Dax and Luke climbed ladders to adorn the upper branches, trading good-natured teases as they worked. The air was filledwith the spicy scent of pine and cinnamon from the hot, spiced cider.
Despite her conflicting thoughts over Spencer, Eliza felt herself getting caught up in the excitement. There was such joy and community here, which she’d rarely experienced while growing up. She joined Charlotte and Chloe in searching through the ornaments, oohing and aahing over their creations.
“You hang this one, Miss Eliza.” Charlotte handed her a little yarn snowman. Eliza found an empty spot halfway up the tree and carefully hung the ornament.
“It looks perfect.” Eliza smiled down at Charlotte’s beaming face. For a moment, she let go of her worries and enjoyed being part of this group of people brought together by shared experiences and love.
As the tree decorating continued, Rachel moved to the piano and began playing “Deck the Halls.” Her energetic music filled the room, making toes tap and heads bob in time. Rachel continued playing another carol and joined those singing. Eliza couldn’t resist chiming in on the third song.
Rachel turned in surprise. “Why, Eliza, what a beautiful voice you have.”
She blushed at the compliment. “Oh, I’m not talented,” she demurred.
“Nonsense, you have a gorgeous soprano.”
Soon, she was singing every Christmas carol Rachel played, her crystalline voice soaring over the room. Everyone paused their decorating to listen in delight as Eliza sang verse after verse, backed by Rachel’s skillful playing.
Her voice rang with purity and passion. Though she hadn’t sung much growing up or since leaving home, singing with the others made her spirit soar. For the first time since arriving, Eliza believed there might be a place for her in this remote community.
Lost in the music, she didn’t notice Spencer watching her, an odd expression on his handsome face. When Rachel began playing “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” he moved to stand beside Eliza. His rich baritone joined in, a little uncertain at first, then stronger as he gained confidence. Their voices blended as they sang, creating a magical moment of connection between them.
Two disparate souls had found common ground in a simple song. The rest of the room faded away until it seemed they were the only two people present.
When the last note died away, Eliza came back to herself with a little start. She realized her hand had found Spencer’s where it rested on the piano bench. His larger hand gently squeezed hers before letting go.
Eliza watched as Spencer said his goodnights and exited the ranch house, heading back to the bunkhouse. She’d hoped their shared moment singing together might lead to more conversation, more time in each other’s company. Instead, he hadn’t even acknowledged her as he left.
With a sigh, Eliza bid her own goodnights before retiring upstairs. She readied for bed, though sleep didn’t come easy, her thoughts lingering on Spencer and the powerful connection she’d felt earlier. Drifting off, her last image was of a tall man with a beautiful baritone voice.
She was startled awake by a commotion outside. Shouts and running footsteps disturbed the predawn quiet. Throwing on a robe, Eliza hurried to the window and peered out.
Ranch hands gathered by the barn, saddling horses despite the early hour. She spotted Spencer tightening the cinch on his bay gelding, his hat pulled low and his expression grim. Bull and Billy were also preparing to ride out, as were Dax and Luke.
Her pulse quickened. Something was wrong for the men to display such urgency. Perhaps those cattle rustlers were back.
As the men mounted up and rode off, she hurried downstairs, tying her robe as she stepped outside onto the front porch. The icy morning air raised goosebumps on her skin. Rachel and Ginny were already there, wrapped in shawls and watching the men ride off.
“What’s happened?” Eliza asked.
Rachel turned, her expression grim. “More cattle were taken in the night. At least a dozen head.”
“Do they know who’s responsible?”
“Not yet,” Rachel said. “They hope to find out.”
The three women stood in silence for a moment, gazing out at the empty yard. Ginny broke the quiet. “Well, no use fretting. We’ve got gifts to finish for those orphans.”
Eliza followed Rachel and Ginny back inside, where materials were spread across the dining table. Glad to find a purpose, Eliza set to work on the dress for a little girl’s doll. She focused on her sewing, carefully stitching the floral print dress. As she worked, Rachel and Ginny chatted about preparations for the upcoming Christmas activities.
“I hope we don’t have the kind of blizzards as came through the last two Christmases,” Ginny wondered aloud.
Rachel nodded. “We can always hope. If one comes through, Dax has already said we’re staying home. He doesn’t want to get stuck in town.”
“What about your plans, Eliza? I hope you plan to be here for Christmas Eve and Day,” Ginny said.
She looked up from her sewing. “Oh, I don’t want to intrude.”
“You wouldn’t be intruding, and we’d love to have you,” Rachel said.
