A strange and wearisome sadness settled over me after Lydia’s birth. Doctor Ashton says it’s a common experience for women. I’ve only told Isabella, and she gave me this little notebook and told me to write about the happiest time in my life thus far. I didn’t like the idea at first, but she said writing this story would help me through my sadness. She was right. Thank you, Isabella.
Chapter Twelve
Orange rays of morning sunlight spilled into the kitchen’s east window as Lydia prepared the last recipes for Christmas dinner. John was in the barn milking the cow, and Bethany had already left to spend the day with Everett at the Fosters’ farm. It was the first time Lydia had ever known the Colburn house to feel empty on a Christmas morning.
She wiped the sugar and cornstarch from her hands as she checked her mother’s lemon pudding recipe once more. While she poured milk into a saucepan, baby Andrew yanked on her apron’s hem, trying to stand. She knelt and offered her fingers to help him up.
Babbling, he gripped her thumbs and pulled himself up. His knees buckled and straightened again as he tried to balance. Then he let go of her and took one wobbly step by himself.
“Good boy!” Lydia barely got the words out when he plopped down on the floor again. Though she continued to encourage him, he promptly returned his attention to the slobbery measuring cups he had been playing with. She smoothed his fine hair. “When your father gets home today, he will be delighted to see what you’ve learned.”
She stood and glanced at the road, eager for Connor’s return and also watching for any travelers. It might be the quietest Christmas ever in the Colburn house, but that didn’t matter anymore. Reading her mother’s story had ignited her desire to continue the tradition of being prepared to offer hospitality to others.
John opened the back door and sniffed the air as he set a full milk pail by the sink. “Mmm, do I smell oyster dressing like your mother used to make?”
“You do.” Lydia pointed at a stack of faded papers on the counter. “I dug out some of her favorite recipes. We’re having roast turkey with oyster dressing, mashed potatoes, turnips, stewed beets, squash, lemon pudding, and Grandmother Colburn’s cherry salad.”
“Sounds wonderful. I hope Connor makes it home by dinner time.” John patted her back and then held out his hands to Andrew as the baby crawled to him. “There is my happy grandson.” After a moment with the baby, he rubbed Andrew’s head, messing the strands Lydia had just smoothed.
She smiled at them both and began whisking egg yolks for the pudding. John moved about the kitchen, working around her, as Andrew sat on the floor alternating between biting and banging the measuring cups. He glanced at her, and his eyes reminded her of Connor.
She added lemon zest and salt to the saucepan and moved it to the stove to cook. While the pudding warmed, she reached into her dress pocket and pulled out the little journal. “Father, I have something to give you.”
John stood at the sink, straining the milk. He didn’t look at her. “Not a Christmas present, I hope. I know some of the villagers have started exchanging gifts, but I believe it could lead to a view of Christmas that takes our focus off the Lord.”
She and Connor held a different opinion of Christmas presents from that of her father, but they respected him enough to keep their gift exchanging private. “No, Father, it’s not a Christmas present.”
“Good. I do not want to start any more traditions.”
“It’s not really from me even, and I probably should have given it to you before I read it.” Lydia glanced at her mother’s journal. “But it helped me let go of the demands I was placing on everyone because of what I thought Christmas should be.”
John furrowed his brow as he dried his fingers with a dishtowel. “What is it?”
She held the notebook out to him. “Aunt Isabella gave it to me before she died. I’m not sure how much she understood during her last few days, but I think she knew I was upset that the others weren’t coming here for Christmas dinner. She had this hidden in her wardrobe for years. She wanted me to have it, but it belongs to you.”
John accepted the journal and opened it. “This is your mother’s handwriting,” he whispered.
“It’s the story of when she fell in love with you.”
Without a word, John walked into the parlor, already reading Hannah’s story. He sat in the overstuffed armchair near the hearth and held the pocket-sized book with both hands. Tears welled in the corner of Lydia’s eyes as she returned to the stove to stir the pudding.
* * *
Lydia arranged the dishes for Christmas dinner on the buffet near the table and set a warming stone in the center. Andrew wiggled in his high chair, tossing bread cubes to the floor. John stepped to the buffet, holding a steaming pan of carved turkey. He centered the pan on the warmer then removed his oven mitts. “This looks incredible, Lydia. Your mother would be proud of you.”
Outside the kitchen window, a dust cloud rose at the end of the property. Lydia yanked off her apron and tossed it onto the counter. “He’s here!” She lifted Andrew from his highchair and dashed outside with him.
Connor dismounted and jogged across the yard to meet her. She held the baby and hurried toward Connor. Whiskers darkened his unshaven face, but they didn’t dim his charisma. When he reached her, she opened her mouth to say Merry Christmas, but before she could speak, he kissed her.
Andrew squealed and reached for his father. Connor took the baby with one arm and drew Lydia closer with the other. “That was a much better welcome than the first time I came here.”
Lydia tucked her hair behind her ear. “Thank God you came back to us in one piece!”
“Just like I said I would. Am I too late for dinner?”
“We haven’t eaten yet.”
Connor pointed at the medical cottage. “Is Sophia eating with us?”
“No, she went to her sister’s house for the day.”
“Are you expecting anyone else?”
“No, we were just waiting for you.”
Connor inclined his head toward her. “Are you okay?”
“I am.” She smiled out of true joy. “I have a lot to tell you about.”
A wagon turned onto the property. The man and woman on the bench seat waved, while three children in the wagon bed talked excitedly to each other and pointed at the house. Lydia pulled away from Connor. “Who are they?”
“The Vestal family. I met them on the road. They’re traveling to Stonehill this week, and I suggested they stop here for the night. I didn’t think you would mind,” he grinned at Lydia, “seeing as how you’re going to be the next overseer’s wife.”
“I will be? It’s certain then? You decided to train for Father’s position?”
“I did.” His confidence was softened with humility. “I have a lot to tell you later, too.”
Overcome with delight, she didn’t know if she should kiss him or greet the guests first. “This is wonderful!”
Connor waved the visitors toward the house and passed the baby back to Lydia. “And there’s more.”
“More?”
He stepped around his horse, removed something from a strap, and held it up. “The overseer of Woodland sent a wreath for you.”
“How beautiful!”
“And Adeline and Maggie sent a few things to make your Christmas a little brighter.” He opened one of the saddlebags and reached inside then pulled out several packages one at a time. “Adeline sent cookies and a block of cheese and,” he shook a brown paper packet, “these are roasted nuts from Maggie. She and Thomas are expecting their next child. That is why she didn’t feel like making the trip today. And Adeline and Isaac wanted to stay in Woodland with them.”
“Oh,” Lydia said as she took one of the packages. “Now I understand. I wish she’d said that in her letter. Are they all doing well?”
“Yep.” Connor glanced over her toward the kitchen door. “Merry Christmas, John!”
“Merry Christmas,” John replied. He wa
lked outside and opened his arms to Connor. “Welcome back, son!”
“Thank you, sir. Your daughters sent gifts from Woodland.” Connor handed the packages to John and immediately drew another from the saddlebag. “I think this one is fruitcake—everybody’s favorite.” He winked at Lydia.
The visitors parked their wagon near the house. John took the packages from Connor and said, “I see you have brought guests. Welcome, friends!”
After Connor made introductions, Lydia welcomed the travelers inside to share her feast and her home. She would continue the tradition of hospitality and bless others the way her mother and grandmother had. With a heart full of gratitude for her family—those with her, those absent, and those now with the Lord—she blinked back happy tears. She put Andrew in his high chair and, as the guests washed for dinner, she hung the wreath on the door.
“Looks great,” Connor said, smiling.
“Thank you.” Lydia paused before stepping back in the full kitchen. She gazed up into the clear blue sky and whispered, “Thank you.”
###
Our journey in the Land continues in Uncharted Hope, book five in the Uncharted series. The first chapter of Uncharted Hope is included in this ebook after the Recipe and More Books sections…
Grandma’s Cherry Salad Recipe
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
(2) 14.5 ounce cans pitted tart red cherries
1 cup crushed walnuts
In a saucepan, beat eggs with a wooden spoon. Add sugar and cream. Cook over medium heat until thick (about 15 minutes), stirring continually as not to burn it. Transfer to a food container and cover. Chill the sauce overnight. Chill the cans of cherries also. Once sauce and cherries are cold, drain cherries. In a 2-quart bowl, pour sauce over well-drained cherries and add crushed walnuts. Toss salad gently and chill until ready to serve.
Author’s note:
This recipe was handed down to my mother from her grandmother. We don’t know how many generations it’s been in the family, but we enjoy it with every holiday meal. I hope you do too!
More Books by Keely Brooke Keith
The Land Uncharted
Book One in the Uncharted series
A hidden land settled by peaceful people
The first outsider in 160 years
Lydia Colburn is a young physician dedicated to serving her village in the Land, an undetectable island in the South Atlantic Ocean. When Lt. Connor Bradshaw’s parachute carries him from the world war to Lydia's hidden land, his mission could expose her simple society.
As Connor searches for a way to return to his squadron, his fascination with life in the Land makes him protective of Lydia and her peaceful homeland, and Lydia’s attraction to Connor stirs desires she never anticipated. But will they be able to keep the Land hidden?
Uncharted Redemption
Book Two in the Uncharted series
Mandy Foster spends her days building musical instruments and her nights avoiding the discontent that plagues her after sundown. She’s learned how to guard her heart with skillfully played songs and flirtatious smiles.
Levi Colburn is building his house outside the village—across the road from Mandy to be exact. Though he’s been in love with Mandy since childhood, she rejected him once and has been unattainable to every man in the village ever since.
When Mandy’s life is in danger, it’s up to Levi to rescue her.
But will she accept the tender care of the one man who truly loves her?
If she does, her secret would be exposed.
Uncharted Inheritance
Book Three in the Uncharted series
As Bethany Colburn completes her apprenticeship and dodges unwanted suitors, a mysterious man arrives in her village. He brings charm Bethany has never encountered and illness the Land has never known. She will need more than her heightened intuition to uncover the truth about life in the Land.
Just when Everett Foster finds the courage to confess his love for Bethany, a stranger threatens his future with her—and their whole society. Everett must protect the Land, run a farm, and win back Bethany’s heart.
Christmas with the Colburns
Book Four in the Uncharted series
It’s Christmastime in Good Springs, and Lydia Bradshaw is eager for the light at the end of her year—the Colburn family’s big holiday gathering. When she discovers none of her siblings are coming back to the village this year, she believes Christmas will be ruined. As Lydia faces a gloomy holiday in the Colburn house, an unexpected discovery brightens her favorite season. Will it be enough to rekindle the light of Christmas?
Spend Christmas with the Colburns in this inspirational holiday novella. Holiday recipe included!
Uncharted Hope
Book Five in the Uncharted series
Sophia Ashton’s new medical assistant job comes with the perks of living on the Colburn property, which include being surrounded by a loving family—something she’s never known. During the job’s trial period, a patient puts Sophia in a questionable position. Now she must prove her competence or lose her job and home.
Nicholas Vestal is working on a sheep farm to earn a starter flock, but before his contract is up, he inherits a house in the village. While fixing up the old house, he pursues Sophia Ashton, believing she is the woman God wants him to marry. But when Sophia’s difficult past blocks Nicholas’s plan, he must find a way to her heart.
Meanwhile, outside the Land...
When plant biologist Bailey Colburn is offered a research job, she knows Justin Mercer is playing her somehow. Working for the former naval flight officer sounds better than her other options in post-war Norfolk, even though Justin says he once met her long lost relatives. But when Justin introduces Bailey to the mysterious gray leaf tree, his unbelievable claims change her world.
Uncharted Journey
Book Six in the Uncharted series
Young widow Eva Vestal assumes loneliness is God’s permanent plan for her life. She keeps busy by raising her son and co-managing the Inn at Falls Creek with her elderly father, but her heart yearns for more.
Solomon “Solo” Cotter has spent his life working with horses, but he secretly wants to write a book of the children’s stories his grandfather told him as a boy. He barters with Eva’s father for a 40-night stay at the inn, a needed respite from work to get his stories on paper.
Once Eva discovers the barter, she believes Solo is taking advantage of her father’s failing memory. But when tragedy strikes and Solo works hard to save the inn, Eva sees his true nature. As her heart stirs with feelings for Solo, she wrestles with the guilt of loving someone new.
Meanwhile, outside the Land...
Bailey Colburn arrives at the coordinates of the Land on the autumn equinox and finds nothing but ocean. The sun sets, ending Bailey’s dream of a safe and simple life with the family she’s never known. Just when she decides Justin Mercer lied about visiting a hidden land in the South Atlantic Ocean and meeting Bailey’s distant relatives, the atmosphere around the boat changes and ushers her into an uncharted world, but her entrance into the Land comes at a devastating price.
Uncharted Destiny
Book Seven in the Uncharted series
Bailey Colburn is safe in the Land, but her father figure, Professor Tim, never made it to Good Springs. When Bailey discovers Tim is lost in the Land’s dangerous mountain terrain and out of his life-saving medication, she sets out to rescue him. Even with the help of intriguing native Revel Roberts, Bailey faces an impossible journey to save Tim. The mountains are shrouded in dark folklore and full of deadly surprises.
Revel Roberts never stays in one place too long. No matter where he travels in the Land, he avoids the Inn at Falls Creek, his boyhood home and the business he will inherit. But when fearless newcomer Bailey Colburn needs Revel’s help to find her friend, he joins the mission and is forced to return to the place he’d rather forget.
Bailey and Re
vel’s friendship strengthens as they need each other in ways neither of them imagined. But nothing can prepare them for what awaits in the Land’s treacherous mountains.
Uncharted Promises
Book Eight in the Uncharted series
Sybil Roberts uses the warmth of delicious meals to lift the spirits of road-weary travelers at The Inn at Falls Creek. Her life at the inn would be perfect if she could just get her brothers and mother to move back home.
And if she could see Isaac Owens again.
He visited the inn once when he interviewed for the farm manager job, and she’s dreamed of his return to Falls Creek ever since.
Isaac Owens knows how to run a farm. His family might not have faith in him, but if he succeeds at Falls Creek, he’ll prove them wrong. He arrives at the inn thinking the job is his, but the inn’s senile owner offered the position to another man too. Isaac must spend the winter competing if he wants to win the job… and Sybil’s heart.
It will take more than warm meals on cold nights for Sybil and Isaac to find love while working at the isolated inn.
The Uncharted Beginnings Series
Aboard Providence
Christmas With The Colburns (The Uncharted Series Book 4) Page 6