“About this age, I think.” He looked thoughtful. “We can ask her at church this morning.”
“That would be good. I’ll finish dressing and then we can leave.” She then left the room, emerging a few minutes later donning her coat and with an elegant hat on her head.
He looked her up and down, his eyes burning into her psyche. Did he do that to every woman he saw, or had he reserved that action only for her?
Magdalena hoped it was for her, and her alone.
Annie was in his arms, clutching her favorite toy, the doll Jacob had bought for her. He pushed the curtain aside and looked out onto the street. “Our cab has arrived.”
She pulled on her gloves as they left the house.
The Great Falls church was well attended. Not that Magdalena had expected anything less. They slid into a pew near the back of the church, and sat down, organ music playing in the background. She reached for the bible and held it in her lap, then closed her eyes and prayed for the souls of her sister and brother-in-law.
When she opened them again, she shuddered. Jacob reached across and held her hand. “Are you alright,” he asked quietly, concern evident in his voice.
She smiled grimly. “I will be,” she said, equally quiet. “I was praying for Elizabeth and William.”
He nodded, then squeezed her hands. As the music stopped, Preacher Jones stood out the front, gazing at the congregation and smiling at what he saw.
“Welcome everyone,” he said. “It is good to see so many here on such a chilly day. Now let us pray.”
Preacher Jones moved to the back of the church as the last hymn was sung. He stood at the entrance and greeted everyone as they left.
“Ah, Mrs Carruthers,” he said warmly, as they approached. He reached for her hands and held them gently. “Welcome to our little church. I hope to see you often.”
“You will,” she said quietly. “This is lovely, but I do miss my church from back home.”
Jacob watched as her smile disappeared. He hoped Magdalena would make friends with some of the wonderful ladies from this congregation. He was certain she would fit in well.
“Everyone here is wonderful, friendly,” the preacher said, reassuring her, then moved onto the next couple.
They stood outside on the grass, preparing to leave.
“Oh Mr Carruthers,” a voice called across to him. “Jacob.”
He turned to see Mrs Thompson waving to him, then scurrying toward them. “Oooh, I heard you’d married recently, and wanted to meet your lovely wife. Oh. And your child.” She leaned across and reached for Magdalena’s hand while gazing at the child. “Hello my dear. Welcome to our little town and our wonderful church.”
“This is Mrs Thompson. My wife, Magdalena.” He paused for a moment before adding, “This is Magdalena’s niece, Annie.”
The woman had a huge grin on her face and reached over to touch Annie’s cheek, then quickly turned to his wife. “So lovely to meet you, my dear. May I talk to you about the Ladies Auxiliary?” She hooked her arm through Magdalena’s and they began to stroll away.
Magdalena glanced back over her shoulder, and pointed to the child. He promised to take care of her.
Everyone moved into the hall where tea and coffee was being prepared. Annie tried to pull out of his arms, but he resisted. Eventually he let her down in a corner of the room, where there was an empty space and she wouldn’t be trampled on.
She sat there happily for a while, watching everyone go about their business.
He could see Magdalena in the back of the kitchen with Mrs Thompson and a few of the other ladies from the auxiliary. She seemed in her element.
He’d been holding the doll, and attempted to pass it down to the baby as she was becoming increasingly restless, but she was no longer there. His heart skipped. Where could she have gone so quickly? One moment she was there, and the next she was gone.
He dropped to the floor and glanced around the room, but all he could see were legs and gowns. Panic was beginning to set in. Where was she? And what would Magdalena say when he told her he’d lost her niece?
“Where’s Annie?” a scared voice asked.
He got to his feet and gazed at her, guilt wracking him. “I, I don’t know. I seemed to have lost her.” Her distraught face shocked him. “She was here, and suddenly she wasn’t.”
She stared at him unbelieving. “She can’t walk, Jacob. How could she go, just like that?”
Could someone have taken her? He tensed, then fisted his hands. Surely not…
He didn’t wait to explain, but ran around the room, trying to locate the child. He heard Magdalena right behind him, but didn’t wait for her.
“Annie?” He looked to the ground, and looked higher as well, since she was now well versed in pulling herself up. “Annie?”
“Annie? Annie?” Magdalena was calling too, the words frantic, her voice high pitched.
Mrs White stepped forward. “Are you looking for this sweetie?” she asked, then stepped aside for them to see. “We didn’t know who she belonged to, so couldn’t return her.”
He pulled Magdalena close, and they watched as Annie crawled along the floor, chasing after the other small children, as though she’d done it a hundred times before.
She was having a great time.
They both breathed a huge sigh of relief. “She’s crawling,” Magdalena said softly. “She needed a little prompting, I guess.”
He tightened his grip on her. “I’m sorry I lost sight of her,” Jacob told her, riddled with guilt for the anxiety it caused her.
“You called her Annie.”
He gazed at her. “It’s her name,” he said, puzzled.
“You never call her Annie. You usually call her the child.” Did he? He frowned. “I’m not complaining,” she said. “It’s as though you’ve finally accepted her as part of the family.”
There was that word again – family. He hadn’t thought about it much, but now realized they were a family. He’d never wanted a family, never wanted the responsibility.
But he had to admit to enjoying his new situation, and Annie was an integral part of that.
“Oh, she’s crawling!” Jennifer came up behind them, and peeked over Magdalena’s shoulder. “How are you settling in?” she asked. “We must get Annie into the children’s group,” she said without waiting for an answer. “Annie will love spending time with other youngsters.”
He knew she was right. You couldn’t allow children to be bored. That’s when they became destructive.
He thought about his periodicals. Is that what happened? She’d arrived with almost no toys, so what else was there for her to do?
The stroller should arrive soon, but so would the snow, and it would be far too cold for them to go out for long walks. Yes, joining the children’s group would be good. It would also help Magdalena get to know some of the other women in town.
Jacob left the two women chatting, and went off to get his wife and sister a coffee. This may turn out for the better.
Chapter Eight
Jacob arrived home from work to a house filled with the aromas of baking. And they were coming from his kitchen, in his house.
He put his briefcase down and hurried to see what Magdalena was making.
He stood in the doorway and breathed in. Wonderful.
“What are you making,” he asked, then glanced around. The counter was filled with a variety of baked goods.
Magdalena spun around, her hands to her chest. “Oh my gosh, Jacob! You gave me quite a scare.”
He stepped forward and took her in his arms. He could feel her heart beating rapidly against him. “I’m sorry,” he said, tightening his grip around her. “I didn’t mean to give you a fright. What are you making? It smells superb.”
She grinned. “I’m baking for Christmas. It’s almost here.” She pulled herself out of his grip and picked up three wrapped items. “These three Christmas cakes are those less fortunate than us, and the one in the tin over there
is ours.”
He couldn’t help but feel proud of his wife. He knew she had a good heart, but since she’d joined the Ladies Auxiliary, he’d discovered just how giving she really was.
“I’ve also made shortbread.” She pointed to the ceiling. “And puddings.”
He held back a grin. It always amused him the way women hung Christmas puddings from the ceilings. What did it do after all? “You’ve been busy.”
She stared at him. “You don’t mind do you? I didn’t think you would.”
Mind? He adored that she was doing something she loved. The fact she wanted to help others couldn’t make him more proud. “Of course not. We have far more than most. It’s good to give back to the community.”
He could see the relief on her face.
He glanced around. “Where’s Annie?” He’d become used to the tot crawling around, and missed her when she wasn’t there.
“She’s napping. We had children’s group today and she thoroughly enjoyed herself. She really loves playing with the other children.”
“I’m glad. You both need to spend more time out of the house.”
“Supper won’t be long. We’re having stew tonight, and it’s almost ready.”
One of his favorites. His life was so much better with his little family in it. How he had managed before, Jacob had no idea.
Jennifer had been right. A family will be good for you, she’d said many times, but he hadn’t believed her. Now he wouldn’t have it any other way.
He loved coming home to the smells of cooking, to a warm house, and a wonderful wife. Not to mention little Annie, who had won his heart. She was like a daughter to him now, and Magdalena was as good as a mother to her.
He was pulled out of his thoughts to the sound of wailing coming from the nursery. When Annie was awake, everyone knew. He smiled at the thought. “I’ll get her,” he told his wife.
Jacob strolled toward the nursery, knowing full well he’d find her standing in the crib. He wondered how long it would be before she tried to climb out. Hopefully that would be some time off. She was far too small for a regular bed.
As he entered the room, he was greeted with a broad smile. “Pa-pa.”
Did she say what he thought she’d said? He swallowed back the lump that had formed in his throat. But he wasn’t her papa. Never would be. Not really.
Her little arms reached out to him, and Jacob lifted her from the crib. “You’re wet through,” he said, holding her away from himself.
He laid her down and changed her diaper. No little surprises, which elicited a sigh of relief. He’d learned how to fold a diaper and apply it correctly. He considered himself a modern man, and unlike most other men in town, was happy to help with what others considered women’s work.
As he lifted her again, he was rewarded with a tight hug and a sloppy kiss to his cheek. “Pa-pa,” she said again, and his heart warmed.
Was this Annie’s way of telling him she’d accepted him into her family?
“Look who I found,” he said, entering the kitchen with Annie in his arms.
“Pa-pa.”
Magdalena’s eyes opened wide, then tears filled them. “William had been trying to teach her to say that for so long.” A tear trickled down her face.
Jacob stepped forward and wiped it away with his thumb. “I feel honored that she sees me that way,” he said, the lump in his throat returning. “I love her like a daughter,” he said quietly. “I love you both,” he said, emotion choking him.
“I love you too, Jacob,” Magdalena said equally as quiet. “Even if we did start off on the wrong foot.” She looked up into his face, and touched his cheek. It sent a shiver through him. “I know it was difficult in the beginning, but things have worked out for the best.”
He pulled her close, and they hugged each other, and Annie. His wonderful family meant the world to him.
“The house looks amazing, Jennifer!”
Jacob watched as Magdalena glanced excitedly around the room with all its Christmas decorations. A small tree stood in the corner with gifts under it, and the children hovered around, waiting to open presents.
Charles looked sternly at them and they quickly dispersed. Magdalena held back a grin, but Jacob could see through her. Their eyes met, and he knew immediately what she was thinking – how could you not laugh?
They’d arrived with a box of baked goodies as their contribution to the celebrations. Jennifer looked inside the box, then breathed deeply. “Oh my gosh, they smell amazing!” She took the box and placed it in the kitchen.
“Thank you,” Magdalena said meekly. He’d noticed she was not one to boast about her talents, which he found very humbling.
“Jacob, why don’t you show Maggie around? I’ll keep an eye on Annie. I’m sure she’ll enjoy playing with the children.”
He placed gifts around the tree for his nieces and nephews, then took Magdalena on a tour of the property. He showed her around the house first, and then they donned their coats and went outside.
“There’s not a lot to see,” he said, his arm around her waist. “This is the chicken house, and over there is the barn.” He led her toward a paddock where the horses ran free, but she kept her distance from the fence line.
“You don’t like horses?” he asked, surprised.
“I, I’ve never seen one before.”
He was surprised, but shouldn’t be. She had lived in the city, after all.
He took her hand and led her closer to the fence, then gently held her hand and stretched it out toward the horses. Ginger, the most placid of the two came forward. He sniffed her hand but turned away when she had nothing to offer.
She snatched her hand back.
“Don’t be so quick,” Jacob told her, then reached into his pocket. Ginger immediately turned back, sensing a reward close by.
He held out a piece of carrot, which was quickly snatched up. “Your turn.” He held her hand again, and put a piece of carrot on it. “He won’t hurt you.”
He spoke gently to the horse, who came over and snatched up the offering as though he was stealing it. Magdalena squealed in fright.
Ginger backed off, then stared at Magdalena, looking her up and down. “It’s okay, boy,” Jacob told the horse gently, then pulled out another piece of carrot. “Honestly, he won’t hurt you. Ready to try again?”
Magdalena hesitated, but put out her hand, ready to take the carrot. As though he understood, Ginger slowly moved toward her, then leaned down and gently took the piece of carrot balanced on her hand.
He stood nearby, chewing on the treat. Jacob watched in delight as the horse moved in and gently nudged Magdalena’s shoulder, and whinnied into her neck.
“He likes you,” Jacob said, absolutely delighted. “There’s lots more to see,” he said, leading her further down the property.
“Annie will love this when she’s older,” his wife said, and he was sure it was true. Jacob led her to the edge of a small forest. “This is where Charles found their Christmas tree. I thought perhaps we might find one too?”
She stared at him. “Perhaps next year? Annie might pull it over the way she is now – pulling herself up on everything.”
He hadn’t thought of that. “Ah yes. Of course.” They began to walk in the opposite direction. “Charles has cattle, and also has a market garden. The farm is self-sufficient as well as selling their produce.”
“It’s wonderful.” Magdalena breathed in the fresh air. “It’s so pretty here as well.”
They were about to turn back when it began to snow. She put her hands out to catch it. “You did tell me it would snow for Christmas,” she said, absolutely delighted.
“We should head back. It could get quite heavy and we don’t want to be stuck out here.” He pulled her close and held her tight. “This is the best Christmas I’ve ever had. I’m so grateful to have my own family for Christmas.”
He watched as her chin quivered and she held tears back. He was feeling as emotional as she seem
ed to be.
When they finally arrived back at the cabin, the fire was roaring, and the children were sitting around singing Christmas carols. Annie was in the midst of them, Jennifer by her side.
Jacob pulled his wife a little closer, and she snuggled further into him. “This is the best Christmas ever,” he whispered in her ear.
He felt a shiver go through her. “It certainly is,” she said. “I never imagined I’d have a family for Christmas.”
The children sat around the table wide-eyed. Magdalena was impressed with their behavior. Not one of them misbehaved, and they all ate what was dished out onto their plates.
She could see the children were all happy, but they had obviously been warned to behave. She liked it.
Once luncheon was over, everyone huddled around the tree. Jacob handed out the gifts they’d bought for his nieces and nephews, and Jennifer gave Annie a gift. She was more interested in the wrapping than the toy itself, until she opened it and cuddled the teddy bear she’d been gifted.
Jacob turned to his wife. “I have something for you, too,” he said, staring into her eyes.
“I thought we agreed not to buy each other gifts,” she protested.
He put his fingers to her lips. “This is different.”
How could it be different? A gift is a gift. He pulled a thick envelope out of his pocket. “I’ve been making enquiries,” he said quietly, so the children wouldn’t hear. “You know I consider Annie as my own daughter.”
She certainly did. He treated her as though she was of his own blood.
He handed her the envelope. “Open it.”
She hesitated, then opened it up. Jennifer looked on expectantly.
Tears came to her eyes, then she reached over and hugged her husband with all her might.
“What is it,” Jennifer demanded.
She couldn’t answer, she was too choked with emotion, so Jacob answered for her. “It’s the paperwork for us both to legally adopt Annie,” he said, his voice wavering. “That is if Magdalena wants to do it.”
“Of course I do,” she answered, ending on a sob. “This is the best Christmas gift I’ve ever received.”
A Family For Christmas (Spinster Mail-Order Brides Book 5) Page 6