Page 49 of A Redemption Mountain Christmas
“Spencer…”
“Sure is quiet around here.” He took a seat in the rocker next to hers.
“Almost everyone left for town to deliver the presents to the orphanage. We’re going to meet them at the church. Assuming we’re still riding in together.”
“Of course we are.”
“I wanted to make sure. We’ll be riding with Bull, Lydia, Billy, and Shining Star in the large wagon.”
He nodded, considering. “It has two bench seats, which will give us enough room. How is Shining Star doing?”
“As of a few hours ago, she’s fine. Billy knows to come for me if the contractions return.”
“Is it safe for her to go into town?”
“They decided with most everyone else in town, there’d be no one with medical training to help if the baby does come,” she answered.
He nodded. “What are you reading?”
“A medical journal I brought with me. It chronicles new research.”
“Sounds interesting.” He reached out, placing his hand over hers.
Laughing, she closed the book. “It isn’t for anyone who isn’t a doctor.”
They fell silent as they rocked, watching horses graze on the hay in a corral to the side of the large barn. “If it was spring, I’d get you on a horse for a ride to the creek. Maybe if you stay long enough.”
Right this moment, with Spencer sitting a few inches away, his fingers threaded with hers, she wanted to be here in the spring to take the ride.
The big wagon, as those on the ranch called it, was just that. Wider and longer than the other wagon at the ranch, four people could sit in comfort on each of the two benches. The back was deep, able to hold enough wood to build a small cabin or stable, or deliver every window in the large ranch house.
Bull and Lydia sat on the front bench, and at Shining Star’s insistence, she, Billy, Spencer, and Eliza were on the second. Bull had loaded the back with loose hay and lots of extra blankets. Just in case. The extra weight also helped to stabilize the wagon, which rumbled over bumps in the trail easier than the smaller wagons.
As they traveled toward town, the men entertained the women with stories of their time on the ranch. Eliza found herself mesmerized by what they’d gone through for the life they’d created on the frontier. Her life seemed so old-fashioned and narrow in comparison. She wondered if San Francisco would make her feel alive in the same way as Splendor.
Reaching town, Lydia spotted the others from the ranch and waved. The last two days had been warmer than usual, resulting in melted snow and foot-deep mud. Even though the women wore boots, the men carried the women from the wagon to the steps of the church.
After Spencer set Eliza down and she straightened her dress and coat, he snagged her hand to walk inside. By the smiles and nods from others, the gesture didn’t go unnoticed as they found seats on one of the two long pews Rachel and Ginny had saved. Behind them, Spencer’s sister, Dorinda, leaned forwardto whisper in his ear, causing her brother to blush. Eliza could barely contain a chuckle.
Spencer didn’t let go of her hand. Not when the choir walked in, not when everyone stood to sing, and not when Reverend Paige entered.
Eliza glanced over at Spencer, his handsome profile bathed in candlelight as he sang along to the opening hymn. She gave his hand a small squeeze, overcome with emotion.
After the opening hymns, they took their seats on the wooden pews. She spotted Lucien, Tommy, Julia, and Booker in the row in front of them, little Sherilyn perched happily on her uncle’s lap.
Eliza was jolted from her observations by the pastor beginning his sermon. She tried to focus on his words about new beginnings and leaving the past behind. But Spencer’s thumb gently caressing her palm kept distracting her in the most wonderful way.
She studied his handsome profile again as he listened attentively to the pastor. The flickering candlelight illuminated his chiseled features. Sensing her watching, he turned and met her gaze.
Eliza listened as the reverend used Bible verses to illustrate all the times significant figures were called upon to start over and build their lives anew. She found herself thinking of Lucien and the children, Booker and his sister, and of herself. Eliza wondered if she had the same courage as those who’d come before her.
At the end of the service, as had become a tradition, Beauty DeBell sangSilent Night, Holy Night, bringing many to tears.
The pastor concluded the service, inviting the congregation to share the refreshments in the community building. Spencer turned to Eliza, his golden-brown eyes twinkling.
Eliza smiled up at him, her decision made. This rugged ranch hand had stolen her heart, and she would follow it wherever it led. Starting with the rest of this wonderful Christmas Eve.
Chapter Twenty-Two
