Montana Bride by Christmas

by Linda Ford

  He grabbed her hand and tugged her toward the kitchen.

  She laughed. “It seems you are hungry.” She knew he only wanted to get breakfast out of the way. “We’ll have to wait for your papa and my grandfather.”

  He nodded and let Happy outside.

  Annie folded her arms and leaned against the cupboard enjoying the moment. She had so much to be thankful for on this Christmas Day.

  Hugh slipped into the room and pulled her into his arms, her back to his chest, his cheek pressed to hers. “Merry Christmas, Annie Bell.” He’d adopted Grandfather’s nickname for her, using it only for very tender moments. “Are you excited about Christmas?”

  She turned within the circle of his arm to look into his face. “Our first Christmas together,” she murmured.

  “The first of many, many more.” His smile filled his eyes, filled her heart and promised her his.

  “Whatever the future may bring, of sadness or sorrow or disappointment, I will not regret one moment of the time we have together.”

  “Nor I.” He kissed her.

  Evan tugged on her elbow. “Hurry,” he said in his soft voice, pointing toward the stove.

  Grandfather made his way into the room. Shook the coffeepot and grunted. “No coffee?”

  She laughed. “Time to get to work.” Reluctant to leave Hugh’s hold she didn’t move.

  He ducked his forehead to hers then turned her toward the stove. “More of this later.”

  Fueled by his promise, she hurriedly made breakfast, doing her best to keep her attention on her work but twice Hugh caught her staring into space and laughed.

  She glanced at him. Saw his knowing smile and blushed.

  Finally she got the food on the table and they gathered round.

  “Grandfather, will you ask the blessing?” Hugh said.

  “My pleasure.”

  They all bowed their heads. Evan clasped his hands in front of him as he had seen Jeannie do. Annie closed her eyes. How much joy could her heart hold before it exploded?

  It wouldn’t explode, she realized with a burst of clarity. It would expand, open up like a flower to the sun, and grow stronger with every beat of love.

  “Dear Heavenly Father,” Grandfather began. “This is a special day. The day we remember how great is Your love for us. A day to enjoy the love You’ve poured into our lives. We thank You for all Your blessings including this food that Annie’s hands have lovingly prepared. May Your blessing be upon us throughout every moment of the day.”

  Annie kept her eyes closed after Grandfather said amen. His words felt like a benediction. His blessing meant so much to her.

  They ate hurriedly in order to keep up with Evan.

  She left the dishes to do later wondering if Evan could wait any longer. They gathered round the tree. Hugh read the Christmas story while his son moved the figures of the manger scene around to accompany the tale.

  “And now,” Hugh said to the boy, “We give gifts to each other to remind us of the greatest gift of all—baby Jesus born in a manger.” He smiled at Annie. “Are we ready?”

  She nodded. They had decided Evan should get his gifts first. Grandfather had bought him a storybook. Hugh had made him a pair of leather mittens. He thanked them both.

  Annie handed her present to Evan. He opened it to reveal the ark and the animals.

  “Noah’s ark,” she explained. “Like the Bible story.”

  He lifted up each animal for her to name and whispered the word after her. When he’d been through the entire menagerie he threw his arms about Annie’s neck. “Thank you,” he whispered.

  “You’re welcome. I love you.”

  He returned to the toy.

  Hugh grasped her hand. He knew she longed for the day the boy would tell them he loved them. “It will come. Give it time.”

  “I’ll wait as long as it takes.”

  Grandfather handed them each a gift. A scarf. “I got Mary to knit them.”

  After thanking him, Hugh handed her his gift.

  “Oh, a beautiful notebook. Thank you. I know exactly what I’m going to use it for. I am going to keep a journal of our lives together.”

  He leaned over and kissed her nose. “In that case, I should have ordered in a case lot of them. You’ll need many notebooks for the many years we are going to be together.”

  “I will cherish every moment.” Whether it be short or long. She was settled with accepting whatever the Lord allowed them. No longer did she run from the risks of love knowing to do so robbed her of the joys which far outweighed the risks.

  She handed him his gift.

  He looked at her, his smile so warm and promising. “You have already given me so much. Thank you.”

  She grinned. “Open your present.”

  He carefully folded back the wrapping to expose a fountain pen in a wooden box. He lifted the pen out carefully. “It’s beautiful. I often thought of buying one but it seemed unnecessary.” He squeezed her hand. “But you realized how much I really wanted one of these writing instruments. Thank you.”

  At his warm smile, she forgot everyone and everything else.

  Grandfather grunted as he shifted in his chair. “Aren’t we due to leave for the ranch in a couple of hours?”

  She sprang to her feet. “I have much to do before then.” She hurried to the kitchen and gathered up the dirty dishes. Hugh came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. “I’ll help.” She leaned her head to his shoulder allowing herself just one moment of sheer pleasure before she returned to the task before her.

  She washed and he dried.

  “I’ll go get our conveyance.” He put on his winter coat and left the house.

  She pressed to the window, watching until he was out of sight then rushed to her bedroom to gather together the things she would need for the day.

  The rattle of harnesses warned that Hugh had returned and she helped Grandfather and Evan gather together their things.

  She stepped outside to see that Hugh had a sleigh for them, with bells jingling and a big red crepe paper bow on the front. She laughed with delight.

  “Merry Christmas,” he called.

  They were on their way, their spirits high as they made their journey to the ranch. The sky was clear, the sun trying to offer warmth. Not even the winter cold could quench her joy.

  Pa stepped from the house as they drove up. He helped her to the ground. “You’re ready for this?”

  “As soon as I change. Thank you for your blessing.” He’d returned two days ago and didn’t hesitate a second when Hugh asked for his approval for their marriage.

  “I can see how happy you are. Hugh has given you that. I’m grateful to him.”

  He led her indoors while Hugh took care of Evan and Grandfather.

  Her sisters-in-law whisked her up the stairs and into her old bedroom. She looked about with a touch of sadness.

  Kate must have noticed. “You’ll always be welcome here.”

  “I will always belong with Hugh.”

  The three women laughed and hugged her.

  Sadie turned all teacher-like. “Let’s get you into your gown.”

  They helped her slip the dress over her head that she’d chosen to wear and did up the row of satin-covered buttons.

  “Your mother would be so proud,” Isabelle said.

  “I’m so happy to wear her dress.”

  Pa waited for them at the top of the stairs. Sadie, Kate and Isabelle descended and then Annie took Pa’s arm.

  “You make me proud,” he said, his voice catching. “If only your mother could see you now.”

  She blinked back tears. “I miss her so much.”

  “Me too. But she would want you to find your own happiness with your own husband.”

  “I know.”

  “Shall we proceed?”

  She nodded and descended. Only her family was present and the judge and his wife—old family friends. Hugh had agreed to let the church host a gathering in honor of their
marriage on Sunday.

  He stood with her brothers at his side and little Evan at his right hand.

  She couldn’t stop smiling as her heart overflowed with love for everyone in the room and a special love for Hugh and his son. Pa took her to Hugh’s side and slipped her arm from his to Hugh’s.

  Judge Harder cleared his throat to signal the ceremony was about to begin.

  It was short and simple though the judge gave a strong admonition to honor the vows they were making this day.

  “You may kiss the bride,” he said. Hugh did so with enough enthusiasm to earn him a round of chuckles from her brothers.

  “May I present Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Arness.”

  The family clapped.

  Evan tugged at her arm and she bent to hear what he had to say. He took Hugh’s hand on one side and hers on the other. “I love you,” he said, loudly and plainly.

  She laughed. She cried and she hugged him.

  Hugh wrapped his arms about them both.

  She turned to him. “I have found a love worth more than anything.”

  “God is good.” If his voice seemed a little husky, no one mentioned it.

  *

  If you enjoyed this story, pick up the first three

  BIG SKY COUNTRY books,

  MONTANA COWBOY DADDY

  MONTANA COWBOY FAMILY

  MONTANA COWBOY’S BABY

  and these other stories from Linda Ford:

  A DADDY FOR CHRISTMAS

  A BABY FOR CHRISTMAS

  A HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

  THE COWBOY’S READY-MADE FAMILY

  THE COWBOY’S BABY BOND

  THE COWBOY’S CITY GIRL

  Available now from Love Inspired Historical!

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  Dear Reader,

  I had such fun writing Annie and Hugh’s story. I loved bringing these two reluctant, wary people together. They were a perfect match for each other even if they were the last people to discover it. Annie is such a loving, giving person. Watching her make Christmas special for her new family made me realize yet again how much I enjoy Christmas—not necessarily the gifts but the special things we do to create long-lasting memories. I hope you find joy in the season. God’s gift to us is the reason for the season and the source of real joy. May His love and presence bless you.

  You can learn more about my upcoming books and how to contact me at www.lindaford.org. I love to hear from my readers.

  Blessings,

  Linda Ford

  Keep reading for an excerpt from COWBOY LAWMAN’S CHRISTMAS REUNION by Louise M. Gouge.

  Cowboy Lawman’s Christmas Reunion

  by Louise M. Gouge

  Chapter One

  Friday, October 14, 1887

  Esperanza, Colorado

  Sheriff Justice Gareau ducked around the corner of the Esperanza train depot, hoping he hadn’t been spotted by the woman who’d stepped off the train. He felt downright foolish. Usually people hid from him if they’d done something wrong, and he sure hadn’t done anything wrong. No, it was that woman who’d done wrong by him and ruined his life. Well, ruined was perhaps too harsh a word, because he had a pretty good life these days. But she’d sure broken his heart. A heart he was determined never to give to a woman ever again.

  What was Evangeline Benoit doing in this remote Colorado town anyway? And why did her sudden appearance turn him into a bumbling chump? Because once, long ago back in New Orleans, she’d been his childhood sweetheart and, eventually, his fiancée. Only she’d broken their engagement to marry a wealthy older man the very day Justice needed her most.

  He wondered if she’d come looking for him. Perhaps Lucius Benoit wasn’t supporting her in the style she’d chosen over what Justice could have given her as the son of a bankrupt businessman.

  “Howdy, Sheriff.” Charlie Williams, the telegraph operator, walked toward him, carrying some of his wife Pam’s wild gooseberry pie. Pam ran the Williams’s Café, where Justice ate most of his meals, unless somebody took pity on his bachelor status and invited him to dinner. How he kept from getting fat and lazy on her fine cooking was a mystery to him. “You waiting for me?”

  “Nope. Just holding up this wall.” Justice leaned one hand against the yellow clapboard siding and gave Charlie a practiced easy grin, one he’d learned from his mentor in the Texas Rangers, where he’d served for four years before coming to Colorado. “Seemed a little wobbly after all that wind yesterday.”

  Charlie chuckled. “You let me know if you need anything.” He entered the building and closed the door.

  Justice pulled his tan Stetson lower over his eyes and stuck his head around the corner to see which direction Mrs. Benoit—he couldn’t allow himself to call her Evangeline, since she was another man’s wife—had gone. To his disappointment, or so he told himself, she still stood on the platform and was now enfolded in the arms of Mrs. Susanna Northam.

  “Hey, Sheriff.” Nate Northam clapped Justice on the shoulder, nearly startling him out of his wits. “What’re you doing? Holding up that wall?”

  Once again, Justice managed an indifferent shrug. “Just meeting the morning train, as usual.” Which didn’t make sense even to him, seeing as how he was hiding around the corner from said train.

  Not fooled at all, Nate laughed, and his green eyes lit up with humor. As the eldest son of town founder Colonel Frank Northam, he ran Four Stones Ranch with his brother Rand, while their youngest brother, Bartholomew, owned the law office next to the jailhouse.

  “Come meet my wife’s cousin.” Nate took hold of Justice’s arm, as only a close friend would do to a lawman, and urged him forward.

  Susanna’s cousin. Justice’s feet refused to move toward her, while his mind raced wildly in the other direction. In all of the Lord’s beautiful creation, couldn’t He have sent Justice some other place than one where he’d eventually be forced to meet up with Evangeline…Mrs. Benoit?

  “Now, come on, before Susanna scolds me for being late.” Nate gave Justice a little shove. “Besides, you know my sweet wife will be trying to find a husband for her widowed cousin, so you may as well be first in line so you can beat out all the cowboys in these parts.”

  “Uh, no.” Justice dug the heels of his boots into the boardwalk and tried to twist away. “I’m not planning to get married anytime soon.” So Evangeline was a widow. What happened to the wily old rascal who’d turned her head and stolen her heart with his riches?

  Nate laughed again. “That’s what we all said, all of us used-to-be confirmed bachelors.” Somehow he managed to force Justice’s feet forward. “Come on. Let’s get this over with. I’ll try to make it as painless as possible for you.”

  No matter what Nate said, seeing Evangeline again could only bring pain. He had no choice though, what with a man nearly as tall and every bit as brawny as he pushing him toward his doom. He tugged his hat down farther in the futile hope she wouldn’t recognize him. After all, eleven years was a long time. He’d added a few inches in height and considerably more in shoulder width. Maybe—

  “We’re here, Susanna.” Releasing Justice, Nate bent down to give his pretty little wife a peck on the cheek before turning to Evangeline. “And you must be our cousin from New Orleans.” Yankee though he was, he bowed over her offered hand with the grace of a Southern gentleman. “We’re mighty pleased to have you come to stay with us.”

  “Thank you, Nathaniel.” Her musical voice generated bittersweet memories for Justice.

  While the others traded the usual pleasantries, Justice peeked out from under the brim of his hat. Up close like this, she appeared much more womanly than the seventeen-year-old girl who’d jilted him, but every bit as beautiful, maybe even more so. Her blond hair, swept up in a fancy do and topp
ed with a stylish brown hat, still looked like spun honey. Her once bright blue eyes, however, wore a tired look that bespoke more than travel weariness. Behind her, a flaxen-haired girl and a sandy-haired boy watched her anxiously. Her children? Only one way to find out. Justice nudged Nate, who grinned, obviously misunderstanding his intent. He was concerned about an old friend, nothing more.

  “Cousin Evangeline, I’d like to present Sheriff Justice Gareau, one of our town’s most eligible bachelors.”

  “Nate!” Susanna smacked his arm and laughed. “For shame. If you’re trying to help me with my matchmaking, at least be a little subtler.”

  While she spoke, Evangeline’s ivory complexion grew even paler, those blue eyes widened and, before Justice could catch her, she dropped in a heap on the wooden platform.

  *

  Even in her hazy awareness, Evangeline understood at last why she’d come to Esperanza. The Lord hadn’t sent her to Susanna to escape justice, but to encounter Justice. But how had he known where she was? How had he arrived here before her? What irony. Her creditors had sent the only man she’d ever loved to arrest her. And from the stern look she’d seen on his face before she fainted, he felt no pity for her, despite his youthful declarations of love. She couldn’t blame him. Papa had forbidden her to see him, had broken their engagement himself so she’d had no chance to explain herself to Justice. Nor had Justice come to rescue her, despite her plea through his father, proving his love for her had turned cold. Ah, yes, my dear. The opposite of love is not hate, but indifference. Or so Lucius had often told her as he’d traipsed off to enjoy his many vices.

  The sound of sobbing reached her ears. Her poor children. Evangeline forced herself to awaken even as heat flooded her face. She’d fainted few times in her life and then only because Lucius had… She would not think about those frightening times. Lucius was gone forever, and now she must face the cruel future he’d laid out before her. At least her children would have a home with their cousin after Justice arrested her.

  “Evie. Evie, dear.” Susanna’s plaintive voice cut through Evangeline’s muddled musings. “Oh, Nate, do something.”

  But it was Justice who scooped her up from the wooden platform. For the few brief moments he carried her, she could rest her head against his broad, solid chest, her cheek touching the tin star that proclaimed him a lawman, and pretend their lives had turned out the way they’d dreamed of when they were young.