Page 50 of A Whiskey River Princess

As they were walking inside, an idea came to him. “Gabriella, Christmas is right around the corner. After dinner, why don’t we go find a Christmas tree?”

She smiled. “There’s a man who sells trees here?”

He laughed so hard that tears came to his eyes. “No, we’re going to pick one out in the forest.”

She scrunched up her nose. “You mean, we’ll cut it down ourselves?”

Dirk nodded as a broad grin spread across his face. “How else would we get one?”

“Well, back home my cousin and I would go with the head butler to see Monsignor Jean Claude at the church,” she reminisced. “He always had the best trees in town. Then we would pick one out and he would have one of his men deliver it to the—” She stopped. “He would deliver it to our home.”

“Sounds wonderful.” He led her back into the house and shut and locked the door behind them. Usually, he never locked the door, but with the Dougherty Boys possibly about, they couldn’t be too safe. Dirk thought that they had probably given up and were long gone by now, but he didn’t want to take the chance. Not with Gabriella.

He held the chair for her as she sat down and then sat kitty corner from her at the head of the table, at what had become their places. On the table sat fried chicken, mashed potatoes, candied carrots, fresh bread, and more. “It looks wonderful, Gabriella.”

Gabriella blushed. “I can’t take all the credit. Mrs. Jenkins showed me a lot.”

Dirk smiled. “She’s a good teacher.”

“As are you.” Gabriella returned the smile as she shook out a napkin and laid it across her lap. “Would you like to say the blessing?”

Dirk nodded and said a beautiful, heartfelt blessing over the meal, thanking God for the meal, the hands that cooked it, and for the wonderful company.

“Do you think it’ll still be light enough outside to get a Christmas tree after dinner? We can always wait until tomorrow.” Gabriella handed him a bowl of mashed potatoes.

Dirk shook his head, spooning the mashed potatoes onto his plate. “No, it’ll be fine. It’s still early enough.” He glanced over the table, and everything smelled delicious, causing his stomach to grumble.

“I think someone’s hungry,” Gabriella teased as she slid a chicken breast onto her plate.

Dirk nodded as he handed the mashed potatoes back to her. “We worked up an appetite today. Kyle is working out very well.”

Gabriella spooned mashed potatoes onto her plate. “He’s a fine young man. Very polite.”

“And a hard worker, too.” Dirk took a bite of a chicken leg. “I offered him a job today. He’s going to stay on after the holidays.”

Gabriella nodded her agreement. “Good! I’m glad it worked out with him and that you have reliable help.”

The conversation turned light. Although it was in the air, neither said anything about the fact that she would be leaving after the holidays. For now, Dirk was content to pretend that she wasn’t leaving. After all, she was there now, and he intended to make the most of the time they had together… no matter how short that time may be.

When they were through eating, Dirk sat back, sated. “That was a wonderful meal. How did you learn to cook like that in such a short time?”

Gabriella shrugged as a beautiful rose color filled her cheeks. “Mrs. Jenkins is a good teacher—”

“And you’re a quick learner,” Dirk cut her off. “Come on, let’s clean up and go hunt for a tree.”

“What if I stay here and clean up and you go?” Gabriella suggested as she began stacking the dishes.

Dirk laughed as he carried dishes into the kitchen. “No, you’re coming with me. We’re doing this together.” He almost added “as a family” but didn’t finish it, not wanting to scare her off. He turned and put the water on to boil, and she stacked thedishes. They were quickly falling into a routine. “Where are you from?”

“The French Riviera.” She slipped the cups and plates into the basin.

“I know, but which part? Which country?” he asked as he dried a cup and put it away.

She let out a deep breath. “I’m from Monaco. Have you been there before?” she asked, trying to sound casual.

Dirk shook his head. “No, but I’ve read about it in books.”

She nodded. “If you don’t mind me asking, how is it that you are so well… educated?”

---