by DiAnn Mills
However, Miss Scott and Rose had come by the boardinghouse again this afternoon and stayed on past dinner. She saw Rose speak-ing with Mr. Barton. He had to be blind not to notice her interest. Simeon and Miss Scott laughed about something. Simeon could afford a wife, and the two of them didn’t have many years left to dawdle.
“It’s much quieter since Zack Kahler and his children have moved out.”
Chloe recognized Mr. Barton’s voice and placed a stack of plates on the sideboard. He’d left Rose alone to speak with her. “Oh, I miss the sound of the children’s voices and the laughter.”
“And Mr. Kahler?”
Chloe slowly turned to face her employer. Must he continue to quiz her about Zack? Did he think her heart might change in a matter of a few hours or a few days? The vulnerable look on his face caused her to pity him despite his attempts to separate her and Zack.
“Yes sir. I miss seeing him.”
“I wish you’d give me an opportunity to win your affections.”
The many times others had hurt her filled Chloe with guilt, for she had done the same to Mr. Barton. His ways to win her were wrong, but she couldn’t hold a grudge toward him or Eli. “I’m sorry.”
“I could give you many fine things.”
“But without love, we’d have nothing together. I believe you deserve more than a one-sided relationship.”
“I haven’t given up completely. Let’s see if Simeon has some pie left from dinner. We could share it with Miss Scott and Simeon. Both Miss Scotts.”
She wanted to refuse, but Mr. Barton was her employer. “I’ll check with him.”
A short while later, she sat with Mr. Barton at a table while waiting for the other two women and Simeon to join them. Simeon wanted to show them his birdhouse in back of the boardinghouse. Uneasiness slammed into her and whirled her thoughts like the tornado that Zack had talked about.
“I’m thinking of building a new house,” he said. “I could use a woman’s touch to assist me in laying out the rooms, especially the kitchen.”
“I’m sure it will be lovely. You’ve done a fine job with the boardinghouse.”
“If you will only say yes, Chloe, that house could be yours.”
“Mr. Barton—”
“Please, Jacob.”
“Mr. Barton, I refuse to take advantage of your kindness. You deserve a woman who would be devoted to you all of her life.”
He chuckled. “I don’t take no for an answer, and you are just as determined.”
“I understand my heart.”
“And it’s smitten with Zack Kahler.”
She nodded.
“I fear he is merely using you to help him with his children. But when you realize that truth, I’ll be here.”
Mr. Barton was wrong. Zack cared, and she was sure of it. Why couldn’t he see that Rose was attracted to him? “Zack is not like that at all.”
“I see. Unfortunately, you have been duped by a man from the big city. When you are ready, I’ll be waiting. Since you don’t have any living family members, as your employer, I’ve taken on the role of guardian. I do know what is best for you.” He looked beyond her to the three moving their way.
Chloe watched the expression on Rose’s face. The young woman flushed and appeared definitely uneasy. If only Rose and Mr. Barton could talk, get to know each other. Chloe glanced at Mr. Barton and saw he had his gaze fixed on her.
Not me. Rose is the one for you. Perhaps she should look for another job. But when would she find the time to call on other establishments? Her duties kept her busy sunup to sundown, and approaching business owners on Sunday was inappropriate. She inwardly gasped. If Mr. Barton learned about her seeking another employer, he might dismiss her on grounds of disloyalty. He had her in a very vulnerable position, and he knew it.
*****
The days at the boardinghouse grew longer. At first Chloe thought she’d get used to not seeing Zack and the twins every day, but the peace and contentment she longed for hadn’t arrived. Maybe it was because she loved the three of them, and being with them was the only thing that eased the longing in her heart. Sunday was just two days away, but it still seemed so far, and Sunday always sped by like a racehorse lunging toward the finish line.
She opened the third jar of green beans for dinner, drained the liquid, and dumped the contents into a huge pot. Her thoughts turned to Christmas. Even if Mr. Barton stood his ground and did not let her spend the day with Zack and his family, she still wanted to give them all something special. And apple jelly was not what she wanted to give to Zack. She planned to purchase candy and new pencils for the twins, but what about Zack? How strange that what she wanted to give to him was her heart—and that couldn’t be bought at the general store.
“Simeon, I can’t think of a proper gift for Zack.”
He sighed and appeared to contemplate her dilemma. Without glancing down, he turned a piece of frying chicken. The grease crackled and sputtered.
“Sometimes the most expensive gift in the whole world is not what a man wants.”
“What are you suggesting?”
“To pray about it, Miss Chloe.”
“I have been. What are you giving Miss Scott?”
“A poetry book.”
Chloe swallowed her surprise, or rather her amusement.
“You find that funny?”
“Not at all. I think she’d love a book of poems.”
“Thank you. Just because I’m a cook and I don’t talk good doesn’t mean I don’t have good taste.”
Good taste? That sounded like something Miss Scott would have said. “I’m sorry, Simeon. Do you think Zack might like a poetry book, too?”
He narrowed his eyes. “No. You come up with your own idea.” He laughed. “Got ya going there didn’t I? But I did buy that there book.”
Without an answer to her problem, Chloe went about her task of helping Simeon with dinner and listening for the bell over the front door. Only four days until Christmas, and she needed an idea soon.
*****
Zack’s mind spun with the news of the day and how best to report it. Miss Scott had given him a few recipes and gift ideas for the women’s section and a lengthy article about the first Christmas at Piney Woods Church. Morgan had the church history and had passed it on to her. Zack decided to print an article about how New York City celebrated Christmas to contrast with Miss Scott’s historical piece. He recalled the ornate churches and cathedrals and the storefronts that glistened with gifts galore, and he tied both articles together with city and country reaching out to help the poor and less fortunate. Kahlerville suited Zack better than any site on earth.
From the neighboring communities, he’d gathered news about the times of their worship services, pageants, and caroling, as well as when they planned to assemble food baskets for the needy. Sure was easy for him to fill up the daily paper during the holiday season. For a moment, he contemplated how his family worshiped during this time, but it was never enough in response to God’s giving.
He heard the newspaper office door open. It creaked like an old man with arthritis. His petite mother stepped inside, and he made his way to greet her.
“Mornin’, pretty lady.” He bent and kissed her cheek.
“How’s my favorite son in the newspaper business?”
“Very good. Glad you clarified my position since I’m your only son in the newspaper business.”
She laughed. “Michael Paul and Stuart have their special talents, too.”
“And Lydia Anne? I’ve been meaning to talk to you about her. She’s entirely too pretty for a sixteen-year-old.”
“I see you’ve noticed. Travis is ready to send her to an all-girls school until she’s thirty.”
“Grand idea. I’ll escort her.”
They laughed again. “Are you ready for Christmas?” he said.
“I think so. I’ve done more sewing than in the past.”
“Have you made another batch of the ginger crinkle cookie
s?”
“It’s on my list for tomorrow. Oh, I saw the little coats that Morgan and Casey bought for the twins for Christmas. They’re royal blue and adorable. And Grant and Jenny bought clothes too, just like you requested.
Zack grinned. “Did you finish the doll’s dress that matches Charlie’s new dress?”
“I did, and Travis finished the doll bed.”
“She’ll be so excited.”
“I think Poppy will be too. So what’s for Curly? Travis has a little more painting to finish on the train.”
“I bought him toy horses and a wagon. This is their first real Christmas. I appreciate Dad building the doll bed and the train.” He took a deep breath. “I plan to surprise them with a puppy on Christmas morning.”
“Oh good. Children need to learn responsibility. Don’t forget the sweets and the fruit for their stockings.” Mama swiped at the wetness under her eyes. “Remember their little eyes at Thanksgiving when they saw all the food?”
He nodded. “They’d been hungry so many times in New York that I doubt if they ever had a full stomach until coming here.”
Mama took a deep breath, just as she always did when something was on her mind. “Do you need any help in finding a gift for Chloe?”
“Are you asking if I need money?” He muffled a laugh.
Mama frowned. “You know exactly what I mean. I wondered if you needed ideas.”
“Honestly, I’m lost. Don’t know what to get her. What have you done?”
“We purchased a Bible, and I crocheted a bookmark.”
“Very nice. I need help—as you well expected.”
“Books are good.”
He shook his head. “That’s what you’ve done. I considered a necklace.” He wished he could give her a ring.
“What about one of your Grandmother Rainer’s bracelets, the one with the rubies?”
“I couldn’t ask you to part with an heirloom unless—”
“You were married? I understand. A necklace is a lovely idea.”
“Then I’ll take another look at the cross necklace I saw the other day. I’ll buy it before the day’s over. I’m going to pick up some overalls and a shirt for Eli. How’s he doing?”
Mama paused. “Nervous. Afraid to trust. Angry. Needy. I understand why Miss Scott kept him at school for so long. He said his father often beat him.” She tilted her head. “I’m very proud of Lydia Anne. She’s befriended him. Forgiven him for what he’d said and done to her in the past, which I knew nothing about. She’s always had a way of encouraging others to talk, and he is doing that very thing.”
Zack raised a brow. “Not so sure how I feel about him getting too attached to her.”
“Relax, big brother. We’re watching things very closely.”
“Well, if anyone can get Eli on the right road, you and Dad can.”
“I’m very excited about Christmas.”
“When will Michael Paul be here?”
“Christmas Eve—maybe in time to sing with Travis at the church service.”
“This Christmas will be a memory maker,” Zack said. “About as perfect as a Christmas can be.”
Chapter 28
Zack kissed the foreheads of his sleeping twins beside him. He’d grown to love Saturday mornings. The twins were able to sleep a little later before getting dressed and heading into town for breakfast. That meant seeing Chloe, which set his heart straight for the rest of the day. The twins tried to outdo each other with little tasks around the office until noon when the paper went to press. Mama or Lydia Anne then came by to take them back to the ranch.
“We’re not asleep, Poppy,” Curly said. “Oh, I love Saturdays.”
Charlie rubbed her eyes. “Yes, pancakes and sausage at Miss Chloe’s boardinghouse.”
Zack laughed. Mr. Barton would appreciate that. “The boardinghouse belongs to Mr. Barton. Miss Chloe works there.”
Charlie nodded as if she understood. “He doesn’t smile much.”
“If he had children like you, he’d smile all the time.”
“I love you, Poppy,” Curly said. “You loved us even when we took your wallet.”
“All of us do bad things sometimes. We have to listen to God and do what He says.”
“Grandma says we need to have Jesus living in our hearts,” Curly said. “How will He get in there?”
Zack wrapped an arm around Curly’s shoulder. “You don’t see Jesus come into your heart, but you will know He’s there by the good way you feel.”
“When will He come?”
“Say your prayers and talk to Jesus and ask Him to come into your heart. Then He’ll make you one of His children.”
“Adopted again?” Charlie said.
“Oh yes. I’ve been adopted into God’s family, too.” He loved hearing his twins talk about the things of God. Zack drew his children closer to him. How he loved these two. Best pickpockets he’d ever had. They’d wanted his wallet, but instead they stole his heart. “Tomorrow night is Christmas Eve. I want you to get lots of rest today.”
“We will, Poppy,” Curly said and snuggled closer. “We’ll rest on Grandma’s bed while she reads us a story.”
*****
Chloe adjusted the pine greenery on the stairway rail while Simeon spoke with Mr. Barton in the kitchen. Soon dinner would be served—vegetable beef soup and corn bread. She tugged on the greenery. It easily slid out of place with the boarders ascending and descending the stairs. She stepped back and took a peek at the decorated tree in the parlor. The sight nearly took her breath away. The lantern on the mantel flickered lightly, creating a magical backdrop to the holiday.
As a child, she’d longed for a Christmas like this one, lots of people and decorations without the demon alcohol to ruin it. This Christmas her dreams had come true. She had two precious children whom she loved, even if she didn’t get to see them as often as before. And she had Zack. He hadn’t said love, but he’d come very close, and the look in his eyes spilled over with affection. Mr. Barton might be able to tell her where she must spend the holiday, but he held no jurisdiction over her heart.
She returned to the stairway and scrutinized the greenery again. Mr. Barton stepped behind the registration desk and opened the receipt book. He looked up and smiled. She wished he’d meet a young woman who fancied him—like Rose.
“Did you need something, sir? I was adjusting the decorations since they get mussed with all the boarders.”
“I’m quite all right.”
“I’ll check with Simeon to see if he needs help.”
“Could I have a moment with you first?”
She stopped, her heart thudding against her chest. Couldn’t he leave her alone?
“Christmas is day after tomorrow. You’ve done a splendid job here ever since you started, despite the fact you’ve ignored your employer’s best interests.”
Had he decided to dismiss her?
“You can relax, Miss Weaver. I have no intentions of making you feel any more uncomfortable than I have in the past. I’d like to give you Christmas Day off to do with as you desire. The whole day. I can help Simeon with the meals.”
Chloe thought she’d burst. “Thank you, Mr. Barton. I really appreciate this.”
He smiled. “Merry Christmas. I wish you and Zack happiness.”
She had to ask. “What changed your mind?”
“Miss Scott. I mean Simeon’s Miss Scott. I mean she helped me see my error.”
Bless you, sweet lady.
“The truth of the matter is that Miss Scott invited me to join Simeon and her niece for a late Christmas dinner.”
“I hope you have an enjoyable celebration.”
“I—I think we will.”
Thank You, Father. This means so very much to me.
Suddenly, Chloe had an idea of a gift for Zack—other than being off from work for Christmas. The owner of the largest of the general stores often lunched on Sunday at the boardinghouse, and she hoped he’d fetch something from his store for
her. Tomorrow at church, she’d not tell Zack about her good news.
*****
Saturday afternoon, Zack straightened the slips of paper and notes on his desk. Hank and Gil were delivering papers while Eli swept up the back. When Zack returned on Tuesday after Christmas, he didn’t want a pile of work. He could at least put it all in one stack. One thing he had to do was to get organized. Hank had a system of keeping track of customers, the cost of their ads, and when they paid, but Zack could neither follow his method nor take the time to develop one of his own. But he had to do something soon. He was a people man and loved to talk and dig up news, but the idea of attending to financial details was like taking a dose of castor oil.
He rubbed his temples and continued through the disorganized notes and papers. When he finally had them sorted by size, not content, he studied the office to see what other chores needed to be done before he fetched the twins at his parents’ ranch.
The door of the newspaper office opened, and Jacob stepped inside. Zack’s mood soured the moment the man’s face appeared.
“Zack, can I speak with you a moment?”
Do I have a choice? “I’m a little busy.”
“This won’t take long.”
Jacob’s voice sounded more congenial than usual. “Have a seat. Are you ready for Christmas?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be.” The man made his way to Zack’s desk and sat opposite him. “I owe you an apology.”
Zack peered into the man’s face. “For what?”
“The mess I’ve made of things where Miss Weaver is concerned.”
“I’m listening.”
“I made a terrible mistake in trying to win her. Instead of making her a friend, well, more than a friend, I succeeded in making a fool of myself. I’m sorry. She cares for you, and there’s not a thing I can do about it.” He offered a tightlipped smile. “I apologized to her earlier today and thought you deserved the same.”
Zack reached over to shake Jacob’s hand. “I appreciate that. You’re a good man—always have been. Takes a big man to admit he’s wrong.”