David straightened and gave her a sheepish grin. “Sorry I was thinking about work.”
“Didn’t you tell me you caught up with your large lumber order?” Daisy frowned.
“Finished up this morning.” He glanced at her. “Nothing for you to worry about. I’ve got some bookkeeping to do, which won’t take long. Once it’s complete, it will be a relief.”
“Just in case it escaped your notice, you married a math teacher a couple of weeks ago. She is reportedly very good with numbers.” Daisy leaned against his shoulder.
I love how I feel sitting so close to him.
David wrapped his arm around her waist and gave her a quick squeeze. “You’ve got your hands full. I won’t burden you with my work too.”
“It wouldn’t be a burden at all. Even before I could read, I loved working with numbers. My father used to make a game of it when he planned how much seed he required for his crops or how much grass our livestock needed without the benefit of additional hay.” Daisy swallowed and stared into the distance.
David clucked at the horses to guide them around a large rut in the trail. “How about if we talk about it later? We’ve time to stop by the mercantile on our way home. I want to make sure you have what you need for Christmas baking. Do you have your list with you?”
Daisy reached in her pocket and removed a folded piece of paper. “We still need to decide on items for the children’s stockings,” she whispered.
“I thought you already picked up that stuff.” David’s eyebrows narrowed.
“No. I wanted your approval before I purchased anything other than the essentials.” Daisy bit her lip.
“All right, this is good timing then.” David nodded toward the mercantile. “I’ll get Mr. Mackenzie’s son to distract the kids while you show me what you have in mind.”
David pulled to a stop in front of the general store. His hands rested on her waist longer than necessary as he assisted her from the wagon. Henry jumped unassisted and David pivoted to retrieve Marigold. “Your aunt and I have some shopping to do. Mind your manners, and when we’re through, I’ll let you pick out some penny candy.”
The store owner’s wife approached them. “I’m Mrs. Mackenzie. I missed introducing myself at church last Sunday. There were so many well-wishers, I thought I’d wait for the next opportunity.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Daisy received a warm embrace from Mrs. Mackenzie, along with an exuberant pat on her back.
David inclined his head toward the post office in the back corner and winked. “The kids and I’ll check to see if we have any mail. Go ahead and give your list to Mrs. Mackenzie.”
The store owner’s wife examined Daisy’s list. “I’ll have my husband pull the spices and such. What else can I show you?”
Daisy glanced over her shoulder to ensure the children were out of earshot and whispered, “I wanted to get my husband’s approval on what to put in the children’s stockings.”
“Of course. We have some lovely things that should suit them well. Come with me.” Mrs. Mackenzie led Daisy toward a display of toys located next to the candy counter. Her eyes darted between a toy train surrounded by tops and blocks to jars filled with peppermint sticks, jellybeans, rock candy, licorice and lemon drops.
Heavy work boots shuffled behind them. David motioned with his thumb. “Mr. Mackenzie’s keeping the kids occupied for a moment. Show me what you were thinking about.”
“Both of the children seem to enjoy lemon drops and peppermint sticks.” Daisy tapped her finger on her lips.
“Sounds good.” David nodded at the store owner’s wife. “We’ll get both.” He inclined his head toward the front of the store. “Let me show you something in the window.”
Daisy followed to get a better look at the display labeled, What He Wants for Christmas. A tin sign advertised pipes and tobacco products. Shaving soaps and accessories were positioned strategically at the front. Her eyes widened. “Is this the type of shaving supplies you use?”
“No.” David chuckled. “I’ve got all I need. What about the china doll and cradle for Marigold?”
Daisy gazed at the infant-style china doll dressed in an ornate christening gown. Her eyes widened and she whispered, “That’s an enormous amount of money to spend on a four-year-old.”
David scowled. “Forget the money. Do you think she’d like it?”
“For the same amount, we could go next door to the dress shop and get her a new nightgown, robe and ragdoll dressed to match.” Daisy leaned closer. “Marigold admired it the other day when she and I were shopping with Memphis.”
David’s dimple appeared with his grin. “Why don’t you go next door and get it? Henry’s been admiring Mrs. Miller’s son’s pocketknife. I asked Mr. Mackenzie to put one aside for me, along with some marbles.”
“All right.” Daisy rested her hand on her chest. “They’re going to be so excited.”
“Pick yourself out a new gown as well. Unless you want me to surprise you?” David wrapped his arm around her waist.
Daisy felt her face flush. “Oh, no. I couldn’t.”
“Uncle David, is it alright if we pick out a candy stick?” Henry appeared, pulling Marigold by the arm.
David winked. “You go ahead next door. Take your time. I’ll entertain the kids.”
Chapter 16
On what we can learn from fairy tales…
“We all belong somewhere. In her travels with the sparrow, Thumbelina finally discovers a field of flowers that reveal other fairies like herself. Finding one’s place in this world and having the feeling of belonging must be a little like heaven.”
- Miss Daisy Leah Murphy.
Daisy reached for Marigold’s cloak and took in a deep breath. The blend of butter and vanilla lingered in the air from the sugar cookies fresh from the oven. She gave a backward glance toward the cypress tree, leaning slightly to the right. Numerous dough ornaments of various shapes, some more recognizable than others, hung by colorful ribbons. Strands of popcorn and slightly misshaped gingerbread men draped the branches.
Marigold followed her gaze. “It’s beautiful.”
“I agree. It’s the best Christmas tree I’ve ever seen.” Daisy buttoned Marigold’s cloak. “Would you please go upstairs and tell your brother to bring his shepherd costume with him? We need to leave in the next few minutes to get to church on time.”
Marigold covered her mouth with her hands and giggled. “He’s upstairs hiding your Christmas surprise under his bed.”
Daisy raised an eyebrow. “What a wonderful place to hide a gift.”
“That’s where Uncle David told him to put them.” Marigold’s dark eyes sparkled.
“Oh my. Don’t tell me anything else. We don’t want to ruin the surprise.” Daisy smoothed the young girl’s curls and caught her reflection in the mirror in the foyer. She adjusted the stand-up collar on her ruffled blouse. She’d been unsure of the chestnut hue when Mrs. Shelby recommended it, but now the color appealed to her. Her hazel eyes sparkled and her cheeks were pink. She rearranged her auburn hair under her hat and retrieved her reticule and shawl.
Henry appeared wearing his shepherd’s robe, made from a gray blanket. He carried rope and another linen cloth in his hand. “Aunt Daisy, can you help me tie this thing?”
“Of course.” Daisy wrapped the rope around his waist to serve as a belt.
“Stephen’s and Bobby’s pa, Mr. Johnson, made us all something to wear for our head covering. He’s also making us other gear, so we’ll look like real shepherds.” Henry patted his rope belt. “I’m going to loop the sheath for my knife through this rope.”
Daisy straightened. “For your knife?”
“Yes ma’am. Shepherds have to be ready for lions and bears and stuff.” Henry puffed out his chest. “We won't carry real ones in church. Mrs. Miller said she’d have something we can use instead.”
“How nice.” Daisy patted Henry’s shoulders. “I’m excited to see the play. You and your
friends are going to make wonderful shepherds.”
“Our teacher and Mrs. Benton said Annie could be a shepherd too. She’s Andrew’s little sister. Uncle David said I had to be nice.” Henry drew a circle with his boot. “Whoever heard of a shepherd girl?”
“I believe they are called shepherdesses.” Daisy ruffled the young boy’s hair.
The front door opened. David entered dressed in his Sunday best—a dark sack coat, tailored trousers, a patterned vest, and a tie. He pressed his Stetson over his heart and whistled. “Don’t you look pretty.” He reached for her hand and brought it to his lips.
Daisy stepped closer. The now-familiar fresh scent of citrus and sandalwood enveloped her. She fought the urge to touch his freshly shaven face. “You look handsome yourself.” Her heart fluttered, and heat rose from her neck to the roots of her hair.
Henry cleared his throat. “I need our shepherds’ sticks.”
Daisy nodded toward the shepherd crooks carved from tree branches standing in the corner. “Why don’t you put the staffs in the wagon.”
David opened the door and motioned to the children. He wrapped his arm around Daisy and spoke softly in her ear. “Once we get to the church, I’m to help Mr. Johnson get the shepherds outfitted. Why don’t you take Marigold into the church and save me a seat?”
***
Pastor Nelson stood in front of the crates and assorted pieces of lumber nailed together to resemble the outside of a stable. He extended his long arms. “We will now turn this portion of the service over to the children, who have written their own play to reenact the birth of Jesus as told in the book of Luke, Chapter two.”
The pastor’s daughter, Ruth, dressed in a white robe and halo, moved to the center. “Tonight we remember how the prophet Micah foretold that the birth of the Messiah would be in Bethlehem, also the birthplace of King David, and the joy of the shepherds as the angels announced that Jesus came for everyone, even ordinary folks like them.” Ruth extended her arms. “Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the shepherds.”
The congregation applauded. Henry and his friends ambled down the aisle. The boys wore robes accessorized by suede vests. Their heads were wrapped with linen cloths that hung around their backs. The smallest shepherd wore a paisley-patterned head covering, and a large satchel draped her shoulder.
Henry shielded a hand over his eyes and searched the area. “Everything looks clear. Let’s camp here on this hill.” The children knelt beside firewood and pretended to warm their hands.
“Whose turn is it to be lookout?” Bobby pushed on his head covering, partially displaying a furry cap. David’s shoulders shook next to hers.
“It’s my turn.” The youngest shepherd jumped to her feet.
Henry huffed. “Need more than one lookout. I’ve seen signs of a bear hanging around.”
Stephen waved his hand. “She’s got a mouth and can holler if she needs help. Besides, she killed the bobcat by herself.”
The congregation roared with laughter. Henry wrapped his hand on the sheath looped through his belt. Memphis’s fiancé and the dress shop owner’s husband, Daniel Lawrence, positioned their violins, signaling a chorus of “O Holy Night,” led by the pastor’s daughter in a sweet soprano.
“O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth.”
“Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appear’d and the soul felt its worth.”
Several young girls wearing white robes and crowns made from lavender joined in.
“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.”
The shepherds lay facedown when the children’s sweet voices blended, sharing the melody and harmony.
“Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.”
The pastor’s daughter extended her hands and recited, “And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, ‘Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing, which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.’”
The shepherds followed the angels and circled the manger, where Marigold’s friend, Betsy, held a ragdoll wrapped in strips of cloth.
Another angel with dark red hair continued, “And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.”
Most of the little girls’ wreaths were now lopsided. One shepherd dropped his staff, hitting Henry and knocking his head covering off to display a coonskin cap. The violins crooned again and the children sang:
“Silent night, holy night
All is calm; all is bright
Round yon virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace.”
Pastor Nelson returned to the front of the church and clapped his hands. “Well done, children. Thank you for sharing the story of Christ’s birth.” He extended his long arms. “As we get ready to return to our homes, consider the true reason we celebrate is not about the material things but about God coming to earth in person. God incarnate, Jesus, came as a baby who was both fully God and fully man. He lived a perfect life and gave himself as a sacrifice for all our sins. He rose again, and one day, He is coming again.” The pastor’s eyes twinkled. “Now, Davey Crockett and the other shepherds will lead us in our final song.”
Everyone laughed and applauded when the other children removed their cloths to display matching coonskin hats. Their voices rang out in not-so-perfect harmony:
“Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
Jesus Christ is born.”
The congregation exited the church amongst laughter and well-wishes.
Daisy took David’s offered arm and wiped her eyes. “I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. That was the most wonderful Christmas pageant I’ve ever seen.” She leaned close, admiring the dimple in David’s cheek. “Did you know about the raccoon hats?”
“Not until I got here. Mr. Johnson made all the kids’ vests and Annie’s pouch. The hats were a reward for practicing so hard on the play. They were supposed to stay hidden.” David lifted Marigold to give her a better view of her brother, who was happily accepting praises from the pastor.
“I caught a quick glimpse of something on Bobby’s head but couldn’t tell what it was. They could have kept them concealed if it weren’t for the unfortunate path Bobby’s staff took when it knocked poor Henry in the head.”
Daisy giggled and stared into David’s eyes. “I can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard.”
“I love the sound of your laugh.” David used the pad of his finger to wipe a tear from her cheek. “Happy tears, I hope?”
Daisy leaned against his arm. “Very happy.”
Chapter 17
On gathering eggs…
“If not for my love of baking, I would just as soon eat grits for breakfast
for the rest of my life than ever gather another egg.”
- Miss Daisy Leah Murphy
Daisy smiled as the children enjoyed their gifts. She’d been surprised to see David’s eyes grow misty when she presented the children with their new bedding. Henry stated it was exactly the kind of quilt Davy Crockett would like. Marigold was delighted by all the flowers in her quilt and declared her bed would be as pretty as Thumbelina’s.
Henry positioned his candy cane in his mouth like a cigar and inclined his head toward his uncle. “Can I go get Aunt Daisy’s present now?”
David grinned and wrapped the scarf Daisy made for him around his neck. “I moved everything into the barn last night. Grab your jackets.”
Daisy stiffened. What an odd place to put a Christmas present. “I’m almost afraid to ask. Why are we going out to the barn?”
“You’ll soon find out.” David laid Daisy’s shawl around her shoulders and put his finger over his mouth. “All right, you two. You’ve done well not to give away our secret. Let’s show your aunt her surprise.”
Henry waved his candy stick. His freckled face broke into a wide grin. “Wait until you see. You're going to love them. They’re so cute.”
“Keep your eyes closed for another minute while I open the barn door,” David called.
Daisy blew out a breath. Her mind wandered back to the conversation about Marigold’s desire for a kitten followed by Henry’s request for a dog. A kitten would be fine, even a puppy as long as everyone was willing to help train it.
Please God, don’t let it be a cow.
She recognized the sweet, tangy scent of alfalfa. “The aroma reminds me of my father’s barn.” A door creaked and Daisy stiffened at the undeniable chirping of baby chicks. Her eyes flew open to the smiling face of Henry holding a mama hen close to her face. Her hand flew to her throat and she gasped.
“I know how practical and resourceful you are. Figure we can start small with chickens. In a couple of months, once you determine where you want your kitchen garden, we can fence off the rest of the acreage and raise beef. I already talked to Mr. Mackenzie at the general store, and he’s going to listen for anyone who might be willing to sell a milk cow.”
Daisy suddenly felt light-headed. I must have laced my corset too tight. David’s voice sounded far away, and she only caught a word or two. Why didn’t I tell him about my fear of chickens? She shuttered and tried to focus. “I’m sorry. I’m not feeling well.”
David wrapped his arm around her waist. “That came on all of a sudden.”
She took in a deep breath. “I’ll be fine after I lie down for a few minutes.” Actually, I’ll be fine as soon as I get away from these chickens. No wonder they’re also referred to as fowl.
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