The WESTWARD Christmas BRIDES COLLECTION: 9 Historical Romances Answer the Call of the American West
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“You have to state things plainly to a man. Don’t make him guess.” Mrs. Reinhardt pointed her needle at Beth and jabbed it in the air, the string of cranberries bouncing. “If you care for that man, tell him.”
Beth gasped, and Lizzie gazed up at her. “I couldn’t do that. A woman is not supposed to express her feelings until the man does.”
“Pish-posh. Most men would never get married if they had to do the asking.”
As Beth guided Lizzie across the street to the mercantile, she considered what Mrs. Reinhart had said. Dare she tell Cade that she had feelings for him? What if he didn’t reciprocate?
Chapter 8
Beth walked into the store, holding Lizzie’s hand. The little girl looked up and gasped. Since the last time they were here, the store owners had run some pine branches along the top of the cabinets behind the counter. Red ribbon had been laced through the boughs and tied in several bows with long streamers hanging down. Beautiful glass ornaments hung in between the bows on the boughs.
“So pretty.” Lizzie gazed up with her mouth open.
“Yes. They’re Christmas decorations. Do you remember the Christmas tree at the orphanage last year?”
“Oh yes! It was beaut’ful.” Lizzie’s smile dimmed. “Will I get a present this year?”
Beth stooped down and took hold of the girl’s arms. “Of course you will.”
“I have a small stock of those glass balls if you’re interested. They came all the way from Germany.” The female clerk waved her hand toward a glass case at the far end of the counter. “I’m Mrs. Peavey. My husband and I own this store.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Beth Ruskin, and this is Lizzie.”
“Oh, you’re the doctor’s daughter.”
She nodded. “I’m looking for a Christmas gift for my father.” Beth looked around the store but then spun back to face Mrs. Peavey. “On second thought, I would like to look at those ornaments.”
They followed the clerk to the counter, and Lizzie gasped at the lovely decorations.
“I was thinking one of those might make a nice gift for Mrs. Reinhardt. She’s been so good about watching you and Annie. What do you think, Lizzie?”
She bounced up and down. “Can I pick it out?”
“Which one do you think she’d like?”
The girl perused the ornaments then pointed at a bright purple one with silver trim. “What about that one?”
Beth smiled. “I think it would be perfect. Now let’s find something for Poppa.” And for Cade—something that would reveal her heart to him. After perusing the aisles, she settled for a lightweight suit for her father. With the warmer temperatures down South, he was certain to roast in the wool suits he’d brought with him. For Cade, she bought a shiny gold pocket watch, although she didn’t tell the clerk whom it was for.
“My Arnold can engrave that if you’d like to leave it for a few days.”
“I need to find out when we’re leaving town first.”
“If you’re going by train,” Mrs. Peavy said, “I can assure you that it won’t be until the day after Christmas.”
Excitement filled Beth to think she might be stuck in town another week. “You’re certain?”
The woman nodded. “The train only comes through Advent once a week on Friday, and since this is Saturday, it won’t return until next week—the day after Christmas.”
“In that case, I would like it engraved.” Beth scribbled down the short message and then penned another one to Mrs. Peavey, explaining she’d like to purchase two blond-haired dolls for Lizzie and Annie, and some blue and red hair ribbons. She paid for her items and walked out of the store, feeling better than she had in a long while. “Beth!”
She pivoted at the sound of her father’s voice.
He stalked toward her, frowning. “There won’t be another train until next Friday.”
Beth tried hard to hold back her smile. “That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Now we can celebrate Christmas with Mrs. Reinhardt.”
Poppa’s expression softened. “I do like that woman’s cooking.”
Quirking a brow, she stared at her poppa. Was he sweet on Mrs. Reinhardt? Had that been one of the reasons he was so eager to leave town? Was he afraid he’d grow attached to her if they stayed?
“I imagine she will cook up a fine Christmas meal.”
“Yes, that’s true. I suppose it’s not so bad to stay here another week.”
Beth turned back toward the boardinghouse, this time letting her smile break free. It could be a wonderful week, if only Cade loved her as she did him.
Cade tied the sash on the pretty dress he’d bought Annie to wear for the Christmas dinner at Mrs. Reinhardt’s. Then he brushed her fine hair, leaving it hanging free instead of confined in its normal braid. He’d even opted to let her go without her sling today since her arm didn’t seem to be bothering her.
“We go now?” Annie spun around, blue eyes twinkling. After helping decorate the tree yesterday, she’d asked him over and over, last night and all morning, when their party was.
He smiled and nodded. “Yes, sweet thang, it’s time to go.”
She squealed her delight and raced for the door. Cade glanced in the mirror as he passed it. The last time he wore his suit coat during the week had been at Nellie’s funeral. He missed his wife, and he suspected he always would to some extent, but he was finally ready to move on. As he’d recovered this week, he’d spent more time praying than he had in the past year, and he felt peaceful in the choice he’d made. He just hoped Beth felt the same.
He slung the bag of presents over one arm then opened the door and allowed Annie to scurry out. At Mrs. Reinhardt’s, he paused on the porch while Annie knocked softly. He’d wrestled all week with whether he was doing the right thing or not, but in the end, he knew he couldn’t let Beth go without her knowing how he felt. He added his firm knock to his daughter’s.
Beth pulled open the door and greeted him with a shy smile. “Annie, are you excited?”
“Yes! Go see Lizzie.” And she was off in search of her friend.
Cade chuckled. “She’s been driving me loco, asking all morning if it was time to go yet.”
“Lizzie has done the same. Please, come in.”
His stomach rumbled at the wonderful aromas wafting from the kitchen. “I’m glad we’re eating first thing. It’s not nice to torture people on Christmas Day.”
Beth’s eyes glistened as she closed the door. “You won’t have long to wait—we’re about ready to put the meal on the table. But I do need to get back to the kitchen and help.”
He watched her go, disappointed that she couldn’t stay and talk, but there’d be time for that after dinner. He moseyed into the parlor where he found Dr. Ruskin sitting near the front window. Annie and Lizzie had plopped down in front of the tree that he’d cut yesterday morning and that they had decorated.
Dr. Ruskin stared out the window, ignoring Cade.
Cade sat near the girls so he could grab them if one got it in her mind to touch the pretty decorations. He hadn’t had a Christmas tree since Nellie died, but he was glad they had played a part in preparing this one.
Dr. Ruskin cleared his throat and stared at Cade. Cade couldn’t read the man’s expression, though he thought the man seemed upset. “I suppose you’re the reason my Beth wants to become a Texan.”
Cade straightened, not sure he heard right. Was the man actually considering staying? That was great news, but he wasn’t sure how to respond to Beth’s father. “Uh … I don’t know, sir, but I would like to think I am the reason she wants to stay.”
“Why do you say that?”
The old man was direct, if anything. Cade tried to sit still and not squirm. “Because I have feelings for her, sir.”
“What kind of feelings?”
Heat surrounded Cade’s face. He glanced at the girls, who chattered happily, unaware of the tension in the room. “I’d prefer to tell her first, if you don’t mind.”
&nb
sp; The doctor lifted his chin. “Where I come from, a man asks a girl’s father for permission to marry before he does her.”
Cade’s eyes widened. “Marry?”
Dr. Ruskin narrowed his gaze. “Isn’t that what this is about?”
Cade jiggled his leg. “Uh … yes, but it might be nice to court the lady first.”
“In order for you to court the lady in question, I must make the decision to stay here and not continue to Arizona as I’d planned. I’m not sure I want to do that if you’re merely toying with my daughter.”
Cade surged to his feet, drawing Annie’s gaze. “I resent that sir. I would never toy with Beth’s affections.”
The doctor blew out a loud sigh. “All right. Sit down and relax.”
He eased back on the sofa, afraid he’d break it if he plopped down like he wanted. “I care for your daughter, sir, but I’m not sure she feels the same.”
“She does.”
Cade’s head whipped up. “You’re sure?”
“Do you mind if I speak for myself, Poppa?”
Both men lurched to their feet, the doctor looking dully chastised. Confused, Cade looked from Beth to her father.
“Aw … can’t an old man have a little fun?”
“Not like that. Would you please take the girls and see to it they wash their hands, Poppa?”
“If I have to.”
“Consider it punishment.” Beth’s lips twitched, and she smiled. “Girls, it’s time to eat. Please go with Poppa and get cleaned up.”
The girls hopped up and hurried to Beth’s father, each taking one of his hands. As the older man left the room, he glanced back and winked at Cade, leaving him more confused than ever. When he looked down at Beth’s pretty face, her cheeks were a bright pink. Hope surged in him. “You had something you wanted to say?”
Her eyes widened. Then she walked over to the tree and picked up a small gift. “Open this.”
“Now?”
She nodded. “It says everything.”
Cade took the pretty wrapped gift, untied the ribbon, and let the paper fall away. Inside was a box. He removed the lid and discovered a pocket watch. The case was engraved with the head of a spirited horse with a flowing mane. “Beth, this is too much.”
“No, it isn’t. Please, look inside.”
He lifted the shiny gold watch from the box and admired it. He’d never owned a pocket watch before. Cade popped it open, revealing the fancy script inside. All my love, Beth.
His gaze jerked to Beth’s, and the pink on her cheeks turned to a dark rose. “Beth, it’s wonderful.” He ducked his head, wishing he were more eloquent. “I’m not good with fancy words or those poems women like to hear.”
She stepped forward. “All I need to know is if you feel something for me. Tell me I haven’t imagined it.”
“You haven’t. It just took me awhile to pray about it and realize God’s will for the last half of my life.”
“And have you decided what you want?”
A smile tugged at his lips. He put the watch in his vest pocket and reached out, gently holding Beth’s shoulders. “All I want is you—for you and me and Annie and Lizzie to become a family.”
“You want me? And Lizzie, too?”
He nodded.
Beth’s lashes fluttered as she fought the tears making her eyes glisten. “Oh, Cade. That’s what I want so much.”
His gaze roved over the face of the woman he loved, and then he bent and kissed her, expressing the affection he had trouble voicing. Beth responded, warming his heart and stirring his senses. Reluctantly, he stepped back, grinning. “Guess I’m going to have to ask your pa’s permission to marry you.”
Beth shyly ducked her head but gazed up at him. “I think that’s a wonderful idea, Mr. Maddox.”
“Oh, I forgot something.” Cade reached into his coat pocket and retrieved the gift he’d made for her. Then he stared at her. It was nothing compared to what she’d given him.
“I see that look.” Beth lifted her chin.
“What look?”
“The one that says you’re unsure of something. What do you have?”
He opened his hand, and Beth gasped. “Oh, Cade, it’s beautiful! Did you make this?”
He nodded again. “It’s a rose—made of iron.”
She smacked him on the arm. “I can tell what it is, you goose. It’s exquisite. However did you make it?”
“I’ll show you one day.”
As she caressed the petals he’d so carefully fashioned, he stared down at the woman he loved. And to think he almost lost her because of his stubbornness.
“Did you know that my middle name is Rose?”
Cade sucked in a breath. “No, I didn’t.”
She smiled. “It is. Elizabeth Rose Ruskin.”
“Not for long, if I have my way.”
Beth grinned, the tint returning to her cheeks.
“You look charming when you blush.” Determined to make her blush again, he bent and stole a delicious kiss—and then another.
Beth soon stepped back, somewhat breathless. “The food will be cold if we keep this up.”
“I’ll chance it.” Cade flashed a teasing grin and held his arm out to her. As they stepped into the dining room, he leaned down and whispered, “Merry Christmas, my love.”
Snow Song
by Olivia Newport
Chapter 1
1871
The violin’s exquisite vibration captured Belinda’s breath. She raised her eyes to watch the bow dance across the strings and could hardly keep from singing along to “Joy to the World.”
“I didn’t know there would be music.” Belinda’s smile broadened. “It’s a perfect night!”
“It’s lovely.” Edith Michaels nodded approval at her daughter’s glee. “And we have the best table in the restaurant. It will be a memorable occasion, to be sure.”
“One only has a single opportunity to make an engagement official.” Belinda grasped her mother’s hand beside her and her father’s arm on the other side. The sparkling white tablecloths, the glittering candles, the thrilling music—Belinda could not have imagined a more flawless engagement dinner. “Thank you both for giving this wonderful night to Hayden and me. We shall always remember it.”
William Michaels cleared his throat. “Where is your Mr. Fairbanks? Did we misunderstand the time?”
“I’m sure he’s coming.” Belinda patted her father’s arm. Why did Hayden’s tardiness always seem to strike when an evening included her parents? Belinda had become accustomed to building in time for Hayden to be fashionably late, but he knew she hated it when he kept her parents waiting.
The waiter circled again and discreetly topped off their water goblets.
“Perhaps we should order hors d’oeuvres,” Edith said. “I understand they have a mushroom pâté that is quite good.”
William nodded. “No doubt they would bring some bread as well.”
“We may even start on the soup,” Edith said.
“Oh no!” Belinda sucked in alarm. “Let’s not go so far as soup. Hayden will be here soon enough, and we’ll all order together.”
“We’ve been here thirty minutes already.” Edith straightened a fork that was not askew.
“But we were early,” Belinda countered.
“Nevertheless, I do feel we ought to order something. And I had no lunch today.”
“The pâté, then.” Belinda laid her hands in her lap and laced her fingers together to still them.
“He will get the restaurant right, won’t he?” her father asked. “He knows to come to Larimer Street?”
“Yes, Papa. He knows.” Ever since Belinda and Hayden knew they wanted to be engaged someday, they had planned to celebrate at this establishment.
The string quartet transitioned to the more subdued “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming,” and the Michaels family awaited the beginning of their meal. Belinda glanced up at every man with Hayden’s build who moved through the spaces betw
een the tables, but none of them was him.
Hayden Fairbanks was more than a little dissatisfied with the look of his tie, but he had no time to fret further. As it was, Belinda was likely to greet him with a cold glare. Her father’s raised eyebrow would make clear his displeasure at Hayden’s late arrival. The expense of this evening was an indulgence for all of them. While William Michaels was financially secure by Denver standards, he wasn’t a wealthy railroad investor. He ran his simple shop catering to travelers and made prudent decisions about the use of his profits. Hayden suspected William didn’t quite approve of Belinda’s choice to marry a journalist whose deadlines sometimes made it challenging to keep to social time frames, but he had given his agreement, if not his blessing, when Hayden asked him for his twenty-three-year-old daughter’s hand.
He sighed and brushed both sides of his mustache, determined that his lateness should not cast a pall on the evening meant to be a glistening memory for Belinda. Getting engaged just before Christmas was her dream. She also had her heart set on a winter wedding, so they would not wait more than a few weeks. Hayden picked a spot of lint off his best suit, which now struck him as insufficient for the evening’s occasion. He would order a new one before the wedding even if he had to scrub the tailor’s floor on his knees to pay for it.
The knock came just as Hayden was ready to buff the tops of his shoes with several quick strokes. He laid the shoe brush on the top of his chest of drawers and took the few short steps across his small apartment above a butcher shop to open the door.
“Mr. Hayden Fairbanks?” A boy not more than twelve years old stood in the hall with his hat in his hand.
“Yes, that’s me,” Hayden said.
“I’ve got a note for you. The man said I should be certain it got to you directly on account of how urgent it is.”
“Urgent?”
“That’s what he said.” The boy held out an envelope.
Hayden took the note and then fished in his pocket for a coin to give the boy. He listened to the fading footsteps of the messenger’s departure as he tore the end off the envelope and shook the message out.