Page 60 of A Whiskey River Princess

“No.” Mrs. Carson shook her head, her eyes wide. “I wouldn’t dream of it. Your secret is safe with me.”

Gabriella nodded. “Also, could you wrap them up separately for me while I shop? I really want him to be surprised.”

A broad smile spread across Mrs. Carson’s face. “Yes, of course.”

Gabriella thought for a moment and then asked. “Do you also happen to have a picture frame, about so big?” She made a square with her hands.

Mrs. Carson’s eyes widened. “Why, yes! Of course! We have a few to choose from.”

“May I see them?”

“Right this way.” The woman led her to a corner where a few picture frames were resting on a table toward the back, leaning against the wall.

Gabriella picked up a gold frame, just the right size that she needed for a special gift. “I’ll take this, too. But could you wrap it in plain, brown paper so Dirk doesn’t see it?”

“Yes, of course!” Mrs. Carson’s eyes widened, clearly enjoying Gabriella’s shopping spree just as much as she was.

Then, Gabriella saw a holiday cookbook on the shelf. She picked it up and paged through. “I’ll take this, too.” It had allkinds of recipes for turkey, stuffing, cookies, cakes, and much, much more. It wouldn’t make her a better cook, but it wouldn’t hurt either. As Gabriella paged through the book, she was surprised to see that she understood a lot more of the baking and cooking terminology that had been completely foreign to her before meeting Mrs. Jenkins and Dirk.

Gabriella dug into her reticule and pulled out enough money to cover her purchases. Mrs. Carson added everything up proudly, took Gabriella’s money, and then counted back her change.

“Thank you so much!” Mrs. Carson gushed. “And if you ever need anything—”

“Well, I’m not sure how long I’ll be in town, but I’ll keep that in mind.” Gabriella cringed when she realized what she had said.

“Oh, really? So, are you just passing through?” Mrs. Carson prodded.

Gabriella was sure the shopkeeper was fueling up to tell the town gossips. “Really, Mrs. Carson,” Gabriella chided, looking at the door. “Mr. Price will be here shortly, and I really would like the books to be a surprise.”

“Say no more!” Mrs. Carson thought for a moment and then raised an eyebrow. “Would you like me to use the colorful paper? It’s expensive—”

“Yes, of course, Mrs. Carson,” Gabriella replied, enjoying the shopkeeper’s reaction. “And please hurry.”

“Yes, of course! Right away!” Mrs. Carson immediately started pulling colorful wrapping paper off the shelf. “I’ll have it ready for you right away.”

Gabriella gave her a small smile. “Thank you. I truly appreciate it,” Gabriella replied, making sure to speak English so as not to draw more attention from the exuberant shopkeeper.

While she was waiting, Gabriella looked around and picked up some potatoes, flour, sugar, coffee, tea, and a few otherpractical items that she knew they needed. Then she looked over at the counter. There was some fine stationary propped up there. She looked closer, and saw it had gold scrolls on the corners and a miniature Santa Claus and sleigh at the top. Matching envelopes were sitting near them. Obviously, people bought it to send Christmas letters to their loved ones back home.

“I’ll take two sheets of this paper, and envelopes, too, please.” Even though she knew that a postrider couldn’t get through until the pass opened up, she wanted to write a letter to her uncle, anyway, vowing to send it as soon as she could. Although she wasn’t quite sure what else she would say, she wanted to wish her uncle and cousin a Merry Christmas and to let them know that she was safe.

Mrs. Carson handed her the books wrapped in colorful paper. “Here you go, miss.” She beamed. “I used the best wrapping paper.” Then she lowered her voice conspiratorially. “I do hope that Mr. Price likes them.”

Gabriella smiled, and then leaned forward. “I’m sure he will,” she agreed as she handed her the paper and envelopes, a new writing quill, and ink. “I’d like to pay for these now, too, please.”

“Another surprise?” Mrs. Carson asked in a low voice, her eyebrows raised.

Gabriella smiled as she dug into the reticule again and handed her the money. Once again, Mrs. Carson gave her the change and wrapped the fine paper in clean, brown paper.

“Thank you, Mrs. Carson.” Gabriella beamed excitedly. “You just made my Christmas.”

Mrs. Carson smiled. “I think you just made mine!”

Both women laughed.

Gabriella picked up a bag of apples for a pie and a few for the horses, along with the rest of the ribbons, lace, and colored paper on the table to make ornaments. There wasn’t much leftsince it was so close to Christmas, but it was enough for her and Dirk to make decorations together.

“There she is!” Dirk proudly announced as he walked into the general store. “Did you find everything you need?”

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