So what was his problem? How could he not want to marry Annika?
Daniel shook his head and heaved more straw on the pile. The whole situation was about to drive him crazy!
The barn door squeaked open, and Annika stepped in. She looked around and smiled when she saw him. “Afternoon, Daniel.”
His chest tightened, and a strange sensation flooded through him. He shook it off. “Afternoon.”
“Have you seen Chase?”
“He and a couple men rode out to check the cattle up north past Grier’s Peak.”
“Oh.” Her smile faded and little lines creased the area between her golden brows. “When do you think he’ll be back?”
Daniel leaned on the pitchfork. “Maybe not till suppertime.”
Pressing her lips together, she turned away and paced across the barn. Then she spun around and marched back, determination in her steps. “Teach me to ride.”
“Right now?”
“Yes!” Her bright blue eyes sparkled with life. For the first time, he noticed the pale freckles dusting her nose and cheeks. They looked almost like cinnamon sprinkled on apple pie, sweet and tempting.
He swallowed and looked away. “Well, I wouldn’t mind teaching you, but it’s awful cold out for riding lessons.”
She laid her hand on his arm. “I don’t care about the cold. Please, Daniel, I need to learn.”
The warmth of her hand melted through him. He stepped back and leaned the pitchfork against the wall. “What’s your hurry?”
“That seems like the only way I’m ever going to catch up with your brother.” Her voice cracked, and she quickly looked away.
Daniel’s heart clenched. He was going to have to talk to Chase. Couldn’t he see how much Annika wanted to please him? She’d even get on a horse, though she was terrified of them, just to win his approval.
He straightened. “All right. I’ll teach you, but you’ve got to go change first. Those skirts will just get in the way.”
Annika’s cheeks flushed a pretty pink. “What shall I wear?”
Talking to her about changing clothes seemed awfully personal, but there was no way he could teach her to ride in that outfit. “Eliza had a split skirt. Check the trunk in Chase’s room. It might be a bit big, but you’ll probably find a belt in there, too.”
Her smile resurfaced, and her eyes glowed. “Thank you, Daniel.” She stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. Then she turned and dashed out the door.
Heat burned Daniel’s face as he stared after her. The sensation of her soft lips brushing across his cheek lingered, making his heart gallop.
Why’d she have to go and kiss him like that?
Less than ten minutes later, Annika brushed her hand down the brown wool split skirt and tried to smooth out the wrinkles. Daniel was right, the skirt was several inches too big around the waist, but she cinched it in with a leather belt.
Wrapping her blue knit scarf more tightly around her neck, she tucked the ends into the front of the jacket. Then she followed the frozen path to the barn.
Her stomach quivered as she pushed open the side door. The thought of getting on a horse again after so many years made her want to turn around and run back into the house, but she had to do this and prove to herself and Chase that she could be a rancher’s wife.
Daniel stood in the center of the barn by a huge bay mare, tightening the cinch strap of the saddle. He looked her over with an appreciative smile and nodded. “That’s better.”
Heat flooded Annika’s face. “I hope Chase won’t mind my wearing Eliza’s clothes.”
Daniel frowned slightly then shook his head. “I think he’ll be pleased to see you ride.”
“I hope so.” She sent him a shy smile.
“Come on over and meet Lady Jane.” He patted the horse’s neck. “She’s a good horse, steady and gentle.”
“She looks … big.”
“She’s actually one of our smaller horses.”
Annika moved closer, but several feet still separated her from Lady Jane. She looked at the animal’s big brown eyes, and fuzzy memories of her childhood in Sweden returned. She’d loved riding before the accident, but weeks in bed recovering and her mother’s anxious response had squelched her desire. She bit her lip, still hesitant to touch the horse.
“It’s all right. Give me your hand.” He gently guided her as she stroked the horse’s neck.
She pulled in a slow, deep breath and relaxed.
Daniel was so kind and caring, always going out of his way to make her feel a part of the family. How many times had he sat with her, listening to her talk about how much she missed her sister? And every morning he carried in extra firewood to lighten her workload. He always seemed to be watching out for her, making her feel safe and protected. Even her two older brothers had never treated her with that much care and attention. Why didn’t Chase treat her like that?
She cast a sidelong glance at Daniel. He had deep brown eyes, a fine straight nose, and a firm square jaw. He wasn’t bold and flashy like Chase. Instead, he had a quiet strength that inspired her trust and confidence.
He looked down at her, and his hand stilled. His gaze grew more intense and hovered over her face, seeming to take in each detail.
Her stomach fluttered, and her heartbeat sped up. For one second she imagined he was going to lean down and kiss her.
She stepped back. What was she thinking? She’d always had an active imagination, but this was pure foolishness. Daniel didn’t think of her like that. She needed to put a harness on her thoughts and keep them in line, or she was going to be very sorry.
She patted Lady Jane’s side, willing her heart and breathing to slow down. “She seems very gentle. I’m sure I can ride her.”
He cleared his throat. “All right.” Then he helped her mount.
For the next hour, she held on tight and tried to follow Daniel’s directions. He worked with her in the barn and then took her out to the corral. She focused on staying on the horse and tried not to let her thoughts drift back to those moments in the barn with Daniel. She was promised to Chase. She must not let her affections shift to Daniel. That would only lead to heartache and discomfort between all of them. Her fingers grew cold and stiff inside her gloves, but she didn’t complain.
Finally Daniel called her over. “You look mighty chilled.”
“I’m all right.” But a big shiver raced through her, negating her words.
“We can work on it again tomorrow.”
Annika gave in and nodded.
He led her back into the barn and helped her dismount. His warm hand lingered on her waist for just a moment. “You did fine. With a little more practice, you’ll be ready to ride wherever you want.”
“Thank you, Daniel.” She didn’t look at him. She didn’t dare. Instead, she turned and hurried toward the side door, scolding herself all the way.
Just as she reached for the door, it flew open and smacked her in the face. Her head jerked back, and a thousand white stars exploded around her like the fireworks on Independence Day, and then they rained down and burned into darkness.
At the sound of Annika’s muffled cry, Daniel whirled around. She crumpled to the ground like a puppet whose strings had been cut.
Chase stood in the open doorway with his mouth agape. “What … what happened?”
Daniel ran to Annika, his heart pounding like a runaway train. He grabbed her limp hand and searched her pale face. A red bump on her forehead was already rising. He looked at his brother. “You big lout. Look what you did!”
Chase stared at her, his eyes wide. “Is she still breathin’?”
Daniel scowled at him. “Yes, but she’s out cold.”
“It’s not my fault. I didn’t even see her.” Chase squinted at Annika, and his face grew red. “Hey, why’s she wearing Eliza’s clothes?”
Daniel scooped her up and clutched her to his chest, struggling to keep his anger under control. “You really are an idiot, you know that?”
&n
bsp; “What? Why are you mad at me? I didn’t knock her out on purpose.”
Fire flashed through Daniel. “Don’t say another word.” He elbowed his brother out of the way and stepped through the door.
“Well, she shouldn’t be poking around in my trunk and taking Eliza’s things without askin’,” Chase called after him.
Daniel clenched his jaw and carried Annika into the house. As he passed through the kitchen, Song Li looked up from chopping carrots. His mouth dropped open.
“Get me some snow and a towel. Bring them upstairs.”
The cook hustled off.
Mariah met him coming up the stairs and gasped. “What happened?” The look of fear in his niece’s eyes tore at him.
“She’ll be fine. She just hit her head.” He prayed it was true as he laid her on her bed.
Mariah followed him into the room but hung back.
He gently brushed Annika’s soft blond hair back from her forehead. The goose egg was growing bigger by the moment. “Go tell Song Li to hurry up with that snow.”
Mariah turned and ran from the room.
He rubbed Annika’s hand and called her name, but she didn’t respond. A cold knot twisted in his stomach. What if that smack on the head was harder than he thought? What if she didn’t regain consciousness? “Come on, sweetheart. Wake up.” He rubbed her hand again and whispered another prayer.
Her eyelids fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes. “Daniel,” she whispered. “What happened?”
Relief washed over him. “You ran into the door and got knocked out.”
She slowly lifted her hand to her forehead.
“Whoa, be careful. You’ve got quite a bump there.”
Song Li bustled in carrying a bowl of snow. He scooped some into a cloth and handed it to Daniel.
“This will help keep the swelling down.” Daniel placed the cold cloth on her forehead.
“Thank you,” she whispered then closed her eyes, still looking pale.
Chase leaned his head in the door. “How’s she doing?”
“She’s awake,” Daniel said, “but she’s going to have quite a knot on her forehead.”
Chase turned his hat around in his hand. “I’m sorry, Annika. I didn’t know you were on the other side of that door.”
Daniel huffed. Well, at least he got her name right this time. He motioned for his brother to come closer.
As Chase approached, Daniel nodded toward Annika, hoping he’d get the message he needed to take over her care.
Chase gave him a pained look but pulled up a chair and sat next to the bed.
Bile burned in Daniel’s throat as he strode out of the room. His brother had better change his attitude and start treating Annika right, or he was going to take him out to the barn and teach him a lesson he’d never forget.
Then he remembered how he’d almost kissed Annika, and a load of guilt dropped onto his shoulders. He had no right to be upset with his brother. He’d just about crossed the line and kissed the woman promised to Chase.
A slight headache returned each day the following week to remind Annika of her run-in with the barn door. And if the headache was not enough, each time she looked in the mirror, the purple shadows under her eyes and lump on her forehead brought it all back.
Her hopes to look pretty for Chase were dashed, and she ducked her head whenever he came in the room. He had been a little more attentive after the accident, but soon he returned to spending most of his time outdoors or with the ranch hands, only coming in for meals and when it was time for bed.
Annika had almost grown accustomed to Chase ignoring her, but when Daniel started treating her in a similar fashion, she thought her heart would break. He’d given her one more riding lesson, but he’d kept his distance and avoided conversation. Whenever her thoughts drifted back to that time she thought he was going to kiss her, she scolded herself again and pushed those thoughts away.
She and Mariah retreated to their room for a good part of each day to work on their Christmas preparations in secret. But the truth was she didn’t want to face either brother, and for totally different reasons.
“Tell me about St. Lucia Day.” Mariah wrapped her doll in a small blanket Annika had made.
Annika smiled and looked up from hemming Mariah’s new white dress. “Lucia was a young woman who lived in Rome about a hundred years after the time of Christ. She is remembered for her strong faith and the way she used to go out early in the morning to give food to the poor. She wore a wreath of candles on her head to light the way. In Sweden, people celebrate her feast day on December 13, and the oldest girl in the family portrays Lucia. She wears a white dress with a red sash and a wreath of candles on her head. And she brings special buns and coffee to her family early in the morning. It reminds us we can bring Christ’s light and love into the darkest times.”
“And I will be our Lucia!” Mariah announced, her face glowing.
“That’s right. We’ll make the buns this afternoon and get everything ready. Then tomorrow morning you will be Lucia.”
Mariah jumped up and danced around the room with her doll.
Annika laughed, and memories came flooding back. She and Sophia had traded off being Lucia every other year. She would never forget the joy that filled her when her mother placed the wreath of candles on her head and handed her the tray filled with fragrant buns and steaming coffee.
Annika and Mariah spent most of that afternoon in the kitchen preparing the saffron-infused Lucia buns. Mariah stood on a stool and helped Annika knead the dough. After it rose, Mariah tucked raisins in the curls of each S-shaped bun. Their sweet fragrance filled the house as they baked.
While they waited for the buns to turn golden-brown, Mariah and Annika wove pine branches into a wreath for Mariah’s head. Finding a way to secure the candles to the wreath stumped them for a few minutes. They finally decided to take Song Li into their confidence, and he found some wire to secure the four white candles to the wreath. Now everything was ready for their St. Lucia Day celebration.
The next morning, before the first rooster crowed, Annika and Mariah climbed out of bed. With hushed laughter and whispered words, Annika placed the new white dress over Mariah’s head and tied the red ribbon around her waist. Then they crept downstairs to the kitchen and stoked the fire to warm the buns and make coffee.
“Where did you put the wreath?” Mariah asked, her eyes reflecting the glow of the lantern on the table.
“In the pantry on the bottom shelf,” Annika whispered.
Mariah tiptoed off to find it.
“Be careful,” Annika called in a soft voice.
Mariah returned with the small evergreen wreath made from pine branches they had clipped and woven together the day before.
Annika placed it on Mariah’s head. “There. You make a beautiful Lucia, but you have to promise to be calm and walk slowly.”
“I will. I promise.” She sneezed, and Annika passed her a handkerchief to wipe her nose.
Annika frowned slightly, hoping Mariah wasn’t coming down with a cold. “Good girl.” She kissed her cheek. “Remember, we want to surprise your father, but we don’t want to burn the house down.” She reached for the pan of warm buns on the back of the stove.
Footsteps sounded on the stairs.
Mariah gasped. “Uncle Daniel, go back to bed!”
Annika’s hand stilled. My, Daniel certainly looked handsome, even with tousled hair and an unshaven face.
He stopped midway down the stairs and squinted at them through sleepy eyes. “What are you girls doing up so early?”
“It’s St. Lucia Day!” Mariah announced.
He padded down the steps in his stocking feet and peeked over Annika’s shoulder. “Mmm, those sure smell good.”
“If you want some,” Annika said with a teasing grin, “you’ll have to go back to bed.”
Daniel cocked his head. “Sounds like a fun idea, especially if you’ll bring ‘em to me.”
Annika’s cheeks
flamed. She stepped away and took a plate from the shelf with a trembling hand. “I guess you can come upstairs with us if you’re quiet.”
Daniel grinned. “I’ll be as quiet as a fox sneaking up on a hen.”
Annika filled the coffee cups and set them on the tray with the buns. Daniel’s gaze remained fixed on her, making her stomach flutter. “All right. We’re ready.”
“But what about the candles?” Mariah pointed to her wreath.
“We’ll light those just before you go into your father’s room.”
Mariah nodded and rushed toward the stairs. Her wreath slipped, and she slowed.
“Let me take the tray for you.” Daniel’s fingers grazed Annika’s.
Tingles raced through her.
“Annika, I—”
She looked up, and his tender gaze rested on her.
“Pssst!” Mariah leaned over the railing. “Come on! We’ve got to hurry before the sun comes up.”
“We’re coming.” Annika’s voice quivered, but not as much as her knees. Lifting her candle, she took a deep breath and followed Mariah upstairs.
Daniel walked just behind her, but she didn’t look back.
What had he intended to say? Had she truly seen affection in his eyes, or was her imagination playing games again? He was probably just grateful she’d helped Mariah with this fun surprise.
Mariah stopped by Chase’s door, beaming an angelic smile.
Annika carefully lit the candles in her wreath, and a warm glow spread around them, pushing back the darkness.
“Here you go.” Daniel gave Mariah the tray and opened Chase’s door.
“Good morning, Papa!” Mariah walked toward the rumpled bed. “It’s St. Lucia Day, and I made a surprise for …” Mariah stopped and stared.
Annika’s stomach dropped. The bed was empty. Chase was gone.
Chapter 7
It took Annika well over an hour to calm Mariah. Through her tears, she complained of a headache and stomachache. So Annika climbed back in bed with her, holding her close while they both cried for all Mariah’s broken dreams. Finally, Mariah fell asleep. Annika tucked the quilt around her and slipped out of the room.
Mountain Christmas Brides Page 5