“Sorry, we’ve been chatting. Give us a few more minutes would you?”
“Of course, Mr Emerson.”
She hurried away, and Molly stared down at the menu. “What do you recommend?” At his own confession, Daniel had eaten here before, so perhaps he had some favorites.
He glanced across at her and grinned. “Everything. The food is amazing. Tastes like home-cooked, only better.”
“Better because you don’t have to wash the dishes, better?” That was always the added benefit to eating out. At least in Molly’s mind.
“There is that about it.” He picked up the menu again. “The lamb shanks in gravy are mouth-watering. Melt in your mouth, in fact. Served with mash and carrots.” He went back to the menu. “The steak with fried potatoes is good too. Or there’s the…”
She interrupted him. “The lamb shanks sound good.” Molly dropped her menu on the table and stared at him. “I honestly didn’t take you for a lamb shank kind of man.” She grinned. She learned something new about him every time they were together.
Daniel signaled for the waitress, and she scurried back. She took their orders and quickly departed again, returning a short time later with a plate of bread and two glasses of water.
It didn’t seem much longer and their meal was placed in front of them. Molly leaned down and breathed in the aroma of her food.
“Smells delicious.” She’d never been so enticed by food before. Aunt Rose had been a terrific cook, but it never smelled as good as this.
He grinned at her. “Dig in.”
That’s exactly what she did. Molly was in food heaven. She knew she was hungry, but didn’t realize how totally famished she was – she finished every scrap on her plate.
“You’ve got…” Daniel waved in the direction of her lips.
She frowned. “I’ve got what?”
He leaned in. “You have a tiny bit of gravy in the corner of your mouth. She reached for the linen napkin, but he beat her. A gentle finger swiped at the gravy, then his finger went to his mouth.
“Mmmmm.”
“Hey! You stole my dinner!”
They both broke out in laughter. Molly felt at least a dozen eyes staring at them, and she looked about. She didn’t recognize anyone in the dining room. Not that she expected too – the dining room was reserved for guests.
The waitress cleared away their empty plates, and returned with coffee. “Would you like the dessert menu, Mr Emerson?
“Yes please.” He stared at Molly, as though daring her to say no.
Why not indulge this one night?
At her request, Daniel ordered for them both. Steamed Orange Pudding with clotted cream. It sounded delicious. And it was.
Soon after their dishes had been cleared away, Molly was ready to leave. “I have an early start again tomorrow,” she said, regret evident in her voice.
He reached out and covered her hand with his. “Just a few more minutes? Then I’ll walk you home.”
She nodded but also protested. “I am quite capable of walking myself home. It’s not very far.”
“Not on my watch, Molly. I need to ensure you get home safely.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “I couldn’t live with myself if anything happened to you.”
She was about to protest again when he put his fingers to her lips. She fought back the emotion that rose to the surface. He really did care about her.
As she stared into his face, he signaled to the waitress.
Three men strolled over to their table, and stood in a half circle. Before she knew what was happening, they began to play their violins.
Daniel had hired violinists to play to them?
Soon after the music began, he dropped to his knees beside her. “Molly,” he said, his eyes glistening. “Will you marry me?”
He held an enormous diamond ring out to her, and waited. He was stiff, and she could see he was anxious for her response.
“I, I don’t know what to say, Daniel.” Her heart was beating so hard she thought she might faint right there on the chair.
The room went silent except for the violins playing in the background.
“Just say yes.”
Her hands went to her chest. This was what she wanted, wasn’t it? Why did she hesitate?
She stared down into his face, but couldn’t get the words out.
As if he realized her dilemma, he reached out for her hand and held it. He gave her the courage to make her decision.
“Yes!” Tears streamed down her face, and Daniel grinned broadly.
The dining room erupted into applause.
Chapter Eight
Molly couldn’t help but stare at the ring on her finger.
She’d never seen such a massive diamond. Of course she’d protested at the size of it, and at the price he must have paid.
Daniel laughed. She wasn’t impressed.
As he walked her home in the moonlight, he explained he didn’t work for the bank, but was the bank’s owner.
His father was President of the Bank of Ellisdale, and had been training Daniel for the job since he left school.
When his parents died unexpectedly, Daniel was able to seamlessly slip into the position, ensuring the bank continued to prosper, and that no staff lost their jobs.
Now he’d opened a branch in Fool’s Chance, he had tellers who would train up some of the local youth to take up those positions here.
It was all so overwhelming. Not only had Daniel asked her to marry him, but in the same evening she found out he was rich?
She must be dreaming. This couldn’t possibly be happening. Not to her. Not to little Molly Mason who struggled to stay afloat from week to week.
“A penny for your thoughts.”
His voice brought her out of her revelry. “I was trying to process everything that’s happened tonight,” she said honestly.
She glanced at him to see Daniel nodding. “I know it’s hard, and I’m sorry I kept so much from you.”
“Why did you?” She rounded on him.
He didn’t hesitate. “Because I’ve had dozens of gold-diggers trying to get me to marry them since my parents died. “But you were different. Are different. You’re interested in me for me, not for my money.”
He held her by the shoulders and studied her. “I love you, Molly. You are very special to me.” He leaned in and kissed her gently on the lips. Her lips tingled where his had been just moments ago.
“I love you too, Daniel,” she said quietly. “I know you’re not interested in me for my money either.”
He grinned at her, then kissed her again.
Daniel held her for the longest time before leaving her. She wished he could stay, but that simply wouldn’t be acceptable. The sooner they married the better, but a wedding date wasn’t something they’d discussed yet.
* * *
Today was the raising of the Christmas tree in the town center.
It was to be placed not far from the magical wishing well. Whether or not that well had helped him get Molly, he’d never know. One thing Daniel did know, he was unquestionably grateful he’d been advised to bring his sister here to have her gown made.
In his eyes, she’d been the Belle of the Ball. The gown Molly made for Eloise had stood out above every other gown there. She’d even met a young man, a very suitable beau, all because she’d attended the Christmas Gala.
He was so happy for her.
The town’s women folk stood around and watched as the men put the tree upright. Now he was engaged to Molly and was staying in Fool’s Chance forever, he figured he was one of the locals.
He stepped forward to help. Out of the corner of his eyes, Daniel saw Molly gasp. Did she think he wouldn’t volunteer?
He was one of them now. He would do whatever was needed.
Daniel held tight to the enormous tree while some of the other men put a rope around it and tied it securely. It would cause a lot of damage if it came down, and this was the safest way.
Once t
hey were done, the children came forward and began to decorate it. The box of decorations was overflowing, and he could see many of them were well-worn.
He could easily replace them with new ones, but Molly had explained they held sentimental value more than anything.
Many of the decorations had been supplied by town folk who had now passed on. To continue using them was to honor their existence.
He wondered if that would happen with decorations they supplied? Molly was already talking about the contribution they would make next Christmas.
After all, she’d said, it was traditional for couples to donate a handmade decoration for their first Christmas together in Fool’s Chance.
He liked the thought of that, and it got him thinking.
Not that he would tell Molly. Not yet anyway.
She was busy chatting to Mrs Grayson and Mrs Hardy, so he was able to slip away unnoticed.
* * *
Mrs Grayson lifted Molly’s hand and stared at her engagement ring.
“You’ve done well for yourself, young Molly. I told you he was a good man.”
Molly grinned. She had, hadn’t she?
She watched as the children decorated the tree. Christmas was, after all, more about the children than adults.
She looked around, but couldn’t see Daniel. Where had he gone?
She saw him talking to someone, but the tree branches blocked her view, and without being obvious, she couldn’t see who.
The raising of the Christmas tree was a big deal in Fool’s Chance. Everyone joined in. All the businesses that would normally be open, closed for the raising, then reopened afterwards.
Things had slowed down for Molly, now the festivities had taken over, so she wasn’t overly concerned.
“You’ll have to start working on your wedding arrangements,” Mrs Grayson said, pulling Molly close and hugging her. “I’m so excited for you.” She squeezed Molly a little tighter.
Wedding arrangements? There wouldn’t be much to arrange.
If only Aunt Rose was here now. Her father also wasn’t here to walk her down the aisle.
A tear trickled down her face at the thought. It was meant to be a happy time, but she suddenly felt sad.
“What’s this then,” Mrs Grayson asked.
“I was thinking about dear Aunt Rose and my parents,” she said quietly, swiping at her errant tears. She pulled out of the older woman’s arms and began to walk away from the crowded tree. “It won’t be a big wedding anyway,” she said. “It will be a quiet affair. Just Daniel and me, and the required witnesses.”
She glanced at Mrs Grayson and Mrs Hardy who were both staring at her in horror. “What do you mean? Of course you’re having a big wedding!”
Molly shook her head. “I’m sure Daniel won’t want that.”
“You haven’t discussed it?” Mrs Grayson was determined if nothing else.
“No. No we haven’t.” She looked from one woman to the other. She knew they meant well, but in this instance, they wouldn’t get their way. Molly was certain Daniel wouldn’t be interested in a big wedding. He was just like her – he liked to keep private things private.
Mrs Hardy looked about. “Where is that handsome young man of yours anyway?”
Molly glanced about. “I honestly don’t know. I saw him talking to someone earlier, but couldn’t see who it was.” She shrugged. “I’m sure he’ll find me if he wants to.”
She turned and strolled toward A Stitch in Time. The fitting room needed a tidy, and while it was quiet was a perfect time to do it.
* * *
Molly’s eyes fluttered open.
Today was the day – the day she would marry Daniel.
Her heart pounded. Could it really be true?
She sat up in bed, sliding her legs onto the floor. It was like a dream come true. One she never believed would come to fruition.
Flipping through the gowns in her robe, Molly pulled out her favorite. It was a modest style, with a high neckline, and was made from a pretty floral material. Aunt Rose helped her make this one, and it had always been a favorite.
Molly had long dreamed of a big wedding, but it wasn’t to be. As long as she was with her soulmate, nothing else mattered.
She proceeded to the bathroom and stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her hair was a mess. She was a mess.
Using the ornate pitcher Aunt Rose had received as a wedding gift all those years ago, Molly filled the matching porcelain bowl with water and proceeded to wash herself all over.
She had prepared some rose water a few days beforehand, and would later adorn herself with that. She hoped the floral fragrance would fill Daniel with happiness.
She brushed her hair, leaving it down. When she was done, she pulled her robe around herself.
Molly was too excited to eat, and instead poured herself a cup of tea.
Daniel would be here to collect her soon. They would go to the church together, and Preacher Jones would marry them.
She put her hands to her chest. Was this really happening? She certainly hoped so.
It was a pity Aunt Rose wasn’t here to see it. She would have loved Daniel. If it wasn’t for A Stitch in Time, they would never have met – that was blatantly obvious.
Tears threatened, but Molly forced them back. Today was meant to be happy, not a day for reflecting on what might have been.
She pulled on her gown and boots, then checked herself in the full-length mirror. Everything seemed perfect. Her gown was perfect, her hair was perfect. Now all she needed was a perfect wedding with her perfect man.
She reached for her best shawl at almost the same time there was a knock on the door. Daniel was early!
Molly took some deep calming breaths. She didn’t want to appear panicked. Not on her wedding day.
She slowly opened the door. Daniel stood before her resplendent in his best suit. She couldn’t help but grin.
He leaned in and kissed her gently on the lips, reaching for her hands at the same time. “Good morning,” he said, pulling her in for a hug.
“Oooh, don’t crush my dress,” she admonished him, then wanted to take back her words. She glanced up at him. “I, I’m sorry. I want to look my best for the ceremony.”
“Of course you do.” He looked her up and down, then grinned. “You look positively stunning, Molly. I can’t believe some young man hasn’t snapped you up before this.”
She couldn’t help but smile.
“But I’m so glad they didn’t.” He moved closer, then kissed her forehead.
Molly snatched up her reticule, then changed her mind and decided to leave it behind. It was a simple ceremony – she really didn’t need it.
“Are you sure you won’t need it?” Daniel asked.
She shrugged her shoulders and snatched it up again. It gave her somewhere to put her house key, so why not. Her kerchief was in there too.
Soon they were on their way, and Molly’s heart fluttered more than once as they approached the church. As they stood outside, she was sure she could hear voices.
She shook her head. That couldn’t be right. It was just her and Daniel, the preacher and their two witnesses.
Daniel opened the heavy doors and stood aside for her to enter. Molly couldn’t believe her eyes – nearly everyone from Fool’s Chance was in that little church. They’d come to celebrate her marriage to Daniel.
She couldn’t stop her bottom lip from quivering.
“Oh no,” Daniel said. “You can’t cry on your wedding day.” He gently pulled her to him. “I wanted to surprise you.”
She looked up into his chocolate brown eyes. Would she ever cease to be surprised by his thoughtfulness?
“Thank you,” she said softly, pulling herself together. “That was so lovely of you.”
“Anything for you, Molly.”
He hooked her arm through his, and they began to walk down the aisle, all her friends nodding and watching as they did. Molly noticed many of her regular customers were there
too.
That was just too sweet for words.
Daniel’s sister Eloise sat in the front row, along with Mrs Grayson, and Mrs Hardy, who were to be their witnesses.
As they approached Preacher Jones, Mrs Grayson reached out and took her reticule, then hugged Molly tight. Tears were in her eyes, and Molly hoped it wasn’t contagious. She didn’t want to be red-eyed for her wedding.
“I’m so very happy for you, Molly. You deserve to be truly happy.” She glanced at Daniel. “And you – I’ve got my eye on you, young man.” She grinned at him then sat down.
“Dearly Beloved,” the preacher began.
It was all too overwhelming, and most of the ceremony was a blur. Molly did remember Daniel kissing her at the end, then leading her into the church hall for the wedding feast her dear friends had prepared.
Epilogue
“No, no, no!” Molly screeched. “I have to finish hemming Mrs Grayson’s dress first.”
Daniel came to stand beside her. “Molly?” He stared down at her, sitting at the sewing machine in her little store.
She insisted she continue working until her time came, so Daniel insisted on accompanying her.
“Come on, let’s get the doc.” Daniel was frustrated by his wife’s loyalty to her customers, but her welfare had to come first. “We both know dear Mrs Grayson won’t be annoyed. She’ll be happy our little bundle of joy has finally arrived.”
Molly’s hands went to her stomach, and her eyes opened wide. “Grab up the dress, Daniel. Quickly,” she screamed, then stood.
Daniel stared down at the puddle on the floor. “Well that’s it then,” he said, holding the dress up so it wasn’t spoiled.
Molly sat back down and cried. “I wanted to finish the dress first,” she said, her bottom lip quivering.
He gently laid the dress across the table where it wouldn’t be damaged, then picked Molly up and strode out the door, closing it behind them.
He summoned the doctor on his way to their little cottage not far away. As much as he insisted on building a mansion for Molly, she insisted on living in the little cottage where she’d lived with her Aunt Rose.
He had to admit it was a cozy place, and suited them perfectly. He’d never been one for all the bells and whistles that came with a rich lifestyle, but as a child he had no choice – he’d had to endure it with his parents.
Molly's Christmas Miracle Page 6