Cascades Christmas

by Mildred Colvin

  Lord, please spare Garrick’s life. Let him know how much Kathleen really cares. He loves her, and she loves him. If she doesn’t know her own heart, help her see it now. And please, Lord, forgive Garrick and me for talking about marrying each other. I see now we were wrong. My love for him is of a good friend, not a wife. Please don’t let him die. Touch him and give him healing. Amen.

  Anna pushed her worries aside and worked hard throughout the afternoon. She knew that praying then continuing to worry showed a lack of faith, but she was afraid that even if he lived, Garrick might lose his leg. She dropped the broom.

  “Anna, are you all right?” Mama looked up, her hands stilled on the bread dough she’d been kneading.

  “What if they cut off Garrick’s leg?” Anna fought more tears.

  A crease formed between Mama’s eyes. “I don’t think that will happen. Garrick will be fine. Your worrying will do him no good.”

  “I know.” Anna picked up the broom. “But Kathleen is in love with him. He loves her, too. He told me so yesterday. I’ve always thought of Garrick as a sort of brother. Now he could be, and this had to happen.”

  Mama smiled. “Yes, but don’t worry, I believe Garrick will be fine. Kathleen isn’t one to let a missing limb stand in the way of her love. I thought from the start Jeremiah was wrong for her. They’ll come through this.”

  Anna turned back to sweeping. Maybe Kathleen and Garrick would be all right, but would she? She loved Jeremiah. He’d be hurt Kathleen loved someone else. Why couldn’t he love her? Mama was glad Kathleen loved Garrick. She wanted her daughters to be wives and mothers in their own homes. Anna wanted the same thing. But she wanted to be true to the way God made her, too.

  She should have stood up for herself long ago. Now, just before Christmas, might be the best time to talk to Papa and tell him she didn’t want to go away. Maybe tonight she’d get a chance.

  She kept watch for Papa and Kathleen while she worked, but Papa’s wagon wheels didn’t crunch against the ground outside. It seemed they were taking an awfully long time. After supper, she and Mama closed the mess hall and went to their cabin.

  “It isn’t a good sign for them to be so late, is it, Mama?” Anna hugged her arms close to ward off a chill more from unease than from the cool December air.

  “I wouldn’t worry, Anna.” Mama’s smile looked tired. “Kathleen may have wanted to stay with Garrick as long as she could. You’ll understand someday when you fall in love with a young man.”

  Her mother’s words cut deep into Anna’s heart. She’d already fallen in love, and she did understand, but there was no point in saying anything. Jeremiah didn’t love her. She followed her mother into the cabin. “I’m tired. If you don’t mind, I think I’ll go to my room.”

  She climbed the ladder to the loft room she shared with Kathleen and lay across the bed. Her eyes drifted shut while exhaustion lulled her to sleep. A sound in the quiet darkness of night woke her, and she sat up.

  With only moonlight filtering into the room, Kathleen sat on the edge of the double bed. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you.”

  “Is Garrick—”

  “He’s going to be okay.” Tears mingled with relief in Kathleen’s voice. “He plans to be at the Whitworth’s Christmas party.”

  Anna’s breath rushed out. “I’m so glad.”

  “Papa let me stay until he woke.” Kathleen turned to face Anna. “I thought I’d lost him. Did you know he was afraid of me?”

  “No, why would he be?”

  “I don’t know, but he said I was too good for him. Too pretty. Too perfect.” Kathleen caught Anna’s hand. “He’s loved me for years, and I thought he didn’t care.”

  Anna laughed. “Poor Garrick. Did he propose?”

  Kathleen’s head bowed. “Not yet. I think he will though, when he’s better.”

  Anna changed into her nightgown and crawled into bed beside her sister. She’d talk to Papa later. As soon as possible. She lay in the dark, no longer sleepy as Tuck filled her thoughts. Kathleen hadn’t mentioned him. His heart would be broken when he found out Kathleen didn’t love him.

  Long into the night she lay awake imagining how life as Jeremiah’s bride might be until sleep and dreams took over, renewing her determination to win his love if it took the rest of her life.

  Thursday after Anna finished her work, she found Papa in the tool shed where he often spent his evenings. He turned with file in hand when she stepped in and closed the door. “Anna. What are you doing out here?”

  She grinned. “Tagging along after you like always.”

  He chuckled. “That’s my tagalong Tootsie.”

  Even as she laughed with him, a lump caught in her throat. He hadn’t called her that in years. Now she felt seven years old, and like a child, she blurted out her complaints. “Papa, I don’t want to go away.”

  His eyebrows shot up. “To school?”

  “Yes.” Tears threatened her eyes. “I love our life here. I want to stay home. God made me just the way I am, and I don’t see why everyone wants me to change. Why do you want me to go away?”

  “Anna.” Papa’s voice was calm in the midst of her storm. “You know I love when you help me. I’d like to keep you with me, but if you don’t go to school, you’ll miss a chance to better yourself. It’s a good opportunity, don’t you think?”

  An invisible cord tightened around her insides as she looked into the pleading in his eyes. He really did want her to go. She blinked against the burning tears that threatened. “All right. If you really want me to, I will. I’ll go for you, Papa, not me.”

  Papa’s chuckle returned. He held his arms out, and Anna stepped into his warm embrace. His chest rumbled when he spoke. “It won’t be for me, Anna. Your mama came up with this idea and convinced me it’s for the best. If you’re sure you don’t want to go, I’ll talk to Mama and set things straight. I’d rather you stay here. I’m happy with the girl you are. I’m pretty sure God is, too.”

  The tears Anna had tried so hard to keep under control rolled down her cheeks. She didn’t have to go away, but what had she gained? Jeremiah didn’t love her, and now she’d be here to watch him find someone to take Kathleen’s place.

  Chapter 11

  Anna studied her reflection in the mirror. Where had the sparkle in her eyes gone? Her family was staying in town through Tuesday for Christmas, so she hadn’t seen Jeremiah all weekend, and she missed him. Today she should be looking forward to the Whitworth’s Christmas Eve soiree, but all she could think about was Jeremiah.

  “Aren’t you ready yet?” Kathleen stepped around the edge of the doorway. As usual, she looked beautiful.

  Anna sighed. “Yes, I’m ready.”

  What difference did her appearance make? Jeremiah might not even be there. Just because he had an invitation didn’t mean he would come. Anna listened to Kathleen chatter with Mama on the short buggy ride across town and shook her head. At least her sister had found love with Garrick.

  At the gaily decorated Whitworth mansion, Anna followed Kathleen in and stepped aside to allow her parents room. The house buzzed with activity as townspeople spilled from the formal parlor through wide double doors into the entrance hall.

  Anna looked for Larkin, but Kathleen grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the parlor. “There’s Garrick.”

  “Let go, Kathleen. I’m coming.” Anna jerked her arm free and hurried after her sister. They stopped beside Garrick’s chair. His leg stretched out, resting on a footstool. “What’s your rush? It isn’t as if he’s going to run away.”

  “Anna, what a horrible thing to say.” Kathleen scowled.

  Garrick laughed. “She’s right. I won’t be dancing tonight either.” He looked up at Kathleen. “If I could, I’d fill your card.”

  Pink tinged Kathleen’s cheeks, and Anna turned away. She didn’t hear her sister’s response because there by the front door stood Jeremiah. The waltz, played by the small orchestra in the music room, faded to background
music for the dance steps of her heart. Hers and Jeremiah’s, only his heart wouldn’t be dancing with hers now that it was broken by Kathleen’s rejection.

  Her breath caught in her throat as his eyes held hers, and he stepped forward. A shadow moved between them, blocking him from her view.

  “Anna, you’re here.” Larkin clasped her hand and stepped back. “You look so much older with your hair fixed that way.”

  Jeremiah stepped past Larkin. After giving Anna a quick glance, he shook hands with Garrick. “Glad to see you’re able to be here. I want you to know I wish you the best.”

  Anna didn’t hear more as she allowed Larkin to lead her away. Jeremiah lost Kathleen and was stepping graciously aside. She turned for one last look and saw the sadness in his eyes. Why couldn’t he have loved her instead?

  She smiled for Larkin’s benefit. “Your family always has the best parties.”

  “Thank you. Mama and Papa both enjoy entertaining.”

  As Anna went with Larkin from one person to another, visiting for a few minutes before moving on, she kept her smile in place. She danced with one of the Bollen brothers and then forgot which one when she saw Jeremiah scowling at her. He looked so unhappy. Tears burned her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. Why did Jeremiah keep watching her? She slipped out of the parlor into the hall. If she could get away from him, maybe she could catch her breath. She stood against the wall, smiling at no one in particular. If only she could forget Jeremiah. She leaned her head against the flocked wallpaper and closed her eyes. Still Jeremiah took form in her memory. So near, yet so out of reach.

  “Anna.”

  His deep voice sounded in her head, and she smiled.

  “Little Bit, are you all right?” He sounded concerned.

  She jerked, her eyes popping open. “Tuck.”

  He stood before her, a frown darkening his eyes. He touched her wrist. His fingers burned through her gloves as his hand surrounded hers. “Come with me, Anna. Away, where we can talk.”

  She tugged against his hold, but he didn’t let go.

  “Please?” His brows drew together. “It’s important.”

  As if a magnet drew her to him, she nodded and stepped forward. How could she resist? Even if he wanted to talk about Kathleen, she would listen. She loved him.

  Jeremiah nodded toward a closed door. “Where does that go?”

  “The library, but we can’t go in there.”

  “Why not? We’ll leave the door open.” He guided Anna inside. A soft light glowed in the corner near a desk, but he didn’t move away from the door. No need to risk Anna’s reputation.

  He kept her hand in his and looked into her questioning eyes. “I love you, Anna.”

  Only the slight widening of her eyes gave indication she heard.

  He took a deep breath. “I didn’t intend to fall in love. You’re too young. Then there’s school. I was afraid of you, so I courted your sister.”

  “Afraid?” Anna shook her head. “I don’t understand.”

  “When you love someone and lose them, it hurts—more than you can imagine. That’s what happened with my family. I didn’t know if I could go through that again. What if I lost you? Then I realized my error when I saw you with Garrick. I’d already lost you. I tried to tell Garrick Kathleen loved him, but he wouldn’t listen. Then he got hurt.”

  Anna rubbed her forehead. “Aren’t you in love with Kathleen?”

  He shook his head. “No, Anna. I fell in love with a little tomboy. My love is for all time, whether you are mine for one day or for the next sixty years.”

  He released her hand and stepped back. “I wanted you to know how I feel about you. I know you can’t marry me now. I’m willing to wait, but there’s no other girl who can ever take your place in my heart. When you finish school, if you haven’t found someone else, I’d like the chance to court you. I understand if you don’t love me.”

  Jeremiah swallowed the lump in his throat. He’d laid everything out before her and had nothing more to say. He walked out the open door.

  “Tuck.” Anna’s sweet voice followed him.

  He stopped but didn’t look back.

  “I’ll be eighteen in two weeks. I’m not a child.”

  Jeremiah took a ragged breath. Still he didn’t turn. “What about school?”

  “I’m not leaving.”

  At her touch on his arm, he turned and searched her face.

  “I’ve talked to Papa. He never really wanted me to go. It was Mama’s idea.”

  Jeremiah grabbed her hand, and with his heart pounding the rhythm of his love, he knelt before her in front of anyone who wanted to see. “I love you, Anna. Can you find it in your heart to care even a little for me? Will you marry me?”

  On the fringes of her vision, Anna saw people standing in the hallway, making a semicircle around them, but she couldn’t tear her gaze from the insecurity in Jeremiah’s eyes. He truly loved her. Not Kathleen, but her. She laughed, and her feet bounced as she tugged at him to stand.

  “Yes!” As quickly as he rose, she threw her arms around his neck. “Yes of course, I love you. I’ll marry you, and don’t you dare back down.”

  “Never.” His voice choked on the one word. His cheek touched hers as applause filled the hall where they stood.

  Anna released her hold and turned with Jeremiah to see Larkin standing in front of a group of their friends, her lips curved in a smile. Garrick sat behind them with Kathleen by his side. All smiled and clapped their approval then surrounded them, offering congratulations.

  Jeremiah took Anna’s hand. “This isn’t official without your father’s blessing.”

  “Then I suggest you ask now.” Papa pushed through and shook Jeremiah’s hand. “You know, I don’t think this is right. A father shouldn’t lose both his girls in the same night.”

  “Garrick and Kathleen?” Anna bounced inside.

  Papa nodded. “Yes, and now you.” He turned to Mama. “What do you think about this?”

  Anna held her breath when Mama looked from her to Jeremiah. Finally, she shrugged. “Just one question. Are you sure you want this tomboy?”

  Jeremiah threw back his head and laughed. He pulled Anna close and looked into her eyes. “Oh yes. I’m positive.”

  Mama smiled. “Then you have my blessing as well. When do you plan to marry?”

  Jeremiah raised his eyebrows in a question. “Before spring planting?”

  Anna looked toward her sister. “Maybe we could have a double wedding.”

  Kathleen stepped close and hugged Anna. “Garrick says he plans to walk before we marry, so we are thinking about March.”

  Anna laughed. “That’s perfect. We’ll be married in March and everyone’s invited. We’ll have the biggest wedding Tumwater has ever seen.”

  She turned to Jeremiah as he lowered his head to cover her lips in the first of what she hoped would be many kisses.

  Mildred Colvin is a native Missourian with three children, one son-in-law, and three grandchildren. She and her husband spent most of their married life providing a home for foster children but now enjoy babysitting the grandchildren. Mildred writes inspirational romance novels because in them the truth of God’s presence, even in the midst of trouble, can be portrayed. Her desire is to continue writing stories that uplift and encourage.

  ONE EVERGREEN NIGHT

  Debby Lee

  DEDICATION

  This is dedicated to my mom, who has helped me along the way; to my dad, who helped me with the technical stuff in the story; to my husband, Steve, and my five children for putting up with me; to my four classmates and friends, Jeff Pratt, Nick Sorensen, Steven Stover, and Del Ray “Buzzy” Hughes, for giving me this idea; to Mr. Hoglund, my high school English teacher, who was the first one who thought I could write a book; to my friends at Crossroads Church who prayed for me and helped me discover God’s calling on my life; and last but not least, to my Savior, Jesus Christ, for not giving up on me.

  Except the LORD bu
ild the house,

  they labour in vain that build it.

  PSALM 127:1

  Chapter 1

  Washington Territory, September 1889

  Frederick Corrigan piled firewood into the furnace of the locomotive. The rattletrap he’d given the pet name Inferno swayed violently from side to side as it careened down the hill. Frederick braced his hands against the walls and struggled to remain in a standing position. At the speed the train was going, he would have no time to jump if it derailed.

  Steam poured from the engine. Frederick’s chest ached as he sucked the sweltering air into his lungs. The furnace door burned red hot and could potentially explode from the pressure at any moment, but getting the load of logs to the mill on time was crucial. His job depended on his ability to deliver the timber as quickly as possible.

  When he reached the bottom of the steep slope, Frederick pulled hard on the brake lever in order to round Widow’s Bend looming ahead. The brakes protested with a grinding shriek. The screech of the wheels pierced his eardrums with a painful force. Sparks flew from the wheels that gripped the flimsy rails. Lord, let the tracks be stable. The corner approached with frightening speed. He was going too fast … again.

  As the landscape alongside the tracks flew past with a blur, Frederick held his breath. He stood frozen for what felt like eternity.

  “Turn … turn,” he whispered, prayed. He leaned opposite of the turn. His two hundred pounds wouldn’t make a difference in a true emergency, but the action made him feel better. For a brief moment, he thought he felt the wheels lift from the tracks. He white-knuckled the sides of the car as if sheer force of will could push Inferno back onto the rails.

  The rickety wheels somehow stayed on course. With the corner behind him Frederick relaxed his grip and breathed a little easier, especially since the path ahead was clear of animals. Such wasn’t always the case. Derailing would surely curtail his chances of getting the promotion with Kenicky Logging, the company he worked for, and then where would he be?