Western Kisses – Old West Christmas Romances (Boxed Set) (7 page)

“No, darling,” said mother. “Your sister’s finally in love.”

“With Mr. Hindman?” She grasped the opposite end of the linen, folding it.

“What makes you say that?” I sounded somewhat defensive.

“I could see it from the start. Right when you first met. You had a look about you. He’s not unaffected either. I’m sure that’s the only reason he returned to Cripple Creek.”

“Well,” laughed mother. “I suppose the only thing left to do is stand aside and let nature take its course.”

“She’s going to marry before me, I just know it.” Leona grimaced. “How long must Benjamin and I wait?”

“You’re not seventeen yet. You’re too young to know your own mind.”

Her mouth fell open. “That’s utterly insulting. It truly is. I’ll be seventeen in February.”

“Then, once he’s asked for your hand, you may have a year-long engagement and marry at eighteen.” She nodded firmly.

“Oh, that’s dreadful! Truly dreadful! I’m to wait nearly two years?”

“A year and a few months.”

She glared daggers. “I’ll be speaking with pa about this. It’s an injustice anyway you look at it. What do you think, Willow?” She waited for me to reply, although I hadn’t heard a word. “Willow?”

“I do believe her mind is otherwise occupied.” Mother grasped a sheet.

“Ouf! I’ll not wait that long to marry, I tell you.”

“I’m sure you’ll nag and berate us into getting your way. You always do, but marriage is a serious matter. It’s not to be taken lightly, Leona. It’s forever. Do you hear me? Your choice in a partner will follow you to the grave. You must be entirely certain that you’re compatible. It’s not just the passion of your feelings you should consult. It’s far more than that. Do you agree on important things, are your goals closely aligned, how is his temper, is he weak when it comes to gambling or drinking, can you trust him? These are the things you need to think about and more. Can he provide for you? Does he want children sooner or later? Will you get on with his family?”

I’d been listening. “Yes, those things are important.”

Leona pointed an accusing finger at me. “She knows virtually nothing about Mr. Hindman. She’s not allowed to marry him until she’s better acquainted.”

Mother suppressed a smile. “She’s older than you, darling.” She held up a hand. “Ah! Before you shout at me, let me explain. She’s seen a bit more of life, Leona. You know how your sister has suffered. You only have to look at her to understand that. She’s been an observer of things for far too long. She’s been waiting for the right man.”

“That makes no sense.” Leona continued to pout.

“I have to get back to work,” I said. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Leona’s right. I know nothing of Mr. Hindman as of yet. With any luck, I’ll be able to speak with him more now. I’m grateful he didn’t leave. I thought he’d gone.”

“He’s in number twelve now,” said Leona.

“I know. Ma told me.”

“But it’s not fair. She’ll be married by Christmas! I can just tell. Then I’ll have to wait forever for my wedding.”

Mother rubbed her forehead. “You girls will run me ragged.”

“I want a husband by Christmas.”

“What’s this about husbands?” asked a stern voice. Pa appeared, dressed for hunting. “Who’s gettin’ married at Christmas? Is there somethin’ I should know?”

“Nothing, Wilber,” said mother. “The girls are just talking.”

“This isn’t about Mr. Hindman, is it?”

I glanced at him, stunned.

“What about him?” Mother had stopped folding to stare at him.

“He’s asked permission to marry Willow. He came to me this morning, but I refused him. I’m not about to hand my daughter over to a complete stranger. I told him I’d have to consult with my family first.” He glanced at me. “Are you acquainted with this man, my dear?”

My mouth hung open.

“He’s asked for her hand?” Mother dropped the sheet. “By...mighty.”

Father blustered, “Who is he? Who can vouch for his character? Is this person important to you, Willow? Is there something I should know? If so, please enlighten me.”

“I told you!” shouted Leona. “She’ll be married by Christmas, and I’ll be an old maid by seventeen.”

Mother sat on the bed, heedless of all the linen. “Heaven’s to Betsy, things are moving awfully fast. Well, if you wondered what his intensions were, you need not wonder anymore.”

“Are you acquainted with Mr. Hindman, Willow?” asked father.

“I am.”

“What do you know of him?”

“He’s from Ohio, and his wife passed away last year. He tried mining, but it was hard going. It’s not the best time of year for that sort of thing.”

“Has he made you an offer of marriage?”

“No, of course not.”

“Why would he come to me to ask for your hand then?”

“He’s in love with her,” murmured mother. “She’s equally smitten.”

Pa scratched his beard. “Is this true?” His attention was on me.

“I…don’t know.”

“How do you feel about this man?”

“I like him.”

“He’s stayin’ in the attic room?”

“Not anymore,” said mother. “He’s in number twelve now.”

His brows drew together. “We might want to invite Mr. Hindman to dinner tonight. What are your thoughts on the matter?”

“I think that’s a fine idea.” Mother beamed. “If he’s going to be family, we really should get to know him better.”

Tears were in my eyes, and I willed them away desperately. This display of emotion was embarrassing. The love I felt for my parents in that moment threatened to overwhelm me. Pa, ever reasonable and prudent, would consider Mr. Hindman’s proposal. I was sure he would accept him, once he knew his character better. Guss wanted me to be his wife, and he had boldly approached my father about this. I didn’t think it was possible to feel this much happiness all at one time. I was firmly in the grips of something magical…and I prayed it never ended.

Later that afternoon, Ellen and I were in the kitchen preparing a pig for dinner. “There’s someone who wishes to speak to Willow,” said Leona. “Goodness, that smells divine.”

I glanced over my shoulder finding Mr. Hindman standing behind her. “All right.” I tried to tamp down the rush of excitement I felt, but it was useless. I wiped my hands on the apron, approaching them.

“I’ll be folding napkins in the dining room,” said Leona, flashing a secretive grin before taking her leave.

“I heard you’ve changed rooms.” We were in the hallway, which was rather dark, even at this time of day. “You look better, sir. The food and sleep agreed with you.”

“It did.” His grin lingered pleasingly. “I’ve a favor to ask, if you don’t mind.”

“Certainly.”

“I’ve some clothing that needs washing—it all needs washing. I…could use a bath myself.”

“Milly can take your things and launder them. I’ll tell Ellen to heat the water. We’ve a tub we can bring to your room, sir. It won’t be filled entirely, but it’s enough to be useful.”

“Thank you. I’m much obliged.”

Would he mention asking my father for my hand in marriage? “Oh, one more thing. My parents have invited you to dinner. Will you come?”

“I’d be happy to.”

“We eat at six.”

“That sounds fine. What’s that smell?”

“A roasting pig. I’m also making stuffing. It’s inside the pig for flavor. We’re having Apple Dumpling Soup as well.”

“I thought I smelled cinnamon.”

“You did.” Our eyes met, as something tangible passed between us. There was a long moment of silence, yet it was not awkward in the least. “I should speak to Ellen. It’ll take some time to heat all that water.”

“Do you need help with the tub?” His fingers brushed my arm.

“No, we’re fine. Someone will bring it in a few minutes.”

“Thank you, Willow.”

“You’re welcome.”

I was nervous, horribly nervous, fussing with my hair, picking away at imaginary lint, and worrying how my family would behave at dinner. The dining room had swelled with people, the sucking pig having roasted to perfection, the stuffing infusing the meat with hints of onion and sage. The soup had been devoured with equal aplomb.

“There you are,” said Leona. “We’re all waiting for you.”

It wasn’t in my nature to linger before a mirror, but tonight I had stared at myself, seeing the scars, but not really seeing them. What stood out the most were my eyes, which could be described as unusually bright. I’d never felt as pretty as I did in that moment.

“I’m ready.”

“Well, you should be.” Her hands were on her hips, but good-humor shone in her eyes. “I thought I was vain. Humph.”

“I look for one moment and get chastised.”

She linked her arm through mine. “Your future husband is waiting for you, Willow. You’ve already kept him long enough.”

“I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to that. He didn’t say a thing about asking pa for my hand.”

“Sorry. I can’t help with that. I haven’t a clue what goes through the minds of men most days.”

In the dining room, there were others, as they lingered after the meal. I was astonished to find William Stanford in attendance along with his fiancé, Cybele. I braced myself inwardly, expecting to feel the sadness I so often experienced in their presence, but it failed to materialize. Instead, my belly tingled at the sight of Mr. Hindman, who sat next to my father. I approached them, as Leona took a seat. Guss got to his feet, holding out a chair for me.

“Thank you.”

“You look lovely, Willow.”

“Thank you.”

He’d bathed, as his hair was combed back and his face had been trimmed of unruly hair. His clothing would take another day to launder, as Milly had her hands full with bedding, but his appearance was already vastly improved.

Ellen appeared, carrying several plates. “Here you are. I’ll bring the soup in a bit. Enjoy!”

“Thank you, Ellen,” said mother. “You’ve yet again spoiled us, Willow. She hardly ever cooks the same dish in a week.”

“I alternate. No one wants the same thing.”

“But I love your fried chicken,” said Leona. “I could eat that every day of the week.”

Pa nodded. “She does have an excellent fried chicken.”

Their praise was pleasing, leaving me elated. “It’s the one skill I possess. I do love to cook.”

“And it’s not wasted at all on all of these people,” said Leona. “Everyone raves about your meals.”

“Shall we open a bottle of wine?” asked mother.

“That would be lovely.” Pa glanced at me. “You’ve made yourself pretty tonight, Willow. That’s a lovely ribbon in your hair.”

The compliments were too much. “Oh, stop that now.”

“She’s blushing,” said Leona.

“I’m not.”

As mother brought over the wine, uncorking the bottle, she glanced at Mr. Hindman. “So, I have it on good authority that you plan to stay in Cripple Creek.”

“I do.”

“You were mining?”

“I was. I stupidly went out in these conditions. There were others in the mountains doing the same, but I wasn't as adept, I suppose. I encountered the occasional trapper. I’ve never seen hardier men.”

“You’re from Ohio?”

“Yes. I farmed there and I worked at a mill. I would’ve stayed, if my wife had survived.”

“I’m sorry you lost her.” Mother looked thoughtful. “Do you have children, sir?”

“No, ma’am. We were never able.”

“Again, I’m sorry.”

“Times have been…hard.”

I glanced at him. “Did you sell your mule?”

“I did.” He took a bit of food, chewing. After he had swallowed he said, “I’ve been to the post today. I had a letter from my younger brother. He’s driving a herd of cattle this way come spring. We’re going into business together. I could homestead here. There’s no reason not to.”

“That sounds like a fine idea,” said mother. “Is he bringing his family?”

“Yes, ma’am. He has a fine wife by the name of Lucy and two young daughters.” His eyes lit when he spoke. “It’s a bit of a shock that he’s coming. I’m still stunned by what I read. He was a mill operator too, but the job dried up.”

“You seem genuinely pleased that he’ll be here.”

“Yes, Mrs. Brady. It’s a relief to have family near.”

“What about your personal prospects, sir?” asked Leona, who grinned like a wicked little cat. I wanted to kick her under the table.

“Do you mean like a wife?”

“Yes, sir, or is it too soon for you to think about such things.”

This gave him pause. At length, he said, “I’m not gettin’ any younger. It’s not age that matters all that much, but, sometimes, when you meet the right person, it seems silly to wait.”

“Have you met the right person?”

“Um…c-can I have the salt, please?” I reached over the table, hoping my sister would not continue with this line of questioning.

“Here you are, my dear.”

“Thank you, Ma.”

“I do believe I have.”

I avoided glancing up, feeling my cheeks singe with the heat of embarrassment.

Pa had been suspiciously quiet. “How are you with the drink, sir?”

“Pardon?”

“Are you prone to drinking?”

“No.”

“Gambling?”

“Is for fools. I don’t care for cards and the like. I prefer the comforts of home. It would be even better with a wife and...children.”

“What was your wife like?” asked Leona.

I would surely strangle my sister as soon as supper was over.

“I’d known her my entire life. She was a neighbor. We went to school together. I thought we’d grow old and be surrounded by a gaggle of grandchildren, but we realized in the early years that children weren’t possible. She had a younger sister who had six children, and we would often watch over them. That reminds me, I need to write her. I’m terrible at writing, but I do want them to know that I plan to settle here.”

“Would you want children now?”

“Leona!” Mother’s eyes were huge. “You’re prying horribly into this man’s life. Please stop that.”

“But, if he’s going to marry Willow, shouldn’t we know more about him?”

Mortified, I threw my hands into my face, as I rested my elbows on the table. “I’ll smother her with a pillow tonight, I swear.” Laughter surrounded me, which was stunning. Even Guss laughed.

“I can see my morning visit has been discussed,” he said. “I don’t mind. It dawned on me last night that I was entirely fond of Willow. No, that’s not right at all. I knew it the first time I met her. She’s a damaged, sad little soul, but I like that. It’s compelling. I see myself in her.”