Page 28 of On a Midnight Clear
Christmas Day had been even better than she’d hoped. Mr. Thompson was able to join them at the table for the feast—though he barely touched his food plate. He’d seemed lost in thought , and not just because of the pain from his wound. Was he worried about driving the stage again?
Once the snow melted enough for the next stage to get through, Noah and Ellen could continue their trip. But Mr. Thompson might not like the idea of sitting here instead of accomplishing what he considered to be his job.
When they exchanged gifts, the thoughtfulness of each present made her eyes burn.
Martin had carved her a beautiful wooden haircomb, and Ellen gave her a set of silver hairpins engraved with a floral design.
When Hope offered an exuberant thank-you, Ellen’s smile turned shy.
“I hope they will help you remember me. I’ve so enjoyed coming to know you.
Maybe we can write to keep up our friendship? ”
Those tears pressed harder as Hope pulled her into a hug. “I would love that a great deal, Ellen.”
She’d even heard Martin asking if he could write to Ellen. The woman had blushed as she quietly accepted.
And now that the dishes were washed and put away, Noah and Martin enjoyed a game of chess by the fire while she finished tidying up. The cabin smelled of pine and cinnamon, the air warm and cozy despite the frigid temperatures outside. A perfect ending to a wonderful day.
As she bent to sweep some crumbs off the floor, a shadow fell across her work. She straightened and turned to find Noah standing there, his coat in his arms.
“I’m about to take a turn around the yard to stretch my legs.” His voice was low, meant only for her ears. “Would you care to join me?”
Her heart fluttered at the invitation. They hadn’t spent much time alone since that night in the barn, and she’d missed his company. Missed the way his presence settled something inside her, making her feel seen and understood in a way few people ever did.
Of course, maybe this outing had nothing to do with wanting her company and everything to do with needing fresh air after being cooped up inside all day. Either way, she welcomed the chance to be near him again.
She nodded. “Just let me grab my coat.”
The late afternoon sun shone bright again today, though the air felt colder than yesterday. More snow had melted, which meant they were one day closer to the next stage coming through. One day closer to Noah leaving her.
She did her best to push away that thought as they walked side by side through the snow-covered yard. She wanted to enjoy this moment with Noah, to savor every second together.
He glanced at her, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “That chess pie you made was the best I’ve ever tasted. You have a real talent in the kitchen.”
She scrunched her nose. “Thank you. It was a challenge making it without eggs.”
He raised his brows. “Without eggs? Is that possible?”
“Turns out it is.”
He stopped to stare at the barn, then looked around the yard. “I suppose you don’t have chickens. I didn’t think through my request very well.” He met her gaze, his eyes earnest. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make the meal harder for you.”
She rested a gloved hand on his arm. “I enjoyed the challenge, truly. I’m usually able to order eggs to come on the supply wagons, but winter makes it harder for them to get through.”
Noah nodded. He knew that fact well now. He didn’t start walking again, but reached for the end of his scarf, holding up the embroidered part. “Thank you for this too.” He locked those remarkable eyes with hers again. “It’s perfect. By far the most handsome scarf I own.”
She couldn’t stop the heat flaming her cheeks. “That’s not true.”
He shook his head. “I can tell you beyond a doubt that it is.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
His eyes turned serious. “I have something for you as well.” He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small velvet pouch, then emptied the contents into his gloved palm. A delicate gold locket gleamed in the sunlight, its surface engraved with swirling designs.
“It was my mother’s.” He spoke softly, running a thumb over the pendant.
“My father gave it to her on their wedding day. When she passed, my grandparents saved it for me.” He shook off one of his gloves to open the locket.
Inside, two tiny sketches stared up at them—one of a young boy, and the other of a man who bore a striking resemblance to Noah. “That’s me and my older brother, Tom.”
Hope stared at the necklace, her mind reeling. Surely he didn’t mean for her to keep something so precious, so personal. “It’s beautiful,” she managed. “I don’t know what to say. Are you certain you want me to have this? I couldn’t possibly—”
He closed his free hand over hers, drawing her focus to his face.
“I want you to keep it safe for me.” His gaze held a soft smile.
“When the trail is passable, I’ll have to continue my journey to escort Miss Whitmore home.
But I’ve decided that I’m going to put a hold on that partnership discussion.
Instead, I’m going to ask for a leave of absence.
Our superintendent who’s running things in the east while I’m gone can continue a few more months.
” His gaze held steady on hers. “I’d like to come back.
To this stage stop. If that’s all right with you. ”
Come back? It felt like the air had been stolen from her lungs. Tears blurred her vision as bright and overwhelming joy spread through her. This couldn’t be real.
She managed to ask, “You want to come back? To stay here, with us?”
He nodded, a tentative smile tipping the corners of his mouth. “If you’ll have me.”
“But ... are you certain? You had plans.”
He squeezed her hand, his gaze unwavering. “I’ve never been more certain. These past days with you, getting to know you and your brother, have shown me what truly matters. My plans, my job—they all pale in comparison to the connection I feel with you. The future we could have.”
The tears she’d been holding back spilled down her cheeks as a watery laugh escaped her. “I would like that very much. Having you here, with us ... with me. It’s more than I dared to dream.”
His smile widened, eyes crinkling at the corners. “May I?” He held up the locket, a silent question.
She nodded, not trusting her voice. As she turned, he shucked his remaining glove. His cold fingers brushed the nape of her neck, sending a shiver down her spine. The weight of the pendant settled just above her heart, a tangible reminder of his promise.
When he finished, he turned her back to face him, his hands coming to rest on her shoulders, his gaze on hers. “I don’t want you to forget me while I’m gone.” His warm breath caressed her cheek. “This way, you’ll always have a piece of me with you.”
She removed her own gloves, dropping them to the snow beside Noah’s, and reached up to touch the locket. “As if I could ever forget you, Noah Bentwood.”
His eyes darkened, the intensity in them stealing her breath. “There’s one other way I want to make sure you remember me.”
A thrill slipped through her as her body recalled that kiss.
And then his mouth was on hers, gentle and searching at first, then insistent as she melted into his arms. The world around them disappeared, leaving only the two of them, hearts pounding in unison, a promise of all the beautiful moments yet to come.
When they finally parted, breathless and flushed, only one thought stayed rooted in her mind: She would wait as long as it took for this man to return to her.