“Anna, I’m truly sorry. It must have been so hard, so horrible for you.”
“It was, but I still had Einar and the hope of better days ahead.”
“And you’ve been here in the Pendleton area since 1863, is that right?” Nora asked, recalling what she knew of the Erickson family.
“Yes. Einar and I heard from a family who came through a few years earlier that this area hadn’t yet been settled, so we decided to build a home here, in a place where we could help shape the community. There wasn’t even a doctor here when we arrived. Of course, by then I’d given up on having a baby, but then we were blessed with our precious son. One of the other women in town, Mrs. Raley, came and helped me when Erik was born.” Anna smiled at Nora. “My heart is glad to have you and J.B. as our neighbors. It’s good to have friends nearby.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Nora said, reaching out and squeezing Anna’s hand. The door swung open and Erik walked inside with his little arms loaded down with wood. He staggered under the weight and his mother jumped up, taking the burden from him.
“My, but you’re a strong boy, Erik. Your father must be very proud of you,” Nora said, grinning at him.
“He says I’ll grow up to be even stronger and bigger than he is someday.” Erik shut the door and hung up his coat. “My tummy says it’s time for lunch, Mor.”
“We can’t argue with your tummy, can we?” Anna feathered her fingers through Erik’s fine hair. “Wash your hands and face then you can help Mrs. Nash move the ornaments, so we may eat.”
“I had fun making these,” Nora said, gently placing the ornaments in the basket on top of the paper supplies.
“You should take some home with you.” Anna motioned to the pile of them on the table. “We’ll have plenty.”
“I’ll take one, just to use as a pattern. I have paper at home to make more.” The smells coming from the stove made Nora’s mouth water. Anna served smoky sausage with spiced cabbage and warm rolls. For dessert, they had creamy pudding with an assortment of the cookies she brought.
When it was time for Nora to leave, Erik’s eyes widened at the sight of the rock candy she’d colored pink with a bit of beet juice.
“You save that candy for later, when your far comes home,” Anna said, setting the candy on a shelf out of Erik’s reach.
“Yes, Mor,” he said, eyeing the candy.
“Why don’t you put on your coat and walk with Mrs. Nash out to the fence?” Anna handed her son his coat. “But you come straight back home. Understood?”
“Yes, Mor!” Erik hastily pulled on his coat and mittens then Anna tugged a knit cap over his head. She kissed his cheek then walked with Nora to the front door where she’d left her coat, scarf and mittens.
“Thank you for allowing me to intrude on your day, Anna. I had a lovely time.” Nora hugged her friend. “And thank you for sharing your story, too. You’re a brave woman.”
“No, I’m not brave, but I believe that everything works out for the best. I know you’ll find happiness in your heart again.” Anna gave her another hug. “Thank you for the treats. Both Einar and Erik will greatly enjoy them. Be safe walking home.”
“I will. Thank you again, Anna.” Nora waved as she stepped onto the porch and hurried down the steps with Erik beside her. The little boy took her hand and swung it back and forth as they made their way out to the barn.
“Heading home?” Dent called as he moved into the doorway of the barn.
“Yes. I’ve imposed on Anna long enough today.”
Dent grinned. “I’d be willing to bet she enjoyed every minute of it. Tell that husband of yours he owes me a game of checkers.”
Nora smiled. “I’ll do that. If you have nothing better to do Sunday evening, you should come over and play with him.”
“I might just do that,” Dent tipped his hat to her. “Get yourself safely home, Mrs. Nash.”
“I will, Dent. Erik is going to walk me out to the fence.”
The cowboy looked at Erik. “You walk out there then hustle right back.”
“Yes, sir,” Erik said, giving Dent a wide grin. “See my missing tooth?”
“Well, shoot! I can’t see your tooth if it’s missing, now can I?” Dent bent down and gazed at the missing space in Erik’s smile. “Did some varmint steal that from you?”
“No, sir. It fell out this morning after breakfast.”
Dent frowned and rubbed his stubbly chin. “Were you eating rocks for breakfast?”
The little boy giggled and shook his head. “No. We had sausage and eggs and fritters. Don’t you remember? You had breakfast with us.”
“Oh, that’s right,” Dent said, taking Erik’s chin in his hand and glancing at the missing space in his bottom row of teeth. “I reckon that’s the first of many teeth you’re gonna lose.”
“Yep! Mor said it means I’m turning into a big boy now.”
“It sure does.” Dent grinned and straightened. “And a big boy like you will make sure Mrs. Nash gets to the fence with no problem, won’t he?”
“Yes, sir.” Erik tugged on Nora’s hand. “Come on, let’s go.”
Nora laughed. “Apparently, he’s eager to be rid of me. I’ll see you later, Dent. Perhaps Sunday.”
“Perhaps,” Dent said then waved to her.
Nora listened as Erik chattered all the way out to the fence. He showed her an enormous icicle hanging on the back of the equipment shed and an empty bird’s nest in a maple tree. He chased a rabbit as it skittered across the snow-covered wheat field then jogged back to catch up to her.
“What would you have done with the rabbit if you caught him?” she asked, taking Erik’s hand when he held it out to her.
The boy shrugged. “I don’t know. Probably just pet it then turn it loose.”
Oh, this boy had such a tender heart. She hoped he never changed and always remained a caring, kind person.
When they reached the fence, Erik gave her a big hug. “Come visit again, Mrs. Nash. I have fun with you.”
She tweaked his nose, drawing out another giggle. “I have fun with you, too, Erik. Now, do as your mother said and head straight home.”
“I will. Bye, Mrs. Nash!” Erik waved as she climbed over the fence then he took off running as fast as his little legs would go.
With a happy heart, one that felt lighter than it had in a long while, Nora headed home. She waved at Jim as she strolled past the barn where he was brushing down Billy then made her way to the house.
After setting her basket on the table, she carried in wood and stoked the stove then built a fire in the parlor fireplace. She changed back into her woolen dress, a dark blue and pink plaid, combed her hair, tied on an apron, then she set about making dinner.
By the time J.B. arrived home, she’d started to fret he’d never return. The stew was ready and she’d just taken a pan of golden cornbread from the oven when she heard the jingle of harness outside.
She plopped the pan of cornbread on a folded towel on the counter, grabbed her coat, shoved her feet into her boots, and rushed outside.
The chilly air slapped her cheeks as she picked up her skirts and ran toward the barn.
When she got there, Einar was just leading his horse out to leave.
“Hello, Nora. Did you have a nice day?” the man asked as he tipped his hat to her.
“I had a lovely day because I spent most of it with Anna and Erik.” Nora smiled at him as he swung onto his horse. “Tell Anna I truly appreciated her hospitality.”
“You know you’re welcome anytime,” Einar said. He glanced back at J.B. “Thanks for today.”
“My pleasure. I’m glad you could come along,” J.B. said, looking up from where he unhitched the mules from the wagon.
“Pardon me for rushing off, but I’m anxious to be home to see my wife and son.” Einar left with a wave and soon disappeared in the darkness.
“Are you going to tell me where you’ve been?” Nora asked, walking over to J.B. and rubbing a hand over
the lead mule. Beyond the odor of the animals and the enticing scent of her husband, she smelled something that put her in mind of Christmas.
Evergreen.
The air around her smelled like a Christmas tree.
She climbed up the side of the wagon and looked in the bed where half a dozen Christmas trees rested, dusted with snow.
“You brought home Christmas trees?” She glanced over at J.B. in surprise. “That’s where you went? To find Christmas trees?”
“Yes, Miss Nosy,” J.B. said, wrapping his hands around her waist and swinging her to the ground. “Einar and I went into the mountains and cut a wagonload of trees. We brought them back to town and sold all but a handful. Einar wanted to leave his tree here a little while, otherwise he’s afraid Erik will drive him and Anna daft if they put it up too soon before Christmas. There’s one there for the Tooley’s, and a few others. Tomorrow morning, you can choose the one you want. Einar marked his tree with a piece of string.”
Nora threw her arms around her husband and kissed his cold cheek. “Thank you, J.B. Thank you for bringing home Christmas.”
Before he could return her kiss, she ran back inside to the warmth and safety of the house.
Chapter Ten
“Mrs. Nash!” Henry called as the kitchen door opened and banged against the wall with a loud thud.
Nora scurried out of the bedroom where she’d been putting away clothes she’d just finished ironing. Her breath caught in her throat as Henry and Jim carried J.B. between them. Blood streamed from a gash on his head and his feet dragged behind him as the two men supported him.
“What happened?” Nora asked, scurrying ahead of them to the bedroom. She threw off the coverlet and turned back the blankets.
“He’ll make a mess on your clean sheets, Mrs. Nash. Do you have an oilcloth?” Jim asked.
“I have one, but I don’t care if he makes a mess.” Nora’s throat felt tight as she struggled to keep from panicking.
“Why don’t you get it anyway? Once we get him cleaned up, we’ll help get him settled into bed.” Jim offered her an encouraging look as he and Henry bore J.B.’s weight between them.
Nora dashed into the kitchen, retrieved a clean oilcloth and hastily spread it over the bed. Jim lowered J.B. onto it and gently let him fall back.
Nora rushed to fill a basin with warm water and grab a stack of rags. She returned to the bedroom to find Jim and Henry had removed J.B.’s boots, coat, and shirt. A bruise the size and shape of a hoof print marred his left side. Other than the gash on his head and a small cut on his chin, he appeared otherwise unharmed.
“What happened?” Nora asked again, shoving the basin at Henry to hold. Working quickly, she dipped a rag into the water and wrung out the excess moisture before dabbing at the blood running down J.B.’s face.
“He decided to ride that horse he brought home the other day,” Jim said, pulling J.B. further up on the bed when he started to slide off the side.
Nora frowned. “That wild, crazy beast that I told him to take back wherever he found it? That horse?”
“That’s the one, ma’am,” Henry said. “He wanted to see how much work it would take to break it.”
Nora rolled her eyes in disgust. “Judging from what happened, I’d say quite a bit of work.”
“Yes, ma’am, that’s what we thought.” Henry grinned, but looked chagrined when Nora scowled at him.
She glanced around, noticing the absence of their third hired hand. “Where’s Lyle. Don’t tell me he’s out there with that devilish animal.”
“No, ma’am. I sent him to fetch Doc Reed.” Jim motioned to the hoof print on J.B.’s side. “Wasn’t sure how much damage the horse might have done when it tossed him into the fence. He smacked his head pretty good. When he passed out, the horse stomped right over the top of him.”
“If you didn’t know better, you might even think Plutarch has a strong dislike for him,” Henry added.
Nora narrowed her gaze as she glared at the two hired men. “I will shoot that horse myself if anything happens to J.B.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Jim said while Henry nodded in agreement.
Jim sent Henry out to start the evening chores while he helped Nora clean up J.B. then tuck him beneath the covers of the bed. Nora placed a bandage on J.B.’s head once the bleeding slowed. The bruise on his side felt hot, but she would wait to worry until the doctor got there.
With nothing else they could do for J.B., Jim went outside to help Henry with the chores while Nora pulled up a chair next to the bed. She clasped J.B.’s hand in hers and kissed the back of it while she prayed for him.
In that moment, she realized if she lost him, she truly wouldn’t be able to go on. She needed J.B.’s presence in her life like she needed air to breathe. The thought of a world without him in it, without his teasing smile, his strength, his kisses and love, wasn’t one where she could exist.
Tears dampened her cheeks as she silently cried over her husband, pleading for him to be well.
“Hey, apple cheeks, no need to cry,” J.B. whispered, reaching up to brush the tears from her face. The slight movement of his arm made him wince.
“Hold still,” Nora cautioned, but she was so euphoric he was awake, she leaned down and kissed him full on the lips.
“Well, I might have to let that rangy ol’ horse toss me off again if that’s what it takes to get a kiss from you.”
“Oh, hush,” Nora said, blushing as she resumed her seat next to the bed. She continued holding his hand, though. “Would you like a drink? May I get another pillow for you?”
“I’m fine for the moment. Where’d the boys go?” J.B. asked, looking out the window into the dark that was fast descending.
“Lyle went to fetch the doctor. Jim and Henry are taking care of the chores.”
J.B. looked back at her. “I’m sure it’ll be a wasted trip for the doc. I can get up and help with chores.” J.B. started to toss the covers aside, but the movement made him grab onto his head as his face turned white.
“I told you to hold still,” she said, dabbing his face with a wet cloth. “Just lie back and rest until Doctor Reed arrives. It shouldn’t be long now.”
“Will you keep me company until he comes?” J.B. asked, sighing as he allowed himself to relax against the pillows and soft comfort of the bed.
“Of course.” Nora pulled the covers up higher then wiped his face again.
“Sing to me, Nora? Please?” J.B.’s blue eyes held pain, but also something warm and inviting.
Nora nodded and sang his favorite hymn, then hers. She sang three Christmas carols before the sound of boots on the porch drew her out of her chair. She hurried into the kitchen to find Doctor Reed there, removing his coat and hat.
“Well, it sounds like J.B. picked the wrong horse to wrangle,” the doctor said with a smile.
“That’s what the boys tell me,” Nora said, motioning the doctor to precede her into the bedroom. She stood in the doorway while the doctor examined J.B.
When he finished, he turned back to her with an encouraging look. “He took quite a thump to his head. Other than a headache that will last a few days, just keep the wound clean. I have some salve you can apply if needed. He’s lucky the horse didn’t crack his ribs, but it appears he’s just bruised. Again, a day or two of rest should remedy any problems.”
“What a relief,” Nora said, releasing the breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. “I’m sorry we brought you out here on such a cold evening. Would you like to stay for supper?”
“As lovely as that would be, I better head back into town in case I’m needed elsewhere. Maxine was making roasted chicken for dinner, and I don’t want to miss out.”
“How about a cup of hot coffee before you go?” Nora started to pour a cup, but he held out a hand.
“I really do need to get going, but I’ll be back out in a few days to check on the patient. If you can, get him to rest for at least tomorrow.” Doctor Reed pulled on his coat,
tugged on a pair of gloves, then picked up his bag and hat. “Have a nice evening, Mrs. Nash.”
“You, too, sir, and thank you.”
The doctor tipped his head to her then hurried out into the cold.
Nora returned to the bedroom, glad to find J.B. sleeping. She brushed her fingers through his hair and kissed his cheek before she returned to the kitchen to make supper.
Chapter Eleven
J.B. thought he might climb up the walls if he had to spend five more minutes in bed, but Nora had been fussing over him like a mother hen with a new chick and he rather enjoyed the attention.
Doc Reed had come to check on him yesterday and suggested another day or two of rest wouldn’t hurt anything. Much to his surprise, the man had winked at him and tipped his head toward the kitchen where Nora was busy making a chocolate cake.
J.B. had silently nodded his head, letting the doctor know he understood that he was fine if he wanted to get up. Which he did.
But nothing short of a disaster would have sent him outside when he had this unexpected time with his wife. Although Nora had threatened to shoot Plutarch, J.B. thought he might need to give the horse an extra helping of feed as soon as he returned to doing chores. If it wasn’t for the horse tossing him into the fence, he wouldn’t be sitting in bed with Nora buzzing around him.
The hint of her fragrance tantalized his nose along with the aroma of another delicious meal. If he kept this up, he’d gain too much weight to get back into his clothes. Then again, if she leaned over him again to adjust his pillows, he wouldn’t need to worry about getting dressed. Peeling her out of her layers of clothes seemed like a much better idea.
Since his accident, she’d sat at his bedside reading to him, bathing his brow, bringing him all his favorite things to eat. Each time she drew near, J.B. just wanted to wrap her in his arms and never let her go.
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