Christmas at Stoney Creek

by Martha Rogers

  Downstairs all but Miss Simmons sat around the table. The teacher had taken the train to spend the holiday with her family up near Dallas. Everyone chatted about the services last night and the ceremony to come later.

  He had grown to love his fellow lodgers, and he regretted having to leave them, but he wanted to die at home in his own bed with his two close friends from his church at his bedside and his lawyer who knew what to do after Joe left this earth. His business here was finished, and now he could return home and die in peace knowing that the legacy he left behind would be put to good use in the hands of the one he most trusted here in Stoney Creek besides Mr. Swenson. Now he just needed to write a letter to that person to let him know of his plan.

  CHAPTER 27

  AS THE SUN began to set, Tom settled his horse in the stable before starting for Mrs. Stone’s house to meet Faith. His hands shook when he removed the bridle and bit from Hero’s mouth. “Sorry, boy, but my nerves are getting the best of me tonight.”

  All through dinner out at the Gordon ranch today he’d thought of tonight and what he might say to Faith. Should he declare his love now or wait? With all that had happened to her family the past week, now may not be the best time, but then would any time be the best?

  Daniel had ridden back from the ranch with him, and the usually talkative young man had been silent most of the way home. Tom hung his saddle over the railing and glanced at his brother, who was filling a bag with oats for his horse.

  “Daniel, something seems to be troubling you. You didn’t say much on the way home. What’s on your mind?”

  Red flushed his cheeks. “It’s nothing really.”

  “‘Nothing really’ wouldn’t cause that red in your face. So something’s going on.”

  Daniel fed his horse. “I asked Mary Sue Duncan to the tree lighting, and now I wish I hadn’t.”

  A smile rose in Tom. “And why is that?” His little brother was growing up. Now at age fifteen, he stood eye to eye with Tom. About time he took notice of the girls.

  “I don’t know what to say to her or how I should act or anything like that. I rode home with you to ask your advice, but I didn’t know for sure what to ask.”

  “I see.” Tom busied himself a moment with Hero before answering. “Seems to me it’s like this. You’ve known Mary Sue a while, so you know what she likes. Talk about those things and ask her about herself. Girls like to talk about themselves just like we talk about the things we like to do. Think of how you are at school or at church. Be relaxed and be yourself.” He reached up and ruffled Daniel’s hair. “You’re a pretty good guy, and if you don’t quit growing, I won’t even be able to reach the top of your head.”

  Daniel laughed and squirmed away from Tom’s hand. “I hope I grow to be as tall as Uncle Will in Louisiana.”

  “Most likely you will. Now, remember what I said about relaxing and being yourself. Mary Sue must like you as well since she said she’d go to the ceremony with you.”

  “Thanks, Tom. I knew you’d be able to help me.” He jammed his cap back on his head and sauntered out of the barn, whistling under his breath.

  Tom stood beside Hero’s stall a moment longer. His words to Daniel filled his head. That was the exact advice he should be giving himself. He’d always been relaxed and natural around Faith. Why should that change now that he wanted more than simply friendship? He shuddered. Because he might lose that friendship if she didn’t return his feelings.

  He slapped Hero’s rump. “Well, it looks like I need to take my own advice. I can wait to see how things go in the next few weeks. Don’t you think I should have some idea of her feelings by Christmas? I do, so that’s what I’ll aim for.”

  His own laughter rang out in the stable. “Now I’m talking to horses for advice. You’ve got it bad, Tom, old man.” He turned on his heel and strode from the barn. Just enough time to clean up before heading to Mrs. Stone’s.

  Faith eyed the skirt and shirtwaist she’d worn the day of the fire and frowned. Not really very festive for the launching of the Christmas season, but almost everything else still reeked of smoke. Maybe Aunt Ruby had something to liven up the drab black and white ensemble.

  She knocked on her aunt’s door. “Aunt Ruby, it’s Faith. May I come in?”

  At her aunt’s affirmative answer Faith entered. Aunt Ruby sat at her dressing table in a red, white, and green plaid skirt with a red shirtwaist completing it. “Oh my, I love the red and green. Do you have anything that would brighten up this?” She held her skirt out to one side.

  Aunt Ruby tilted her head with her fingers perched on her cheek. “I do believe I have just the thing.” She opened a drawer and pulled out a length of red ribbon. “This should do for a bit of red around the collar of your top. If you weren’t so much smaller than I am, you could wear my green wool skirt.”

  Then Aunt Ruby sorted through the hangers in her wardrobe. “I thought this was still here. Haven’t worn it in ages.” She held up a red wool half cape trimmed in black braid. “This will add a bit of festive color, and it’ll be warm as well.”

  “It’s beautiful.” Faith fit the cape around her shoulders. It fell to hip length and brightened the look of her skirt and top. “With the red bow at my neck and the red cape, I do feel more like Christmas.”

  “Hmm, and could that young Whiteman boy have anything to do with why you want to look your best?”

  Heat flushed Faith’s face and neck. “I guess he does. He’s been acting real strange lately. In fact, he actually asked to take me to the lighting tonight. Usually we just end up together once we’re there.”

  Aunt Ruby laughed and hugged Faith. “You grab hold of that young man and don’t let him go. He’s one of the finest in town.”

  “I think so too, and if I do get hold of him, I won’t let go.”

  Voices from downstairs caused a gasp from Faith. “Oh, my, I think Tom is here and I’m not quite ready.” She hugged her aunt again and kissed her cheek. “Thank you for the cape. I’ll take good care of it.”

  She raced back to her room to put the finishing touches on her hair. After pinching her cheeks to add a little color, she grabbed up her skirt and rushed out to meet Tom.

  Halfway down the staircase she spotted him talking with her father. She paused a moment to observe him. He stood several inches taller than her father, and Tom’s red hair curled about his neck. His broad shoulders filled his coat in a most becoming way. A smile played about her lips. Not only was he one of the finest men in Stoney Creek, he was also the most handsome.

  Tom sensed someone behind him and turned to see Faith midway on the stairs. Her smile sent shivers down his spine. Words stuck in his throat as she descended and joined him in the foyer.

  “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long. I was talking with Aunt Ruby and let time get away from me.”

  He’d have waited all night for her if he had to. His voice reappeared. “I haven’t been here but a few minutes and was having conversation with your father.” He tucked her hand in his elbow. Inhaling the scent of gardenia, he decided it was his favorite flower.

  After saying good-bye to her parents, Tom escorted her down the steps of her aunt’s home. He’d always admired the Victorian style with the wraparound front porch, high windows, and intricate trim. It was the kind of house he wanted someday.

  “It’s nice you have your aunt to turn to in time of need. I remember her husband and the work he did to make Stoney Creek a better place.”

  “It’s funny, he had so many investments, and yet Aunt Ruby chose to work in the bakery because she and Ma loved to cook and wanted to do something special with it.”

  A chill in the air caused Faith to wrap the cape more tightly around her shoulders and arms. “I’ve always loved her house, and Andrew and I had some fun times there. I’ve always been sorry that she never had children for us to play with. It would have been nice to have a larger family, like you do.”

  “That is too bad. She’s so good with the little
ones at church.”

  Idle chatter was not on his agenda, but then he had no words to truly convey what he was thinking at this particular moment. He held her arm and pulled her close as they joined the throngs of people headed for the town square.

  A giant tree stood waiting in the dark. The gas streetlights cast a rosy glow about the square and revealed the tinsel decorations hung by Mayor Gladstone’s wife and her committee. Cloth-wrapped boxes with decorative ribbons lay in stacks beneath the tree. Tom spotted Gretchen across the way.

  “Look, there’s Gretchen. She’s covering the ceremony tonight for the lead story in Saturday’s edition of the paper. Is that Deputy Cooper with her?”

  Faith peered in the direction he pointed and giggled. “It sure is. I remember how he vied for her attention her first day in town.”

  He shrugged. “It’s none of my business anyway. Let’s see if we can get a little closer to the tree. Looks like Mayor Gladstone is about ready to begin.”

  Tom led Faith to a spot only a row or so back from the edge of the crowd. Mayor Gladstone held up his hands and asked for quiet. Reverend Weatherby stepped up to the podium and offered a prayer of thanksgiving and blessing for the coming season celebrating the birth of Jesus.

  Then the mayor spoke. “Before we light our tree and officially begin the Christmas season here in Stoney Creek, I have some exciting news for our townspeople. I had a letter this week from the power company in Dallas. They are extending the lines between their city and San Antonio, which puts us right on the line. By this time next year we should have our own electric lines and not have to depend on a generator for our tree, street lights, and even our homes.”

  A roar of approval rose from the crowd with a thunder of applause, whistles, and shouts of joy. Tom grinned down at Faith. “That could make a great difference for your bakery.”

  Her face shone with delight, and her eyes sparkled. “Oh, my, yes. I’m so glad we know this now so Pa can make sure we can add whatever is needed for an electrical supply.”

  “Yes, with the new railroad lines and the power plant, Stoney Creek will thrive even more. I can’t wait to interview the mayor tomorrow and write this story.” He turned his attention back to the mayor, who now stood beside Catherine Hempstead. The mercantile owner’s granddaughter had won an essay contest at school that earned her the privilege of pulling the switch to light the tree.

  “Before Miss Hempstead here pulls the switch, I have one other bit of news. An anonymous donor has ordered a fire engine for our volunteer fire department. No more bucket brigades!” After the crowd quieted down again, the mayor raised his hand. “Now on the count of three, Catherine, pull the switch. One, two, three.”

  She pulled it, and the tree lit up in a myriad of bright colors that sparkled like jewels. More whistles and cheers rose from the people gathered, and the children were urged forward, where Mr. Swenson greeted them dressed in the red velvet of Santa Claus.

  Faith squeezed Tom’s hand. “I can’t believe he looks just like the Santa on the cover of that book by Moore, A Visit from Saint Nicholas. Mrs. Rivers has a copy at the library.”

  “Yes, I’ve seen it.” The crowd began to thin out except for the children and their parents. Tom guided Faith away from the square, and they walked back up Main Street.

  Faith inhaled deeply and expelled her breath. “A perfect evening to end a wonderful day. We have so much to thank God for today.”

  Tom had no disagreement with that. The family time at Micah and Hannah’s today had been extra special with Theodore Gladstone joining them. In just a few weeks his little sister Clara would be married and beginning a home of her own. Had he waited too long to take that road for himself? Faith was . . . well, Faith was Faith, his best friend.

  They walked along in silence back to Aunt Ruby’s. Words spun around in Tom’s head faster than a toy top out of control. Everything he wanted to say to Faith became garbled and nonsensical. She had never affected him this way before, and now it ruined the fun they had always experienced at the tree lighting. Was it ruining their friendship as well?

  At the steps up to the porch at her aunt’s Tom stopped Faith and peered into her face. “I had some things I wanted to say to you, but for some reason I can’t figure out how to say it properly. We’ve known each other about all our lives, and we have a wonderful friendship that has grown over those years. I don’t want to lose that.”

  The look in her eyes questioned him, but she said nothing. “I guess I’m going about this all wrong. I treasure our relationship as friends, but—”

  Her fingers touched his lips. “Don’t say another word. I too treasure our friendship, and nothing is ever going to change that. Thank you for a lovely evening. I enjoyed the ceremony and walking with you.” She pulled her cape tighter and raced up the steps. At the door she stopped. “We’ll always be friends, and whatever you decide to do with your life, I know you will be doing what God wants you to do.”

  Tom swallowed hard as she closed the door behind her. What had just happened? That hadn’t gone the way he’d planned it at all. Maybe it was a good thing he hadn’t told her he loved her. She obviously didn’t feel more than friendship for him.

  His shoulders slumped, and he dug his hands deep into his pockets. His eyes turned heavenward. “Lord, I could sure use a little help down here. I’ve lost my heart, but I don’t think the one I lost it to wants to find it.”

  He kicked at a stone in his path. Why hadn’t he simply kept his mouth shut?

  CHAPTER 28

  AFTER A NIGHT of crying Faith awakened to a pillow still damp with tears. Although sun streamed through her window and promised a beautiful day, no sun lightened her heart. The dark shadows of last night remained to hover with clouds of doubt. Oh, how she had hoped Tom would declare his intentions for a closer relationship between them.

  Friendship! Yes, they had a good one, and apparently that’s all he wanted, and he didn’t want to ruin it. But she could no more turn off her new feelings for Tom than she could turn off the light from the sun, moon, or stars.

  She rubbed her lips with the back of her hand. Those kisses he’d given her had meant nothing to him. They were simply a thank-you for whatever she’d uncovered about Joe. Allowing God to be in control of her future with Tom sure didn’t feel good right now, but she’d promised to do it, and she would keep silent until His answer came.

  Ma called through the door, “Faith, it’s time for you to get dressed and get over to Mrs. Weatherby’s. Remember we have Clara’s party tomorrow to bake for. I’m leaving now for Mrs. Whiteman’s house.”

  Faith scrambled from the bed. “I’m coming, Ma.” She’d clean forgotten about Clara’s bridal party that the ladies at the church had planned. Best to get her mind off Tom and onto the things that needed to be done.

  After finishing her ablutions in record time, Faith rushed downstairs to the kitchen. Aunt Ruby handed her a plate of eggs and bacon.

  “There’s a biscuit on the stove and coffee. Help yourself, but eat quickly. I have to get started on the cake for tomorrow. Mrs. Weatherby gave specific instructions for the colors and flavor ordered by the Ladies’ Guild.”

  Faith carried her plate to the table and sat down. No coffee for her, but no time for tea either. Mrs. Weatherby would not be able to help much with the baking Faith had to do today. She was even more surprised when the reverend’s wife offered her kitchen. Their son, David, had brought home his girl to meet his parents, so Mrs. Weatherby would be busy with entertaining her guest.

  Most likely Tom and David would spend a lot of time together as well since the two had been best friends ever since they were little boys. Too bad Kenny Davis couldn’t be here as well. Those three boys had been in more scrapes and given Faith and a few other girls more misery than any three boys she’d ever known.

  Aunt Ruby assembled the ingredients on the counter for her cake baking. “Did you and Tom have fun at the tree lighting last evening? You were already home when we arrived.
”

  The bit of eggs she’d just eaten became sawdust in her mouth. Faith took a swig of coffee to wash down the bite. “The tree was beautiful, and the children were adorable when they ran up to see Santa.”

  “Um, yes, they were, but what about you and Tom?”

  Why did she have to be so curious this particular morning? “We had fun like we’ve had all the other times we’ve been. I love Mr. Swenson as Santa Claus. I don’t know where he got the red velvet suit this year, but it sure looked better than last year.”

  Her appetite now gone, Faith picked up her plate, scraped the remainder of her breakfast into the scrap bucket, and then washed the plate. After drying it, she kissed her aunt on the cheek. “I’m off to do my baking.”

  Five minutes later she’d walked the distance to the reverend’s home. When she reached the steps, Tom and David burst through the door laughing and poking each other.

  Putting aside her jumble of feelings, Faith called out playfully, “I declare, you two haven’t changed a bit since we were children.” David had grown as tall as Tom, and his light brown hair still curled about his neck.

  David’s deep brown eyes sparked with amusement as he greeted her. “Oh now, Faith, is that any way to greet a longtime friend?”

  “I suppose not. I’d hoped we’d see you and Miss Barstow last night, but there was too much of a crowd.”

  David pulled open the door. “Speaking of whom, you need to meet her.” He disappeared inside, and Faith and Tom were left alone. Great. She wasn’t sure she was ready to talk to him, friend or not.

  Tom stood at the top step with his hands in his pockets. “I suppose you’re here to use Mrs. Weatherby’s kitchen again today.” Why wasn’t he looking at her? Had she grown two horns on her head since last night?

  “I am, but why aren’t you at the newspaper? Isn’t there an edition coming out tomorrow?”

  He nodded casually, still looking away from her. “Yes, there is, and I’ve already turned in my stories and am ready to spend the day with David. We’re on our way to the livery to get David a horse to ride out to Uncle Micah’s.”