Page 84 of Montana Bride By Christmas
EPILOGUE
Christmas Day
Annie rushed from her bedroom to prepare a special breakfast for Hugh, Evan, and Grandfather. She paused in the living room to admire the tree where they’d hung the ornaments they’d made and tied bows of colorful yarn. The manger scene sat beneath the branches, surrounded by wrapped gifts.
Evan, with Happy at his side, trotted down the hall, his eyes dancing with excitement. “Presents?” His voice seldom rose above a whisper.
“Yes. For us. We’ll open them as soon as we’ve had breakfast.”
He grabbed her hand and tugged her toward the kitchen.
She laughed. “It seems you’re hungry.” She knew he only wanted to get breakfast out of the way. “We’ll have to wait for your papa and my grandfather.”
He nodded and let Happy outside.
Annie folded her arms and leaned against the cupboard enjoying the moment. She had so much to be thankful for on this Christmas Day.
Hugh slipped into the room and pulled her into his arms, her back to his chest, his cheek pressed to hers. “Merry Christmas, Annie Bell.” He’d adopted Grandfather’s nickname for her, using it only for tender moments. “Are you excited about Christmas?”
She turned within the circle of his arm to look into his face. “Our first Christmas together,” she murmured.
“The first of many, many more.” His smile filled his eyes, filled her heart, and promised her his.
“Whatever the future may bring, of sadness or sorrow or disappointment, I will not regret one moment of the time we have together.”
“Nor I.” He kissed her.
Evan tugged on her elbow. “Hurry,” he said in his soft voice, pointing toward the stove.
Grandfather made his way into the room. Shook the coffee pot and grunted. “No coffee?”
She laughed. “Time to get to work.” Reluctant to leave Hugh’s hold, she didn’t move.
He ducked his forehead to hers and then turned her toward the stove. “More of this later.”
Fueled by his promise, she hurriedly made breakfast, doing her best to keep her attention on her work but twice Hugh caught her staring into space and laughed.
She glanced at him. Saw his knowing smile and blushed.
Finally, she got the food on the table, and they gathered around.
“Grandfather, will you ask the blessing?” Hugh said.
“My pleasure.”
They all bowed their heads. Evan clasped his hands in front of him as he had seen Jeannie do. Annie closed her eyes. How much joy could her heart hold before it exploded?
It wouldn’t explode, she realized with a burst of clarity. It would expand, open up like a flower to the sun, and grow stronger with every beat of love.
“Dear Heavenly Father,” Grandfather began. “This is a special day. The day we remember how great is Your love for us. A day to enjoy the love You’ve poured into our lives. We thank You for all Your blessings, including this food that Annie’s hands have lovingly prepared. May Your blessing be upon us throughout every moment of the day.”
Annie kept her eyes closed after Grandfather said amen. His words felt like a benediction. His blessing meant so much to her.
They ate hurriedly in order to keep up with Evan.
Wondering if Evan could wait any longer, she left the dishes to do later. They gathered around the tree. Hugh read the Christmas story while his son moved the figures of the manger scene around to accompany the tale.
“And now,” Hugh said to the boy, “We give gifts to each other to remind us of the greatest gift of all—baby Jesus born in a manger.” He smiled at Annie. “Are we ready?”
