Christmas Spirit (Cutter's Creek Book 12)

by Annie Boone

  Was this a sign from God that He’d heard his prayer? Could it be a promise that He would take care of him? All of them?

  Josh wasn’t sure, but he did believe in God and he believed in prayer, so he chose to believe that God’s comfort had just washed over him. He stood and got to work, for there was much to do.

  Fourteen

  Felicity was rushing to get ready. Most of the town was probably doing the same thing. It was the Friday afternoon before Christmas and the annual Cutter’s Creek parade was this afternoon. Most of the town would be there and so would Felicity. If she could get herself ready, that is.

  Josh and Lana were supposed to pick her up any minute now. She didn’t want to keep them waiting and she didn’t want to cause them to be late. She took one last look in her little mirror and decided her hair was as good as it was going to get. The wind would probably blow it all around, anyway.

  When she entered the parlor, her mother was answering the door. Josh and Lana both stood there with big smiles.

  “Come in, come in!” Mae Lipscomb opened the door wide to let the visitors in along with the cold air.

  “Hello, Mrs. Lipscomb,” Josh and Lana said almost in unison.

  “You’re here! I just made it!” exclaimed Felicity. “Are we heading into town right away?”

  “I think we should. We want to get a good spot,” said Lana.

  “I’m not sure where we sit is going to matter all that much,” replied Josh with a laugh. “It’s not like the parade is that big. It will probably only take a few minutes for it to go past.”

  Felicity laughed along with the others. “That’s true. But it’s really fun to watch the children. They get so excited.”

  “They do. I guess we’ll get going, then. Come on, girls. Get your coats and hats. Bundle up because it’s cold as blue blazes out there.”

  “Have a good time! We might see you in town.”

  “See you later, then, Mother. I don’t think I’ll be late getting home.”

  Josh held the door for his sister and his sweetheart as the three headed for his wagon. He helped Felicity up first and then his sister and went around to the driver’s side to climb in. The three scooted in close together on the bench seat to keep warm in the icy wind that was blowing.

  Lana was in a festive mood. “Let’s sing some carols!” She didn’t wait for agreement. “Deck the halls with bows of holly.” She sang in a clear and sweet voice.

  Josh and Felicity joined. “Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la. ‘Tis the season to be jolly. Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la.”

  The trio sang together all the way to town. They even tried a little harmony, though they joked that they sounded better when they simply all sang the tune. They laughed while they enjoyed being together relishing the joy of the season. All worries were forgotten – at least for now.

  “Hark the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King! Peace on Earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.”

  Then the girls dropped out and let Josh sing by himself. “Joyful all ye nations rise. Join the triumph of the skies.”

  The girls joined in again to finish the verse. “With angelic host proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem. Hark the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King!”

  They finished this last song as they pulled the wagon up behind the mercantile. Josh jumped down and tied the horse. Lana was already down when he got to the side, and he swung Felicity down, his hands lingering on her waist.

  She smiled up at him and was suddenly very thankful to be spending time with him today. And Lana. Being with them together was a treat for her.

  Finding a spot in front of the mercantile, they waited for the parade to begin.

  “Let’s be sure to walk around and look at the Christmas trees in the competition,” said Lana. “I missed them last year and I don’t want to miss them this time.”

  Felicity nodded. “Are we getting to vote this year or did they stop that?”

  Lana laughed out loud. “I think the council is choosing the winner this time. For some reason, it didn’t work out so well for the people to vote last year. Apparently, some of the businesses gave away free gifts to everyone who promised to vote for their tree.”

  Josh smirked and stepped closer to the girls. “I heard there were more votes than people in town. More than double, Nick said.”

  “Well, that must have been a problem.” Felicity smiled then looked at Josh. “Nick and his parents are in the parade again this year?”

  “Yep. Along with Emil and Bonnie. I think Jemma and the kids are going to ride, too,” replied Josh.

  “I’ll bet Tim and Delilah have been beside themselves with excitement,” added Lana. “Those two have so much energy!”

  They all laughed. Tim and Delilah having so much energy was an understatement and then some. Those kids never seemed to stop.

  “They seem to be in the middle of most of the mischief at school. Both of them. Even Delilah has shown her playful side,” added Lana.

  Felicity looked up the street to see if she could see the event starting. “Nick and Jemma have their hands full with those two. They’re a joy, though. I love being around them. Looks like it might be getting started. Look up there.”

  Josh and Lana looked up the street and nodded. Lana clapped her hands and Josh smiled at his sister then looked at Felicity. “Excited for the start, too?”

  “Of course! I love the parade! I’m glad we have it.”

  The first part of the parade reached them. The wagon was sponsored by the mercantile. They were tossing little bags of nuts out to the crowd lining the street. Josh grabbed two bags and promised to share.

  Next were the sheriff and deputies on horseback. They smiled and waved to the crowd, paying special attention to the children. One of the deputies stopped and his wife ran over to him with their son. He pulled the boy up into the saddle with him and then the parade continued.

  “I would have loved that when I was his age. I used to ride with my father all the time. I hated it when he’d leave me behind.” Josh was smiling broadly at the memory that was bittersweet now, given his father’s failing health.

  When the wagon for the Silver Dollar Inn rolled by, Josh ran to it. “Hey, Tim! Delilah! What have you got for the crowd?”

  “Josh! We’ve got jingle bells! Want one?”

  “I do! I want three, though. Felicity and Lana are with me.”

  “See, Auntie Jemma!” Delilah elbowed her aunt and looked up at her giggling. “I told you he was marrying Felicity.”

  Jemma smiled and looked down at Josh and raised an eyebrow. He smiled and shrugged.

  Felicity couldn’t hear what Josh was talking with the children and Jemma about. She saw Nick look over at her with a smile. She wondered what that was all about, but just as she started to fret over it, Josh was beside her. He gave her the cutest little bell with a red ribbon tied to the top.

  She would treasure this keepsake. Reminders of this day and this season would be cherished. She was certain of that.

  Fifteen

  Felicity opened the door, a laugh escaping as she ran down the steps. The trees were almost white and the little yard was covered in fresh snow as powdery flakes danced around her. After teasing them for the last few weeks, the snow had finally fallen. There had been some snow here and there, but this was the first big snow of the winter.

  Normally, the big snow came much earlier in the year, but she was happy to see it now. Snow made the holiday seem merrier. Christmas without snow was almost unheard of in Cutter’s Creek and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

  She took another step onto the patch of grass in the back of the house and stuck out her tongue to catch a few flakes. Her boots sunk in the accumulated snow, making deep footprints as she stepped. She walked to the front to enjoy the falling flakes of ice for just another moment.

  In the distance, the mountains were hazy in the clouds. The sun was rising higher in the sky, but the beautiful gold and yellow lights of th
e sunrays couldn’t be seen today.

  Luckily, the snow had held off until late last night. The Christmas parade would have been a mess if the snow had fallen much earlier. Her heart warmed at the remembrance of the parade yesterday afternoon. It had been such fun to be with Josh, and Lana, of course.

  Was this a good sign? A sign that she would win the cider contest? She loved the snow during this time of year! It seemed like a prophecy that the snow had arrived on the day of the festival. At least she wanted to view it that way.

  She turned back to go into the house when she spotted the Garretts’ wagon rolling down the dirt path to her home. Josh held the reins with his mother all bundled up next to him. In the back, she spotted Lana but not the elder Mr. Garrett. Perhaps he’d be joining them later. It probably wouldn’t be good for him to be out all day in this cold.

  Josh waved. What a pleasant surprise!

  She shivered as the cold raced through her. All the cold in the world couldn’t chill the fire burning in her heart since Josh had asked her if he could court her.

  Her boots crunched on the snow as she stepped up to meet the Garrett family. Her bunny friend hopped out of the bushes, looking at her with his big brown eyes. She pulled out a carrot from her pocket and tossed it to the rabbit, who quickly snapped it up and hopped back into the bushes.

  Josh jumped from the wagon and tipped his hat to her. “Feeding the wildlife again, I see.”

  “Well, he’s almost like family. He waits for me to feed him almost every day. This is a nice surprise.”

  She bent her head to the side, feeling tightness between her furrowed brows. Though a smile crossed his face, there was something about Josh today that made him look troubled. Was it the way his eyes wavered, or how his shoulders seemed a little slumped? Had something happened to his father? No, that couldn’t be it. They wouldn’t be here if something had. What, then?

  “I wanted to see if you’d like to ride over to the Christmas social with us.”

  “I don’t see why I shouldn’t. Let me ask my parents if they mind.”

  He nodded and she went into the house. Her parents sat at the table, both with mugs of coffee in their hands and smiles on their faces.

  “Has your beau come by for a visit?” her father asked.

  “He’s asked me to ride to the festival with him.”

  “Then get on with it.” Her father waved her off.

  She almost floated to the table where a picnic basket holding her cider jars waited. Looping her arm through the handle, she rushed out the door. Josh stood at the door, and took her basket, his fingers grazing hers, sending pleasurable tingles through her. Though his eyes were still a bit troubled, they also contained something else. Something that looked like longing.

  “Am I going to get to taste your cider soon?” he asked, tucking her hand in the crook of his arm and guiding her to the wagon.

  She shrugged her shoulders in a weak attempt to act coy. The truth was she could hardly wait to give him a sip and see what looks crossed his face. She glanced up seeing the smirk on Lana’s face, making her look mischievous despite the angelic blue eyes and blonde curls framing her face.

  Josh set her basket in the back, next to Lana’s feet, and then helped her in, sitting her next to his sister. Lana instantly clamped Felicity’s hands, and leaned towards her ear whispering, “Did you do it? It’s ready?”

  Felicity thought of the one sip of cider she had taken just that morning. The mysterious flavors of cinnamon, anise, and Sichuan peppercorns had exploded in her mouth, sending pure pleasure through her. The peppercorns gave just a hint of a spicy bite and the other spices blended to a sweetness that she was sure would be unique. She nodded.

  Lana chuckled as she squeezed her hands, but then her smile fled, and she leaned back against the wagon, pulling the blanket further over her lap.

  She tugged on her friend’s arm. Something’s wrong. What is it? she mouthed.

  Lana looked away, focusing on the line of Douglas firs with their prickly sappy needles lining the dirt road that led into town. It looked like they’d wandered into a forest, but just as quickly as it seemed they were engulfed, the road opened to the flat plain on the edge of the town.

  “Lana,” she hissed.

  Her friend looked back at her, and whispered, “Later.”

  Confusion swirled around Felicity as small prickles of fear jabbed her heart. She leaned back against the board of the wagon, folding her hands in her lap. Her fingers wrung the wool gray blanket, as thoughts circled around in her mind.

  Something troubled the Garretts. All of them. Something that Lana didn’t want to tell her around Josh. Could Josh have changed his mind about her? Had he learned she couldn’t cook?

  Even though that wasn’t exactly true anymore. She hid a quick smile at her achievements. Over the last few weeks, she had made stew, biscuits, and even pan-fried steak using the tricks her mother taught her. She was able to keep her mind from wandering and focus on her tasks.

  But that couldn’t be right. Why would he have surprised her this morning? Or looked at her with such longing if he wanted to end their courtship? She thought of their time together and knew they’d already made some happy memories together. Seeing the mama bear and her cub and racing the wind on his stallion as he held on tight to her were experiences she wouldn’t soon forget. She hoped desperately that it was the same way for him.

  It had to be something else. She just wished she knew now, so she could think of ways to help Josh. There was nothing she wanted to do more than to be there for him if he had a problem. Maybe she’d be able to figure it all out at some point today and make a difference for him.

  Sixteen

  Josh pulled the wagon into the churchyard to find a good place to leave the wagon. Several children raced around throwing snowballs at each other. There were more children on the side of the building making a snowman. There wasn’t one child out there whose wool coat didn’t have splotches of white on it.

  What would he give to be a kid again! Not having to worry about grown up problems would be a dream come true. But then again, children always had a way of finding out about the troubles that bothered their parents. Troubles like the shrinking of his herd and his dwindling savings.

  Josh took a deep breath and let it out in a slow stream, but still his nerves rattled. Last night he had lost five more cows. Four of them heifers. There’d be no point in driving the herd to the market. Half of them wouldn’t make it, and he’d never fetch a profit.

  He worried that his family was ruined. Like many would be around these parts. Unless there was a miracle, his family was going to have to start making plans. Plans for their future.

  A giggle floated to him from the back of the wagon, reminding him of the great loss he might have to endure. How he wished he could figure out what to do about Felicity. He needed to tell her about the problems. Let her know that his family was most likely ruined. But the selfish part of him couldn’t let her go.

  Josh parked the wagon next to others and then helped his mother down, before reaching up for his sister. Ignoring his sister’s giggles, he turned to Felicity. An unsettledness filled her eyes. She must know something was wrong. She could already read him quite well.

  He held out his hand. She lay her small hand in his and he enclosed his fingers over it, making sure not to hold too tight. Though he knew she had an inner strength and a hidden daring nature, to him she was precious. He had to ensure he treated her in the most gentle way.

  Once her black boots were on the snowy ground, he slipped her arm in his and turned to head toward the church. Felicity held her ground and wouldn’t go with him, making him stumble.

  He turned to her, noting how her black brows furrowed. “My cider, Josh.”

  Yes, her cider. How could he forget? But truth be told, he hadn’t really. He just wanted to capture her arm, so she couldn’t slip from him. Dear Lord, he was going to have to find that miracle. Keeping her arm in his, he reached back for th
e basket and lifted it from the wagon.

  He guided her to the church, trying to ignore the looks sent his way. Several matrons wrapped in wool coats and thick fur lined bonnets bent their heads together whispering, and Mary the eldest Pershing daughter turned towards them planting her hands on her hips. The scowl on her face displayed her pure disdain.

  He kept walking, knowing that they were being gossiped about. “Don’t mind them,” he leaned in to whisper in her ear.

  “Mind who?” She looked up at him with an adoring smile. She knew exactly what he meant and she wasn’t bothered by any of it.

  “Nobody. Nobody at all.”

  He led her into the church, where his mother and Lana had already gone. In a few hours, he’d return home and fetch his father so he could be there to judge the cider contest. So far, his pa’s strength seemed to be improving, the cough lessening. He was grateful but cautious.

  A warmth surrounded them as they stepped into the red chapel, a landmark in the town. The wooden pews had been pushed to the side, and several tables put in the center. One table was full of various plates of cakes, sugar plum cookies, and breads. There would be a contest for the baked goods and then each entry would be auctioned off.

  His mouth watered at just the thought of such sweet treats. This was one of his favorite parts of the Christmas season. All the good food – especially the sweets.

  “I guess I should go ahead and turn in my cider,” Felicity said, drawing his attention back to her. He followed her gaze to where Mildred Pershing and Gwendolyn Taylor stood behind a table full of cider jars.

  The matrons of the competition who had been winning for the last few years stood as an imposing sight. Mrs. Pershing, with her tall stature and thick shoulders, had her hair tied in a tight bun. Her frown made him wonder if she thought no one’s cider could match her own or if her tight bun had simply pulled her face too taut. Mrs. Taylor was shorter and a bit rounder. She was usually more joyful, but her lips were pinched tight.