Woodland Christmas

by Murray, Tamela Hancock

  “We’ve got this, Em.” Mabel headed her way. “Grab the linens from the table and take them to the washroom. We’ll wash them tomorrow.”

  Arms full, Emma made her way down the hall. After she had been on her feet since early morning, her leg begged for rest. Just a few minutes would do wonders. The washroom would provide the perfect opportunity—

  Emma gasped at the sight of Caleb and his pretty young guest ensconced in the washroom. The girl had her arms wound around his neck, her lips tilted toward his. With his hands on the girl’s hips, Caleb didn’t look like he minded. At least not until he caught sight of Emma. Then he pushed his lady friend away.

  Embarrassment made Emma drop the linens. The ache in her heart made her run. Ignoring Caleb’s calls for her to stop, Emma rushed outside and into the trees.

  Chapter 7

  Where did she go? Caleb glanced from one side to the next. How did Emma manage to disappear so quickly? He had to find her. He pushed farther into the woods, desperate to let her know she didn’t really see what she saw.

  That sounded so dumb. Of course Emma saw Ruby trying to kiss him. Emma needed to know that he wanted no part of Ruby’s interest. He wanted Emma. Where was she? If only she was wearing that gaudy bonnet. He’d spot her instantly. “Emma!” Please don’t leave.

  Skeeter. Emma was probably trying to get him out of the barn. Caleb raced that way. He broke into the clearing and slid to a stop. Hoe in hand, Emma chopped in the garden like she was after a snake. Most likely he was the snake. He approached, praying for the right words.

  “Emma.”

  She ignored him. He crossed the tilled dirt and grasped her elbow. She jerked free. “I’m busy.”

  “It can wait.” He caught both her arms and turned her to face him, allowing him to see her red-rimmed eyes. His heart constricted. “It can wait.”

  The hoe fell from her hands. “Then I’m sure something else needs my attention.”

  “That would be me.”

  Peering up at him, a grimace twisted her lips. “You’ve already got someone for that.” “I want it to be you.”

  She frowned. “Didn’t look that way to me.” Her face turned sad. “But I’ve got no claim on you. I just …”

  He wanted her to finish, to say the words. “You just what?”

  Emma shook her head. Her lips tightened. Caleb pulled her closer.

  “You just what, Emma?”

  Her mouth trembled. “I’ve enjoyed your friendship, that’s all.”

  He wanted to kiss her. The time wasn’t right. Not yet. “Is that really all?” She stared at his throat. He needed her to stare into his eyes. “Because I want to enjoy more than that.”

  He got his wish. A shade lighter than the pine needles, her eyes were so beautiful.

  “With two women?”

  What? Oh. Ruby. “No. What you saw was Ruby’s desire, not mine. If you’d come in a minute earlier or stayed a second longer, you would have seen that she was the instigator, and I was the finisher.” He bent down until their noses were mere inches apart. “It’s not her I want.”

  He leaned back and inspected her hands. She did the same, then looked at him again.

  “What?”

  He smiled. “I just wanted to make sure you didn’t have a knife that you’re quite good at using in your hands so you wouldn’t hurt me when I did this.”

  He pulled her close and placed a quick, gentle kiss on her lips. She was as sweet as he expected.

  “Caleb Kelley!”

  At his mother’s voice, he released Emma and turned.

  “You have guests. Remember your manners.”

  His mother’s red face could be seen across the yard. “I’ll be right there.” He touched Emma’s shoulder. “We still need to talk. In the meantime, go get a coat on. It’s chilly out here.”

  She nodded. He wanted to kiss her again, but it would have to wait. Besides, he didn’t ask her permission the first time. As he headed to the house, he knew it was time to tell his parents of his feelings for Emma. They’d have to find some way to get past their opposition, whatever their reason for it, and accept her. He’d have it no other way.

  “You cannot court that girl. I forbid it.”

  Caleb’s mother glared at him with her arms crossed as she paced the sitting room. The minute Caleb mentioned Emma’s name, she’d begun her march, her fingers tapping an angry drumbeat on her arms.

  “Why? She’s a wonderful young woman. You’d see that for yourself if you’d take the time to get to know her.”

  She paused her pacing. “She’s a servant.”

  “Is that the reason, or is there more you’re not telling me?”

  His mother’s mouth opened and closed before she shot a glance at his father, sitting quietly and staring at the floor. Her eyes narrowed and her lips tightened before she resumed her march.

  “If that’s your only problem with her, she can go work for the doctor.”

  “She’s not good enough for you.” His mother stopped in front of him. “Can’t you see that? You need a lady with class.”

  “She has class. She just doesn’t have much money.”

  “I don’t want you spending time with her.”

  Caleb’s heart ached. How would he get through to his mother? He loved her, but he was also falling for Emma. He wanted them both. “If you have no reason for me not to see Emma other than what you’ve stated, then I’m going to continue getting to know her.”

  “Against my wishes?”

  “Give her a chance, Mother.”

  She speared his father with another look. “Are you going to continue sitting there mute or do you plan to support me?”

  He lifted his head. He looked tired, sad even. Finally, he moved his hands in a helpless gesture, stood, and left the room. Once gone, his mother turned back to Caleb.

  “How can I change your mind?”

  “How can I change yours?”

  Her shoulders slumped. Tears softened her expression. She cupped his cheek with a cold hand. “I love you, Caleb.” Then she walked out.

  Caleb stared at the doorway. Did that mean she conceded? Only time would tell.

  Chapter 8

  Emma tugged at the box of Christmas decorations. The rotten thing wouldn’t budge. In fact, it nearly tore from her efforts. What on earth was so heavy? She gave the box a kick, frustration eating at her heart. She wished she could kick Caleb, but he wasn’t in sight. Hadn’t been since he stole that kiss in the garden, and that was a week ago. The thought of his lips on hers warmed her all over again, but only for a moment. Doubts returned to chill her already-cool skin. Was her kiss so awful he couldn’t bear to be near her? He said they needed to talk, so why was he avoiding her?

  Aiming her irritation at the box, she stepped behind it and gave it a shove. It didn’t move. What was in there? Rocks? Since she was in charge of setting out the decorations, she’d need to see inside eventually. No time like the present. Curiosity flaming, she squatted and lifted the lid.

  Logs? Seriously? Who in their right mind would store logs for the next year? Especially when they owned a sawmill and all the trees in sight. Emma cast a look around, wondering if this was someone’s idea of a prank.

  Suddenly a mouse shot out the top of the box. Emma shrieked. Then when the whiskered intruder launched off Emma’s arm and scurried into the room behind her, she screeched and scooted in the opposite direction, brushing frantically at her arm as though the varmint still sat there. That’s when she noticed the hole chewed into the corner of the box.

  Footsteps pounded up the stairs and down the hall. Caleb slid to a stop when he saw her, then he took the last few steps and knelt beside her.

  “What happened, Emma? Are you hurt?”

  Before she could answer Caleb’s question, Marie appeared behind him, followed by a huffing Mabel and a wide-eyed Mrs. Kelley.

  Caleb touched her hand. “Emma?”

  “I’m fine.” Tongue-tied at the sight of his mother, Emma stamm
ered. “It was just a—”

  “A what?”

  She grimaced and swept at her sleeve again. “A mouse leaped out of that box.”

  Caleb’s brows went up and his lips twitched.

  “Don’t you dare laugh, Caleb Kelley. That nasty creature jumped on me.” She shuddered and pushed to her feet.

  Caleb followed. With one arm across his chest, he propped his other elbow up with his hand covering his mouth. Emma knew full well he hid a grin. She sent him a scowl then turned it on Mabel and Marie when they snickered.

  Mrs. Kelley pressed to her son’s side. “Did she say a mouse?”

  “Now, Mother.”

  “Caleb, you know I don’t abide mice in my house. You’ve got to get it. I won’t sleep until I know it’s out.” She gave him a slight push. “Please, Caleb.”

  He sighed. “All right. I’ll get it. Go about your business. I’ll let you know when I’ve found it.”

  The ladies scattered. All but Emma. She wanted an explanation for his absence even though her heart quivered with unease about his reason.

  “I’ll help.”

  Caleb grinned. “I can’t imagine you running on tiptoes holding up your skirts would be much help.” He looked thoughtful. “Then again, that might be an interesting sight.”

  She swatted at him but he leaned back, making her miss. Then he moved closer until she thought he planned to steal another kiss.

  “Tell you what.” His quiet voice sent a tingle across her skin. “You go on about your decorating. When I’m finished, I’ll come find you. In fact, I was looking for you when I heard your scream.”

  “Why?” Her voice was just a whisper as she prayed it was for the reason she hoped.

  “I’m on my way to find a tree to decorate for inside our house. I’d like you to come along.”

  For her opinion? Did he consider it one of her decorating duties? Disappointment nearly sent her running.

  He leaned closer, his cheek nearly touching hers as his lips tickled her ear. “I can’t think of a better way to spend the rest of the day.”

  His breath on her ear sent shivers all through her skin.

  Then he moved back and looked into her eyes. “Besides, it looks like it might snow. I can’t think of anything prettier than flakes falling around you.”

  Heart hammering, she could hardly speak. “I’d like that.”

  Smiling, he touched her cheek. “Dress warm.”

  Praying her legs would carry her, she made her way down the hall. How could his eyes make her knees so weak?

  Caleb pitched the hairy nuisance outside. The rotten critter had wasted a good hour of his time. An hour he could have spent with Emma. He’d already lost a week working out a problem with the mill. He shoved into the kitchen, certain she’d be there. Only Mabel sat at the table.

  “Your mama gonna sleep in peace tonight?”

  Mabel’s wide grin wiped away his irritation. “She will.” He strode to the washbasin to clean up. “You know where she is?”

  “Not right off, but it’s my guess she’s quietly overseeing Emma’s work.”

  Caleb wasn’t surprised Mabel noticed the tension. She rarely missed much. “If you see her, tell her the house is mouseless.”

  Without a doubt, more of them crept around the floors, but he wasn’t about to mention that … to any of the women. Did he dare ask Mabel if she knew where to find Emma? Her all-seeing eyes had surely picked up on his interest, especially on Thanksgiving Day.

  “She’s in the den.”

  He turned. Mabel sat polishing the silver with a smile on her face, humming. Meddlesome old woman. He loved her like a second mother. He dropped a kiss on top of her head as he walked past.

  “Thank you.”

  “Mm-hmm.”

  He found Emma where Mabel said he would. She knelt next to his mother’s music box, engrossed in her examination. He sneaked up behind her.

  “Want to hear it play?” He laughed at her shriek as she turned. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

  “Yes, you did. Twice in one day is more than I can handle.”

  He tried to look repentant, sure he’d failed. “Let me make it up to you. I’ll take you on a nice, relaxing ride in the woods.” He put his hand on her back and led her from the room. “Then I’ll let you chop down our Christmas tree.”

  Her mouth dropped open. “Why, thank you, sir. Just don’t stand close. I may mistake you for a trunk.”

  He burst into laughter, looking forward to the rest of the day more than ever. After retrieving Emma’s coat and securing her on the wagon seat, he draped a blanket over her legs and clucked the sleepy horse into motion.

  Caleb settled back next to Emma, close enough that their arms bumped as the wagon swayed. “Your job is to spot the perfect tree.”

  “What do you consider a perfect tree?”

  “Whichever one you choose, as long as the base isn’t so large it’ll take all night to chop through.” He paused a moment. “I’d hate to see you lose sleep because you can’t get the tree to fall.”

  “Me? I thought you were just teasing.”

  He put on his best innocent look. “I’d never do that.”

  “Right. And Skeeter isn’t lazy.”

  He roared with laughter. “Emma, I don’t think I ever laughed so hard before you joined us.”

  She cast him a sideways glance. “I aim to please.”

  Caleb thought a moment to decide if he should ask the question most on his mind. Convinced it was the perfect opportunity since she couldn’t run off, he said a silent prayer and stepped into the abyss.

  “You didn’t want to stay at first, yet you’re still here. Does that mean you’ve changed your mind? That you’re no longer looking for the man you sought?”

  She sat quiet so long, he figured she refused to answer.

  “I almost left one day.”

  His heart pitched. “What stopped you?”

  She heaved a sigh as she stared at her mittened hands. “Gabe. He said something that made me think I should reconsider.”

  When she didn’t say more, he thought he might bellow with frustration. Instead, he gripped the reins tighter. “And?”

  “I’m still thinking, but I’m still here.”

  His smile moved all the way to his heart. “And I’m so glad. I’ll have to thank Gabe.”

  He wanted to know more but decided not to push. Not today anyway. This was to be a day they’d both want to remember. A day they’d get to know each other better. Maybe even the day he’d be brave enough to say the words on his heart.

  “Right there.”

  Emma’s loud voice made his heart jump to his throat and even spooked the horse. He followed her pointing finger to a perfectly shaped cedar. They hadn’t gone as far as he would have liked, wanting more time with her, but this would do. He stopped the wagon close to the tree then helped Emma down.

  Standing next to the tree, he wondered if it would fit through their door. He looked at Emma with raised brows.

  She shrugged. “It didn’t look this big from back there.”

  He laughed. “It’ll be fine. I’ll just cut off some of the base if need be.”

  He grabbed a hatchet from the wagon bed, knelt next to the tree, and chopped off all the lower branches. Then he cut a notch at the base. Time for the big axe. He returned to the wagon, exchanged tools, and stopped beside Emma.

  Straight-faced, he handed her the axe. “Your turn.”

  With a stunned expression, she took it, the axe head dipping before she grasped it with both hands. She glanced from the tool to the tree to his face. “You’re serious?”

  He sat next to a large oak and got comfortable. “Let me know if you need help. Oh … and you need to take off the mittens.” He made the motion of chopping. “Better grip. Especially if you spit on your hands.”

  She made a face. “Spit on my hands?”

  “Sure.” He pretended to do just that, rubbed his hands together, then acted like he gripped the h
andle.

  Emma gaped at him several moments longer then tromped to the cedar. Hefting the axe to her shoulder, she took another step closer, took aim at the notch he’d made, and chopped. Even with her loud grunt, she barely made a mark. She speared him with a look. Somehow he kept his face blank.

  “If you put your right hand closer to the axe head, you’ll have more control of each swing.”

  She held it out to him. “Show me.”

  He grinned. She was clever. Standing, he took the axe from her, showed her his grip, then swung. A chunk of wood fell. He chopped one more time, then handed her the tool and motioned for her to take over while he resumed his position against the oak tree.

  Her next few swings did more damage than her first attempt, but not much. He had to give her credit, she was tenacious. But he already knew that about her. Determination was a way of life for Emma. He wanted to learn more.

  He timed his question as she was about to swing again. “How many babies have you delivered?”

  The axe head rested on the ground. “What?”

  He shrugged. “I was just curious about the work you did with Doc.”

  She scowled, turned away, and chopped one more time. “Four.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Four babies, two broken bones, countless stitches.” She hefted the axe again. “And soon, one amputated leg.” Whack. “And I don’t mean mine.”

  Caleb rolled to the ground with laughter. Without a doubt, he loved this girl. A life with Emma would be filled with fun and joy. He stood and held out his hand for the axe. She gave it without a word and dropped on the spot he had vacated.

  Say the words.

  But he didn’t know how she felt about him. Was he just a friend, or did she care for him as he did for her? He continued to stare, working up the courage.

  She frowned and wiped at her face. “What? Are there wood chips sticking to my face?”

  He smiled, doubting she managed to knock off one chip.

  “You amaze me, Emma. Most women I know wouldn’t have even tried.”

  “Don’t give me too much credit. I didn’t want to have to walk home.”