by Jenna Brandt
Matthew was leaning against the side wall of the church as he waited for Lucy to arrive. He would have gone to fetch her and escort her to service, but his mother had been sick. She had and asked Matthew to help prepare for the morning.
From around the corner, he heard two women parishioners approach the front steps, talking about his relationship with Lucy.
“I can’t believe the McCoy boy still plans to marry that woman.”
“I know. She tries to pretend like she’s a good, Christian woman, but nobody changes that fast.”
“Well, it’s no surprise he’s fallen for her ruse. Her job is to give men what they want.”
“I agree. I can only imagine—”
Matthew stepped from around the corner with his arms folded across his chest. “How do you do, ladies? What was that you were saying?”
Both women’s eyes grew round with shock, and the older gray-haired woman stammered out, “Good morning, Matthew. We were just talking about your upcoming wedding.”
“Were you now?” The incredulity was thick in his voice as he narrowed his eyes in annoyance.
“Yes, we were saying we can’t believe you’re getting married in two weeks,” the other woman chimed in, nodding her head for effect.
“It’s bad enough to talk about someone who isn’t here to defend themselves, but even worse to lie about doing it.” With a shake of his head, Matthew added, “You both should know better.”
Their heads dropped, and they hurried past him, avoiding his scrutinizing stare. Just as they entered the church, Lucy came up with a massive smile on her face. The fresh dust of snow still clung to the ground, and she looked like an angel as she drifted through the flurry’s cover. Lucy's beauty was enhanced by her navy dress which hugged her body in all the right places. Her sky-blue eyes sparkled, and her hair was piled atop of her head. He wanted to pull it loose and run his hands through her soft golden locks as his lips claimed her mouth for his own. He couldn’t act on any of those longings with the entire church watching; however, in two weeks he could take her home and follow through on all his desires.
“How do you do, Lucy?”
“I’m well, Matthew. Thank you for waiting for me.”
“It does me good to see you.” He reached out and extended his arm to her. She placed her hand in the crook of his elbow and allowed him to guide her into the church. As they strode into the room, there were whispers amongst the women as side glances were directed at them. Matthew did his best to ignore them as they made their way to the front pew.
Once they settled in and few other parishioners arrived, the congregation sang several hymns in unison. After, Pastor McCoy took to the pulpit. “Good morning, brothers and sisters. As Christmas approaches, I want to reflect on the gift God gave each of us when he sent His only Son down to earth. I know how much I love my own children and how difficult it is to give them away.” He looked at Debbey and William sitting next to Matthew and Lucy. “I already gave my daughter in marriage earlier this month, and soon my son will start his own family. It fills my heart to see both my children so happy; however I have to admit, a piece of me misses having them with us all the time. This process of letting go has given me perspective on how God must have felt when He sent Jesus down. I think it’s a parent’s greatest joy and sadness to see their children grow up and leave home.”
After service, the McCoy siblings and their significant others, along with Pierre and Amelie, gathered outside the church. Matthew hadn’t liked Pierre Girald when he first met him. This was chiefly because he had shown an interest in Amelie Leclaire, a family friend. Matthew believed his childhood bond with Amelie would be a good base for marriage. When he set eyes on Lucy Rogers, he realized there was more to marriage than just friendship. Lucy evoked passion and desire in Matthew, two feelings he had lacked prior. Once Matthew let go of his naïve claim on Amelie, Matthew and Pierre had established a comradeship.
“Are we still planning to head to the West Linn Inn to have brunch?” William put forth the question to the group as he ran his fingers through his blond hair. All of them nodded in agreement, but before they could leave for the inn, Amelie’s aunt approached them.
“Good morning, everyone.”
Before a few months ago, Matthew would have done anything to avoid Marcella Orelle. Since she accepted the Lord, her mean-spirited nature had been replaced by a kind and thoughtful one.
“Good morning,” each of them greeted her in turn. Elise, Amelie’s younger sister, was standing next to Mrs. Orelle. The Leclaire sisters’ aunt had moved into the family home to take care of Elise, allowing Pierre and Amelie to build their own house at the end of town.
Elise looked at Amelie and Pierre quizzically. “Are you going to come over for dinner tonight?”
“Yes, of course,” Amelie confirmed.
“Good. We are looking forward to it,” Elise said with a grin. “Aunt Marcella has been teaching me a few family recipes. I plan to surprise you both with one tonight.”
“Sounds lovely,” Pierre stated, bowing his head slightly, his nod causing his dark, slicked-back hair to shimmer in the sunlight.
Mrs. Orelle waved goodbye to them. “Enjoy your afternoon with your friends. We will see you in a few hours.”
After Amelie’s family left the church grounds, the group began the short walk to the inn. The men walked in front, the women following behind.
“I hear you are doing well in your new position at the mill, although there was an incident involving a worker yesterday.” It didn’t surprise Matthew that Pierre knew what happened. Both William and Pierre had invested in the Willamette Falls Mill and two other business around West Linn. Mr. Moore kept them abreast of the activities of their ventures.
“Yes, it was unfortunate what happened to Paul Little. However, Doctor Lipston patched him up, and said he should make a full recovery.”
“I heard your quick action while out at the site not only saved his life but his legs. You’re a hero for what you did,” William stated with certainty.
Matthew shrugged. “I did what anyone would do under the circumstances.”
“Nonsense, Matthew. Not everyone would have the knowledge or fortitude to act in such a manner,” Pierre contested as his brown eyes confirmed his respect. “I am glad Mr. Moore placed you in charge of the men at the mill. You have proven to be the best man for the job.”
Matthew smiled to himself. Who would have thought four months ago, Pierre Girald would pay him a compliment?
As the group continued towards the inn, the women chatted. “What do you think of this snowfall we received last night, Lucy? If it stays through Christmas, you will have a white wedding like we did,” Debbey stated with a smile.
“I never saw snow until I moved here. I never imagined getting married in it, but find the idea romantic,” Lucy confessed.
“When we decided to get married at the beginning of December, I thought I wouldn’t get the white wedding I’d always dreamed of because it never snows here that early in winter.” Debbey and William had moved up the date of their wedding when William had gotten the unfortunate news his older brother had become ill. They needed to be ready to travel if they had to return to England to help William’s family. “But God blessed me with my heart’s desire by giving me a man who went out of his way to make my dreams come true. I got my perfect day anyway. Perhaps not in the traditional sense, but what William did for me was more magical than snow any day.”
“You did get your snow on our wedding night,” William pointed out.
Debbey smiled. “Yes, I did. It was wonderful.”
“You had a beautiful wedding and I can only imagine Lucy will have the same,” Amelie affirmed.
William had gathered the townspeople up. They cut tons of tiny paper snowflakes which were then put into many bags. He had children stand outside the church. As they exited, they tossed the paper snowflakes in the air.
“How do you feel about the possibility of traveling to England to
visit William's family?” Lucy inquired.
“I’ve never been further than Oregon City. I’m both intrigued and scared at the same time.”
The group arrived at the inn and strode into the lobby. The desk clerk rushed to their side. “Good day, gentlemen, ladies. We have your usual table ready in the dining room.”
“Thank you,” Pierre said as the clerk led them over to the waiting maître d’. The men held the chairs out for the women as they took their seats, then sat beside them. A waiter appeared within seconds and was pouring glasses of water. After they ordered their food, the group passed the time talking about the church service, the upcoming wedding, and Christmas activities planned around town.
“I’m looking forward to the tree lighting and concert. It’s my favorite event of the holiday season,” Debbey informed the group.
“I enjoy the annual Moore Christmas party,” Amelie countered. “They always make it extra special.”
“Well, I cannot wait to experience all of it, this being my first Christmas in West Linn,” William said with a grin, his blue eyes shining with mirth. “I think it promises to be the best Christmas ever, but I suppose I am biased since it’s my first one as a married man.”
Debbey smiled at her husband. “I’ll make sure it’s a Christmas you'll never forget.” Turning to Lucy, Debbey inquired, “What Christmas activity are you looking forward to Lucy?”
Her hands squeezed around her glass of water as Lucy tried to think of the right response. Christmas time had always brought back painful memories for Lucy. Should she tell them she had lost her mother and that her father didn't celebrate Christmas? Her only and constant gift from the man was a swift and brutal beating whenever she failed to meet his unrealistic expectations. Her situation didn’t improve when she ran away at fifteen and arrived in New Orleans.
Lucy opted to reveal as little as possible. “I’ve never had much of a reason to commemorate Christmas.”
“All that changes this year. Not only are we going to do all the activities, but we will also get married on the day itself,” Matthew proclaimed as he took Lucy’s hand and patted it. “What could be a better celebration than that?”
Lucy forced a smile as she looked at her fiancé. She hoped he was right, yet her mind drifted to her prior life. Her heart dropped at the idea of her past crashing her wedding and ruining everything.
Chapter 4
Anticipation coursed through Lucy’s body as she thought about the excitement the evening promised to hold. She continued to trust in Matthew’s promise that Christmas would be different for her this year. More than anything, she wanted him to be right.
Flashes of last year’s Christmas Eve flooded her mind. She had huddled around the one candle which lit and warmed her tiny room. It also heated a single can of beans she ate for dinner. It had been one of the most depressing nights of her life.
She shook the melancholy from her heart and focused on finishing getting ready for the tree lighting ceremony in the center of town. Her deep burgundy gown complimented her ivory skin and blonde hair. Lucy had pinned her curls up on top of her head, and allowed a handful to cascade down her back. She pinched her cheeks to add pink, placing an extra dab of rouge to enhance her lips. Once she was satisfied with her appearance, she made her way down into the boarding house lobby where Matthew was twisting his hat in his hands.
As she approached him, Matthew looked like a schoolboy waiting for his first crush. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, and offered an irresistible lop-sided grin. His eyes were shining with eagerness and, before she reached his side, he was speaking. “You look great, Lucy.”
One eyebrow rose as a smirk formed on her lips. “You don’t look so bad yourself, cowboy.”
The two of them headed out the door and walked towards the center of town.
“I can’t wait to show you off tonight,” Matthew stated.
“What if I want it to be a smaller affair for just the two of us?”
His eyebrows furrowed together in confusion. “How is that going to work since the whole town will be there?”
“Haven’t you figured it out by now, when I’m with you, everything else melts away.” With a wink, she added, “Besides, we can always sneak away for a few minutes alone.”
“I’d like that Lucy, but I find it mighty hard to be around you without wanting to put my hands all over you. You can’t tease me and expect me not to react. Alone time is the last thing I need.”
Lucy realized her flirting was making her fiancé uncomfortable. “I’m sorry, Matthew. I didn’t intend to taunt you. It’s important we wait to be intimate until we’re married. I hope I didn’t imply I thought otherwise.”
He shook his head. “The problem isn’t that I don’t like you flirting with me, the problem is that I like it far too much. I can’t act on what I want to do for another week.”
Before Lucy responded, they arrived at the event and everyone greeted them. As the couple made their way into the center of the crowd, Debbey and William joined them, both bundled up in wool coats for the cool winter night.
“How are you two doing this evening?” Debbey inquired.
Matthew rolled his eyes. “You just saw me a few minutes ago, Debbey.”
“You’re right. I was speaking mostly to Lulu.”
With a snicker, Lucy responded, “I’m doing well, Debbey, thanks for asking.”
“Are you excited to watch the tree lighting?” William asked with a grin. “I know I am. This is my first American Christmas, and I am intrigued to see how you do it.”
“I suspect it’s not much different from an English one,” Amelie stated from behind them. Pierre stood next to her with his arm wrapped around her waist. Both of them had on dark fur coats and Amelie was wearing a matching hat and hand muff.
“Pierre, back me up on this one.”
Glancing at his pregnant spouse, Pierre shook his head. “You are on your own on this one friend. I have learned early in marriage; my wife is always right.”
Mr. Moore made his way to the front of the crowd to stand next to the town’s enormous Christmas tree. Lucy marveled at how the men in town not only found one so tall, but could haul it into place. The tree must have measured over ten feet tall and was almost as thick at its base. Unlit candles adorned the various limbs, waiting for their moment of glory when everyone would react to their glowing magic.
“Good evening, fellow West Linn-ers. It’s wonderful to see so many of you out here tonight for our first event of the Christmas season. Every year since the great flood and fire, we have adorned the center of town with a Christmas tree. Over the years, we’ve made it a tradition to allow the children of our town to light the candles on it.” Mr. Moore gestured for the children who had been standing in the front of the group to come forward. Amelie’s younger sister, Elise, was among them. She was helping the little kids prepare.
“Tonight, as we light the candles, let us appreciate the time we are blessed to share with our loved ones as we celebrate the birth of Christ.”
The smaller children surrounded the tree and illuminated the lower limbs, while the middle-aged children lit the center section. The oldest children climbed the ladders to reach the top branches.
Matthew placed his arm around Lucy’s shoulders as he gathered her in against his side. He leaned his head down, allowing the side of his face to rest on the top of her head. Just as the last few candles glowed, flurries of snow fell from the sky. Not enough to put out the candles but just enough to make the moment perfect.
“What do you think?” Matthew inquired.
“It’s magnificent,” Lucy murmured.
“I told you this Christmas would be better. Am I keeping my word?”
Lucy angled her head up to view Matthew. “And then some.”
“I was thinking; I wouldn’t mind taking you up on your earlier offer of a little time alone together.”
With a playful smile, she asked, “You think you can handle it, cowboy?
”
“I think it’s worth the risk.”
Lucy traveled through the crowd, pulling Matthew behind her by the hand. After a few moments, they were down the street and around the corner, standing next to one of the brick buildings off Main Street. Matthew gently pushed Lucy against the wall and placed his hands on either side of her as he moved towards her until only inches separated them.
“I can’t think straight when I’m around you. All I do is contemplate about the next time I'll have a reason to touch you.”
“What if I told you no one is around and you don’t need a reason not to touch me right now?”
He closed the distance between them and his mouth came down upon hers. As the passion built between them, the kiss was warm against the cold snow that was falling fast. Lucy let her body mold against his as feelings of desire coursed through her. Her hands reached up and entangled in his hair as his hands found her curls and pulled them free. He whispered against her mouth. “I’ve wanted to do that since the moment I saw you tonight.”
“Glad you got the chance,” she stated as she wiped a snowflake from off his cheek, “but we both know we need to stop before this goes too far.”
“You’re right. I know you’re right.” He pulled back and ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. “Doesn’t mean I want you to be right.”
Pushing off the wall, Lucy moved towards the boarding house. “We only have to wait a week.”
“True, but I think it'll be the longest week of my life.”
The lilt of her laughter filled the empty street. “Get me back to my place before I talk you into eloping.”
“Tempting, but my sister would have our heads if we ruined her plans for the wedding.”
Lucy knew he was right. Even though she never thought she was the big wedding type, she looked forward to their Christmas wedding.