Page 51 of A Redemption Mountain Christmas
Lucien kept a watchful eye on the children as the happy commotion of Christmas morning unfolded around him.Though Tommy and Sherilyn were smiling and laughing with the others, he noticed a lingering sadness in their eyes they couldn’t fully mask. His heart ached for the hardships they’d endured at such a young age.
As Tommy helped Sherilyn spoon strawberry preserves onto a biscuit, Lucien vowed to himself these two would never again feel the uncertainty of being abandoned. Nor would they face the bitter chill of sleeping unprotected on a back street. He would do everything in his power to surround them with a home, food, and love.
After breakfast, the gift giving began in earnest. Lucien made certain Tommy and Sherilyn received extra attention. He showed genuine interest and delight as Tommy demonstrated how his new bugle worked, getting the attention of everyone in the room. Lucien picked up Sherilyn, settling her on his lap when she ran to him with a huge smile and her new doll clutched in both hands.
Though Lucien said little, his steadfast presence and undivided focus on the children spoke volumes. By the time the last shreds of wrapping paper had been cleared away, Tommy and Sherilyn were both chatting with ease, their troubles forgotten under their Uncle Web’s reassuring watch.
When the children ran off to play with what they’d received, the adults opened their presents. These were more practical. Shirts, socks, gloves, sweaters, scarves, sewing material, hair ornaments, and perfume. Booker was stunned to receive a pair of well-crafted leather gloves from his sister. Julia was equally surprised at the emerald green wool shawl from her brother. Booker smiled at his sister’s delight over the shawl, glad to have chosen something both beautiful and practical to help keep her warm.
Dax eagerly donned the warm knitted socks Rachel had made, wiggling his toes in their woolen comfort. Luke gave anapproving nod to Ginny as he inspected the sturdy new work gloves, flexing his fingers to test their fit.
Eliza’s eyes lit up when she opened the lavender sachet Rachel had sewn, breathing in the soothing floral scent. “What a thoughtful gift, Rachel. Thank you.”
Though simple, these heartfelt gifts brought joy and conveyed the love between family and friends. As pleasant conversation filled the room, a spirit of gratitude and community swelled in the ranch house, the true meaning of Christmas overtaking all.
As the adults continued exchanging gifts, Rachel and Ginny made their way over to Lucien.
“We have something special for you, too.” Rachel handed Lucien a neatly wrapped box. Though caught off guard, Lucien accepted it with a polite nod. Carefully, he untied the string and lifted the lid.
Inside were several items of children’s clothing, clearly worn but well cared for. There were warm flannel shirts, a pair of sturdy boots, pairs of woolen socks, dresses, and sturdy shoes, all in children’s sizes. Folded beneath were picture books and two handmade quilts in bright, cheerful patterns.
Lucien’s eyes misted over at the generosity. These were gifts for Tommy and Sherilyn, who’d arrived with so little. Rachel and Ginny were ensuring the children would be warm and comfortable in their new home.
Clearing his throat, he looked between the women.
“We know you’ll give them a good life,” Rachel said.
Lucien swallowed hard, overcome with emotion. Unable to find the words, he enfolded both women in a heartfelt embrace.
The meaningful gift would help provide for the children’s needs, but more importantly, it conveyed the Pelletiers’ quiet welcome and support. Lucien was deeply moved.
Lucien was still absorbing the kindness shown to him when Julia approached, holding a telegram against her chest. “This came to me yesterday. I contacted a friend, and, well… It’s best if you read it.” She held it out to him.
He took the slip of paper, intrigued. As he read the words, his eyes widened. He read it again as if struggling to comprehend the message.
After a long moment, he met Julia’s earnest gaze. “It’s from my daughter, Miranda.” She nodded, already knowing the contents of the telegram. “She is doing fine, is living in Chicago, and wants to arrange a visit.” He looked up. “I haven’t seen her since she was a young girl. I can’t believe it,” he murmured. Lucien quickly folded the telegram and tucked it into his shirt pocket as if afraid the news might slip away.
“Did you do this?”
“All I did was send a telegram to a long-time friend who lived in the same town as your wife and daughter. I didn’t expect it to do much good. I was shocked when she responded.”
He embraced Julia. “Thank you,” he whispered, voice thick with emotion.
Then, overcome, Lucien stepped outside into the brisk morning air. He needed a moment alone to process this staggering news. Another unexpected gift.
After Lucien departed, Eliza walked to the tree to pick up a wrapped package, handing it to Spencer. “This is for you.”
He unwrapped the gift to reveal a handsome tooled leather belt with an ornate silver buckle, his initials in the center.
“It’s beautiful,” he breathed out, running his fingers over the intricate tooling. He lifted his gaze to Eliza’s. “I’ll think of you every time I wear it. Thank you.”
She flushed with pleasure at his reaction.
Setting the belt down, he reached into his pocket, ready to pull out his present to Eliza when the front door burst open, andBilly rushed in, his face flushed. His wild-eyed gaze landed on Eliza.
“It’s Shining Star! She’s having the baby.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
