Christmas Surprise

by Paisley Kirkpatrick

  Tam tensed. She stared him in the eye. "I told him no. Right after you arrived, Big Dog found me sobbing in front of my mother's grave. His words, though gentle, slapped me alongside my head."

  He took her hand and caressed it. "What do you mean?"

  "I'd never thought about her accident as just that, an accident. She was searching for me when it happened. I carried her death on my shoulders up to that point. In a few well-spoken words, Big Dog opened my eyes and showed me how wrong I was."

  "I'm not a bit surprised. Jory and I spent many hours talking with him around our campfires as we traveled. I hope you listened with your heart."

  "Yes, and I think he arranged for my father to hear my plea for his forgiveness. As it turned out, Daddy thought the accident was his fault. Once we started talking about it, the pain fell off my shoulders and his. Healing came fast after my enlightenment. Daddy apologized for forcing me to get married whether I wanted to or not."

  Tam let go of her hand and ran his fingers along the side of her face. She leaned her cheek against his hand. "You changed my mind about getting married, but along with the acceptance of falling in love with you came the fear you'd leave when our land thawed."

  "Jory is giving me crap about staying. We've never lived apart. He'll have to go home alone and face our brothers' questions."

  "You think they'll be angry you've found a home with us?"

  "Honestly, I don't know. Trevin and Braden are both married to wonderful women. I hope they'll be happy for me, but Trevin promised our Da he'd keep us together running the ranch. We each have a share in the place. I can't do my part of the work and decision making from here."

  "Maybe you should return home and work it out with them face to face."

  He pulled her back against his shoulder. "I've given that idea thought, but it's a long way for me to travel when I don't want to leave here. As far as I'm concerned, they can accept my decision or not. I can't imagine being away from you for even a day. Several months is not acceptable to me."

  She leaned close to him and absorbed his warmth and comfort. She closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. Loud banging sent her out of Tam's arms and off the sofa.

  "Wait right here until I find out who it is." Tam walked to the door. "Who's there?"

  "Michel Martel."

  He glanced at Caroline. "You recognize his voice?"

  "Yes, that's my uncle."

  Tam unlocked the door and swung it open. Martel and two men entered the room.

  Michel noticed the pillows and blankets on the sofa. "Caroline, what's happening here?"

  Tam held up his hand to stop her from answering. "We're guarding our prisoners, sir."

  Michel surveyed the area. "What prisoners?"

  Tam smiled. "Help me move the sofa and I'll show you."

  They uncovered the trapdoor and Tam opened it. Michel looked inside the hole and drew back. "I recognize my brother, but who are the two women?"

  Matthias hurried into the room from the back of the house while Jory came through the front. "What the hell?" Matthias stopped in his tracks. "Michel!"

  "I can see you still get grumpy when I wake you in the middle of the night, big brother," Michel said.

  "I sure am glad to see you." Matthias hugged his brother. "Who'd you bring with you?"

  "Two government officials you can trust. Please meet Jeremy Hudson and Peter Duane."

  Matthias shook their hands. "This is our niece, Caroline Hughes."

  "How do you do."

  "It's lovely to meet you," she said.

  "Meet Jory and Tam MacGregor. They are visiting us from California."

  "You're the Jory MacGregor who sent us the telegram?" Michel asked.

  "I'm glad to know you received it. I took a chance that Gervais hadn't made it back to the family farm yet."

  "You lucked out. We were actually fortunate you had the sense to tell us about those warehouses. Jeremy and Peter thought it important enough to travel here with me."

  Caroline heard the bang thump of her father's crutches. She grabbed Tam's arm. "Daddy's coming down the stairs."

  "Thanks, I'll go help him."

  Tam gripped Hank's arm as he maneuvered across the floor toward the newcomers. "Michel, I sure am glad to see you here safe."

  "I'm sorry to see you still hurting. I'd like you to meet Jeremy and Peter. They came with me to help take the prisoner back to Canada. Now we find three in custody thanks to your ingenuity."

  "It's good to meet you both." Hank shook their hands.

  Matthias shut the trapdoor.

  Caroline glanced at the clock and saw it was six o'clock. It would be a while before Lottie got the kitchen going. She excused herself and went to at least put some coffee on the stove. Tam came in right behind her and worked the stove until he could get the coals burning and tossed wood inside.

  "Thanks." She wrapped her arms around his neck. "It looks like Uncle Michel has the situation under control. I'm glad we're not responsible for the prisoners anymore."

  He claimed a kiss before taking her hand and walking back into the main room. When they settled, Michel told them about capturing Farthington and his crew inside the warehouse. "I wish you could have seen the shocked look on Farthington's face."

  "Thanks to Matthias' and Jory's messages they caught them with the smuggled goods."

  "I'm relieved to hear this," Hank said. "Since we have Gervais, what are we going to do about picking up his two Mountie friends?"

  "You're not to worry. We have them in custody, too. They were in a second warehouse. We boarded up all four of the buildings. The authorities of Escanaba are keeping watch in case there are locals involved."

  "What about Renald?"

  Michel turned the question over to Peter.

  "He's being held until an investigation is completed on all of these smugglers. We're appreciative for your help with the capture of three high level members. Before we leave, we'll take all of your statements."

  Lottie entered the room with a tray of coffee and some cups. She sent Michel a wide smile. He got up and took the heavy tray from her.

  "I suppose your stomach's craving one of my breakfasts?"

  He chuckled. "Yes, and my two companions are already aware of the treat they'll be eating."

  She patted his chest. "You are a sly devil. You know how to get around me, Michel Martel. I'll let you know when it's ready." She returned to the kitchen.

  "While we're waiting for food, let me tell you what our plans are," Michel said. "We thought we'd only have Gervais to transport, but since there are three now, we'll leave right after we eat and take them to Wausau. For everyone's safety sake, I'll make arrangements for a few lawmen to ride along with us."

  Hank sighed. "I'll be glad to have them out of here. This has been a long time coming, Michel. You know the fear we've had for Luc and Josef's sakes. With the fire the other day, I thought the whole place would burn to the ground."

  "Are you saying Gervais tried arson to run you out?"

  "I thought so at first, but as it turned out it was an accident. We can discuss it another time."

  "Whatever turned your investigation to the pastor's wife? We've had our eye on her for a while, but she never tipped her hand."

  Hank glanced at Caroline. Her heart skipped a beat at seeing the pride in her father's eyes.

  "Mary Timmons made two mistakes. The first was involving my daughter in her treacherous scheme and second for asking Penelope Brown to come here as a possible mail order bride for me. I knew her when we were kids."

  Michel looked at Caroline and nodded. "I'm very impressed with you."

  "Penelope was an irritant from the moment she invaded the trading post." Hank rolled his eyes as he spoke. "Big Dog and I took her to Wausau and dumped her at the livery. On the way back, we found Amanda on the road and she sealed Mary and Penelope's fates."

  Caroline cleared her throat. "To quote my father as of late, fate stepped in and this time we didn't miss it. I made
a bad mistake signing Daddy up for a mail order bride. It backfired on me, but in the end, it saved us all."

  Lottie entered the room. "Your food is on the table. Don't let it get cold."

  Michel wrapped his arm around Caroline's shoulder as they walked to the dining room. "Your mother would be so very proud of you, honey, as am I."

  "Thank you. I'm glad it's over. Daddy gave us permission to cut a Christmas tree this year. Mama would be happy about that, too."

  He gave her a squeeze. "Yes, definitely."

  They gathered around the table and filled their plates. Hank brought their guests up to date on the happenings at the trading post.

  Michel let them know how the family coped without either Luc or Josef. "I think the parents realize how much the boys have come to mean to them. When Luc and Josef feel comfortable enough, they might want to go up for at least a visit."

  Jacob Timmons arrived halfway through the meal. Caroline got up and set a plate for him. He sat and placed a box on the table in front of him. "These are the letters you asked me to bring, Hank. I read through some of them, but only a few." Tears rimmed his eyes. "I'm sorry for my wife's actions." He set his elbows on the table and rested his head into his palms.

  Caroline glanced at Tam, then got up and hugged the pastor. "We're all sorry."

  He straightened in his chair. "Thank you, Caroline. I know Mary caused you a lot of trouble, too." He looked down the table at Hank. "I'm considering leaving the church. How can I counsel parishioners when I cannot keep my own house in order?"

  Caroline gasped. "No. You can't leave. Tam and I need you to marry us."

  Everybody at the table froze at Caroline's outburst. She shrugged as she gazed at Tam. "Sorry, honey, it slipped out."

  Tam stood. "Caroline accepted my marriage proposal last night."

  Pandemonium broke out around the table. Tam locked gazes with his twin. Jory got up and walked around the table. He grasped Tam in a bear hug. "I'm happy for you, brother. Not so sure about being happy for Caroline, though."

  Disappointment tore through her. "What?"

  "I've tried to raise my older brother to be a good and gentle man, but I'm afraid I might have failed in my obligation. I willingly give him to you in the damaged condition you've found him."

  She frowned at his remark.

  He walked over to her and pulled her into his embrace. "I'm very happy for Tam. I know how much he loves you. You're a great asset to our family." He kissed her on both cheeks.

  "Thank you, Jory. You had me scared for a moment."

  "You'll get used to my wicked sense of humor in time."

  "I doubt it, but I'll try." She went around Jory and stood next to her father. He grasped her hand. "You're doing this because you love him not because you know I already love him as a son, aren't you?"

  She leaned down and kissed her father's cheek. "Yes, Daddy, I love Tam with all my heart."

  He smiled at her. "It's all I've ever wanted for you, daughter."

  He looked past her and down the table toward Tam. "After Michel leaves with the prisoners, I want to see you in my office."

  "Yes sir, I'll be there."

  "Caroline, please bring me the box of letters."

  Pastor Timmons handed it to her. She was surprised at how many he'd found. She set it on the table in front of her father. "Will you excuse Tam and me, please? I would like to tell Big Dog about our engagement before someone else tells him. When we come back, I plan to tell my sisters."

  "Go ahead." He squeezed her hand. "I'm very pleased and happy for all of us that you've chosen Tam to spend your life with."

  "Thank you, Daddy. I understand now why you pushed me a little bit." She winked at him.

  His laughter turned into a roar. "I'm forgiven?"

  She nodded. "We'll see you all later."

  Tam joined her and they left for the smithy shop. "Was your slip about our engagement really by accident or on purpose?"

  She grinned at him. "What do you think?"

  "That's what I thought. I'm glad you did it, and doubly glad everyone is happy for us."

  "Me, too. Now all we have to do is worry about what Daddy wants to discuss with you."

  "Yeah, that surprised me."

  They reached the smithy shop. "Wait here while I see if it's safe to take you inside. He doesn't want you and your sisters to see what he's working on."

  Tam came back in a few moments. "It's all right, you can enter."

  "Thanks." She took Tam's hand and entered Big Dog's workspace. The man's warm smile always warmed her heart.

  He looked back and forth between them and then settled his gaze on their clasped hands. "You have somethin' to tell ole' Big Dog?"

  Caroline nodded, but looked to Tam to tell their news.

  When Tam announced their engagement, Big Dog enfolded her in his arms and squeezed. "Miss Caroline, you've made me pleased as a bear finding a honey pot." He turned to Tam. "Put it there, son." He held out his hand and shook Tam's. "About time you asked the question."

  "Have you told Hank yet?"

  Caroline nodded. "Yes, at our early breakfast. Daddy is thrilled. We wanted you to hear our news before anyone else told you."

  "Did I miss breakfast?"

  "Uncle Michel and two government officials arrived before six this morning. Lottie wanted to feed them so they can be on their way with the prisoners. You can eat breakfast at the regular time."

  "Good, what about the preacher man?"

  "He loved his wife and feels betrayed by her callous treatment."

  "I bet he is. Poor man."

  "What are you working on out here?"

  He led them over to the stagecoach. "There's something wrong with the axle on the stagecoach. It didn't feel right on the way back from Wausau. I think I've found the problem right here."

  Caroline had no idea what he was talking about but nodded and smiled like she did. "We're lucky to have you now that Spike is missing. I wonder whatever happened to him."

  "I hate to rush you off, but I want to get this problem fixed before Lottie calls me up to breakfast."

  "We'd better leave you be then." She kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you for being so happy for us. We'll see you later."

  They started across the quadrant in time to see Jory leading three horses to the front entrance of the lodge. Michel and his two friends brought the prisoners outside and put them on the horses.

  Caroline's heart almost broke when she heard Mrs. Timmons tell her husband she never loved him.

  "Let's get inside. It's cold out here," Tam said. He helped her up the slippery steps and opened the door.

  "What kind of woman can treat a man who loved her in such a cruel away?"

  "Don't worry, she'll get her comeuppance."

  Michel said his good-byes and mounted. They rode out of the trading post and turned south toward Wausau.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Tam entered Hank's office for the first time as his prospective son-in-law. He unbuttoned his top shirt button and tried to relax. He sat across the huge oak desk from the powerful man. "You wanted to see me, Hank?"

  The older man chuckled. "Relax, Tam, I'm not going to cross examine you. I already know what kind of man you are and am quite pleased to have you as part of my family."

  Tam let out a loud sigh. "You had me going. I didn't expect to have the talk from you."

  Hank leaned back in his chair and pulled a desk drawer open. He took a small black box out and set it on top of the desk. "I'm not sure how you'll feel about this, but I'm making the offer."

  Tam lifted the lid and saw a dainty gold ring. "Was this Isabella's?"

  Hank nodded. "If you'd like to place that ring on Caroline's finger the day you marry, you have my blessing."

  Tam knew what a significant honor Hank bestowed on his marriage to Caroline. "Does your daughter know about this gift you are bestowing on her?"

  Hank shook his head. "No. I thought this should be between you and me first. If you p
refer to get her a wedding ring yourself, I understand."

  "I'm honored, sir, but because of how she reacted to her mother's death, Caroline should be the one to make the decision. If you'll excuse me for a moment, I'll ask her to join us." He closed the lid and pushed the gift toward Hank. "Please, I'd think you are who should make the offer to her."

  "You're a very astute man, Tam."

  He got up and left the room to find his lady. He found her in the kitchen talking with Amanda. "Honey, your father and I would like you to join us."

  "Is something wrong?"

  "No, everything's right." He grasped her hand and they returned to Hank's office. He waited until she sat and then moved his chair close to hers.

  Hank glanced at Tam first, and then he pushed the small container toward his daughter. He kept his hand on the top as he spoke. "I've asked Tam about giving this to you and he wisely thought it should be your choice. Whatever you decide, I'll understand."

  She took the box and opened it. Tears filled her eyes. She got up and walked around his desk. "Thank you, Daddy." She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tight. "Yes, I want to wear Mama's wedding ring."

  Tam watched the exchange and love surged for this woman who was to be his wife. She'd overcome a great deal of pain on her path to conquer her grief.

  She returned to the chair and pulled the ring from the white lining. "Is it proper if you slide it on my finger right now to make sure it fits?"

  "I don't know why not." He lifted her hand and slid the ring over the knuckle. "I know the significance of this band and give you my promise to love you as your father loved the woman who wore it before you." He leaned toward her and sealed his promise with a kiss.

  "Thank you, Tam. It fits perfectly." She returned it to its box and handed it to her husband-to-be. "It's yours to keep until you place it on my finger for forever."

  Hank held his hand out. "You want me to keep it safe for you?"

  Tam slid the box back across the desktop. "Thank you."

  "Have you decided on a date and where you'd like to be married?"