He’d never last that long. He wanted to go home with her now. “I would. But would I inconvenience anyone if I come out a few hours earlier? Say about ten in the morning?” Nobody slept late on Christmas.
Jake turned the buggy and came in their direction. “Dalton!”
Adaline’s laughter sounded musical.
“Sure, you can! Everyone will be happy to see you.”
He felt twenty feet tall as he handed his love into the buggy. “I’ll see you at ten—and not a minute after.” Jake’s amused chuckle didn’t even bother him. Nothing would bother him ever again. Hope lived and he planned to act on the gift he’d been given by the Almighty.
Chapter Sixty
“Merry Christmas, Dalton!” Albert strode into the sheriff’s office Christmas morning, a small wrapped package in his hands. He set the gift on the edge of the desk where Dalton sat and made his way to the coffeepot.
“Thanks, Albert.” He glanced at the clock. Not yet nine. Early for a family man to be out and about on a special day like this. Didn’t he have father-son activities to do? “Merry Christmas to you, too. I’m surprised to see you here today. Any special reason?”
When he gulped down his first swallow, Albert winced. “Extra hot this morning.”
Dalton nodded. Albert would get around to his reasons when he felt good and ready.
“Susanna sent me with that little gift. It’s huckleberry jam, just so you know.”
Was there an edge of jealousy in his tone? Dalton picked up the gift, gauging the weight in his palm. “That was awfully kind. Please thank her for me.”
Albert took a good, long gaze, narrowing his eyes. “You can thank her yourself. She sent me to invite you to Christmas dinner. Says you don’t have anywhere to go.”
Sure, Albert, make the gesture sound like a pity invitation. “Well, I’ll be. That was thoughtful. But actually, I do have an invite already, although I’ll miss her good cooking. All those years she’s worked at the Silky Hen has been beneficial. I can just imagine what her Christmas dinner spread will look like.”
Albert harrumphed. “An invitation? Where to?”
“The Red Rooster.”
“So, you and Adaline are finally owning up to your feelings?”
Did everybody see what they couldn’t? “Maybe.”
Albert strode to the window. At a scratching sound which usually meant Ivan wanted in, Albert opened the door.
The dog trotted to the stove without even acknowledging either of them.
Dalton chuckled. “Thinks he owns the place. Is Thom on the way?”
Albert looked out, glanced up and down the street, and pulled his head back inside. He shut the door tight. “Don’t see him.”
Ivan circled several times on the worn rug in front of the woodstove and then dropped to the floor with a kerplunk.
Albert seemed agitated. Dalton couldn’t imagine why.
“You popping the question to Adaline?”
A mite irritated, Dalton stood. “What’s with you and all the personal questions this morning? This is Christmas. Can’t you bury the hatchet? Susanna picked you—remember? Her inviting me to supper has no bearing on that.”
Albert took a deep breath. “Yeah, I can—and have. You weren’t at the church last night when Thom and Hannah announced she’s expecting.”
Dalton snapped straight. “What? You’re right! I didn’t hear that news. More congratulations are in order. I heard about Gabe’s proposal. Thom must be walking on air.” Albert must want to say more, Dalton was sure. “And?”
“With Roberta going back East with her sister, Marigold, when she leaves, and Hannah in the family way and queasy with morning sickness, Thom thinks he needs to take over at the Silky Hen right away.”
A million questions crashed through Dalton’s mind, pushing out the surge of elation about Thom and Hannah. “How long will Roberta be gone?”
“Undetermined. But even when she comes back, with a baby, Hannah will be out for some time. Susanna and Daisy can’t handle the Silky Hen themselves.”
By his look, Albert wasn’t finished. “And…?”
“Susanna and I have reason to believe she might be in the family way as well—but we’re not ready to spill those beans just yet, so keep the possibility under your hat. Her absence will create another void at the Silky Hen.”
Dalton surged forward in happiness. He grasped Albert’s hand and pumped it vigorously. “Congratulations! You’re going to be a father—again! I’m happy for you both.” And he was … very. And delighted for Susanna. She’d make a wonderful mother, as she’d already proven with her care of Nate.
A silly grin appeared on Albert’s face. “Thanks, Dalton. In all honesty, I’m tickled pink. I wasn’t around for Nate’s birth or early years and only learned of his existence a few months back. This is a true blessing.”
This turn of events was too good to be true. What a Christmas gift! “What will you do for a deputy, then?” Dalton held his breath. There could be only one reason Albert was sharing such private information on Christmas morning.
“Offering you the job, if you want it.”
Just like Albert to play down the situation. But that wouldn’t sway Dalton. He’d learned to navigate around Albert. Everyone in town would agree Dalton was the best candidate for a permanent position. “I accept!”
“Don’t you want to know the details?”
“Sure, I do. But I also want you to know unequivocally I’m accepting the job. You’ve just hired your new full-time deputy! When will the position start?”
“How about right now?”
Chapter Sixty-One
Delirious with happiness, Adaline floated around the Red Rooster, preparing the supper table for the feast which would take place later in the day, as well as the arrival of Dalton—any time. The sincerity of his voice last night, as well as the expression in his eyes, had kept her awake long after she’d placed her small gifts under the tiny Christmas tree. Something had drastically changed between her and Dalton, and the possibilities had her hopeful. The memory of dancing in his arms had waltzed around in her heart long past midnight. But still, she’d jumped enthusiastically from her bed at the first glimmer of daylight. Lack of sleep wouldn’t slow her steps today. Her heart had wings, and she felt ready to fly.
Adaline wore the pretty new shawl Violet had given her for Christmas. The fact Violet had crocheted the delicate rust-and-yellow garment weeks before she’d taken ill touched Adaline deeply. Adaline had given her a small cameo pin she’d purchased from Mrs. Harrell at the haberdashery at a discounted price.
At the sight, Violet’s eyes had gone wide, and she’d asked Adaline to pin the jewelry to her nightgown right away, because her hands had been too shaky for the task. Adaline hadn’t had a gift for Beth or Mr. Hollyhock because she hadn’t known soon enough the two would be with them on Christmas morning. She had given Marlene a poem she’d written about snowflakes in the wind.
Marlene had given Adaline a pair of warm socks she’d knitted. The gift giving had been fun with Beth and Mr. Hollyhock watching.
He’d given his mother a thick parcel to look through later. “All the letters I wrote but never sent,” he said, looking sheepish. “They’re yours.”
Seemed Beth was happy just sitting next to her long-lost beau.
Violet sat by the fire, dozing, where she’d been for the past half hour.
Beth and Marlene were busy in the kitchen, whipping up cinnamon pound cake for dessert, and some other delectable dishes to complement the large goose already in the oven.
Mr. Hollyhock had taken himself out back for a smoke and planned to split more logs as long as he was already bundled up.
She had felt a little uncomfortable mentioning she’d invited Dalton without first asking permission.
Violet assured her everyone was welcome, especially the handsome deputy. The more the merrier.
The sound of jingle bells made
Adaline run to the window.
“Dalton?” Beth asked from the sink where she was peeling carrots.
Marlene laughed softly. “Or Santa Claus? I don’t think anyone else is set to arrive to the pretty jingle of bells. That sounds nice.” She winked when Adaline briefly glanced her way. “If it’s not Dalton, our Adaline will die with disappointment. The time is two minutes until ten. Your young man knows how to tell time—a fine quality to have.”
Adaline scarcely heard the teasing. “Yes.” She could barely say the word between her shaky voice and thundering heart. “It’s Dalton in an open buggy. And along with the bells, he’s put a wreath with a big red bow around the horse’s neck. How sweet.”
Adaline wished she could see Dalton’s eyes, but he had his hat pulled low and collar turned up against the cold. A black scarf wrapped his neck, the ends tucked in tight. Large puffs of white came out of his mouth. His lips moved as if he were talking to the horse, or maybe himself. He’d never looked so handsome.
Setting the brake, he stood, climbed out of the buggy, and taking one line, draped the leather around the hitching rail. Next, he unbuckled his holster and placed his gun under the seat on his side. Reaching down again, he withdrew a blanket, shook it out, and draped the horse. Finished, he gathered two presents and started for the door.
Corralling her excitement, she skipped to the door to meet him. Was her dream about to come true? She opened the door before he had a chance to knock.
He smiled.
She returned the gesture.
“Mornin’, Adaline,” he drawled out slowly, merriment sparkling in his eyes. Two prettily wrapped packages rested in his arms. One medium-sized, the other tiny. “Merry Christmas.”
Watching him remove his hat, she wanted to vault into his arms. “Good morning, Dalton. Merry Christmas to you as well. Won’t you come in?” She stepped back, opening the door wider to a rush of frigid air. “A wonder you didn’t freeze to death on your way over.” Silly thing to say, but her mind felt frozen at the sight of his face, how he looked into her eyes. The feelings he stirred deep in her soul.
He stepped inside and glanced around. “Actually, I nearly did—and would have, if the Red Rooster were any farther away.” He nodded to Violet, who was now awake and watching them closely. “Merry Christmas, Violet.” He glanced at Marlene and Beth, who stood at the doorway to the kitchen. “Ladies. Smells awfully good in here. My mouth is watering already. Thank you for the invitation.”
At Dalton’s dashing smile, both Marlene and Beth blushed.
With trembling hands, Adaline took his hat and hung the Stetson on the hat rack.
Violet peaked a scanty brow. “Come in here and give my cheek a kiss, young man. Ya should know better than to make me wait.”
With a chuckle, and still wearing his coat, he crossed the round, braided, multicolored rug and bent low, kissing Violet’s chalky cheek. He held out the tiny package.
Disappointment plummeted inside Adaline. She’d let her fantasies run wild…
“For me?” Violet asked, her hand covering her lips.
“That’s what the envelope says. I found the package on the sheriff’s desk this morning. Don’t know how they knew my plans to stop out here. And I’m still wondering how I didn’t hear whoever snuck the package inside with me sleeping only a few feet away. I feel rather sheepish about that.” He turned to Adaline, who had followed him to Violet’s side by the fireplace. “And this one is for you, Adaline.”
Already over her flash of disappointment, excitement bubbled up at the medium-sized green box adorned with a red ribbon. What was inside? How had he afforded to buy anything? She knew he was strapped for funds. “Thank you, Dalton. I’m sorry I don’t have anything for you.” She had so little money, and with the uncertainty between them, she’d thought giving him a gift would be presumptuous. Now, she wished she’d at least written him a poem.
“Your smile is enough gift for me.”
Mr. Hollyhock came through the front door with an armload of wood. He smiled at Dalton. “Merry Christmas, Deputy. Would you like me to put your horse out of the cold?”
“Thanks, but I was hoping Adaline might get away for an hour or two. The day’s still early. Maybe go by the Broken Horn. Give the children a ride with the jingle bells. She could see Courtney and most likely Jake and Daisy.”
A buggy ride with Dalton! How romantic! She glanced over her shoulder at Marlene. “Do I have time? I don’t want to leave all the work for you two.”
Marlene smiled, her eyes wide.
Beth waved her hand in a shooing motion. “Most all the work is done, Adaline. From now until supper, we’ll just be sitting around the fire, telling stories. I think everyone would agree you have plenty of time for a visit.”
“That’s so,” Marlene added. “Be sure to give my son, and everyone else, our love. And tell them not to be late for supper. The goose will be ready at three o’clock sharp.”
“I guess that’s a yes,” Dalton said, his bright smile reappearing.
Did he have something important he wanted to ask her? She couldn’t help but hope. “Fine, then just let me go get my coat and gloves.”
“First, you must open your present.” He glanced at Violet. “And so does Violet. I’m curious about what’s inside.”
Disappointment again. If Adaline’s gift was personal, he’d have saved the giving until they were alone.
Dalton nudged the tiny gift on Mrs. Hollyhock’s lap. “Violet, you first.”
With unsteady hands, Violet carefully opened the envelope and slipped out a single white sheet of stationery. She pushed her silver-rimmed glasses closer to her eyes, perusing the page. “Well, I’ll be,” she whispered with wobbling lips and then slowly opened the small box. Inside was a square of pink fabric with a needlepointed heart. She held her treasure for all to see.
Dalton shifted his weight. “Who’s it from? What’s the note say?”
Lifting the missive again, she read aloud, “Merry Christmas, dear Violet. May yer hot chocolate be as warm and sweet as the expression in yer eyes. I’m happy you’ve recovered. Merry Christmas, dear friend. Love, the do-gooder.” A moment passed, and then Violet drilled Dalton with her no-nonsense stare. “Ya failed me, my boy.”
Dalton actually slumped. “I did, Violet, and I’m sorry. But the do-gooder doesn’t want to be identified.”
Violet winked. “I’m joshin’ ya. Ya need ta learn some humor, Deputy.”
Looking relieved, Dalton turned to Adaline. “Your turn.”
She sat on the sofa and slowly unwrapped the gift, being careful not to tear the pretty paper even the tiniest bit. Inside was a beautiful, warm scarf she’d admired at the haberdashery.
“Mrs. Harrell said you liked this one. You can wear it today, if you want.”
His face had taken on an uncharacteristically rosy hue, and she smiled. “Thank you, Dalton. I’m surprised she remembered.”
“She opened the store just for me this morning.”
He’d gone to so much trouble—but why? She didn’t know how to respond in front of everyone watching. “It’s beautiful. I’ll be honored to wear your gift today.” Standing, excitement propelled her to her room. Things weren’t always what they seemed, she counseled her heart. He may be reaching out, but the sentiment could still just be friendship. She shouldn’t let her hopes get too high. Friendship is better than nothing.
With the sensible self-talk out of the way, Adaline quickly ran a trembling hand over her hair, pinched both her cheeks, turning her face in the reflection of the mirror. Friendship, bah—love was in the air. She could feel it. This would be a Christmas to remember.
Chapter Sixty-Two
The livery horse trotted along at a nice clip, acting happy to be headed back toward town. The gelding wouldn’t be as pleased when Dalton pushed him past the livery, across the bridge, and up the road to the Broken Horn. Adaline’s presence beside him was like a burst of sunshine.
She made every inch of nerves sing with anticipation. Where was a good spot to stop? Before town? After? He could hardly think of anything except the tiny box burning a hole in his coat pocket. This time, he was sure of Adaline. She’d say yes to his proposal. Who knew? Maybe they’d be man and wife by next week. He surely wouldn’t object. “You warm enough over there?” he asked, looking her way.
Sitting as straight as an arrow, she smiled brightly as she took in the sights. “I am. I love the wreath around Slow Poke’s neck, but I love the jingling bells even more. The festive sound makes me feel like I’m riding in Santa’s sleigh.”
Wiggling his eyebrows made her laugh. “Maybe you are. We might be in for a little magic. One never knows.” Dalton dragged his gaze from Adaline’s lips, which were distracting his thoughts. “Whoa,” he called to Slow Poke, pulling back gently on the lines.
The gelding slowed to a walk and finally stopped under the tunnel of trees a few yards before the turn leading into town. Dalton steadied his breathing and tried to calm his heart. This was the most important moment of his life.
“Why are we stopping?” Adaline asked, glancing about.
Her voice held a tremble of anticipation, making him think she knew good and well what was on his mind. “Just wanted to take a moment and look at you. Doing so is difficult with everyone watching—or in a moving buggy. I hope you don’t mind.” He turned to face her, and the buggy seat squeaked loudly. The swish of the horse’s tail was the only other sound on this bright Christmas morning. Most of the snow had melted except for large patches lingering under the trees.
Adaline lowered her lashes. “I know what you mean. And I feel the same.”
With a finger, Dalton gently tipped up her chin. The December cold closed in around them. A slight breeze ruffled her hair as he stared into her eyes. A growing need coaxed him forward. He’d never seen anything more beautiful in his life. “May I kiss you, Adaline? I’ve wanted to for a long time.”
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