by Kit Morgan
Ammy bit her lip and watched as her father began to pace back and forth. “I don't know what it is about some women,” he said. “They drive a man crazy!” He stopped and faced them. “Especially that one!”
“Why Father,” said Ammy with a smile. “I do believe you like her.”
Cecil's eyes went wide as his mouth dropped open in shock. “Like her? She is the most infuriating, frustrating,” he spun to Garrett. “Why do you keep her in your employ?”
Garrett could only laugh. He then took Ammy by the hand, leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “Shall we go in to the dining room?”
“You to do that!” Cecil said, ignoring the kiss. “I'm going to go see Prof. Hamilton!” He headed for the foyer.
“Mr. Winters!” Garrett called after him. “Why are you leaving?”
Cecil turned to him “I don't know!” He then went to the closet by the front door, retrieved his coat and hat, put them on and left.
Garrett looked at Ammy, cupped her face with a hand, and gave her a light kiss. “We seem to have lost a chaperone.”
“I'm not sure if you're going to lose a maid.”
“What?” he looked to the empty foyer and back to her. “He really does like her!”
Ammy slowly nodded. “I'd say he's completely smitten… and he's not the only one.”
Garrett, ever so gently, brushed his lips across hers. “I know just how he feels.”
* * *
Ammy was in Heaven the next few days. Garrett spent his lunch hour with her, and often dinner too. It didn’t matter where, so long as they were together. She knew she should be pushing him toward marriage, but she just couldn’t bring herself to do it. He was indeed romancing her, and she liked it! A lot. Her father, on the other hand, was getting frustrated with her, and voiced his thoughts on the matter more than once. “You’re wasting valuable time! Can’t you fall in love with him after you’re married?” But even her father couldn’t deny the happiness she felt the longer she and Garrett were together. A courtship such as the one he was giving her was more than even she could’ve dreamed of, and she didn’t want it to stop.
Before she knew it, she and her father had been in Independence for two weeks. The Christmas pageant was tomorrow, and Cecil was beside himself with worry.
“Stop it, Father. The danger is past. If Mr. Van Cleet was going to send someone after us, he’s had plenty of time to do it.”
Cecil stopped his pacing and spun to look at her. They were in her room at the boarding house, waiting for Garrett to arrive. He would be joining them for dinner that night. “How can we be sure? Maybe it took them awhile to figure out where we are.”
“I … I don’t think you’ll have to worry any longer.”
“Why not?”
She looked at him, a huge smile on her face. “I think that maybe Garrett is going to propose.”
“Propose? You’re a mail-order bride! What does he need to propose for?”
“Because he wants to. He’s terribly romantic.”
“Romance! If I was any kind of a father, I’d have made him marry you days ago!”
“No, let him go at his own pace.”
“Pace? If he kisses you any more than he already has, you’ll be beyond marriage before you’ve had a chance to stand at the alter!”
“Oh Father, he’s been a perfect gentleman.”
“Has he?” he asked as his brows rose in question.
“Okay, so maybe he’s stolen a kiss or two.”
“Because you let him…”
“As have you. You’ve had several opportunities to stop us.”
Cecil sat next to her on the bed. “I know. But the sight of two young people falling in love is … well, it’s a beautiful thing.”
“What about you?”
“Me?”
“Betsy,” she said in a teasing tone.
“Oh, yes, her.”
“I think she likes you too.”
“Hmmm, we’ll have to see about that. The Vanders keep her pretty busy. It’s hard to spend any time with her except when she makes me lunch now and again.”
“Maybe you should try harder.”
He smiled at her. “Maybe. But enough of me, let’s go downstairs and see if your young man is here.”
They went down to the parlor to wait for Garrett. Mrs. Hayes came in, sat in a chair, and picked up her knitting. “It’s snowing again outside,” she announced. “Looks like we’re going to get a white Christmas.”
Ammy gasped and went to the window. It’s not like she’d never seen snow before, but the thought of seeing it for the first time with Garrett, made her giddy with excitement.
“As soon as Mr. Vander gets here, I’ll serve dinner,” said Mrs. Hayes. “Any idea when you’ll have your wedding?”
Ammy turned to her. “No, not yet. But I’ll let you know as soon as … well, I know.”
Mrs. Hayes laughed. “You do that. In the meantime, I do believe Mrs. Simpson finished your dress.”
“She did?!” Ammy had been so enamored by Garrett over the last week, she’d forgotten all about her wedding dress. She’d ended up going to the dressmakers by herself to be fitted at Garrett’s suggestion. He certainly didn’t have the time to go with her, what with all the work he had, and she couldn’t wait any longer. Or could she? For some reason, Ammy sensed she was out of danger.
“Yes, you should ask if you see her at the pageant tomorrow.”
“Oh, my goodness!” Ammy exclaimed. “I keep forgetting about that.”
“Have you got your costume ready?” asked Mrs. Hayes.
“Yes, crown and all,” said Ammy with a sigh. “I hope I don’t fall off my throne during the parade.”
Cecil laughed. “Maybe they attached something for you to hold onto.”
“I doubt it. It’s basically a big fat chair covered with sheet’s, quilts, and paper flowers.”
“It might be snowing during the parade,” said Mrs. Hayes. “I hope you’ll be warm enough.”
“Independence isn’t that big. How long of a parade can it be?” laughed Ammy. “I’m sure I’ll survive.”
Garrett suddenly entered the front hall, turned to them, and smiled. “Good evening,” he said as he stomped the snow from his boots. “Snowing pretty hard out there. From the looks of it, I bet it snows all night.”
“Gonna be a cold parade tomorrow,” said Cecil as he glanced between Ammy and Garrett and smiled. “Don’t know how my daughter is supposed to stay warm up on that wagon all by herself.”
Garrett came into the parlor, leaned down, and kissed Ammy on the cheek. “I’m sure we’ll figure something out.”
Ammy blushed pink.
“Mrs. Hayes,” said Cecil. “Can I help you set the table?”
She watched Garrett sit next to Ammy on the sofa, and smiled. “I’d love some help,” she said with a smile. They got up and left the parlor together, leaving Ammy and Garrett alone.
“Why do I get the feeling your father is purposely trying to get me to compromise you?” Garrett asked.
“Because he wants to see his daughter happily married.”
“Mmm, I think I’d like to see his daughter happily married too.”
Ammy looked at him, surprised. “Really?”
He scooted closer. “Ammy, I … I want you to be my wife.”
She looked away. “Tell me something I don’t know.”
“All right, how about this. I love you.”
Her head came around so fast she almost lost her balance and fell off the sofa. “What?!”
“You heard me. I. Garrett. Vander. Love. Ambrosia. Winters. Though I do think Ambrosia Vander has a better ring to it.”
Ammy’s breathing came out as short pants. “Garrett, what are you saying?”
“I’m not saying anything. I’m asking. Will you marry me?”
Unable to help it, her eyes became teary. “Do you really mean it this time?”
He shrugged. “Unless you’d like to court longer. But, I
don’t think I can.”
“Garrett …” she breathed and leaned toward him. He needed no further urging. He took her in his arms and gave her a kiss. “I’ve been dreaming about asking you, and so thought I’d best get to it,” he told her against her lips.
“I’m glad you did. When?”
“As soon as possible. Tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow? I don’t even have my dress yet.”
“You could always get married as the Snow Queen.”
Ammy gently pushed them apart and laughed. “Oh, wouldn’t that be a sight?”
“I’ll check with Mrs. Sampson first thing in the morning, and then speak with Pastor Adams. If we have to, I don’t mind waiting a day or two.”
“You mean, get married on Christmas eve or Christmas day?”
“If you want.”
“That would be a dream come true.”
“You’re my dream come true,” he said as he gazed into her eyes.
“And you’re here to eat dinner,” announced Cecil as he stepped into the parlor. “Congratulations. I thought you’d never ask!”
Fifteen
Ammy could hardly sleep she was so excited. First Garrett asked her to marry him, then Mrs. Hayes served the most wonderful dinner she’d ever had. Well, maybe not the most wonderful, but any dinner that accompanied a marriage proposal was special. To top the evening off, they’d had dessert and coffee in the parlor, and then Mrs. Hayes gathered them around the piano to sing Christmas carols. The simple beauty of the carols, the fire in the hearth, the falling snow outside, and Garrett Vander made it the best evening in Ammy’s life. Nothing in Boston society could compare, and she was fully prepared to live out the rest of her days as Garrett’s wife in the tiny town of Independence.
Speaking of Independence, she needed to get up and over to the church! The parade would be starting in about an hour.
Ammy washed, dressed, and headed out the door. Downstairs she ate a quick breakfast, and then readied herself for the short trek to the church. Mrs. Hayes followed her into the front hall. “Should be fun today. At least it stopped snowing.”
“Yes, but it’s going to be cold, I’m sure.” She put on her coat. “And yes, it will be fun!”
Mrs. Hayes smiled. “I’ll see you soon, Snow Queen!” She turned with a giggle, and headed back to the kitchen.
Ammy let out a chuckle as well, opened the door to leave, and stopped up short. “Oh, my goodness! You startled me. I didn’t know anyone was there.”
A woman stood just on the other side of the threshold, her hand poised as if to knock. “That’s all right. Is this the boarding house?”
“Yes, it is. Come in, you must be … ah … freezing,” she finally managed as the woman entered the front hall. Ammy studied her. She was very pregnant. “Can I get you something? Would you like some hot coffee or tea?”
“No, just a room if one’s available. I’ve come quite a distance, you see.”
“Oh? Where are you from?”
“I’ve come all the way from Boston.”
“Boston? I’m from Boston! Oh you poor thing, what a horrible journey it must have been for you in your condition. Come into the parlor and sit down.” Ammy took her by the hand and led her to the sofa. “It’s warm here by the fire. I’ll go fetch Mrs. Hayes and she can see to a room for you.” She turned to leave.
“I’m not sure how long I’ll stay,” said the girl. “It all depends on Garrett.”
Ammy stopped dead in her tracks. Cold sunk into her heart in that moment. A dreadful, dark, cold. Without turning around, she asked, “Garrett who?”
“Garrett Vander. You see, he … well, he and I …”
Ammy spun to her. “What?”
The girl gave her a pointed look as she ran a hand over her swollen belly. “Isn’t it obvious?”
Ammy’s eyes grew wide, as her face paled. “Quite.” She turned on her heel, fists clenched, and marched to the kitchen to find Mrs. Hayes.
“You have a guest,” she announced as she entered kitchen and went straight to the back door.
Mrs. Hayes looked up from the cook stove. “I do?” she noticed Ammy at the door. “What are you doing?”
“Going to the church.”
“Why don’t you use the front door? The back is full of snow and I haven’t cleared the path yet.”
“Because I can’t bring myself to use the front door right now.”
“Ammy,” said Mrs. Hayes as she took in her red face and clenched fists. “What’s wrong?”
“Go into the parlor, and you’ll find out.” With that, she went out the back door, and slammed it behind her. Outside she stepped off the back porch into a good six inches of fresh snow. She wasn’t sure how they were going to get through the parade and at the moment didn’t care. She was too upset. “Calm yourself, Ammy. There has to be a logical explanation.” She trudged through the snow along the side of the house, through a gate, and out to the street. People were already making their way to the church. Several waved at her from across the street as they passed. She gave them a half-hearted wave in return, and started off in the opposite direction.
What was happening? Who was that woman? And WHAT had happened between her and Garrett? Other than the obvious, of course! Ammy choked back a sob. She was so angry she was ready to cry! But didn’t have time to allow herself the luxury of hysterics. She had to think! When did Garrett come home from school? A month? Two, three? If he had had some tryst with the girl now settling in at the boarding house, why didn’t he know she was with child? “Because she didn’t tell him,” she mused aloud as she slogged through the snow. “Maybe her family kicked her out and she had no choice but to come here.”
Ammy stopped and stared straight ahead. She was halfway between the boarding house and the café. The parade would be staring soon, and she had to get into her costume. The only problem was, she didn’t want to. Not now, not while a pregnant girl sat in Mrs. Hayes’ parlor waiting to speak with Garrett about their … child.
Ammy closed her eyes as the first tears fell. Oh Lord, she prayed. Please let me be wrong. Garrett couldn’t have, he wouldn’t have, would he? And if so, how could he even think to marry me?
But maybe he figured that if he did, he wouldn’t have to be responsible for the poor girl back at the boarding house.
“Aren’t you supposed to be putting on your costume?” asked a voice behind her.
Ammy slowly turned. “Yes,” she said woodenly.
Miss Brubauk walked around to stand in front of her. “Good Lord, child! What’s the matter?”
Ammy wiped away her tears. “Nothing… everything …”
“Are you quite all right? Can you make it through the parade?”
“The parade?”
“Oh dear, you act as if you’ve had some sort of shock. Is your father all right?”
“My father, I have to find my father,” Ammy said, her voice cracking.
“But what about the parade?” Miss Brubauk asked as Ammy started off again.
“Something’s come up, I don’t think…”
“Oh you poor dear. Don’t worry, whatever it is, I’m sure it will pass.”
Ammy turned and stared at her. “You have no idea.”
“I’ll take care of the parade. Your understudy can take your place.”
“Understudy? I have an understudy?”
“Of course, my dear. They’re for just such an emergency.”
Ammy could only stare at her and nod. “Fine, let my understudy take over. I have to find my father.” Ammy turned and stumbled away.
Miss Brubauk watched her go, and then smiled. “You do that.”
* * *
“Let’s hurry so we get a good spot,” Cecil told the professor.
“My good fellow, this in Independence,” Professor Hamilton informed him. “Rest assured, we’ll have a good place to stand. In fact, all I ever do is step outside my door.”
Cecil looked out the windows of the bookshop to the town’s main
street. “Oh, yes, I see what you mean.” He’d bunked with the professor for the first time last night, and would do so from now on. With Ammy getting married in the next day or two, he didn’t want Garrett to incur any more expense on his behalf.
“More coffee, Cecil?” offered the professor.
“No, thank you. We’d best put our coats on and head out.”
“Yes, yes, my good fellow. Let me get my cup first. I like to sip while I watch.”
Cecil waited while his friend donned his coat, filled his cup, and out the door they went. They stepped onto the already crowded boardwalk and planted themselves on the edge. Music could be heard, albeit stilted, and Cecil’s excitement mounted. Of course, this was nothing compared to parades held in Boston, or some that he’d seen in New York. But Independence was his home now, and he felt a twinge of hometown pride take hold.
The street was still laden with snow, though quite a few wagons and horses had already traversed it in both directions. Enough to allow the parade better traction at any rate. A small wagon came first, loaded with fir and cedar boughs tied with red ribbon. It was the Edmonson family, and their children rode in the back, singing out a Christmas carol at the top of their lungs. Everyone laughed and clapped at the display. The sheriff came next, riding his horse with a big red ribbon tied to the horses tail. Clapping followed in his wake. The rest of the parade’s participants were much the same. Simple, quaint and charming, and Cecil, for the first time in a long time, felt like he belonged somewhere. He hoped Ammy felt the same, and wondered if she missed her life in Boston. Speaking of Ammy, the Snow Queen’s wagon must be coming. Cheers were going up further down the street. Cecil puffed his chest out with pride and waited to watch his daughter parade by.
“Cecil, I thought Ammy was the Snow Queen,” said the Professor as he craned his neck to see over the other spectators, he being several inches taller than most of them.
“She is. Do you see her?”
“I see the Snow Queen, but it doesn’t look like Ammy.”
“What?” Cecil stood on tiptoe. “I can’t see her yet.” He grabbed a post and leaned out from the boardwalk. An elaborate wagon approached with the Snow Queen perched atop her throne in the back. “Great Scott! You’re right! Where’s Ammy?”