Julianna and Mary collected their bags. The train’s engine chugged and belched black smoke as it prepared to move on down the metal rails. They moved a ways away so they could converse above the noise. Within a few minutes, however, a sleek conveyance arrived to transport them to the farm in big-city style. The four of them had a light laugh over the irony, although they were grateful to be out of December’s biting wind.
“I always knew Daniel would own the farm one day.” Mrs. Sundberg pulled her wool wrapper more tightly around herself. “The Lord told me so during my prayers one day. My mistake was relaying the news to Daniel before he was ready to hear it. I guess it pushed him away.”
“But he’s back now, Momma.” Agnes threaded her mittened hand around her arm. “Please don’t cry anymore.”
Despite the bleariness in her azure eyes, Mrs. Sundberg smiled.
Mary reached across the way and clasped Mrs. Sundberg’s hand. “Sam would want you to be happy, Kristin, especially now that Daniel has returned . . . for good, I hope.”
Julianna hoped so too.
A few inches of snow blanketed the landscape, although here and there obstinate brown weeds poked their heads through the icy covering. As the carriage traveled west, Julianna glimpsed patches of plowed fields lying exposed to the elements.
“We’re getting close.” Excitement danced in Agnes’s eyes.
“Will you be moving back to your farm?” Julianna asked.
Mrs. Sundberg shook her head. “No. It is not ours anymore. It belongs to Daniel.” She sighed, sounding both relieved and wistful. “All the work is now his. I have my shop, and Agnes and I are happy in our apartment. She can walk to school, and I am not so isolated while she is gone. I am close to Adeline and Will too.”
“Well, personally, I can’t imagine Daniel giving up captaining and shipping.” When no immediately response came, Julianna wondered if she’d been too outspoken.
Mrs. Sundberg said something in Norwegian, and Agnes and Mary laughed. Then all three sets of eyes fixed on her.
“That’s not fair.” Julianna feigned indignation and turned her gaze back to the passing scenery. “I can’t understand a thing you said.”
“Ja, we know that.” Mrs. Sundberg laughed again.
Julianna bristled but only mildly. She knew the Sundbergs deeply cared for her.
And Daniel—he’d stated he loved her. Enough to marry her? What did he have planned?
The carriage came to a halt in the yard of a square-framed, two-story wooden house. It had been painted white with red trim around the windows—the same red as the barn. Chickens scurried about, and a black and gray shaggy-haired dog barked, until she recognized Agnes and wagged her tail. Three puppies followed on the pooch’s heels.
“Momma, look! Pepper had babies!” The girl petted the dog and then snuggled the squirming, licking puppies. “I never thought I’d see Pepper again.”
Mrs. Sundberg’s smile appeared rueful. “I could not keep this animal. She would be barking at my customers all day long, and I had enough to think about with Sam being so ill.” Her gaze met Julianna’s. “The man who purchased the farm promised to look after our pet. Now, thanks to my son, we not only have this farm back in our family but Pepper too.”
Julianna glanced around, expecting to see Daniel at any moment.
But then Adeline burst from the side entrance of the home. She appeared festive in her black skirt, white blouse, and colorfully embroidered vest. “Velkommen,” she said in Norwegian. “Welcome!” Her smile was wide.
“What are you doing here?” Mrs. Sundberg embraced her oldest daughter. “I thought you were spending Christmas with the Dunbars.”
“We’ll see them tomorrow.” She pulled back. “Will and I changed our plans at Daniel’s request. He’s indisposed at the moment and asked me to welcome you into the house and to show you, Aunt Mary, and Julianna”—her gaze flitted to them—“to the bedrooms in which you’ll be staying.”
“Such formality.” Mrs. Sundberg clucked her tongue.
“Don’t worry about your bags,” Adeline told her aunt and Julianna. “The men will carry them in.”
Warmth and the smell of something delicious roasting in the oven met Julianna as she entered the home. The kitchen looked clean and functional.
“While the ham is baking, Momma, you and Agnes can make yourselves at home. Meanwhile, I’ll take Aunt Mary and Julianna upstairs.” Adeline spoke the information over one shoulder as she walked up the open stairwell and down the hall. “You two will be sharing what used to be the girls’ room.” She opened the door. “Everything’s been redone, from the carpeting to the new colors on the walls and the furniture.”
Two neatly made canopy beds occupied the room. The walls were a pretty robin’s egg blue, and heavy pleated curtains adorned the windows.
“I’m sure we’ll be quite comfortable here.” Julianna ran her hand along one of the polished oak bedposts.
“Take a rest before changing clothes.” Adeline took hold of the doorknob. “Dinner will be in two hours.”
Will was kind enough to carry up their luggage, but Julianna still hadn’t seen any sign of Daniel. It seemed odd that he would be so busy that he couldn’t greet his guests.
The beds looked soft and inviting, and since Julianna and Mary had been up at dawn, they decided on a quick rest. Later, after they’d washed up, they changed into their holiday clothes, Mary into a classic black outfit with a colorfully beaded bodice, and Julianna into a forest-green skirt and white blouse with green satin edging. They both set shawls around their shoulders to keep from shivering in the drafty house.
At last they made their way downstairs and into the small foyer. Someone played the piano, and Julianna heard Agnes’s voice ringing out with girlish exuberance. A fire roared in the sitting room’s hearth, and Julianna’s heart raced with her anticipation of seeing Daniel again.
Then, an instant later, he appeared at the sitting room’s entryway, and Julianna forgot how to breathe. His russet hair was neatly parted, and he appeared just as elegantly clad in his black suit and crisp, white shirt as any of the important men who visited the Tolbert residence.
Daniel hugged his aunt. “Am I forgiven?” He pulled back and peered into her face.
“Yes, all’s forgiven.”
“Good.” After another quick hug, he gazed at Julianna, and it was then she realized she’d been holding her breath.
She quickly exhaled before refilling her lungs with air as Mary made her way into the sitting room.
“Julianna . . . ” Daniel held his hands out to her.
Stepping toward him, she slipped her palms into his. He brought her fingers to his lips. She willed her legs to keep her upright.
“Charming as always, aren’t you, Captain Sundberg?” Short of flinging herself into his arms, Julianna didn’t know what to do. How did one behave when one was so dizzily in love?
He narrowed his gaze at her sass, but his smile betrayed him. “It’s so good to see you again.” Sincerity lit in his blue eyes.
She squeezed his hands, warm and strong beneath her fingers, and he pulled her closer to him, so close that she could smell the tangy-spicy scented soap he’d used.
His lips brushed her brow. “I’ve missed you.” He whispered the words against her forehead.
Closing her eyes, Julianna tried to absorb this moment, one she’d only dreamed of but never believed would come true.
She felt him step back, and her lids fluttered opened. She saw questions in his gaze as he searched her face.
“I still love you, Daniel.” She emptied her heart. “I always will.”
“I had hoped—prayed that your feelings for me hadn’t changed.”
“They have not.”
His entire countenance brightened. Then his gaze darted around the small foyer. “What do you think of the house? My father built it.”
“What I’ve seen of it so far is cozy. The location seems perfect.” She liked the fact that the house wasn’t in t
own, near the docks, and that it was still as much of a country home as Mary Sundberg’s farm. Even so, it wasn’t a long distance to Mrs. Sundberg’s shop. Perhaps Julianna could continue her lessons at the spinning wheel.
“I purchased this place.”
“So I’ve heard.” Julianna smiled.
“I plan to make this my home.” He drew in a breath. “I think Poppa would be pleased.”
“I know he would be.”
Smiling, he led her toward the sitting room. “Some dear friends of mine are here. I’d like for you to say hello.”
As he moved around, Julianna saw the Ramseys, standing at the far side of the glowing hearth, between it and the candlelit Christmas tree. She froze. They both gave her tentative smiles.
The room quieted, and Julianna glimpsed the stoic expressions around her, from the Sundbergs to Will and Adeline Dunbar. In that moment she felt set up and trapped. Instincts told her to run. She lowered her head, closed her eyes. Dear God, help me face this man.
Daniel placed his hand at the small of her back and she looked up at him. “Please listen to what George has to say.”
What could he say? She hated him. Period.
But even as those thoughts scampered across her mind, she recalled the verses she’d read from the Bible recently, the very ones in which Jesus instructed believers to forgive others as they would like to be forgiven.
Ramsey stepped forward, and to his credit he appeared more nervous than arrogant. “I have already asked the Sundbergs for forgiveness. I’ve been rude and arrogant and highly insensitive.”
“And we’ve forgiven him, Julianna.” Mrs. Sundberg’s voice carried from across the room.
Ramsey focused on Daniel for several long moments. “A good man helped me see the truth.” His gaze glided back to Julianna. “Now I’m begging for your forgiveness, Miss Wayland—Julianna, if I may.”
From the corner of her eye, she saw the Sundbergs and Dunbars file out of the room. They really didn’t have to go. Julianna had shared the truth with them months ago.
Mrs. Ramsey spoke up. “Your last name really should be Ramsey.”
Astonished, Julianna’s gaze slid to Mrs. Ramsey, clad in a black velvet outfit. Was that ivory lacy collar one of Mrs. Sundberg’s creations? “I know the truth,” Mrs. Ramsey said simply. “George told me everything.” She glanced at him in what could only be love and compassion.
Really?
“I let my pride hold me back from finding you, Julianna.” Ramsey stepped closer. “You suffered for years because of me. Ambition and even fear blinded me.” After a glance at the shiny tips of his shoes he met Julianna’s stare. “I know I can never undo the amount of hurt and anguish that my actions inflicted on you in the past, but I can try to make it up to you in the future.”
“This season is all about hope, isn’t it?” Mrs. Ramsey took her place beside her husband.
He gave her a smile and a look of fondness such as Julianna had never seen coming from the man. Next he reached into his jacket’s inner pocket and retrieved a document. He held it out to Julianna. Taking and unfolding it, she saw it was the contract she’d signed the day after her birthday in New York. She shook her head. “I still don’t want anything from you or Ramsey Enterprises.”
“Perhaps not, but will you accept anything from Ramsey, Sundberg, and Dunbar Shipping and Freight Company?” Daniel spoke the question close to her ear.
She inhaled sharply. “You’re in business with the Dunbars now?”
“Yes, I am . . . we are.” He inclined his head in Ramsey’s direction. “And we have a new motto. God first, family second, and business third.”
Julianna was heartened that they’d gotten their priorities straight. It meant a lot—it meant everything. Maybe the Ramseys had, indeed, changed.
“I plan to oversee the shipping and receiving of our new venture with a concentration on the Great Lakes.” Daniel submerged his blue eyes into her gaze. “It might mean that I’ll be gone occasionally during the summer months, but—”
“And this farm? Who will run it?” Surely he didn’t think she could manage it by herself.
“I’ll run it . . . with some help, of course.” He sent her a look full of feeling. “This is no longer a working farm. I own the house, barn, outbuildings, and four acres of beautiful countryside, so there’s plenty of room for flower and vegetable gardens.” He smiled. “I purchased only a parcel from the new owner. My mother gave me the idea last summer. Apparently Aunt Mary did a similar thing with her land in Green Bay. The former owner gladly made the transaction, and he plans to relocate on another section of his property. He’s a fine man and will make a good neighbor.”
“I’m sure you’ll be very happy here.” Julianna held her breath.
“I will—but only if the woman I love will agree to live here with me.” He adjusted his suit coat before getting down on one knee.
Julianna’s heart raced when he reached for her hand.
“Please marry me. I love you, and—”
“Yes, I will.” Warmth flooded her cheeks when she realized she hadn’t allowed him to even finish the proposal.
Daniel didn’t seem to care. He got to his feet. “You have made me a happy man, little one.” He placed a kiss on her hand. “Thank you.”
The pleasure was all hers. An actual giggle bubbled out of Julianna.
Then she remembered the document she still clutched in her other hand. Resentfulness, it seemed, came at a price, one that Julianna didn’t want to pay. She wanted love, joy, and peace. She wanted a family, and like it or not, George Ramsey was her biological father who was asking to be a part of her life. He seemed to have truly changed. The least Julianna could do was give him a chance to prove it.
“Is this mine to keep?” She held up the document.
“Yes.” Ramsey’s eyes sort of zigzagged down until he gazed at the braided rug. “Again, Julianna, please forgive me for thinking a mere signature meant my daughter didn’t exist. She does.” He lifted his gaze. “You do—and you have. I was just an irresponsible fool.”
“Say no more. I’ve made my decision.” Julianna tore the agreement in half before moving to the hearth. She tossed the two pieces of parchment into the fire. The flames rose and consumed them. “I forgive you, Mr. Ramsey.” She glanced his way and saw his features relax.
Mrs. Ramsey happily rushed forward with opened arms, and Julianna embraced her.
Daniel called his family back into the room. “Just before he died, Poppa told me that Julianna loved me. I didn’t want to hear it or the other things he had to say because I had my own plans for my life.
Little did I know how much better God’s would be.”
He sent Julianna such an intense look that her face heated all the more.
Pulling his gaze from hers, he scanned his family’s faces. “Poppa was a good and noble man. I hope someday I’ll measure up to him.”
“I think you already have.” Adeline smiled before kissing baby Jacob.
“I think so too.” Mrs. Sundberg said.
Agnes crossed the room and hugged Daniel around the waist. He smoothed the crown of her blonde head. “I think Poppa would be very pleased to see us all here in the home he built for his family, celebrating the eve of our Savior’s birth together.”
“Ja, he would.” Tearfully Mrs. Sundberg nodded and embraced Daniel as well.
“I’m proud of you, Daniel.” His aunt Mary stepped forward and hugged him too.
Happiness filled Julianna’s being. Daniel literally had his hands full—in a very endearing way.
“Family is truly the fabric of life, is it not?” He released the ladies and stepped back. “And so it is on that note”—Daniel made his way back to Julianna and reached for her hand—“that I’d like to announce my engagement to the lovely Miss Julianna Wayland . . . Ramsey. Together I pray that we will be able to weave together the threads of our two families into one great tapestry of love, faith, and industry.”
Smil
es, laughter, and applause filled the room. Daniel turned to Julianna and kissed her deeply, meaningfully. If she’d had any doubts or reservations before, they vanished. This most certainly was the happiest moment of her life.
Coming in Spring 2013, book three
of the Fabric of Time series—
Threads of Love
May 1902, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
A N EXPLOSION OF shattering glass sounded from directly behind Emily Sundberg, and a thunderous weight crashed into her. The world spun, and then she fell hard and facedown on the dirty Franklin Street boardwalk.
Breathe! Breathe! She struggled to inhale.
“Are you all right, ma’am?” A male voice spoke close to her ear. “I’m terribly sorry about knocking you over.”
He helped her sit up, and a moment later a rush of sweet springtime air filled Emily’s lungs. She let out a breath of relief.
“Are you hurt?”
“I . . . I don’t know.” Emily spit dirt from her mouth. Her left cheek began to throb, and the world spun before her.
He steadied her, his arm around her shoulders. “Easy there.”
She took several deep breaths.
“Allow me to help you to the bench. Like I said, I’m sorry ’bout knocking you over the way I did.”
Emily wiggled her toes inside her ivory-colored boots. Nothing broken. She moved her jaw. Despite the pain around her cheekbone, she seemed all right. Her hand moved to the back of her head. Her fat braid had come out of its pinning, and her hat—
Her hat!
She pointed to the paved street seconds before a set of buggy wheels rolled over it, grinding the lovely chipped-shape, cream-white creation into the paved road—not once, but twice!
Emily moaned.
“Careful, now.” The man helped her to stand. “There’re shards of glass everywhere.”
Emily thanked God she hadn’t slammed her head into the nearby hitching post.
“Hooligans!” A woman’s voice rang out amidst the strangely silent street. It sounded like Mrs. Hopper’s. “Hooligans, ever’one of ’em!”
Definitely Mrs. Hopper’s.
The man held her securely by her upper arms, and Emily’s gaze fell on his walnut-colored waistcoat. “You sure you’re not hurt?
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