Page 53 of A Redemption Mountain Christmas
Eliza smiled and tied a checkered apron around her waist. “What can I do?”
“Here, you can peel these potatoes for the potato cakes,” Julia said, passing her a bowl of spuds as Rachel walked in to help.
Eliza set to work, comforted by the domestic tasks. The women chatted as they prepared the meal, sharing funny stories and memories of past Christmases.
Rachel began setting out the desserts prepared over the last few days. Apple and huckleberry pies, along with pound cake and jars of brandied peaches.
“Those look delicious,” Eliza said.
Soon enough, the food was ready, and it was time to gather everyone for supper. Dax stood at the head of the table and gave a simple blessing for the food and the company.
“Dear Lord, thank you for this meal and for all of us being together. Bless this food to our bodies and our time together to our spirits. Amen.”
“Amen,” everyone echoed. The table came alive then with the clinking of silverware and the passing of bowls and platters laden with food. Laughter filled the room as the ranch hands and their families enjoyed the meal. Spencer sat beside her, sharing private smiles as they ate.
After supper, the women cleared away the dishes while the men retired to the parlor for brandy and cigars. Eliza was humming as she helped wash up, already looking forward to dessert and the rest of the holiday.
Julia picked up two pots of coffee from the stove. “I’ll take this on out to the parlor. Heaven knows they’ll be wanting more by now.”
Eliza nodded, stacking the last of the dishes on the sideboard. She could hear the deep rumble of the men’s voices punctuated by hearty laughter. The children’s lighter tones chimed in now and then as they shared in the joy of the evening.
After dessert, Rachel took a seat at the upright piano. Her slender fingers moved gracefully over the keys as she played a medley of familiar carols. The festive music filled the room, complementing the crackling fire and murmur of happy voices.
Eliza found an empty spot on the sofa next to Spencer. As Rachel launched into “Joy to the World,” Eliza couldn’t resist joining in, lending her clear soprano to the cheerful refrain. Spencer’s deep bass provided a pleasing counterpoint as he, too, sang along.
Eliza marveled at how perfectly their voices blended, weaving in joyful harmony. She flashed Spencer a smile. Brushing his hand against hers, he returned the smile.
These people had become like family during her brief time in Splendor. And the man beside her, his strong voice mingling with hers, represented the promise of a future.
When the song ended, she turned toward Spencer. “Let’s sneak outside for a moment.” He nodded, and they grabbed their coats, quietly slipping out the front door into the bracing night air. Eliza drew her coat close against the chill, though she glowed with an inner warmth.
Unable to contain her news any longer, she shared her decision to stay in Splendor and accept the offer of a position at the clinic.
Spencer stilled, considering her words, and for a moment, she didn’t believe he would respond. Had she made a mistake in thinking a future in Splendor with him was what he wanted?
Spencer took both of Eliza’s hands in his own. “You have become the most important person in my life, Eliza. With you by my side, I’ll have the strength and courage to face anything. I love you. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?”
Joyful tears sprang to Eliza’s eyes. “Yes! There’s nothing I want more than to be with you.”
Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small tin container. “This belonged to my grandmother. She wanted me to give it to the woman I married.”
He removed the lid, revealing an oval cameo pendant set in engraved silver. Eliza gasped. It was exquisite.
“May I?” Spencer asked. When she nodded, he gently pinned the cameo to her blouse, over her heart.
Eliza touched it lightly, tears welling up in her eyes. This heirloom represented the joining of their two families. A symbol of the future they would build together.
Epilogue
Eliza finished tying off the last suture in Mrs. Wilson’s arm, then wrapped a clean bandage around the closed wound. “There you are. Keep it clean and dry for the next few days and let me know if you notice any increased swelling or redness.”
Mrs. Wilson nodded in gratitude as Eliza helped her down from the exam table. Eliza could see the woman’s husband pacing anxiously out front.
“Thank you, Dr. Gladstone. You’ve been a godsend to this town.”
“Just doing my job. Now go on home and get some rest.” She walked Mrs. Wilson out to meet her husband, giving him instructions for changing the dressings.
As she turned to go back inside, Rachel Pelletier pulled up in a wagon. “Eliza! We need to hurry if we’re going to get you to the church on time.”
