Pearl

by Hildie McQueen

  Despite the obvious rage, it was easy to see the man ached inside.

  Perhaps it was all she’d been through, but Pearl did not have any sympathy to give. “You gave up everything for your vice. That is the truth. You mistreated your son and were gone when I arrived. Seems to me you can only blame yourself.”

  Pearl was getting cold, but her blood boiled with indignation at the man blaming everyone for his mistakes.

  Owen huffed. “You don’t know anything.”

  “Don’t I? I saw the bruises on Charley’s face, lost my belongings to a fire you started. Yes, I married your brother, but on seeing the things you are capable of, I thank God for it.”

  “What are you doing here Owen?” Luke neared, he was still much too pale, but his voice and stance were strong.

  “If he promises to be kind, he can join us for breakfast,” Pearl said.

  Both brothers looked to her with astonished expression.

  “I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Luke said, his gaze darting to his brother.

  Pearl met Owen’s eyes. “It’s Christmas. You can spend time with Charley and your brother. Have a warm meal and leave. There is no room for you in our family. I promise to raise your son up in a loving home. You needn’t worry about him. However, I will not stand for you to blame your lot in life on others. Luke has fed, housed and supported you, now it’s time for you to do for yourself.”

  Owen seemed taken aback. If he was Luke’s brother, Pearl expected there was good in him. Resentment made people do uncharacteristic things, however, there was always redemption. Not everyone took the opportunity, hopefully the hopeless man before her would.

  “I appreciate the offer, but no.” He turned to Luke. “I am sorry for what I did. Something in me takes over sometimes.”

  Luke motioned for Pearl to go. “Go get warmed up. I’d like to speak to my brother.”

  “Charley stays with me. I will raise the boy, but I want to do so without fearing you’ll turn up and hurt any of us.”

  Owen looked up at the sky. “I loved his mother. She died. She wasn’t supposed to die.”

  Luke had suspected as much. Since Charley’s birth, Owen had begun drinking and become a totally different person. His brother had always been responsible, hardworking and honorable. But in the last seven years, he’d turned into someone who only cared about himself and drinking.

  “People die Owen. Yes, it’s unfair and hurtful, but you died that day as well. I lost my brother and Charley lost his father. I am sure his mother would not have wished for you to become cruel and hurt your own child. You hit Charley for no reason that day other than you were angry at yourself.”

  Owen’s shouldered slumped. “The man I was is gone forever. I don’t even remember him.”

  Wondering why his brother didn’t have the desire to change, Luke studied his brother. “You used to be caring and honorable. You and I built this farm together. Then you changed and squandered all our money.”

  “I’ll go.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “I’m going to ask Pa for a job. I’ll work for him and stay in the bunkhouse. That way I can see Charley on occasion.”

  Luke considered it for a long moment. “Only if you’re sober.”

  Owen nodded. “I best get going while the weather holds up.”

  Atop his horse, Owen rode away into the distance until becoming a small dot, then nothing. Despite the damage his brother had done, he hoped that Owen did turn a new leaf and make changes. The only impediment would be of his own doing. He’d seen a spark in his brother’s eyes that had not been there before. Perhaps facing all he’s lost would bring him to finally change.

  “Cows to feed and the horse stalls to clean out,” Butch called out from the stables. “Ya up to it?”

  Luke nodded. Despite not feeling fully healthy, he would get what work needed to be done completed. “Let’s get it all done so we can celebrate Christmas.”

  “I can’t wait to see what the Missus cooks.” Butch grinned widely. “Saw her talking to your brother. Everything all right?”

  While they worked, bringing hay to the cows and ensuring the horses were fed and stalls cleaned, Luke told Butch about Owen. He talked of how his brother had changed since Charley’s birth and how much he missed the man his brother used to be. Luke even admitted how he’d married Pearl despite the fact she’d come to marry Owen.

  It was the first time he’d told anyone everything and throughout the morning, the burden of resentment and guilt lifted as he talked.

  Butch would respond every once in a while, with a noncommittal grunt. The man was a good listener and although Luke had known him all his life, never seemed to be the judgmental sort.

  When they’d finally finished, Butch wiped his face with a handkerchief, and leaned on the pitchfork he’d been using.

  “Your brother will have to face his demons on his own. You can’t do much more for him.” When Luke started to say something Butch held up a hand. “I’m not saying it's a bad thing. What I’m trying to tell ya is that you have enough to deal with. That boy and the missus will have a good life with you. There’s a reason it was you that went to town to greet her.”

  When Luke thought about it, he agreed. “Let’s get washed up and get something good to eat.”

  Chapter 12

  When only Luke and Butch came inside, Pearl wasn’t surprised that Owen didn’t accompany them. She’d refrained from telling Charley that his father was there. Although she wasn’t sure the boy would be happy to see his father, she still wasn’t sure what was planned for the boy.

  The four sat down to eat, with a festive mood in the air. Pearl said grace, praising the birth of the child they celebrated that day.

  “This is for you,” Luke handed Butch a package. In it was a handkerchief and a harmonica.

  The man chuckled. “You remembered I lost mine. He got up from the table and went to a chair by the fireplace. He commenced playing a happy tune on the small instrument.”

  Although he didn’t ask, Charley looked to Luke with expectation.

  “I wanted to get you new boots, but the weather stopped me from lingering in town. We’ll have to get you some in the spring.”

  The little boy had a hard time hiding his disappointment at not receiving a gift. “Thank you Uncle Luke.”

  “But I did pick you up a few small things.” Luke lifted three bundles and handed them to Charley.

  The boy bounced with excitement at the new clothes and candy. He smiled and plopped a sweet into his mouth.

  Jack got a bone that still had meat on it, the happy animal settled next to Butch with his prize.

  “I have nothing to give any of you,” Pearl said with a sigh. “I do plan to make you socks, once I can get the items needed.”

  The three of them immediately began reassuring her. Luke patted her hand. “You gave us gifts of meals and ensuring the house is run well. Charley and I haven’t been fed so well, ever.”

  Her chest expanded with pride at the accolade. “It is my pleasure.” When her cheeks heated, she knew they turned red. It was a good feeling to know her work and cooking was appreciated.

  “These are for you.” Luke placed a pair of bundles in front of her. “I hope you like them.”

  In the first package were a beautiful set of brush, comb and mirror. Pearl exclaimed with excitement at having something she’d been desperate for. “They are absolutely perfect. Thank you so much,” she said leaning sideways to kiss her husband’s cheek.

  “Open the other one,” Luke said, his expression happy.

  Her fingers trembled when untying the twine. For whatever reason, it felt like she was celebrating Christmas for the first time. In a way she supposed it was a first. In her new life away from everything she’d known.

  It was a serviceable premade dress. the only adornment was a bit of lace on the hems of the sleeves. Although it wasn’t anything special, she loved it as it was the first clothing item purchased by her husba
nd.

  Pearl held it up to her chest and smiled at Luke. “Thank you. It’s lovely.”

  “Cassie, the mercantile owner, she said you’d find it more useful than something frilly.”

  “Very wise woman indeed,” Pearl said with a smile.

  Once she’d put everything away, Pearl returned to the kitchen.

  She worked on baking a cake atop the stove, which had proved both difficult and enjoyable. It was over an hour later that she placed the finished product in the center of the table.

  Immediately everyone sat down waiting impatiently for a slice. By the time they’d all eaten less than half was left.

  “That was the goodest food I ever ate,” Charley said, making everyone laugh. Pearl didn’t bother correcting him, it was Christmas after all.

  Luke kissed her temple. “I agree with Charley.”

  Belly full and proclaiming to be sleepy, Butch left with a plate of food and a slice of cake.

  With a set of wooden soldiers that Butch had made for him, Charley settled in front of the fire to play.

  “Come outside,” Luke placed her cloak over Pearl’s shoulders and led her outside.

  The cold took her breath, but she was instantly warm when Luke pulled her against his chest and hugged her close.

  “I have something to say to you,” he began. “First of all, thank you for being my wife and staying with me.”

  Pearl looked up at him. “Of course. I couldn’t leave, not after meeting Charley and you are a good man Luke. I am certain.”

  His lips touched hers softly. “Secondly, I want to tell you that I feel... er, I think I’m in love with you. Don’t say anything,” he added quickly. “I know it’s fast and much too soon for you to feel the same, but I want to let you know, I have very strong feelings for you. I appreciate you so much Pearl.”

  For a long moment, she leaned her head against his chest, the thumping of his heart both reassuring and stable.

  “I am happy here Luke. Despite all I have lost, you have helped me fill the void left by my parents. I have no doubt that I will come to love you profoundly.”

  His arms tightened around her and she lifted her face to him, offering herself.

  “Merry Christmas,” Luke said and they kissed.

  Above them in the sky a star streaked across the darkened sky. It was a Christmas Luke would never forget.

  Rebecca: Angel Creek Brides by Lily Graison

  Rebecca thought this Christmas was going to be another spent in the cold while looking into tinseled windows and dreaming of a life she’d never know. But fate throws her a lifeline when she jumps on a train headed west. When she arrives in Angel Creek, Montana to discover she’s assumed the identity of a mail order bride, she wonders how long it will take her new husband to realize she can’t cook, sew or clean a house properly?

  Caleb Reilly bows to mounting pressure from his ailing mother and young daughter and sends away for a wife. The closer it gets to Christmas, the more he regrets the decision—until his new bride steps off the stagecoach. She isn’t what he’d been expecting. Nor does she resemble the woman he corresponded with and Caleb soon realizes Rebecca isn’t who she says she is. Can he trust this stranger with his daughter? And can he trust his own judgement when logic tells him one thing, but his hearts begs he do another.

  Read it today! https://amzn.to/3de12DY

  About the Author

  Enticing. Engaging. Romance.

  USA Today Bestselling Author Hildie McQueen writes Medieval Scottish Romance and American Historical Romance. If you like stories with a mixture of drama and humor, you will love Hildie’s storytelling. Strong heroes meet their match and fall in love every time!

  Hildie resides in eastern Georgia with her super-hero husband Kurt and three little dogs.

  Visit her website at www.hildiemcqueen.com