Page 50 of A Redemption Mountain Christmas
The adults trudged up the porch steps, the church service, as wonderful as it was, had left them exhausted after the busy week preparing for Christmas. Inside, the warmth from the crackling fireplace embraced them, thawing the chill.
“I’ll make coffee,” Rachel said. “Dax, would you bring out the wrapped presents?”
“Of course.”
“I’ll help you.” Booker followed him down the hall.
It took little time for the two men to retrieve the presents, setting them near the tree. The adults set about arranging the gifts around the tree. Quiet laughter filled the room as they speculated on the reactions their presents would elicit come morning.
“I hope Tommy and Sherilyn like what I bought them.” Lucien set two wrapped boxes beneath the tree.
Julia, who’d been invited to stay at the ranch for Christmas, gave his arm an affectionate squeeze. “I’m sure they’ll be thrilled.”
The others murmured in agreement. In this small way, they could create a little extra Christmas magic for the children.
Julia stifled a yawn as she entered her bedroom an hour later, the events of the day catching up with her. She sat at the vanity and began brushing out her long, chestnut hair, thinkingback on the lovely Christmas Eve service. Reverend Paige’s sermon on new beginnings had given her much to ponder.
A hint of a smile played at her lips as she recalled Lucien’s rapt attention during the service. Perhaps he, too, felt the tug of the message. She sighed, wishing she could glimpse inside his complex mind.
As Julia prepared for bed, she retrieved the telegram on her nightstand. She had read it so many times since its arrival, still having a hard time believing the news it contained. In the morning, she would share it with Lucien, though she couldn’t guess his reaction.
Setting the slip of paper back on the nightstand, Julia climbed into bed. She blew out the lamp and soon drifted off, the telegram’s message echoing in her mind.
Outside, the wind howled as Eliza and Spencer stood together on the porch. His arm was around her waist, drawing her close as they talked in soft voices. Their breaths mingled to create soft wisps of white vapor.
“It’s so beautiful out here,” Eliza whispered. She felt his grip around her tighten in response.
“Yes, it is.” His voice was husky with emotion. Tilting up her chin, he claimed her lips in a tender kiss.
Eliza broke the kiss on a reluctant sigh, knowing they both needed rest before the busy Christmas Day ahead.
“We should get some sleep,” she murmured.
“You’re right.” He pressed one more kiss across her lips before stepping away. “Sweet dreams.”
Her heart fluttered as she watched him make his way to the bunkhouse. Entering the house, she touched her lips, feeling flushed, as she walked up the stairs to her bedroom.
Preparing for bed, Eliza couldn’t keep the smile from her face. The decision she’d wrestled with now felt so clear. She would stay in Splendor and hope to find a future with Spencer.
Going to the window, Eliza peered out at the bunkhouse, picturing Spencer asleep within. Anticipation bubbled within her at the thought of telling him her choice to stay. She hoped with all her heart he would want the same.
Christmas morning dawned crisp and clear. Eliza awoke to the sound of laughter and footfalls down the hall. The children were already up, no doubt agape at the gifts around the tree. The smell of coffee and sizzling bacon wafted up from the kitchen.
After washing and dressing, Eliza made her way downstairs. She found Rachel, Ginny, and Julia already at work.
“Merry Christmas!” Julia greeted her.
“It smells wonderful in here.” She grabbed an apron and pitched in, making the coffee cake her mother served every Christmas since Eliza had completed medical school.
Soon, the table was laden with food and ringed by the boisterous, happy family. Eliza placed her fragrant coffee cake on the table.
“My mother’s recipe,” she said, setting it down.
The children’s eyes grew wide at the sight of the treat. Tommy licked his lips while Sherilyn bounced in her seat.
As everyone began passing plates, the conversation grew more animated. Eliza watched in fascination as the children talked about the presents, speculating on what they’d get. She’d never experienced such excitement. As an only child, there was no one to share the excitement.
After breakfast, the real Christmas cheer would come when the children opened their gifts. And tonight, she would tell Spencer her decision. Her chest squeezed, anxious and excited at the same time.
