A Fresh Start for Christmas

by Kimberly Grist

  “All the months we’ve spent swapping correspondence back and forth, I feel as though I know you. I’ve told you things I’ve never told another soul.” Mike squeezed her hand. “Even so, the truth is I’m nervous too.”

  Chapter 15

  “Her heart did whisper that he had done it for her.”

  ― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

  Memphis and Mike waited for a table near the door of the diner. Her eyes swept across the crowded room. Horseshoes adorned rough-sawn plank walls. A potbelly stove graced the far end. “This seems to be a popular place.”

  Mike nodded toward the large wooden tables where each bench seat was occupied and the room brimmed with the hum of conversation. “Most of these folks will be leaving on the evening train. The locals won’t arrive for another half hour or so.”

  Memphis inhaled the fresh scent of chicory. “I never realized how much I enjoy the aroma of coffee.”

  Mike’s eyebrows drew together. “It’s a common brew in Texas. I suppose you're accustomed to tea?”

  “Tea was a treat, as well.” Memphis shook her head. “Your mother showed me her root cellar. I was amazed at all the different blends of tea she made from the plants drying there. Texas is certainly a land that flows with milk and honey.”

  A young woman in her early teens showed them to a booth. Memphis admired the large window which showered the room with the late afternoon sun. She ran her finger along the checkered oilcloth. “This café looks so cheerful and bright.”

  “The food is good too.” Mike leaned forward and spoke only loud enough for her to hear. “My mother is a wonderful cook, but Mrs. Potts makes a German pot roast with potato dumplings that’s the best I’ve ever tasted.”

  “Your secret is safe with me.” Memphis raised an eyebrow. “One thing I’ve learned over the years is not to ruffle the feathers of whoever is boss in the kitchen.”

  Mike shot her a wide grin. “I recall you mentioning how much you enjoyed cooking.”

  “I do. My skills are basic, though. At the children’s home, we tended to fix the same dishes over and over.” Her eyes darted from his disappearing dimples to the corners of his eyes, which crinkled in a smile. She felt a flush creep up her neck to her cheeks. “Your mother told me she would show me how to make your favorite cake.”

  “I don’t think I’ve ever said no to cake of any kind. My mother claims everyone’s favorite is her apple cake. It’s certainly delicious, but my personal favorite is her pound cake.” Mike reached for her hand.

  “I’ll be diplomatic when the time comes and ask your mother to show me her recipe after she shares the apple.” Memphis found she enjoyed the feeling of his firm grasp. His palms were rough.

  His face reddened. “Work has toughed my hands, and my fingers have callouses from playing the violin and banjo. I don’t know why I feel as though I can tell you all my secrets.” He grinned. “I could tell you were smart and patient from your letters. Diplomacy will come in handy the more exposure you have to my family.” Mike chuckled.

  The waitress arrived with coffee to take their orders. Memphis agreed with Mike’s suggestion and smiled at the waitress, who nodded at her choice. “It’s tangy, sweet and full of rich flavor and the potato dumplings are delicious.”

  He inclined his head toward the young woman. “Her name is Isabelle Miller and her brother and sister are friends with Annie and Andrew. We’ve become better acquainted with her family since this past Christmas.”

  Memphis smiled. “I’m excited to participate in the holidays with you and your family.”

  “I admit you being here will add a new level of enjoyment this year.” Mike pulled on his collar. “About my family, we love each other and are a close-knit group, but we can be a bit overwhelming. Which is why I plan to introduce them to you in small portions.”

  “I met Annie today.” Memphis bit her lip to hide a grin. “You were right to use the term precocious.”

  “I’m afraid to ask what she said or did.” Mike pinched his nose.

  “She is adorable. Although she may have jumped to the wrong conclusion when she was going through my trunk.”

  “Maybe you’d better not tell me. I’m not sure I’d react well tonight.” Mike groaned.

  “Even though I’m not related to anyone at the children’s home, they are the only family I’ve ever known. I agree, meeting them all at once would be a bit much.” Memphis giggled.

  “My brother Matt’s going to cover for me tomorrow afternoon at the livery. If you’re agreeable, I’d like to take you to see my…our house. My sister Maggie will be there as well.” Mike ran his thumb across her hand.

  “It all seems unreal.” Memphis felt her fingers tingle. “I feel as if I’m in a dream and I don’t want to wake up.”

  Mike glanced at her lips. “I agree with you there.”

  Memphis swallowed. “I’m eager to see the house.”

  “There’s still a lot of work to do. It may take another year to restore it completely. Not to mention, there’s barely a stick of furniture in the whole place.” His eyebrows narrowed.

  “I’m amazed how industrious you are. It sounds like a mammoth task.” Memphis felt her stomach flutter. “I hope you’ll let me assist you where I can.”

  ***

  Memphis stepped slowly along the road, her arms locked on either side by Mike and his sister, Maggie. “Don’t look yet,” Mike spoke close to her ear. “Let me get you turned right.”

  “I know you’re going to love it.” Maggie squeezed her arm.

  Mike spun her slightly. The warmth from his chest made her heart flutter.

  “Okay, now you can look,” he whispered. Memphis took in a deep breath, then slowly opened her eyes. Her jaw dropped open at the sight of the two-story Folk Victorian. “It’s the most beautiful house I’ve ever seen.”

  “Do you like the color? I was going to paint it gray.” Mike rubbed the back of his neck. “When you said you liked blue, I took a chance.”

  “It’s lovely.” Memphis clutched Mike’s arm.

  “It’s a hodge-podge of styles. A basic farmhouse with the addition of a small turret between the two wings at the roofline.” He waved his arm toward the porch. “At one point, someone added gingerbread trim.”

  A burst of wind whistled and rattled her skirt.

  “Let’s get out of this wind.” Mike placed one arm around Memphis and looped the other with his sister and guided them on to the veranda and through the front door.

  The slight aroma of beeswax and linseed oil explained the gleam of the beautiful hardwood floors. “There doesn’t seem to be even a hint of fire damage.” Memphis glanced toward the freshly painted walls to the twelve-foot ceilings.

  Mike took her hand and led her into the parlor. “There were days when I thought it was near impossible. I’m proud to say a final goodbye to the smoke residue.”

  “Don’t forget about the previous tenants. They left a lasting impression as well.” Maggie wrinkled her nose.

  Memphis straightened, then turned her attention towards Maggie. For a moment, she’d forgotten anyone was in the room but her and Mike.

  “Did my brother tell you about the family of raccoons who were living here?”

  “He did.” Memphis shook her head. “It’s difficult to believe anyone lived here—certainly not any wildlife. Everything is pristine.”

  Her heart fluttered when he flashed her a smile. “The effort was worth it, knowing you are pleased with the way things look.”

  The sound of children’s laughter and boots scuffling across the porch interrupted their thoughts.

  Maggie cleared her throat. “That must be Carol and the children. Mike, why don’t you show Memphis the kitchen? I’ll let the visitors in.”

  Mike steered Memphis through the dining room. He backed against the swinging door and faced her. “Ma always says this room is the heart of the home. I hope you like it.”

  Memphis’s eyes darted from the shiny sink to the freshly
painted walls and ceiling. “I expected this room to be a disaster.” She gave a playful swat to Mike’s arm. “It’s perfect.” She ran her hand along the maple worktable and stepped toward the wall of cupboards painted in a bright color. “It reminds me of spring and green apples.” Unexpected tears filled her eyes.

  Mike’s eyebrows narrowed. “Is the color too bright?”

  “I love it.” Memphis wiped her tears. “I’m sorry. Everything is lovely. I’m a bit overwhelmed.”

  Strong arms enveloped her in a warm embrace. Memphis stiffened at first, then relaxed, laying her head against his chest.

  “As long as those are happy tears, you can cry all you want.” Mike’s voice was rough.

  Memphis wrapped her arms around his waist, knowing her heart would never be the same. “Definitely happy tears.” She sniffed.

  Chapter 16

  “He is also handsome," replied Elizabeth, "which a young man ought likewise to be, if he possibly can. His character is thereby complete.”

  ― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

  Over the next two weeks, Memphis and Mike managed to salvage several side tables and a framed sofa with matching chairs from furniture stored in the attic by the previous owner. She’d restored the wood with a good scrub, then applied a combination of wax and linseed oil.

  The furniture would fit perfectly in the front parlor. The downside was the upholstery fabric smacked of smoke. With the assistance from Maggie’s and Mike’s sister-in-law, Carol, she’d removed the cloth and salvaged the down stuffing. Now freshly washed, the feathers lay drying on sheets in front of the windows in the upstairs turret room. With any luck, they would be dry within a few days.

  Without the benefit of a mirror, she placed her hat on her head, tied the bow, and hurried to meet Maggie at the dress shop to look for replacement fabric. The weather was unseasonably warm today, and except for the occasional gusts of wind, she would never believe it was the week of Thanksgiving. Memphis increased her pace and hurried along the boardwalk several blocks and into the center of town. Pausing to admire the display in the dress-shop window, she studied a set of mannequins. The adult-sized one sported a dark wool skirt and bright calico blouse. The child-sized figure wore a frock in a matching fabric and carried a rag doll. Her mouth lifted in a smile. The younger girls at the orphanage would be thrilled with such a toy.

  The bell on the door jingled, drawing her attention away from the window. Maggie opened the door with a wide grin. “There you are. I was wondering if I told you to meet me here or if I was supposed to stop by the house first.”

  “Am I late?” Memphis closed the door behind her.

  “No, but I’ve been forgetful lately.” Maggie smoothed her dress over the slight mound in her stomach. “Lois is in her workroom. She is laying out fabric for you to choose from.”

  Memphis glanced over her shoulder and blinked at the brightly colored fabrics lining the shelves on the wall, then followed Maggie to the back room.

  The afternoon sun streamed through a large window casting light onto the Singer sewing machine, which held a work in progress.

  Lois's arms were full of various bolts of cloth. Her cheeks were flushed. “Welcome, excuse the mess.”

  “Have I come at a bad time?” Memphis bit her lip.

  “Not at all,” The shopkeeper’s gathered skirt swooshed as she positioned the material on the table. Though her gown was a simple calico, Lois’s skills were evident in the design, which included a deep square neck and V-waistline on her one-piece dress.

  Lois extended her arm and patted Memphis on the back. “I’ve been looking forward to your visit. After you’ve made your selection, I hope you’ll stay and have coffee. My mother-in-law is watching my son this afternoon and I’d love the opportunity to sit and chat.”

  “I’d like that.” Memphis smiled, then stepped closer to the table. “What beautiful fabric.”

  “My mother gave me a settee and chairs, and I reupholstered them in a tapestry of blues, greens and violet, similar to this one.” Lois looked heavenward. “It was a lot of work, yet easier than I thought it would be. Once you decide on a pattern, I’d be glad to help you if you like.”

  “Thank you, I would appreciate it very much.” Memphis inclined her head toward Maggie and grinned. “My future sister-in-law has drawn the line and refuses to give me any more assistance, aside from helping pick out the color.”

  “With good reason too.” Maggie wagged her finger. “You should have seen us trying to get the aroma of smoke out of the inner workings of the furniture.”

  “The cushions were stuffed with down.” Memphis’s mouth twitched. “Who would think it would be such a chore to wash feathers?”

  “You didn’t.” The dress shop owner’s blue eyes widened. “You put them in the washtub?”

  “We tried airing them out first.” Maggie scrunched her freckled nose. “When that didn’t work, we put them in flour sacks with some of Mama’s lavender.”

  “The stench was still there. It was actually Mrs. Montgomery’s idea to soak the flour sacks in the washtub with a bit of vinegar added to the water. It gave new meaning to the term, wringing wet.” Memphis wiggled her eyebrows, which caused the three women to break out in fits of laughter. Memphis wiped her eyes then turned her attention back to the fabric. She fingered a silky blue material etched with a floral design. “When you see them all together, the task to pick only one seems enormous.”

  Lois tapped her finger along her cheek. “Why don’t we start by narrowing the color or hue? Do you have one in mind?”

  “Mike has been so sweet and painted the outside of the house and the kitchen with my favorite colors, blue and green.” Memphis pressed her hand over her heart.

  “There are a variety with those colors.” Lois rearranged several bolts to the forefront—a solid velvet followed by a striped and finally a paisley fabric.

  Memphis took a deep breath and shook her head. “I’d like to pick a fabric specific to Mike’s taste.”

  Lois nodded happily. “Of course. What color does he prefer?”

  “Orange,” Memphis squeaked.

  The shop owner studied the bolts of cloth with narrowed eyebrows. “Really?”

  “That’s considerate of you.” Maggie cleared her throat. “I know Mike wants you to be happy first and foremost. Besides, he likes blue and green too.”

  “My pastor stressed with me the importance of compromise for a good marriage. I’m delighted to give up my preference to make Mike happy. He’s gone out of his way to please me. Now it’s my turn.” She tapped her index finger against her lip. “Surely, there’s something here that will work.”

  Lois pivoted and moved toward a crate of assorted yard goods. “I may have what you’re looking for.” She unwound a floral tapestry and laid it on the table. “Since the background is a golden brown, the orange doesn’t exactly shout at you, but it’s present.”

  “It’s there alright.” Maggie groaned.

  Memphis placed the fabric between her fingers. “It’s soft.”

  “It’s good quality and should give years of wear.” Lois nodded. “Look, there’s a bit of blue and green, even a touch of red in the pattern too.”

  “Memphis, I can’t let you do this.” Maggie opened her mouth, then clamped her lips shut.

  “Can’t let me do what, Mags?” Memphis’s eyebrows narrowed. “Most of the furniture I was used to was so well worn you couldn’t determine the color. Trust me. This is far nicer than anything I’ve ever had before.” Memphis traced the orange thread with her finger. “Mike deserves a say in the color choices and if it makes him happy, then I’m pleased with the selection.”

  Maggie patted her arm. “You’re right. Mike is deserving.”

  Chapter 17

  “I am the happiest creature in the world. Perhaps other people have said so before, but not one with such justice. I am happier even than Jane; she only smiles, I laugh.”

  ― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
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br />   The sweet aroma of apples and cinnamon filled the kitchen. Memphis used the potato masher to break up the apples into a chunky sauce. The only thing left to do was to spread the icing on the cakes.

  “Something sure smells good.” Mike joined her at the stove. “Making my favorite cake, I see.” He winked.

  She shook her head as he dabbed a finger to taste a bit of the icing. “It’s hot,” she warned.

  “Whew, you’re not kidding.” Mike stuffed his finger in his mouth, then whistled. “It’s delicious, though.”

  Memphis gave the sweet concoction another stir and removed the pot from the burner. “You’ll be happy to hear your mother is going to teach me how to make a pound cake as part of the Christmas baking.”

  “Speaking of Christmas,” Mike placed one hand on her waist and spoke softly in her ear. “I talked to the pastor, and he’s agreeable to marrying us Christmas Day. Unless I can talk you into moving the date up a bit? ”

  Memphis gave him a sideways glance. “I love the idea of marrying here with your family in front of the Christmas tree.”

  “Whatever you want is fine by me.” His eyes twinkled. “It’ll make it hard to forget our anniversary. Might save me money too. You won’t need both an anniversary and a Christmas present, will you?” The corners of his mouth turned up.

  “That goes both ways, mister. You won’t need two gifts, either.” Memphis shook her wooden spoon. “Seriously, I don’t need presents. You’ve done so much already repairing the house. I’ll be satisfied for the next ten or twenty anniversaries.”

  “Really? I hate to hear that.” He pulled a velvet box from his vest pocket. “It would be a shame to return this. Especially since it matches the color of your eyes almost exactly.”

  Memphis’s mouth dropped open. She gazed at a cornflower blue sapphire set in a gold band with a seed-pearl accent on either side of the stone.

  “I know you said you didn’t expect an engagement ring. The thing is, I find myself wanting to surprise you.” He brought her fingers to his lips. “I’d like for you to wear this as a reminder of how much I appreciate you coming to marry me sight unseen.”