.

“We’re going to head north. I want to show you the hay barns.”

They rode off, the chill winter air biting but also invigorating. Rachel pointed out the different landmarks as they explored a few acres of the expansive ranchland.

Eventually, they came upon a storage barn filled with hay. “We keep hay stored over the winter to make it easier to feed the cattle.”

Rachel reined Dancer next to an opening about three feet above the ground and six feet wide, motioning Eliza over. Inside were huge piles of loose hay.

“There’s one more farther out. Dax and Luke wanted to decrease the time needed to cut and store the hay. This is the second year they’ve been used, and both seemed pleased with the new routine.”

Rachel reined north again. Eliza followed, taking in the beautiful landscape dotted with cattle grazing from mounts of hay.

As the sun rose high above them, Rachel decided to head back. When they reined their horses south, a cold wind picked up. Both mares tossed their heads and whinnied. Attempting to calm them, the women stilled when a chorus of eerie howls sounded behind them.

Eliza’s heart leaped into her throat at the same time Rachel drew her rifle from its sheath.

When the howls came again, she fired off two warning shots.

The sound reverberated across the open range, loud enough for those at the ranch house to hear.

Maple startled beneath Eliza, whinnying in alarm.

She fired twice more before turning toward Eliza.

“Wolves.” Rachel’s voice held a hint of fear. “We’d better get moving.”

Eliza needed no convincing. She squeezed Maple’s sides, spurring the mare to follow Rachel and Dancer. Her pulse thundered in her ears, louder than the drumming of hooves on frozen ground.

They raced back to the ranch, their horses kicking up plumes of snow in their wake. Adrenaline coursed through Eliza as she leaned low over Maple’s neck, urging the mare to keep up with Rachel.

Eliza breathed a sigh of relief when the ranch house appeared on the horizon. She spotted figures pouring out of the house, rifles in hand. She recognized Spencer’s tall frame, along with Dax and Bull. Rachel slowed her horse as they reached the assembled group.

“What happened?” Spencer called out. “We heard shots.”

“Wolves,” Rachel said.

Eliza dismounted on shaky legs, reclaiming her balance when Spencer put a hand on her shoulder.

“Are you all right?” he asked.

“Fine,” she answered without further explanation.

Ginny emerged behind them, relief washing over her face when she saw Eliza and Rachel. “Thank the Lord you’re safe.”

Eliza looked at the concern on all their faces, knowing most of it was for Rachel.

Tucker prepared for his ride to the orphanage, bundling up in warm clothing and bracing himself against the cold wind.

He pulled his wool coat tighter around his broad shoulders as the biting wind whipped through the streets of Splendor.

He tucked his neckerchief up over his nose and mouth and tugged his hat down low, bracing against the icy chill, anticipating the heavy snow to come.

Though the air was bitter, a warmth blossomed in Tucker’s chest at the thought of seeing Rose again. He tried to temper the flutter in his heart, unsure if the shy woman returned his growing affection.

Still, he couldn’t deny the joy pulsing inside whenever he was near her.

Tucker checked his saddlebags one last time, making sure he’d packed the oranges and peppermint sticks for the children.

Satisfied he was ready, he swung up into the saddle and headed out into the blustery day, an irrepressible smile creeping across his face despite the cold.

Tucker arrived at the orphanage a short while later, his cheeks stinging from the biting wind.

He dismounted, grabbed his saddlebags, and stomped his boots on the porch to shake off the snow before making his way to the large front door.

Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, he raised his gloved hand and knocked firmly.

After a few moments, the door opened, revealing Rose’s kind face. Her cheeks were flushed a rosy pink from the cold, but her eyes sparkled when she saw him standing on the porch.

“Deputy Nolan. What a wonderful surprise,” Rose said, a note of delight in her voice causing Tucker’s heart to skip a beat. “Please come in out of the cold.”

She stepped back and opened the door wider in invitation. Tucker stomped his boots once more on the mat, then stepped inside the blessed warmth of the house.

“Thank you, Miss Keenan.” He unwound his neckerchief and removed his hat. “I hope I’m not intruding on your day.”

“Not at all,” she assured him. “The children will be thrilled to see you. Let me take your coat.”

He shrugged out of his heavy wool coat and handed it to Rose, catching a trace of her floral scent as she turned to hang it on a peg by the door. His pulse quickened at her nearness, and he had to remind himself to mind his manners.

“I brought some treats for the children,” Tucker said, patting his saddlebag. “Thought they could use something sweet before Christmas.”

She beamed, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “How very thoughtful. Thank you.”

Tucker rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly shy. “Please call me Tucker.”

“Very well…Tucker,” Rose said softly, a becoming blush rising on her cheeks. “If you’ll call me Rose.”

He nodded, watching her. They stood there a moment, neither quite sure what to say next. The sound of footsteps thundering down the stairs broke the silence.

“Deputy Tucker’s here!” a young voice shouted.

He couldn’t help chuckling as a herd of children came barreling into view, eager smiles lighting up their faces. His gaze met Rose’s, seeing his own happy contentment mirrored in her eyes. With the children jabbering around them, Tucker knew this would be a wonderful visit indeed.

Rose led him into the cozy kitchen, the gaggle of children following behind. She gestured for him to take a seat at the sturdy wooden table while she poured him a cup of coffee.

“I hope you don’t mind the commotion.” She nodded toward the excited youngsters.

Tucker grinned as a bold little girl climbed onto his lap. “Not at all. I’ve been eager to see their smiling faces.”

As she busied herself in the kitchen, Tucker entertained the children with funny voices and silly faces, much to their delight. Their joyous laughter filled the room.

After pouring more coffee into Tucker’s cup, Rose sat down across from him. “Now, tell me what you know about a Christmas party in town?”

Tucker launched into describing the plans for the upcoming town holiday celebration, including the tree lighting and carolers. She listened, asking questions here and there.

“It sounds lovely. I wish we could attend, but we’ll have our own festivities here.”

He took a sip of coffee before replying. “Well, if you’d like to bring the children into town for any of the activities, I’d be happy to escort you.”

She looked both pleased and surprised. “Oh, how kind of you to offer. I’ll have to think about it.”

Emma, a little dark-haired girl, ran up to him, tugging on his sleeve. “Mr. Tucker, will you play the piano for us?”

Tucker chuckled. “Of course, Miss Emma.” He let the children lead him into the parlor, where he sat down and played a few simple carols. The children sang to the ones they knew, with Rose looking on with a smile.

Afterward, Tucker helped Rose round up the children for their afternoon snack. As they ate, Tucker and Rose discussed the need for a new cook.

“It’s been a challenge managing the kitchen without extra help,” Rose admitted. “I’m not sure where we’ll find someone qualified. Heck, even someone who can cook well enough for the children and show up every day would be fine.”

He tapped his chin. “I have an idea. Let me ask around town.”

“I’d appreciate any help you can provide.”

As Tucker rode back into town, he couldn’t help grinning. His visit with Rose had lifted his spirits. He realized how much he looked forward to any excuse to see her, even if it was just to help out around the orphanage.

When he arrived at the sheriff’s office, Tucker decided to ask around about potential cooks for the orphanage. Gabe suggested he talk to Alice Johnson, a widow who was considered to be one of the best cooks in town.

“With her husband gone, she could use the extra money, Tucker,” Gabe told him. “She loves children and might even be interested in staying at the orphanage. Her place in town is pretty rundown. She’s no longer able to keep up with it. Why don’t you go talk to her.”

Tucker found the widow sweeping her front porch. “Afternoon, Mrs. Johnson.” He tipped his hat.

Stopping, she looked up and smiled. “Good afternoon, Deputy. Can I help you with something?”

“As a matter of fact, you can. You know the orphanage outside of town?”

“Of course.”

“I wanted to ask if you might be interested in a cooking position. They’re having a real hard time finding someone to make meals for the orphans.”

The widow looked surprised but nodded. “I could sure use the work. And I’d be glad to cook for those children.”

“Wonderful.” Tucker smiled. “I’ll let Miss Rose know right away.”

After securing the widow’s agreement, Tucker didn’t want to wait to give Rose the good news. Heading to the livery, he saddled his horse and, for the second time in a few hours, rode to the orphanage.

Rose smiled when she opened the door to find him standing on the porch. “Well, hello again, Deputy. Please come in out of the cold.”

Tucker stamped the snow from his boots before stepping into the warmth of the orphanage. “You agreed to call me Tucker, remember?”

“You’re right, I did. So, I know you must have a reason for riding out a second time.”

“I have some good news about your search for a cook. I spoke with Alice Johnson.”

“The widow?”

“Yep. She’s real interested in the position. Gabe told me she’s a great cook and loves children.”

“Excellent. Martha will be so pleased. I’m certain she’ll want to meet with Mrs. Johnson right away. If I recall, she makes the most delicious pies.”

Tucker grinned, happy to have brought Rose good news. “Widow Johnson needs the work. Gabe mentioned she might be willing to stay at the orphanage. If there’s an empty room.”

“I believe we can work something out. It was so thoughtful of you to ask her,” Rose said.

“You have a gift,” he told her. “The children are lucky to have you.”

She blushed at the compliment. “Thank you. You’re very kind.”

“It’s true, Rose.”

As Tucker rode back to town, he thought about the group of men he’d spotted earlier. Hours after watching them, he felt the weight of the men’s stares on his back. A tense anticipation hung in the air, like the stillness before a gathering storm.

Tucker tried to push his unease aside as he entered the house he shared with his friend and fellow deputy, Jonas Taylor. He built up the fire in the stove and fixed a pot of coffee. No matter what he did, his thoughts kept drifting back to the ominous riders.

Who were they, and what business did they have in Splendor? Tucker knew most folks in town, but those men were unfamiliar. Their weathered faces and cold eyes reminded him of the outlaws he’d encountered during his time as a lawman.

Outside, the wind howled mournfully through the pine trees as he climbed under his covers. Somewhere in the distance, a coyote yipped and yowled.

Tucker tossed and turned, sleep eluding him. He kept envisioning those hard-bitten riders, their grim faces shadowed beneath their hat brims.