Page 85 of Montana Bride By Christmas
She nodded. They had decided Evan should get his gifts first. Grandfather had bought him a storybook. Hugh had made him a pair of leather mittens. He thanked them both.
Annie handed her present to Evan. He opened it to reveal the ark and the animals.
“Noah’s Ark,” she explained. “Like the Bible story.”
He lifted up each animal for her to name and whispered the word after her. When he’d been through the entire menagerie, he threw his arms about Annie’s neck. “Thank you,” he whispered.
“You’re welcome. I love you.”
He returned to the toy.
Hugh grasped her hand. He knew she longed for the day the boy would tell them he loved them. “It will come. Give it time.”
“I’ll wait as long as it takes.”
Grandfather handed them each a gift. A scarf. “I got Mary to knit them.”
Hugh handed her his gift.
“Oh, a beautiful notebook. Thank you. I know exactly what I’m going to use it for. I am going to keep a journal of our lives together.”
He leaned over and kissed her nose. “In that case, I should have ordered a case lot of them. You’ll need many notebooks for the many years we are going to be together.”
“I will cherish every moment.” Whether it be short or long, she was settled with accepting whatever the Lord allowed them. No longer did she run from the risks of love; knowing to do so robbed her of the joys which far outweighed the risks.
She handed him his gift.
He looked at her, his smile so warm and promising. “You have already given me so much. Thank you.”
She grinned. “Open your present.”
He carefully folded back the wrapping to expose a fountain pen in a wooden box. He lifted the pen out carefully. “It’s beautiful. I often thought of buying one, but it seemed unnecessary.” He squeezed her hand. “But you realized how much I really wanted one of these writing instruments. Thank you.”
At his warm smile, she forgot everyone and everything else.
Grandfather grunted as he shifted in his chair. “Aren’t we due to leave for the ranch in a couple of hours?”
She sprang to her feet. “I have much to do before then.” She hurried to the kitchen and gathered up the dirty dishes. Hugh came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. “I’ll help.” She leaned her head on his shoulder allowing herself just one moment of sheer pleasure before she returned to the task before her.
She washed, and he dried.
“I’ll go get our conveyance.” He put on his winter coat and left the house.
She pressed to the window, watching until he was out of sight then rushed to her bedroom to gather together the things she would need for the day.
The rattle of harnesses warned that Hugh had returned, and she helped Grandfather and Evan with their things.
She stepped outside to see that Hugh had a sleigh for them, with bells jingling and a big red crepe paper bow on the front. She laughed with delight.
“Merry Christmas,” he called.
They were on their way, their spirits high as they made their journey to the ranch. The sky was clear, the sun trying to offer warmth. Not even the winter cold could quench her joy.
Pa stepped from the house as they drove up. He helped her to the ground. “You’re ready for this?”
“As soon as I change. Thank you for your blessing.” He’d returned two days ago and didn’t hesitate a second when Hugh asked for his approval for their marriage.
“I can see how happy you are. Hugh has given you that. I’m grateful to him.”
