Flynn studied the floor at his feet, working his jaw from side to side. Why would Dixie and Ben be conspiring to keep information from him?
Ethel gasped her exasperation. “Pricilla, this is ridiculous. Word of what getting back to Flynn?”
“That’s just it. I don’t know. But then when Dixie saw me standing there, she asked me to keep what I’d overheard to myself until after Christmas.”
Ethel released a chuckle. “Well that explains it. Christmas! She must have ordered a package for Flynn!”
Flynn’s eyes fell closed and he smiled. He was an idiot. Of course! That explained everything. He turned once more toward the door. He’d better get out of here before Pricilla spilled the news of what Dixie had gotten him.
From the storeroom Pricilla trilled a note of negation.
Despite himself, Flynn hesitated with his hand on the doorknob.
“That’s what I thought at first too,” Pricilla said. “But then as Dixie was leaving, Ben winked at her and called out that he would see her tonight.”
Flynn frowned, but he was determined not to listen to any more of this gossip. With a quick jerk he yanked open the door and lurched onto the steps.
He pulled in a calming breath and studied the street, willing himself to put the troubling story behind him.
And yet… Dixie had deceived him for months when he’d first known her. She’d been married—granted to a man that she’d been forced to run from for her life, but married nonetheless—and she hadn’t told anyone in town. Not even him. Not until her husband ended up, gun-shot, as Flynn’s patient.
Flynn sighed. He thought he’d gotten past all that. Forgiven her. But…could she be deceiving him, yet again?
He shook his head. No. She was a different woman now. Had given her life to God. And they’d put all that behind them after her husband’s death.
And yet…
His heart felt like a rock in his chest as he started, once more, toward home.
He wished he’d never walked into that mercantile today.
Chapter 3
Maude and Seth Carver hovered near the fire at the front of the little lean-to shelter they’d built. Their older brother Kane lay at the back of the shelter on a pallet made of pine boughs and all three of their bedrolls.
Though Seth held his hands toward the flames his gaze remained fixed on Kane. “He’s shivering again.”
Maude swallowed, eyeing Kane worriedly. “Maybe we should take him into town to the doctor?”
“They saw my face when we robbed that boardinghouse a couple weeks ago. If I show up there, they’ll arrest me. But… You think he’s gonna die? Because—”
“Not if I can help it.” She gave a firm shake of her head. “And you’re not going to jail, either. You done shucking those ears of corn? This water’s boiling.”
Seth banged together the two ears of corn they’d stolen from the storehouse of a farm earlier today. “This corn is harder than rocks.”
Maude snatched the ears from his hands. “Will have to do. Kane needs food. We’ll just let it boil until it’s tender.”
Seth huddled into his thin coat, eyeing the blankets piled around his brother with a touch of jealousy. “He needs some meat.”
Maude sighed. “We ate all the bacon we got from that boardinghouse kitchen. You think you could catch us some fish?”
Seth thought back to the wave of warmth that had enveloped him when they’d stepped into that kitchen. Even though that woman had attacked him with the broom, he wouldn’t have minded staying there. She could whack him all she wanted, so long as he was warm. But they couldn’t have left Kane on his own. Though Maude had never admitted it, it was a good thing he’d taken that tin of money despite her telling him to leave it, because that was what had allowed them to buy the three bedrolls from the mercantile in Cle Elum. She knew it and he knew it, but he would never dare say it.
“Hello?” Maude waved a hand before his face. “You hearing me?”
He considered her question. “What would I use for fishing line? Or a hook?”
Maude pondered for a moment and then shrugged out of her sweater.
Seth’s eyes widened. “What are you doing? It’s freezing out here.”
Maude tied the sleeves of the sweater into knots on the wrist ends. “Saw a man once who had a basket that was a fish trap. The fish swim in one end and can’t get out the other or turn around. You go to the creek and see if you can use my sweater to catch us some fish.”
Seth hesitated. It was mighty cold out there away from the fire. Not to mention that her plan sounded like he’d have to wade into the water to get it to work. She may have just given up her last piece of warm clothing to make it happen, but he’d have to get wet.
He thrust the sweater at her. “You need warmth more than we need fish.”
She pushed it back at him. “But not more than Kane needs it.” She gave him a pointed look.
Seth sighed. Looked like it was December creek waters in his future instead of the warmth of a fire. “Fine. I’ll see what I can do.”
Before he left, he stepped to the back of their shelter and squatted next to Kane. He reached out and laid a hand over Kane’s forehead. Still burning up.
Kane shifted and mumbled something unintelligible.
Seth gritted his teeth. “Don’t you die on us, Kane. We need you to live, you hear?”
Kane made no reply.
Feeling the heavy burden of despair, he hefted the axe that they had placed by the pallet, both for protection at night, but also so the blade wouldn’t get wet and rusty. On his way out, he handed it to his sister. “While the corn boils, you’ll need something to do to keep you warm. Chop some more pine boughs and see if you can’t weave a few more into the sides and front of the lean-to and pile as many on top as you can. It’s fixing to snow again tonight. We’re going to need all the insulation we can get. And the work will keep you somewhat warm in the meantime.”
Maude grunted. “Yes, boss.”
Seth rolled his eyes at her. Maybe she would have thought of it on her own, but the truth was, she’d never liked being told what to do.
As he trudged toward the creek, Seth tossed a glance at the heavens. “I know with all the stealin’ we been doing lately, You might not be feeling exactly kindly toward us. But if Kane were able, he’d whup both Maude and I for the thievin’. So, if you could see fit to bless us with some warmth and some food so he can recover, it would really be for his account. And Maude and I would appreciate it.”
A clap of thunder rolled through the cloudy sky.
Seth flinched.
He wasn’t sure if he should take that as a good sign or as a bad sign. But maybe it was, at the very least, a sign that God had heard his prayer.
When Flynn stepped into the living room, Dixie was in the rocking chair near the wood stove. With Ellery tucked into the crook of one arm, her head tipped back, and her eyes closed, she gently rocked the chair using one foot.
Across the room, Rose sat on the settee, reading a book. She glanced up and gave him a smile. By some unspoken agreement they didn’t converse, allowing both mother and babe to continue their rest.
But Dixie must have sensed his presence, because it was only a moment before she lifted her head. “Hi.” She spoke quietly. “You’re home early. How were your rounds?”
Flynn bent to drop a kiss on her brow. “Good. Thankfully the incidents of winter illnesses have been fairly low this year.” He carefully eased the blanket away from his daughter’s face, feeling his heart melt all over again at the sight of her.
Ellery thrust one tiny fist from the blankets and arched her little back into a stretch.
They both smiled.
Flynn set his doctor bag in its place by the door and eyed her. “And how was your day?”
Dixie gave a nonchalant shrug, but didn’t meet his gaze. “Oh, you know… A bit of a challenge what with getting used to working around Ellery’s schedule.”
That was
a bit evasive. Hang it. He was just going to ask her outright. “Did you go anywhere?”
Dixie lurched from the rocking chair. “You know, I think Ellery needs changed.” She rushed from the room with the baby.
So…not a lie, but not an answer either. He looked to his mother-in-law.
She suddenly seemed fastidiously interested in her novel. She wouldn’t cover for Dixie if something untoward was going on, would she? No. Surely not. All this was likely a Christmas surprise, just as Ethel had pointed out.
Flynn paced to the wood stove and opened it. As he tossed in a couple pieces of wood, he considered.
Why was he even giving Pricilla’s story any credence? He knew what kind of woman she was. He also knew that Ben King loved his wife. And Dixie had never given him any cause to distrust her since she’d given her life to Christ. More importantly, he knew that Dixie loved him.
He closed the stove and sank onto the settee next to Rose. Sweeping a hand over his face, he leaned against the cushions and stared blankly at the wall.
Dixie bustled out of the bedroom. “There. All dry and ready for some time with her pa.” She held the baby out to him. “I’ll run down and fetch us a tray of supper. I can’t say how thankful I am that Susan and Belle have agreed to take on a few more hours of work. It will be a great relief. In the next few weeks, especially.”
Setting aside her book, Rose stood. “I’ll run get the food. You sit and enjoy the evening with your husband. Your family.” She smiled.
Dixie hesitated. “I really don’t mind. We can both go.”
Flynn cradled Ellery against one arm and eyed the two women. Were they both trying to make an escape?
He looked down at the baby and pressed his lips together, weary already of his swaying emotions. He either trusted his wife, or he didn’t. There was no in between, so what was it going to be?
“All right,” Dixie suddenly said. “Thank you. I do confess to being rather exhausted. But I don’t want you to think that we expect you to serve us now.”
Rose flapped a hand to bat away Dixie’s concerns. “Nonsense. I don’t feel that way at all. I’ll return shortly.”
And as Dixie sank onto the settee next to him and curled against his side, Flynn suddenly knew the answer to his question.
He trusted his wife. Without a doubt. He smiled down at her and wrapped one arm about her shoulders.
This was the good life. Inside where it was warm. His daughter in his arms. His wife by his side. The good life, indeed.
Besides, Pricilla had said Ben told Dixie he would see her this evening, and that obviously wasn’t happening.
He felt his concerns release their hold.
Everything was fine. He was just tired. That was all. He needed to renew his efforts to entice another doctor to this area. Most days he was practically run off his feet, and he didn’t remember the last time he’d gotten a full night’s sleep—all of which was only bound to get worse now that they had a baby in the house.
Yes, everything was going to be fine. He dropped a kiss against Dixie’s temple.
And then a knock sounded at the door.
Chapter 4
Dixie had just settled onto the cushions next to Flynn when the knock came.
“I’ll get it.” She leapt up, not wanting to disturb Flynn. He rested so seldomly.
Kin Davis stood on the other side of the door with a piece of paper in his hand. “Evening.” He gave her a nod. “Ben King sent me over with this here message for you.”
Dixie’s heart surged and seized all in the same moment. She tossed a glance toward Flynn. She didn’t want him getting curious and asking questions about why Ben was sending her a message at this time of night. She should have thought to tell Ben she would come by for the message in the morning, but she certainly hadn’t expected a reply this late.
Flynn’s brows arched and his expression turned stony.
Dixie took the note and held it up. “Must be my reply from Seattle. I had to wire that I wasn’t able to make the trip due to Ellery’s early arrival.” She held her breath. Would he buy it? If she didn’t calm down, she was going to give away the surprise herself.
Yet her story was true enough. Only she’d wired a sleigh maker and not a dressmaker as he would suppose.
For some unaccountable reason, Flynn was suddenly grinning from ear to ear. “Of course! That explains everything.”
She frowned. “What explains what?”
He shook his head. “Never mind. I’m just exhausted is all.” He returned his focus to their daughter, but he suddenly seemed at ease.
On the stoop Kin’s feet shuffled. “Well… I guess that was all.” His gaze met Dixie’s as though he were trying to tell her something.
Dixie glanced at the message from Mr. Fordham and her heart sank. He said he couldn’t hold the sleigh for her till spring because he had buyers lined up and waiting. She would have to place another order come spring and make her payment in full before he began the work. She pressed her lips together. She’d obviously upset the man.
Flynn cooed softly at the baby, then lifted his gaze. With his little finger grasped firmly in his daughter’s grip, he glanced between the two of them. “Thanks Kin, for bringing the message.”
Kin nodded, shuffled his feet again, and then tipped his hat. But when he had retreated into the hallway enough that Flynn couldn’t see him, he motioned with his head that she should follow him.
There was obviously something he wanted to tell her. Something he couldn’t say in front of Flynn.
Rose returned just then, and angled her tray of food past Kin on the landing. He stepped out of her way. “Evening, Miss Rose.”
She smiled. “Evening, Kin. Would you like to stay for dinner? There’s plenty.”
His gaze darted to Dixie’s, again conveying some sort of message. “Ah, no ma’am. Thank you, just the same.”
Rose stepped past Dixie and into their apartment. She set the tray of food on the table and when Dixie looked back Kin had started down the stairs, but he again gave her a ‘follow me’ gesture.
Thinking quickly, Dixie reached for her shawl. “Kin? Do you mind waiting a moment?”
Kin paused, a relieved look flashing over his expression. “Yes ma’am. I’d be right happy to.”
Dixie turned to Flynn as she tucked a few loose curls into her chignon. “I have a delivery of pies that Liora ordered for a Christmas party she’s having at their place in a few days. Since Kin is here, I’ll just run down and give it to him to take out to them.”
Flynn frowned. “This time of night?”
“Well, he can keep the order at the parsonage for the night if he likes and run it out in the morning, but to work around Ellery’s schedule, I think it will be easier to hand it off to him now, since he’s here.”
Flynn rubbed his hand over his jaw and then tossed it in the air. “All right.”
She frowned. Had she upset him somehow? “I shouldn’t be long.” She hoisted her skirts and stepped onto the landing, following Kin down the stairs. But the whole way to the kitchen, she couldn’t quite shake the feeling that she’d somehow irritated Flynn.
Once they were alone in the kitchen, Kin grinned at her. “Good thinking about the pies.”
Dixie brushed away his comment. “I could tell you wanted to say something.” She lifted the telegram and couldn’t help the slump that weighed down her shoulders. “Mr. Fordham says he won’t hold the sleigh for me till spring.”
“But that’s not going to be a problem.”
Dixie’s brows rose. “Why not?”
Kin folded his arms and leaned into his heels. “I don’t mind making the trip to Seattle to pick up the sleigh for you.”
“Oh, Kin!” Before she thought better of it, Dixie threw her arms around him and pulled him into a tight hug. It was like the weight of the world had just been lifted from her. “That would be such a relief! I’ve been pondering what else to give him and just didn’t know what to do. Let me give you tho
se pies and my final payment for the sleigh and a train ticket. Tomorrow, I’ll wire ahead to let them know that you are picking up the sleigh for me. You should be able to drop the pies by Liora’s on your way to the station. But the train leaves at ten sharp, so don’t be late.”
“Yes’m.”
She hustled into the larder and tugged her tin of money from the top shelf. Extracting the amount she’d been saving, she carefully folded it together, then returned and handed it to Kin. “There’s a little extra to buy yourself some food once you reach Seattle.”
Kin tucked the money into his back pocket. “And the pies?”
“Oh!” Dixie tossed her hands in the air and returned to the pantry. She carefully settled two pies into the bottom of a crate, then inserted a board across the slats and settled two more pies on that layer. Tucking a towel over the whole thing, she hefted the crate and returned to hand it to Kin along with the delivery fee.
“Thanks.”
She nodded. “Thank you.”
He settled his hat and tugged on the brim. “I’ll be on the train at ten.”
“You’ve lifted a great burden.”
Dixie couldn’t believe how relieved she felt as she watched him cross the street and head up the hill toward the parsonage with the crate of pies held carefully in his hands.
Everything was going to be fine and Flynn would get his sleigh, after all.
What a relief!
As Dixie and Kin disappeared down the stairs, Rose Pottinger shut the door. She bit back a smile as she watched Flynn bounce baby Ellery, all the while frowning at the living room door.
Dixie never had been very good at being secretive.
Flynn glanced over at her. Seeing her humor his own lip quirked up at one corner. “She didn’t have any beaus back east other than her husband that I should know about, did she?”
Rose gave him a look. “Flynn Griffin you know better.”
Doc Griffin's Christmas Sleigh: A Wyldhaven Series Christmas Romance Novella Page 2