Page 47 of A Redemption Mountain Christmas
When supper ended, Lucien took the children back into the living room. Booker followed while Dax and Luke disappeared into their study.
Needing some air, Eliza slipped into her coat and stepped out on the porch. Tears burned at the back of her eyes as she walked down the steps and away from the house. Even from where he stood by the barn, Spencer could see she was distressed. He strode across the yard to meet her.
“Eliza?”
She turned, tears glistening on her cheeks. Without a word, Spencer opened his arms, and she stepped into his embrace. Her body shook with quiet sobs as she pressed her face into his chest. Resting his chin on her head, he held her close, doing what he could to provide the comfort she needed.
After a long moment, Eliza’s crying eased. She lifted her head to look up at Spencer, gratitude shining in her eyes. He smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
“I’ve become more attached to the children than I planned,” she said. “They are so precious.”
“And you’ll miss them.”
“Yes, I will.”
“I’m sure Lucien will let you see them as often as you’d like.”
“If I stay,” she said.
“Yes, if you stay.” Leaning down, he brushed a kiss across her lips.
Inside, the mood was much lighter. Laughter rang out as Booker told the children a story about him and his sister, Julia.
Lucien watched as Tommy and Sherilyn became lost in the tale of a boy teaching his sister how to ride a horse, warmth gathering in his chest.
Chapter Twenty-One
Eliza awoke to the stillness of the ranch on Christmas Eve morning. Though the house was full, an odd hush lay over her. She rose, dressed, and made her way downstairs, where voices drifted from the dining room.
She found the long table nearly filled. Dax, Rachel, and their children, Patrick and James, sat at one end with Lucien, Booker, Tommy, and Sherilyn clustered around them.
Tommy and Sherilyn chattered about the coming holiday while Eliza studied Lucien’s somber face. His presence still troubled her, though she could not deny the comfort he brought the children. Nor could she ignore the flutter in her heart whenever Spencer was near. At the thought of him, she glanced around, realizing he hadn’t joined them.
Rachel noticed her, waving her over. “Good morning, Eliza. Come, join us.”
Eliza settled into a chair beside Lucien.
His eyes crinkled with a subtle smile. “Morning, Doc.”
“Good morning, Lucien,” she said as platters of ham, eggs, and biscuits were passed around.
Lucien nodded. “I’ve learned the children are quite fond of you.”
“I assure you, it’s mutual.”
As the meal wound down, she found herself glancing again at the empty chair beside her. Though he most often ate breakfastwith the other ranch hands, she couldn’t deny how much she wished he were there.
Eliza’s musings were interrupted as Rachel stood, indicating breakfast had ended. She helped Rachel clean up, then slipped into her heavy coat, tugging on boots and gloves. As she stepped outside, the brisk air reddened her cheeks. Tugging up the fur-lined hood, she decided to take a quick walk to check on Shining Star.
The pregnant woman smiled in greeting as Eliza entered. Billy closed the door behind her, before moving to stand beside his wife.
“Morning,” Eliza said. “I wanted to see how our patient is faring today.”
Billy looked at Shining Star and smiled. “Tell the doctor how you’re feeling today.”
“I am ready to have this baby.”
Eliza chuckled, seeing the slight strain on the young woman’s face. “I’m sure you are. I’ll be going with Spencer and the others to the church service this afternoon. Do you plan to attend?”
