Christmas Surprise

by Paisley Kirkpatrick

  Hank jerked his head up. "You approve of the MacGregors, too?"

  "Yes, they've shown great courage since arriving here." He sighed. "Now, you've got me worrying."

  "If they don't show up by tomorrow morning, I'll go out with a search party."

  Lottie rang the gong for breakfast. He heard the sound of his daughters' feet on the stairs. Everyone crowded into the dining room. Lottie and Amanda came in carrying trays of eggs, toast, ham, and applesauce.

  Gabby stared at Amanda. "Daddy, who's she?"

  "Everyone, this is Amanda. She's a new part of our family. She'll help Lottie with the cooking and cleaning.

  After their meal, Madeleine and Jacqueline helped clear the table and set it for their feast.

  Hank moved to his favorite chair on the porch and kept watch for the boys to return. The gate stayed opened for the day. Only a couple of hours remained for them to get here in time for supper.

  Matthias joined him. "It's not going to get them here any sooner, you know."

  Hank gazed at Matthias. "I know. Every time I pull my watch out and check the time, my spirits sink deeper. If they don't get back for Thanksgiving supper, Caroline will be devastated."

  Matthias let out a deep breath. "I don't understand it. Maybe they aren't keeping track of the days."

  "Maybe I shouldn't have given into Caroline's request to celebrate the holidays."

  "Hank, this is not your fault."

  "I know, but I want to protect all my babies. It's hard for me to let them grow up."

  Pastor and Mary Timmons walked through the gate and toward Hank and Matthias. Jacob handed over a basket. "Thank you for the generous gift of the turkey. We have it baking right now."

  Hank peeked inside their gift and saw Mary's specialty—chocolate cake. "Thank you. Can you stay for a while?"

  "Thank you. We can sit and talk for a little bit, but not long. I don't like leaving something in the oven for long without being there to check on it," Mary said.

  Hank was happy to have a way to pass the time. He wished they could stay longer, but understood when they stood to leave.

  "See you Sunday morning." Jacob took Mary's hand and they left for home.

  "Daddy," Danielle called. "Lottie is ready for either you or Uncle Matthias to come and slice the turkeys." She stopped at the triangle and rang it to call everyone to supper.

  Hank took one last glance toward the gate and then rose. The two men left the porch and went into the dining room. Hank sliced one bird and Matthias the other. Mathias carried both platters to the table for Lottie. After he sat, Caroline leaned down and whispered in his ear. "May I be excused from the meal, Daddy? I don't feel well."

  He took her hand and squeezed. "No, please take your seat, so I can say grace."

  She sighed and did as he asked.

  "Please hold hands." He waited until everyone was joined together before he started saying grace. "Even though we're missing three of our family, we wish to say our thanks for our gathering today and the food we eat..."

  Caroline jumped up from her chair and ran out of the room. He also recognized the whistle. Thank you, God, for answering our prayers.

  CAROLINE DIDN'T STOP running until she ran into Tam's arms and started kissing him. Tears streamed down both of their cheeks as he returned her ardor.

  "I was so worried something terrible happened to you, Tam."

  He brushed the tears off her cheeks and kissed her again. "It's a long story. Did we miss turkey supper?"

  "When I heard your whistle, Daddy was saying grace." Caroline glanced over Tam's shoulder and waved to Jory and Luc. "Lottie set places for you three. We'd better get to the table before she comes out here with her wooden spoon."

  Tam wrapped his arm around her waist. They all walked through the main room and into the dining room. Hank stuck his hand out and shook each of theirs. "Go wash up boys."

  Caroline leaned down and hugged her father. "I'll never doubt the power of prayer again. I love you, Daddy, for not letting me give up."

  The three newcomers came back in and sat at the empty places. Jory started to sit next to her, but the look Tam gave him pushed Jory down the table to the next empty chair.

  Jory pulled out his chair, but couldn't stop staring at Amanda. He stared down the table at Tam and grinned.

  Luc sat next to Josef. "Everything go well while we were gone?"

  Josef nodded. "Glad to have you home."

  Platters were passed around the table and once everyone had a heaping amount of food on their plate, they started eating.

  Caroline couldn't take her gaze off Tam. She reached over and squeezed his hand under the table. "We missed you a lot. Did you get lost?"

  "No, we had a grand adventure and ended up at a place called Escanaba."

  "You mean the port city in Michigan?"

  "Yes," Tam said as he forked food into his mouth.

  Caroline was stunned. "Why?"

  Tam looked across the table. "Luc, you'd best tell the story."

  "How about we eat and then I can fill Hank and Matthias in after the meal?"

  Hank nodded. "Thank you. In case I didn't make myself clear, you were missed and we are all thankful for your safe return."

  He held up his class of wine. "To my beautiful family. I thank you all for making my life so rich." He finished his glass and set it on the table.

  "Oh, by the way, Luc, Tam, and Jory, may I introduce you to Amanda Mason. She's a new member of our family, and is helping Lottie in the kitchen from now on."

  Jory was the first to welcome her. Caroline pursed her lips to keep from smiling too much. Wouldn't it be the best kind of news if Amanda could change Jory's mind about staying. One could only hope.

  Once they cleaned their plates, everyone carried dishes into the kitchen. The younger girls helped clean up the counters, and the adults assembled on the porch and listened to Luc's accounting of their trip.

  "About a mile or so from the port, Gervais and his friends met up with Farthington and his bunch."

  "What?" Matthias burst out. "Are you saying what we've feared all along is actually true?"

  "Yes, I'm afraid so."

  He shook his head. "This is not good, Hank."

  Luc held up his hand. "Let me finish. You haven't heard the worst part yet. We followed them into Escanaba. They skirted around the edge of the city and moved away from the port. A bit further down the lake, they rode up to several large warehouses. We watched from behind the trees as they opened the door to the first one. It's filled with contraband."

  Hank shook his head. "Those dirty bastards." He slapped his good knee and hooted. "No wonder they're paying close attention to us. We're taking part of their business away from them."

  "That's precisely what we were thinking."

  "Luc, you've done a great job uncovering their smuggling operation. I'm sorry Gervais is involved with Farthington."

  "So is Renald."

  "What? Two of my brothers are working with Farthington?" Matthias got up and started pacing back and forth along the porch. "When this comes out, it's going to kill my parents."

  Caroline had been sitting quiet through the whole accounting. "Why did it take you so long to come home?"

  "We wanted to make sure we had our facts correct. I want to make myself clear. I could not have done any of this without Tam and Jory."

  Caroline took Tam's hand. "I'm proud of you."

  Tam smiled back at her and leaned over so, he could kiss her on the cheek.

  "We waited until they passed out from drinking. Tam stayed and listened for any information they might give up under the influence. Jory and I went into two of the four warehouses and checked through the merchandise." He shook his head. "It's unbelievable the goods they have. As best we could figure out, they steal or, I wouldn't put it past them, kill, to get what they want."

  "While Luc and Jory were gone, I caught bits and pieces of how the revenuers run their organization. Luc is right. They stop at nothing to
get what they want. The fact they haven't burned the trading post to the ground is only by the grace of God."

  Caroline stared into Tam's eyes and saw the concern.

  "I don't mean to scare you, Caroline, but I want you to stay alert."

  "Where do we go from here?" Hank said.

  "We need to get Michel down here and fill him in. He's the one who should take over from here."

  "Isn't there an urgency to get things moving?"

  "No," Tam said. "They plan to make their move as soon as the spring thaw happens. From what I heard, they want to make sure the lakes are open so they have an easy escape if their plans go wrong and they have to make a quick getaway."

  "That makes sense. They can board a ship and sail out of the country," Hank said.

  Luc nodded. "Exactly."

  Hank glanced at Tam and Jory. "If you hadn't decided to follow Farthington, we wouldn't know what's heading our way. I can't say thank you enough."

  "You're welcome," Jory said. "You've made us feel like part of your family while we've been here."

  "Jory's right," Tam gazed into Caroline's eyes. "We feel like we belong here, and I for one have no intention of letting anyone burn this trading post."

  "I'm glad to hear it, "Hank said. "I don't want to have to rebuild it either.

  "We grew up listening to the old-timers telling stories about the powerful Scots running the English out of Scotland. Maybe this trouble was the reason it's come to my mind," Tam said. "How about you, Jory? You remember those stories?"

  "Yup. Give me a bottle of Hank's special stuff and I can figure out a way to cure the problem." Jory grinned.

  His comment lightened the mood.

  We need to have everyone join in with the singing tonight, but first my babies are going to entertain us. Genevieve smiles every time I ask her what they're doing so, let's make it special for them."

  Caroline and Tam stood. "We'll be back in a little while."

  Hank nodded. "Don't go out of the trading post."

  "Please, just to my favorite bench."

  He sighed, but nodded his approval. "Tam, keep her safe."

  "Count on it."

  They walked off the porch and headed toward the back gate. They left it open after they walked out of the post and strolled hand in hand across the rocky beach. They finally reached the bench. Caroline could hardly wait to snuggle with her sweetheart.

  As soon as they settled, Tam wrapped his arm around her and pulled her head onto his shoulder. "I'm sorry I worried you. It ran through my thoughts that you'd be scared for me, but I knew you'd want me to do what was needed to protect you and your home."

  "You were right on both accounts. My heart nearly burst at your whistle. Daddy kept telling me you boys wouldn't miss a turkey feast."

  Tam chuckled. "That'll teach you to listen to your father." He tipped her chin up and kissed her. He pulled back and stared into her eyes. "Once we had the information we needed, I pushed them not to slow down until we got here."

  "You were that hungry for turkey supper?"

  He grinned at her. "If you'll remember correctly, I sang for my portion of turkey supper."

  "Humph, that was singing?"

  "You little vixen, come closer."

  She leaned into him and he kissed her with a passion he'd not shown her before. He broke the kiss and caressed her cheek. "You have no idea how much I missed you."

  A breeze came up. She snuggled closer against him. "I hate to go in, but we'd best join the others and warm by the fire."

  He gave her a pouty face. "You're right, but I was hoping I was hot enough to warm you."

  Caroline pulled back and stared at him. "Are you serious or teasing me?"

  Tam grinned. "Maybe a little bit of both." He stood and held his hand out to her. "Let's head in, my darling."

  She took his hand and stood. They headed back to the back gate. "I didn't see Mrs. Brown at the table. Did Hank banish her from the festivity?"

  Caroline shook her head. "It's even better than that."

  "Do tell."

  "Two days ago, Big Dog drove the lady to Wausau and sent her on her way."

  "Oh, no, the poor man had to deal with her on his own?"

  "No, no, Daddy went with them."

  Tam chuckled. "He did? I wonder what they talked about all the way to Wausau."

  She started laughing as she remembered the wide grin on her father's face as he sat up on the coach's high seat. It was a priceless memory for her. "Uncle Matthias and Big Dog worked together to get him up on the coach's seat so he could sit next to his driver. I'm sure he must have told Big Dog how to do his job, too."

  "Good for him. I bet he was a sight."

  "Yes, and while they were in town, he had a doctor check his leg. All is healing well."

  "I'm glad."

  They walked inside the post and Tam locked the gate behind them. He grasped her hand again. "Now tell me about the kitchen help. Where'd she come from?"

  "I'm not sure I want to tell you."

  He stopped talking and turned her to face him. "I don't ever want you to think you can't talk to me about anything. I love you. Everything you do and think about is of utmost importance to me."

  They started walking toward the lodge's porch. She pulled up her courage and told him. "Big Dog saw Amanda slumped alongside the road between Wausau and here. When he stopped and asked her if she needed help, he found out she was on her way here to meet Henry Hughes. She handed him the mail order bride ad."

  Tam stared at her for a moment. In the light of the lantern attached to the porch, she could see him purse his lips and then outright guffaw.

  She pulled her hand out of his grasp and glared at him. "Just what's so funny about my humiliation?"

  "Honey, I'm sorry you had to face your father over what you did again, but you may have solved a big problem for us."

  "What are you talking about?"

  Matthias swung the door open. "Come on in here. We're waiting for you to start the entertainment."

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  As soon as Hank saw Caroline and Tam enter the lodge, his daughters delighted their audience with a quick program on how Thanksgiving became a day of thanks.

  Once his little girls took their bow, he started his part of the evening with a ballad. After he finished, Big Dog joined him for two knee-slapping songs. The guests who knew the lyrics joined in the fun. Before the break, Hank asked if anyone in the audience would like to share something they felt thankful for.

  Several people stood and gave thanks. After the last of the guests spoke their piece, Caroline stood. "Ever since I can remember my father has played his music and told his stories to the families who live around our area. It's obvious to my sisters and me that he loves to share his talent with such a great audience. I'd like to thank all of you who attend our evening get-togethers. I especially enjoy his stories, which I'm quite certain must be exaggerated at least a little bit."

  "No, daughter, they are exaggerated quite a bit."

  Hoots and hollers sounded around the room.

  Big Dog placed his hand on Hank's shoulder. "I thank this man for giving me a place I can call home and a family I can call my own." He stared at Genevieve. "I also thank Miss Genevieve for considering me her friend."

  Jory stood. "I agree with Big Dog. My brother and I have only been here a short while, but being part of this group of people has enriched my life." He grinned at Hank. "You didn't have to break your leg to keep us here until the thaw. We rather like Wisconsin."

  "I agree with my brother's sentiment, plus I'd like to thank you, Hank, for your enormous talent in making people feel welcome with your music every evening. Jory and I come from a family that has never learned what singing on key means so your music is a new experience for us."

  Hank slapped his knee. "You can say that again, son." He glanced around the room. "For those of you who didn't have the pleasure of hearing Tam sing about his beautiful homeland of Scotland, you didn't miss a
thing."

  Hank ran his finger over the strings to hide the emotions he thought he could control. He wasn't used to receiving praise like the ones he'd received this evening. He thrived on singing and he knew he had a lot more to be thankful for than anyone else in the room.

  "How about I play a few more songs before you all head out into the cold?"

  When the evening ended and the room cleared, the adult family members relaxed around the fireplace and talked.

  Tam shared their family's first, and most favorite, Thanksgiving memory. "We didn't have your delightful holiday in Scotland. So, can you imagine the excitement our oldest brother, Trevin, caused when he announced we would serve a great Thanksgiving feast and invite our neighbors and friends to join us. He surprised everyone, especially his wife-to-be Rebecca, with a wedding ceremony between supper and dessert."

  Hank and Tam's gazes locked for a moment. Was the young man hinting he'd like to have a holiday wedding this year—with my daughter?

  Hank broke eye contact with Tam and glanced at Caroline. When he saw the red creeping up her cheeks, he wanted to jump up and hoot, but couldn't with his damned broken leg.

  Genevieve clapped her hands. "What a beautiful story, Tam." She yawned. "It's been a long day and I'm ready for bed. Thank you all for this great day. I think it's going to be my most memorable Thanksgiving. Good night."

  She started to leave, but stopped beside Amanda. "If you'd like to come up with me, I can give you a nightgown."

  "Yes, that'll be nice. Thank you all for including me in your feast day." She stood and left with Genevieve.

  "Daddy, when shall Tam and I go after our Christmas tree?"

  Hank nodded toward Big Dog. "This question is yours to answer."

  "Thank you, boss." He cleared his throat and stood. "This year we have a treat for the Hughes sisters. At Hank's request, I've fixed the sleigh and it'll be ready soon to take you all for a ride. We shall not return to the trading post until you've picked out the best tree on the property."

  "Daddy!" Caroline rushed over to him and gave him a hug. "This is possibly the best Christmas surprise ever."

  "Big Dog is the one who gave you the gift by fixing and polishing the sleigh."