The 12 Brides of Christmas Collection

by Mary Connealy

  “She didn’t say.” Maddie sniffed.

  “So you did drug the cookies.”

  Maddie nodded. “It’s just some harmless herbs and spices. I would never hurt him.”

  “Only make him fall in love with you against his will.”

  “Oh, Grace,” she cried. “What am I going to do?”

  Her sister gently pushed the door open to peek into the parlor. “You’re going to go out there and keep him occupied so he can’t ask Pa for your hand in marriage.”

  Maddie swallowed hard but nodded. Then she smoothed down her dress and pushed the escaped strands of her hair back into place.

  “Here.” Grace thrust a cool glass of milk into her hands. “Now go out there and keep him busy.”

  Harlan Jay Calhoun watched the door that Maddie disappeared behind and waited for her return. He hadn’t meant to scare her, but he had been holding in his feelings for so very long. She looked particularly beautiful today. He should be used to that by now. Every time he saw her she seemed even lovelier than she had the time before. But here, today, on Christmas Eve, she nearly took his breath away.

  And how had he repaid her? He’d stuffed down her cookies like they were nothing. But they were just so good. And he was hungry and nervous.

  He touched the box tucked safely in the inside pocket of his jacket. He had waited two months for the treasured cameo to arrive from his parents’ house in the East. How else was he supposed to ask Maddie to be his wife? He had to give her something special. Yet he had been so nervous since he’d picked it up from the post office two days ago. It had taken that long to gather up courage enough to come over here and ask for her hand.

  Now all he had to do was wait for her to come out of the kitchen.

  He breathed a sigh of relief when she swung into the room a few moments later. What had he expected her to do? Not come back at all?

  “There you are,” he said. He rushed toward her, unable to stop his feet from carrying him directly to her side. He had been denying his feelings for so long, waiting until the right time to tell her that he loved her and wanted to marry her. Waiting for the family heirloom to arrive. Waiting for a night like tonight. Now that it was here, he couldn’t seem to hold his feelings in any longer.

  “Here I am,” she said. She shifted from one foot to the other then held out the glass of milk. “Your milk.”

  He looked at the glass then back to her face. She seemed as nervous as he was. Perhaps he had come on too strong. He needed to get in control of himself before he had her running for the top of the mountain.

  “Thank you.” He accepted the milk, though it was the last thing on his mind now. “Will your father be home soon? I have something very important to discuss with him.”

  A choked sort of laugh escaped her. “You don’t really want to talk about important matters today.”

  Yes. Yes, he did.

  “I mean, after all, it’s Christmas Eve,” she continued. “Time to celebrate our Lord’s birth.”

  As far as Harlan was concerned, it was a perfect day to confess his love for the beautiful woman before him. Yet what if her pastor father thought differently of the matter?

  He would have to see how her father felt about such things. Harlan nodded to himself. That was what he would do, sort of test the waters, see how her father responded before he dove into the proposal.

  “Do you suppose he’ll be home soon?” Harlan couldn’t stop the shift in his stance. He had to do something to keep on his feet. He couldn’t ruin this proposal now.

  “I hope not,” she muttered.

  At least that was what he thought she said. “I beg your pardon?”

  “I’m sure he will.” She flashed him a sweet smile. He must have been mistaken.

  “Good.” Harlan set the milk on the side table and captured her hands in his own. He simply had to touch her. If he had to wait until her father got home to ask permission to marry her, the least he should be allowed was to rub his thumbs across her smooth skin. “I’m glad.”

  Something flashed in her eyes, something that looked suspiciously like… panic? She turned as if listening to something coming from the kitchen. “What was that, Grace?” she called.

  He hadn’t heard anything.

  She turned back to him, her mouth twisted in apology. “I just need to go help Grace … in the kitchen … with dinner.” She backed away from him until he had no choice but to release her. “In the kitchen.” She turned on her heel and fled into the other room.

  What was wrong with her?

  “Good evening, Harlan.”

  He whirled around as Maddie’s sister swept through the door that led into the hallway. “But I thought you were …” He trailed off as he gestured behind him toward the kitchen door.

  “Thought I was what?” she asked.

  He shook his head. “Forgive me,” he said. “Good evening, Grace.”

  She smiled at him prettily.

  How could sisters be two short years apart in age yet be so different in every way? Grace had hair like warm honey and pale green eyes the color of the jade statue he’d once seen on a trip to Philadelphia. Maddie’s chocolate-colored hair made her meadow-green eyes shine and captured his heart like none other. God had sprinkled sweet freckles across her nose, like a fine dusting of cinnamon. Sugar and spice, they said.

  “Sit, sit.” Grace waved a hand toward the chair he’d recently abandoned.

  He had no desire to perch his large frame on the tiny chair. It made him feel clumsy and unworthy. He needed all the confidence he could get tonight. “I think I’ll just stand.” He pulled on his lapels then lightly touched the box in his pocket once again.

  Lord, please let her say yes. Let her father agree. Let this happen. Amen.

  “Did you enjoy the cookies?” Grace asked.

  “The best I ever ate.”

  Her eyes darkened until they were almost the color of her sister’s. “I hope you didn’t eat so many you spoiled your supper.”

  “Oh no,” he assured her. “I’m really looking forward to the meal.” And afterward.

  “Well now, that’s done.” Maddie walked back into the room, smoothing her hands down her skirt.

  “Wonderful.” Grace rose to her feet and shot her sister a pointed look. “Perhaps now would be a good time for us to change for dinner. Before Father gets home.”

  Maddie smiled at Harlan apologetically. “Will you be okay here for a while, Harlan? We won’t be long.”

  He dipped into a shallow bow. “Of course.”

  “Then excuse us, please.” Grace moved toward her sister, linking arms as she guided Maddie toward the exit. “We’ll be back as quickly as possible.”

  Harlan smiled. “Take your time. I have something I need to discuss with your father.”

  Maddie raced up the stairs, Grace mere steps behind her. “I’ve got to hurry,” Maddie wheezed. Her father would never forgive her if she wasn’t dressed properly when he arrived home for supper, and she would never be able to forgive herself if he arrived home before she got back downstairs. “I can’t let Harlan talk to Pa.”

  “Right,” Grace said, her own breathing heavy. “You go get your dress. I’ll redo your hair. Then you can get back downstairs before Pa gets here.”

  Maddie nodded. “What about your hair?”

  “I’ll manage.” She pushed Maddie into her room and followed behind her.

  In record time, Maddie was dressed and on her way back down the stairs. She took them as fast as she dared, hating the way the bustle stuck out behind her like tail feathers. She wasn’t at all sure about the fashion and would be grateful when it passed. But for now, the green-and-black velvet was her best dress and perfect for a Christmas Eve meal with her family. And Harlan.

  She slowed her steps as she got to the bottom of the stairs, cautiously smoothing down her dress and running trembling fingers over her hair. Had she made it?

  Her gaze flickered to the large front door. Father’s hat hung on the co
at tree just inside. She hadn’t heard him come up the steps, which could only mean …

  She spurred her feet into motion, running as fast and as ladylike as she possibly could as she rushed toward the parlor. She swung inside to find her father and Harlan shaking hands.

  “Pa!” At her shrill summons, her father and Harlan both turned to stare at her. “I mean, good evening, Father. I trust you had a good evening?” He had spent the night at the small orphanage at the edge of town, doing his best to spread Christmas cheer to the children without family this holiday season.

  “Why, yes, I was just telling Harlan here about one small lad.”

  Maddie nodded, trying to appear interested in what he had to say. Normally she would have been, but tonight … Well, she couldn’t keep focused on such matters when she had messed things up like she had.

  “And I was just telling your father that I had something very important to discuss with him.” Harlan’s eyes twinkled as if he were very pleased with himself.

  Lord, what have I done? Please help me make this right.

  Maddie’s heart gave a painful thump, but she smiled through it all. “It’s Christmas Eve. We can’t discuss business on such a holiday.”

  “She’s right, my boy.” Her father clapped Harlan on the shoulder.

  Much to her relief, Harlan returned the smile and gave a quick nod. “Whatever you say.”

  Perhaps the effect of the cookies was wearing off already. She could only pray that it was.

  Then a look passed between the two men, and her hopes were dashed. Had she been too late getting to the parlor? Had Harlan already talked to her father about marriage?

  She closed her eyes and said a quick prayer, hoping the Lord wasn’t too confused at her change of heart. She had been praying for a proposal from Harlan for so long, it was more than strange to ask for anything different.

  “Y’all come t’ supper.” Their housekeeper, Prissy, stuck her head through the kitchen doorway, her dark eyes gleaming. Prissy had been with them so long she was less like help and more like a member of the family.

  Her father nodded. “As soon as Grace gets downstairs. What is keeping that girl?” He took his pocket watch from inside his waistcoat and checked the time.

  “Here I am.” Grace swept into the room with a gesture worthy of her name. And once again Maddie had a hard time feeling remorse for putting the love herbs in Harlan’s cookies. Without a little help, Harlan would be like the rest of the men in Calico Falls and completely besotted with her beautiful sister.

  She added shame and repentance to her growing prayer.

  “Ah, good,” their father said, holding out his arm to escort Grace to the table. What choice did Maddie have but to slip her own through Harlan’s?

  He was warm and strong, solid and kindly as he patted her hand where it lay in the bend of his elbow. But as they walked toward the dining room, his steps slowed until they were well behind the others.

  “I spoke to your father a little,” he whispered, bending low so only she could hear. He smelled of spice and sandalwood, and it took all of her willpower not to bury her nose in the folds of his suit and inhale his tangy scent.

  “You w–what?” she stammered instead.

  “I spoke to him a bit. Told him how much I have come to care for you.”

  “You—you have?”

  “Oh yes.” He flashed her a dazzling smile.

  Why, oh why couldn’t he smile at her like that without Old Lady Farley’s help? Her heart melted despite the fact she knew his gesture to be untrue.

  “I told him what a surprise I received finding love here.”

  What a surprise indeed.

  “Will you do me a favor, Harlan?” She stilled her feet, needing a moment or two more before facing the rest of her family.

  “Anything, my dear.”

  “Please don’t say anything to him at supper. Let it be our little secret for a bit.”

  His blue eyes twinkled at the thought. “And that will make you happy?”

  “Very much so,” she lied.

  “Then that is what we will do.”

  He would never understand what lay in the chambers of a woman’s heart.

  He shot a quick look at her father, hoping Easton Sinclair understood his meaning. They had only talked a moment or two before Maddie had rushed back into the parlor. Long enough for Harlan to declare his love for the preacher’s daughter but not long enough to state his intentions. Yet Pastor Sinclair was a smart man; he’d figure it out in no time at all. Harlan could only hope the man would keep the news to himself and allow Maddie her time for a secret.

  He pulled out a chair and seated her then made his way around the table to the chair opposite hers. He wanted to see her pretty face as they dined. How wonderful it would be after they wed for him to look at her during every meal. The thought filled him with such joy, he felt heat rising in his face.

  “I say,” Pastor Sinclair said. “Are you all right, Harlan?”

  Harlan choked back a smile then gave a discreet cough.

  “It’s gonna snow,” Prissy said, pushing through the kitchen door, the large plate of ham nearly hiding her face.

  Harlan liked the sassy housekeeper. She had spunk and spirit, and it didn’t hurt any that she had saved him from having to answer the uncomfortable question.

  “What makes you say that?” Grace unfolded her napkin and placed it daintily on her lap.

  “My rheumatism is actin’ up somethin’ terrible.” Prissy set the platter on the table and slid into her place opposite Grace.

  “Bow your heads,” Pastor Sinclair instructed, bracing his elbows on the table. “Father Lord, we come to You tonight to ask thanks for this meal we are about to receive. Make our hearts grateful and our minds open to receive the nourishment as we sup and fellowship on this fine Christmas Eve. Thank You, Father, for our beautiful and growing family.”

  Something touched Harlan’s leg, and he opened his eyes a bit to look across the table. If it was Maddie, he couldn’t tell it. Her hands were clasped together so tightly that her knuckles were white, and her eyes were squinted shut.

  He closed his eyes again, sure he was mistaken.

  “Father God, we ask that You bless this food, this day, and the wonderful souls sharing it.”

  There it was again.

  He peeked a second time, his eyes centering on Grace. She caught his attention, nodding her head toward Maddie and then their father. She raised her brows in question.

  Was she asking if he was going to talk to their father tonight? And here he thought he’d concealed his feelings for Maddie. He hadn’t wanted to get either of their hopes up. After all, Calico Falls wasn’t a large town, and he surely wouldn’t be able to support her if he couldn’t make his law practice survive. Fortunately his business had thrived, and he was prepared to ask for her hand.

  He gave a small nod to Grace and closed his eyes again, but not before a look of panic shot across her face. What was wrong with her?

  “Amen,” the reverend said.

  Everyone raised their heads and started passing around the platters and bowls of delicious potatoes, beans, ham, and corn bread.

  It had been a long time since Harlan had had a home-cooked meal such as this, and he enjoyed every bite.

  “I see the gingerbread cookies didn’t spole yur appetite none.”

  At Prissy’s observation, Maddie’s father raised his head. “Cookies?”

  Harlan swallowed and cleared his throat. “Yes, sir. Maddie made me a batch of gingerbread cookies this afternoon. They were delicious.”

  “That sounds like a fine dessert.” The reverend patted his stomach.

  “I apologize.” Harlan coughed. “But I believe I ate them all, sir.”

  “I had a few of ‘em myself, and they were mighty tasty.” Prissy scooped up a bite of potatoes and savored it as if reliving the spicy cookie all over again.

  “There might have been a few more.” Maddie ducked her head over her
plate.

  “Just like the ones I ate?” Harlan asked.

  “No, thank goodness,” Grace said.

  “Um, actually, yes,” Maddie quietly countered, looking at Grace helplessly.

  “They were delicious,” Harlan repeated, and smiled to show his appreciation.

  Grace stood and pushed her chair under the table, staring down her nose at each of them in turn. “I’m sure my sister can find us something else to eat for dessert.” Her words seemed to challenge anyone to say differently.

  “But the cookies were so delicious,” Harlan said. “Life changing.” He resisted the urge to wink at Maddie.

  Grace shook her head. “You have no idea.”

  “Maddie, can I see you in the kitchen, please.” Grace’s words didn’t quite form a request. In fact, her tone was closer to “Get in here now.”

  Maddie rose to her feet. “Excuse me,” she said, nodding to the others in turn. Perhaps if she took off through the front door, Grace wouldn’t chase her. After all, they were wearing their best dresses, and Grace had always been more of a lady than Maddie. Just like their mother, Pa always said.

  Thinking better of it, she trudged behind her sister into the kitchen.

  “Madeline Joy.” Grace whirled on her the minute they were out of earshot of the others. “I thought you said the other cookies were … were …” She sputtered.

  “Unaltered?” Maddie supplied.

  Grace propped her hands on her hips. “Well?”

  “I may have stretched the truth on that statement a bit.”

  “You lied.”

  Well, she wouldn’t have put it like that. “I wasn’t sure how much I should put in—”

  “You bought a love potion from the crazy woman at the end of the lane and you didn’t ask how much to use?” Grace’s voice rose.

  “Shh.” Maddie glanced behind them, but fortunately no one burst in from the other room demanding to know the truth. “First of all, I didn’t buy it, I bartered.” And a right good trade she’d made, at that. Her second-best dress for the entire bag of herbs.

  Grace didn’t look impressed with the fine details of the transaction.