“I’ll be fine.” The truth was she didn’t think she could take one more extended good-bye.
“Looks like the storm is picking up. I suppose I should head back.”
Annika nodded, her throat feeling tight and dry.
He removed his hat and looked at her with sorrowful eyes. “I’m truly sorry for the way things turned out. I just wanted to help Chase. I hope …” He stopped and cleared his throat. “You’re a sweet girl, Annika. You deserve a good husband who’ll love you and take care of you.”
“It’s all right,” she said, forcing out her words. She thought of Mariah and how much she loved her. “A parent will do just about anything to help a child.”
He nodded and sent her a sad smile. Then he placed his hat on his head and walked out the station door.
Annika sank down on the bench and blinked back her tears. Now she was all on her own.
Chapter 9
Daniel rode to the top of the hill and reined his horse to a stop. His heartbeat kicked up as the barn and ranch house came into view. Gripping the reins, he debated his decision a few more seconds. Should he ride on past and avoid the pain of seeing Annika with Chase, or should he stop and say his final good-bye to his family?
He shook his head and huffed out a disgusted breath. He couldn’t put them through the same worry they’d experienced when Chase up and left without a word. How could he think of heading west without knowing Mariah was on the mend and Chase was finally treating Annika as he should?
He spurred his horse to a gallop and headed for the house. When he walked inside, he found the sitting room empty. He straightened his shoulders and entered the kitchen.
Song Li looked up from stirring a big pot on the stove. He nodded to Daniel, his expression somber.
Chase sat at the table drinking a cup of coffee, but Annika was nowhere in sight.
“Welcome back,” Chase said. “How was the hunting?”
“Not good.” Daniel shook his head. “How’s Mariah?”
“Better. Her fever broke last night. Doc says she needs to stay in bed, but it’s not easy keeping her there.” Chase chuckled and took another sip of his coffee.
Daniel glanced toward the steps. “Is Annika upstairs with her?”
Chase’s smile faded, and he exchanged a wary glance with Song Li.
“What?” Daniel’s gut clenched. “She’s not sick, is she?”
“No.” Chase stood and put his coffee cup in the sink.
“Well, where is she?”
Chase turned and faced him. “She’s on her way to Laramie to catch the ten-thirty train to Chicago.”
“What! You’re sending her back?”
“That’s right.” Chase snatched his hat off the table and jammed it on his head.
Daniel grabbed his arm. “But you’re supposed to marry her!”
“I can’t. I met a gal in Laramie, and I’ve been courting her since September.” Chase stepped back, as though he expected Daniel to take a swing at him.
Daniel’s jaw fell slack. “You’re not marrying Annika?”
He shook his head. “I know you and Pa want me to, but I can’t do it. I love Angelica. We’re getting married as soon as Pa settles down and gets used to the idea.”
Daniel stared at Chase for a second, and then his face split into a big grin. He gripped his brother’s shoulders. “You just made me the happiest man in Wyoming!” He turned and dashed toward the back door.
“Hey, where are you going?” Chase called.
“To Laramie! I’ve got to beat that train!”
“But you’ll never get there by ten thirty.”
Daniel jumped on his horse. “Watch me!”
Annika sat on the hard wooden bench and stared at the huge snowflakes swirling past the station window. Her thoughts drifted back to the ranch. Was Mariah still improving, or had her fever returned? Was Chase spending time with her, or had he left her alone in her room? Surely now that he’d revealed his reason for spending so much time in Laramie, he’d be more open with his family and give Mariah the attention she longed for.
Please, Lord, let it be so. She needs her father’s love so much.
Her thoughts shifted to Daniel, and her heart grew heavier. Was he safe and warm? Had he returned from his hunting trip? Was he sorry she’d left? Would he miss her even a little? Tears clogged her throat, but she refused to let them fall. Instead she swallowed and clasped her hands tightly in her lap.
The truth was clear now. She loved Daniel. But she’d never know if he returned her affection. She’d be back in Chicago soon, and Daniel would return to his life on the ranch. Chase would bring his new wife home, and they’d all settle in together and forget about Annika. She’d be just an uncomfortable memory—that mail-order bride who’d arrived unexpectedly and been sent home when no one wanted her.
A terrible pain stabbed her heart, and she squeezed her eyes shut.
The stationmaster cleared his throat as he stepped out from his office. “The train should be here any minute. It’s running a little late because of the snow.”
Annika lifted her head and thanked him, but her voice came out in a choked whisper.
He nodded and sent her a concerned glance, then crossed the room to add coal to the stove. “This storm looks like a bad one. But don’t worry. The train will plow right through. You’ll be back in Chicago before you know it.”
That was exactly what she was afraid of.
The station door burst open. “Annika!” Daniel strode in, snowflakes covering his hat and shoulders.
She gasped and rose on trembling legs. “Daniel … what are you doing here?”
He rushed across the room and took her in his arms. “Thank the Lord you’re still here.” His voice was rough with emotion.
Her tears finally overflowed. He’d come all this way in the storm just to say good-bye. But now that he was here, how could she ever make herself get on that train and leave him. She stepped back and looked up at him with a trembling smile. “Thank you for coming. I didn’t want to leave without saying good-bye.”
“Good-bye?” He stared at her. “No, please, don’t go.”
“I can’t stay. Chase is marrying someone else.”
Daniel clutched her shoulders. “Then stay and marry me.”
Annika stilled. “What?”
He took hold of both her hands. “I love you, Annika Bergstrom. I have from the first day you stepped off the train, but I …” His voice choked off, and he looked at her through glistening eyes.
“Oh, Daniel.” She flung her arms around his neck.
Laughing, he picked her up and spun her around. “I take it that means you’ll stay and marry me?”
She nodded, still struggling to believe the love shining in his eyes. “Yes, Daniel! Yes!”
Chapter 10
Christmas Day arrived bright and clear with a fresh snowfall covering the ground.
Inside the Simms’s house, happy preparations gave way to a merry celebration. Mariah wore her St. Lucia dress and served buns and coffee to the family early that morning.
A happy glow filled Annika’s heart as she lit the candles around the house and on the small pine tree they had decorated with dried fruit, straw figures, popcorn, and cookies.
After breakfast Mr. Simms read the Christmas story as they all sat by the fire. Then Annika and Mariah gave hand-knit scarves to each of the men. Chase delighted Mariah by giving her a beautifully illustrated book titled Young Folks Christmas Book. Song Li gave the family a Chinese tea set.
Daniel presented Annika with a lovely gold locket. Her heart nearly burst with joy as he fastened it around her neck.
In the early afternoon, Chase brought Angelica Morales to meet the family. Her dark laughing eyes and warm smile delighted everyone, even Mr. Simms. She presented each person with a little tin of homemade cookies.
Angelica gave Mariah a little doll she had fashioned for her. Mariah promptly named her Angel and carried her everywhere, even seating her at
the table for Christmas dinner.
“This is the nicest Christmas we’ve had in a long time.” Daniel winked at Annika then slipped his hand into hers under the table.
Her stomach fluttered, and she smiled at him. What a blessing to be chosen and loved by such a fine man.
“It certainly is,” Mr. Simms added. “The best part is seeing everyone together around the table.” He smiled at Chase and Angelica, then at Annika and Daniel. Finally, his warm gaze rested on Mariah. “Merry Christmas, everyone. Let’s pray.”
Annika bowed her head and held tightly to Daniel’s hand.
“Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your kindness and goodness to our family. Thank You for healing Mariah and for bringing such fine wives for my sons. You’ve blessed us, and we’re grateful. Help us remember the best gift of all, Your Son, Jesus. Let us welcome Him into our hearts today and always. Amen.”
Annika lifted her head and glanced around the table, basking in the knowledge she had a special place in the family now. She looked across at Angelica, and they exchanged a smile. Right then, Annika made up her mind to do all she could to help the young woman feel accepted and welcome.
Mr. Simms shook out his napkin. “Well, what are we waiting for? Song Li, bring on the feast!”
The cook carried in a big platter of glazed ham. Soon bowls of mashed potatoes, green beans, beets, spiced plums, and applesauce covered the table. Laughter and lively conversation filled the air as they enjoyed the special meal.
When it was time for dessert, Annika brought in a big bowl of rice pudding sprinkled with cinnamon. “This is a special Swedish tradition.”
Chase frowned. “It looks like rice pudding.”
Angelica’s eyes flashed, and she nudged him with her elbow.
“Well, it is rice pudding, but there’s a surprise in someone’s bowl,” Annika said as she passed them around the table.
Mariah’s eyes grew large. “What is it?”
Annika’s cheeks grew warm. “There’s an almond hidden in the pudding, and Swedish tradition says whoever finds it will marry soon.”
Mr. Simms chuckled. “Well, eat up, and let’s see who gets the prize!”
They all dug into their bowls, while Chase and Daniel teased each other about finding the almond first.
“I’m too young to get married,” Mariah said, “but I sure like this pudding.”
Annika laughed then crunched down on the almond. “Oh my … I got it!”
Laughter and cheers rose around the table.
Daniel grinned and lifted his coffee cup. “Here’s to my beautiful Christmas bride. Almond or no almond, we’re getting married next Sunday.” Then he leaned closer and kissed her tenderly. “Merry Christmas, sweetheart.”
His kiss left her breathless. “Merry Christmas,” she finally whispered. Then, with her heart overflowing, she lifted a prayer of thanks to God for His faithfulness.
All the time, even when she couldn’t see it, God had been working on her behalf, bringing everything together to give her the desires of her heart—a loving husband and wonderful family.
What an amazing blessing—what a wonderful plan.
Carrie Turansky has loved reading since she first visited the library as a young child and checked out a tall stack of picture books. Her love for writing began when she penned her first novel at age twelve. She is now the award-winning author of 15 inspirational romance novels and novellas, including “The Governess of Highland Hall” and “Where Two Hearts Meet.” Carrie and her husband Scott have been married for thirty-seven years and make their home in central New Jersey. They enjoy traveling together on ministry trips and visiting their five adult children and four grandchildren. Carrie also leads women’s ministry at her church, and when she is not writing, she enjoys spending time working in her flower gardens and cooking healthy meals for friends and family. You may connect with Carrie through her website: http://carrieturansky.com/, and on Facebook, Pinterest, and Goodreads.
Home for the Holidays
by Mildred Colvin
Dedication
To Jim and Jon for letting me bounce ideas off them.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
EPHESIANS 2:10
Chapter 1
October, 1888
Anna Wilkin missed her trousers. Not that she wore them all the time, but they were a lot more comfortable than the new party dress she’d made for her best friend, Larkin’s, birthday party. The lace around her neck scratched, and the bustle Larkin talked her into adding felt like a cage attached to her backside. She ran her finger around her neck for the tenth time.
“Stop that,” Anna’s older sister hissed in her ear. Kathleen could be so bossy. “You’re scratching like a hound dog, and you’re liable to tear that nice dress.”
Anna ran her finger under her chin again just to annoy her sister. “I shouldn’t have listened to you and Larkin in the first place. The only reason to wear something this fancy is if you’re trying to snag a man, and I’m not.”
She didn’t wait for Kathleen’s next comment but moved to stand by Larkin near the refreshment table. Looked like she needed rescuing from Abigail Leonard anyway. Although a friend of Anna’s, Abigail didn’t like Larkin for some reason.
“What are you two talking about?”
Abigail turned and looked right past Anna. Her eyes widened and a smile curved her lips.
Anna swung around. All she saw were four men standing in the doorway looking uncomfortable. Maybe she’d missed something. She looked back at Abigail. Oh, but of course. Abigail always took note of new men. But even Larkin seemed focused on them.
Why? Anna narrowed her eyes and studied the men. The tall, dark-haired one might be all right. Another one was maybe an inch shorter with lighter hair. He had a square jaw with a cleft in his chin. Another, some might consider the most handsome, stood between those two. He glanced their way with bright blue eyes but didn’t seem to take notice of any of the girls. An unfriendly sort maybe. Anna didn’t bother with the fourth man.
Larkin’s father greeted the four newcomers, welcoming them as if he’d always known them.
Kathleen moved beside Anna. She leaned forward to look at Larkin. “Didn’t I see you talking to those men last Sunday after church?”
When Larkin didn’t respond, Anna turned to look at her friend.
Larkin’s hazel eyes had a glazed look, the kind she got when she was deep in thought, something she often credited to her mama’s Chinook blood.
Anna frowned. Larkin couldn’t be interested in those men, could she? Of course, she was nineteen years old now—plenty old enough to marry. In another three months, Anna would be eighteen. Little more than a year younger, but she was in no hurry to grow up.
Anna sighed. If Larkin was smitten, she wouldn’t give away her secret. In fact, a change of subject might be a good idea. She swiveled around to face the table. “Hey, what happened to all the cookies? They’re almost gone.”
From a group of girls gathered at the other end of the table, Abigail’s younger sister Elizabeth stepped closer. She giggled and held up a half-eaten cookie. “Maybe I should offer some to our new guests.”
Abigail frowned. “Hush, Lizzie, you’re too young to even be thinking about such things.”
Elizabeth’s eyes opened wide. “What? Eating?”
“No. Men.” Abigail lifted the tray off the table. “Someone may as well eat what’s left of these. I’ll take them around.” She smirked at Larkin. “Maybe you should have let your cook make the refreshments.”
Larkin didn’t flinch at the jab, but the words had to have hurt her. Anna glared at Abigail. She might be her friend, but she could be so cruel sometimes, and she never had a good thing to say to or about Larkin. Everyone else loved Larkin.
“She didn’t make them, Abigail.” Anna stepped between her two friends. “I did. There’s more in the kitchen. I’ll go ge
t them while you ladies drool over the new men.”
Anna spoke over her shoulder as she left. “You can carry cookies to them if you must, but you’ll never catch me falling all over myself just to get attention.”
What made girls act so silly when it came to men? Maybe someday marriage to the right man would be all right, but not yet. Being free to be herself meant so much more. Working with Papa in the woods, helping him the way he’d expect a son to, that’s what she liked. A husband would be a hindrance for sure. Maybe that’s why she and Larkin had become so close. Larkin liked fishing, climbing trees, and swimming, same as she did. Larkin was sweet and kind, too. She and her family often delivered food to the needy, which was something to respect.
Anna admired Larkin’s home as she crossed the room. Tonight, the formal parlor had become a festive faux ballroom to celebrate Larkin’s birthday. The elegant room had been emptied of furniture, so there’d likely be dancing later. Anna snickered. If her parents gave her or Kathleen a birthday party, it’d probably be held in their barn. They mostly stayed at the logging camp, but they owned a big two-story house in town where they spent their weekends. They didn’t have a room as large as this one, or as nice. Considering where Larkin lived, most people might expect her to be a snob, but she wasn’t. And the fifteen months separating them didn’t stop her from being Anna’s friend.
A small orchestra in the music room played one of Anna’s favorite songs. She could hear it in the kitchen as she worked. She arranged the tray of cookies while she hummed with the music then sang the chorus to the catchy new tune called “Clementine.” “Thou art lost and gone forever. Dreadful sorry, Clementine.”
Her feet itched to dance when the band switched to a lively polka. She headed back down the wide hall, carefully holding the tray of cookies. A quadrille had started. Oh my, Larkin and Kathleen were dancing with two of the newcomers. Abigail and her brother, Garrick, along with the reverend’s son and daughter, Matthew and Natalie Bollen, made up the other set. She shook her head. Couldn’t they have mixed it up so Abigail and Natalie didn’t have to dance with their brothers?
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