DECEMBER 25, 1860
Well, Desiree, Samantha, Melissa and Jacy were all gathered in the kitchen. It had been hours that they had all been working over the stoves cooking a feast for a king. Everybody seemed to be on edge. Jacy was having a hard time with the cooking and if it hadn't been for Melissa and Samantha coming to her rescue, than their supper would have been ruined. As it was the turkey was a tad burnt but still eatable.Under her breath she was fuming. How could Melissa have done this to her? It was all her fault. They had been out front of the PEG selling papers when Desiree, Samantha, Ted, Walter, and Cody had joined them. They had all bought a paper and then a discussion of Christmas and Christmas Supper had been brought up, and then Melissa went and done it. She invited them all to have supper at their new home on Christmas. She could have shot Melissa right then and there for doing that. There was no way she could get out of it.
She was about ready to just throw everybody out the door, Melissa included, when there was a knock at the back door. The ladies and Melissa had their eyes on Jacy, so she went to see who it was. Opening the door she peered outside to see Caller Bob. "I hope I'm not late, Jacy. I knocked on the front door, but after a few minutes with no one answering, I decided to come around to the back door." She opened the door wide to let Caller Bob pass through. Melissa had invited him and Michael also to have supper with them, and Samantha had extended an invitation to Tally after consulting with Jacy first.
"The fellas," meaning Cody, Tally, Ted and Walter, "are in the living room. They were probably making such a ruckus that they didn't hear you. I'll show you the way." She led Caller Bob through the entryway and down the hall. She would do anything to get out of the kitchen for a few minutes.
When she could no longer stay in the company of the fellas, she returned to the kitchen. As she entered Melissa said, "Jacy I think everything is ready. We can set the table now." She smiled at her sister to show her that there were no hard feelings about Jacy burning the turkey. The ladies quickly set the table and called the fellas into the dining room.
She sat at the head of the table because she was the mistress of the house, Melissa sat to her right with Cody on her left. Also on the right side was Desiree and Samantha, then on the left side was Michael, Tally, Walter and Ted, and Caller Bob sat at the other end of the table. Caller Bob stood up and said, "I'll say the blessing if you don't mind, Jacy?"
"No, I don't mind." Actually she was quite glad because she didn't want to have to do it. After the blessing was said and everybody said amen, it was time to eat.
"Cody would you do the honors?" She asked as she held out the knife. It was his turkey after all. He had been the one who had caught and cleaned it for her.
"I'd be honored." Cody said as he stood and bowed to his lady. Then he took the knife and began carving the turkey. He had a little hard time cutting it since it was burnt. He gave Jacy a puzzled expression as to say how did this turkey get burnt.
"Ummm . . . I hope everybody likes Cajun turkey. That's how I made it." It was the first thing that popped into her mind in order to save face with everybody.
"Oh, I'm sure we will." Cody perked up and dived back into cutting the turkey.
After supper they all retired into the living room for dessert and some conversation. "I think I'm stuffed." Caller Bob said to break the ice as he sat down on one of the sofas beside Tally. Samantha was also sitting beside Tally. Walter and Desiree along with Ted sat together on another sofa, and Melissa and Michael sat together on one sofa while Jacy and Cody each sat in a chair to Cody's dismay for he would have liked to have sat on a sofa next to Jacy.
"I think Cody could eat another whole turkey if we had one." Melissa giggled and everybody grinned.
"No . . . not a whole one, maybe a half of one." Cody grinned at Melissa. He was happy that Melissa had finally warmed up to him and didn't seem to mind that he liked Jacy. She smiled back.
Earlier in the day Desiree had gave Walter the halter she had made. He had loved it, and she in return had loved the necklace that he had given her.
Samantha and Tally had rode over to Jacy's together, but before they had left town, Samantha had exchanged his old halter for the new one while he had been in the bordello making sure that the place was going to be closed this evening. When he came outside and he saw her holding the reins of his horse, he noticed the new halter. He came down off the boardwalk and whistled. "That's a beaut. Did you make it?" Samantha nodded. "I love it. Thank you." Then Tally took out a gift for Samantha. She blushed and unwrapped the tiny box to find a necklace with the letter 'S' on it.
"It's beautiful. Thank you!" She smiled at him.
"May I put it on you?" Tally asked as he stepped closer to her.
"Yes you may." Samantha held out the necklace to him, and he put it around her neck. Next they mounted up and rode out to the Starshine Ranch for Thanksgiving supper.
Well, the party wound down and everybody decided it was time for them leave. Melissa and Jacy escorted everybody to the door. "Jacy is it alright if I ride a little ways with Michael to his ranch?"
"Sure that would be alright kiddo." She replied.
Under her breath as she and Michael walked out she muttered, "Kiddo? Gosh why does she call me that? I hate it."
Seeing that Melissa was deep in thought, Michael rolled up a snowball in his hands and threw it at her. It hit her right smack on her chest. The impact brought her back to the present. She quickly scooped up some snow, made it into a ball and took off after Michael, who was running to the barn. As he stopped in front of the door and was about to open it, he felt a snowball hit his back. Melissa ran up and grabbed Michael by the arm. Michael turned around and before she could say anything, he gave her a quick kiss on the lips. Stunned Melissa moved backwards and fell down into the snow. Michael grinned and helped her stand up. He then assisted her in swatting the snow off of her. Afterwards Melissa followed Michael into the barn, and Michael helped her saddle up Braids. But before they mounted up Michael took a present out of his pocket to give to Melissa.
"Gee, I thought you had forgot." Melissa grinned and blushed.
"Well, if you don't want it." Michael had been handing it out to her, and since she was just standing there not taking it, he decided to tease her.
"I do want it." Melissa eagerly jumped forward and took it from his hand.
She opened it up and inside the box was two wooden animals, a horse that looked a lot like Braids, and a dog that looked like Smoke. "Oh, they�re beautiful. I love them." She exclaimed as she hugged Michael for the gifts. "Now I have a present for you." Melissa pulled out a box from her coat pocket and handed it to Michael.
"Oh, you didn�t have to get me anything, Melissa. Just being my gal is enough for me." But his eyes lit up as he unwrapped the box to find a brand new pocketknife.
"I thought you could use a new one. Your other one looks worn out, and I know you like to carve a lot." Melissa explained.
"I love it. Thanks, Melissa." Michael gave her a hug. They led the horses outside and mounted up. Smoke followed Melissa. He never let her go anywhere without him unless Melissa instructed him to stay home.
Meanwhile back at the house right after all the others had went out the door except Cody, she said, "We'll, you have a safe journey home."
Cody had hung back from leaving. "I don't need to leave yet, Jacy. Besides I have a present for you."
She knew what he had for her, and she really didn't want it. But what could she do. She couldn't refuse the necklace even though she didn't like Cody, but instead she liked someone else. She just couldn't think of a way to quit being his girl.
Cody said, "Come on, your present is outside." He took her by the hand.
"Wait, I'm not dressed to go outside. I'll freeze to death." She started shivering from the cold air entering the doorway.
"Come on Jacy. I'll keep you warm, and we won't be out for very long because I want to snuggle with you on the couch." Cody led her down the porch and over to both his horses. As she saw both the horses, she suddenly remembered that he had brought both of them with him and her fear of him wanting her to go riding with him escalated. "Here it is." He held out his hand directing it toward Trixsy.
"A horse?" Jacy exclaimed.
"Well, she's already yours." Cody saw her puzzled expression. "Remember I gave her to you for your birthday. You just haven't come to get her. I've been wondering why? But she's not your Christmas present. Your Christmas present is inside her --" Before Cody could finish Jacy's mouth went wide. Cody grinned. "Inside her saddlebag." He waited for Jacy to move.
Seeing that she would have to look inside the saddlebag, she started toward it. She opened it up and looked inside. She was afraid that something might jump out at her but nothing did. She reached in and pulled out a box. "I don't want you to catch a cold Jacy so let's go inside and you can open it." She just nodded. Cody took her arm and led her back inside. On her way inside she wondered if he had taken the necklace back and got her something else because the box was bigger than the necklace box, but yet it was very light. What could it be?
"Go ahead and open it." Cody was like a child. He couldn't wait to see the look of happiness on her face.
She slowly peeled off the wrapping and opened the box. Not a look of happiness crossed her face but mere surprise did. She pulled out another box and looked over at Cody. He was grinning at her. She unwrapped the next box and lo' and behold it held another wrapped box. She pulled it out and started unwrapping it. This one was the size of the necklace box, so she knew inside this one was going to be her present. What would she do? If she kept it and wore it that would mean that she was really his gal, but she didn't want to be. She wanted to be another guy's gal. She hadn't had a chance to speak with him but she had gazed at him from the PEG window or from the street whenever he rode into town. Slowly she opened the box to reveal the necklace. Her mouth gaped open for the second time today. Quickly the little wheel in her head started turning and her surprised look immediately turned to anger. Furious she stood up and threw the box at him.
"What? What's wrong, Jacy? What did I do?" Cody stood up and picked up the box and necklace that Jacy had thrown at him. To his utter surprise the necklace had a 'C' on it.
"I think you mixed up your gifts. I knew it. I knew you liked her. I could tell by the way you two have been square dancing together, and by the way that you look at her. Get out! GET OUT! I never want to see you again as long as I live." Jacy pushed him toward the front door. He tried to give her some explanation about he didn't know how he had that necklace and that he had bought her one with a 'J' on it, but she had a deft ear to his words and pushed him out the door. "Good Riddins." She said as she slammed the door in his face. Stunned he just stood there for a few minutes. Finally he decided that there was no way she would let him back in the house. He would just have to wait until she cooled off before talking to her again, but right now he had to find out what had happened with his real present for her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
She took one last look at herself and adjusted the bodice of her dress before grabbing her gifts and heading downstairs. She stopped at Vanessa's door first and knocked then waited as her friend opened the door."Merry Christmas Nessa dear." Elena said as she handed her a small box.
Vanessa smiled as she took the box and opened it. It was a beautifully bound book full of blank pages. "It's a journal." Elena explained. "I figured you'd like to put your thoughts down on paper since you always look like you're pondering something important."
Vanessa hugged her friend tightly. "Thank you Elena, it's a very thoughtful gift."
"You're welcome. Now if you'll excuse me, I have more gifts to hand out."
Vanessa nodded and Elena made her exit humming Deck the Halls. She found Anjanette in her office and placed her gifts down as she searched for the madam's. The older woman eyed Elena warily as she looked through the boxes then smiled as she was handed her box.
Anjanette made quick work of the bow and opened the box to find a beautiful blue silk dressing gown. "Oh Elena, it's beautiful, but you shouldn't have."
"If I can't spend my money on my family, who can I spend it on?" She hugged Anjanette tightly and kissed her cheek. "Thank you for being here for me."
"You're welcome Sweetheart." She smiled down at the young woman and held back sudden tears. Elena was all alone in the world like the rest of them, but for her it was worse. She had her family out there, but they had turned their back to her and that must have slashed at her heart.
Elena took a deep breath and grabbed the last of her packages. "Are the boys in the Casino?"
Anjanette nodded. "I believe they're setting up for the night. Should be slow though. I don't think anyone will come."
"Lonely men will. Dean going out tonight?"
"Yes, he's been invited to dine with the Saunders."
Elena nodded. "I'll talk to you later."
"Bye." Anjanette said quietly and watched her saunter out of the room.
The two men were talking quietly as Elena entered the room. She sat down at the bar and called Dean over to join Tally and herself. She handed each man a small box. "I bought you both the same gift. I hope you like it."
Tally looked surprised at the gift. "You didn't need to Elena."
"I wanted to. Open it up."
The two men opened their gifts quickly, and Dean gasped. Inside the box was a small gold pocket watch. "Elena, this is really too much."
Tally nodded in agreement. "I can't accept this."
"You can and you will. I refuse to take it back. Merry Christmas." She leaned over the bar and placed a chaste kiss to Tally's cheek then did the same to Dean. "Thanks for being so good with me and Vanessa. I really appreciate it."
"You're welcome." Both men said quietly, humbled by her gift. She smiled at the job she had done and quietly left the room to gather her last gift. She would go to the restaurant and give Charity her gift then mail off the letter she had written to her parents. It was innocent enough, a quick Feliz Navidad and a few lines saying she was alive and supporting herself, no return address and no strings. Ian's gift would have to wait until he came to see her.
As she gathered the gift and note and made sure she looked presentable enough to go out into the town she felt eyes on her. Elena turned to find Ian standing in the doorway. "Merry Christmas." He said softly.
Her smile beamed brightly. "I didn't think I'd see you today."
"I have dinner plans, but I have a little while before I have to be there." He pulled out a beautifully wrapped box and held it out to her. "I wasn't sure if customers gifted you girls, but I figured since we're partners I could."
She hated that he'd thought of their relationship in terms of her occupation, but it was to be expected. They were thrown together because of the circumstances. Elena turned and picked up a box of her own and handed it to him. "Merry Christmas."
Ian smiled brightly. "Thank you. Open yours first."
Elena giggled like a child and sat on her bed to open the box. She gasped. "Oh Ian, it's lovely." She pulled out the pale blue negligee and stood in front of her full length mirror holding it against her body. With her coloring the color was striking and her eyes filled with tears. "It's the most beautiful thing I've ever owned."
"I'm glad you like it."
"I do." She replied. "Open yours."
Ian sat on her vanity's bench and gave her a smile that reminded her of a small boy. He opened the box and his jaw dropped. "They're exquisite Elena. Thank you." He pulled out the soft leather riding gloves and tried them on.
"If they don' fit, I can exchange them."
"No they're perfect."
"Good."
Ian rose and kissed her sweetly. "I wish I could stay, but I can't."
Elena tried to keep the disappointment out of her voice but failed. "I understand."
"Chin up. I'll see you soon." He placed a quick kiss to the top of her head and left the room quickly.
She sat on the bed with a heavy sigh. "Merry Christmas to me."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Destiny and Jemima had a nice quiet dinner at home. After dinner, they exchanged their presents. Jemima loved the �J� necklace that her mother had gave her for Christmas. Destiny loved the music box that Jemima had given her.
A couple of days before Christmas a package arrived at the store for Destiny. It was marked �Do not open until Christmas,� so Destiny had put it under the tree.
"Mamma, what's that package?"
"I don't know, Honey. It came in the mail the other day, why don't you open it up and see?"
Jemima did as she was told and found a bunch of presents inside the box. One small box was for Destiny and the rest were for Jemima. They only said "From Santa Clause."
Jemima received a doll, some doll dresses, a doll house with furniture for the doll, and some dresses for her self.
Destiny's present was a necklace with a diamond pendant. While Destiny knew that it must have been Beaureguard that sent the presents, Jemima thought it must have been Santa Clause.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Blythe helped Lilly with the finishing touches for dinner before Kid got there to pick her up to take her to the Station for Christmas Dinner. "I hope they like it." Lilly said.
"I'm sure they will." Blythe smiled. "Now you have to promise to tell me everything when I get back, OK?" Blythe knew what Javier had gotten Lilly for Christmas and wished she could stay to see Lilly's reaction. But she knew that Javier would probably give Lilly her present in private, and not even his father would see Lilly's reaction.
Lilly smiled, she didn't know what all the excitement was about. "OK, I will don't worry."
Meanwhile, Simon had called Javier into his room. "Son, I want to talk to you. I've been thinking, and I think that your mother would like for you to have this." He handed Javier a ring. "I gave this to your mother the day I asked her to marry me. It wasn't much, but she loved it and never took it off. I know she would want you to have it."
After dinner, Simon, Javier and Lilly talk for a bit. It was getting late and Lilly felt like she was imposing on their �family time�. "I'd be going. I'm glad you enjoyed dinner."
"Well, before you leave, I think we better exchange gifts." Simon said. "Javier, why don't you and Lilly walk outside with me for minute." He led them to a beautiful red mare. "Merry Christmas, son. I know that you have wanted a horse for sometime."
"Yes, but I was saving my money for one."
"Well, you can save that money for something else now." Simon grinned.
"What are you going to name her?" Lilly asked.
"Well, she's a beautiful shade of red. I think I'll call her Blaze." Javier said still in shock that his father had gave him a horse for Christmas.
"Well, I'll leave you two alone to exchange your gifts." Simon said as he went inside. He wasn't about to miss the look on Lilly's face when she saw her gift, so he watched them from the window.
Lilly gave Javier his gold cuff links first, and he thought that his initials engraved on them was a very personal touch. If everything went as planned, he would have a place to wear them to soon.
When Lilly opened her gift, she saw her gold bracelet. "Javier, it's beautiful!" She exclaimed.
"There's an inscription on the inside of it." He informed her nervously. "Read it."
She looked on the inside of the bracelet, and began to read it as awe turned into shock and shock turned into pleasant excitement. "Will you . . . YES!!! YES!!! YES, Javier I will marry you!!" She screamed as she wrapped her hands around him.
Simon took that as his cue to stop spying on them. Javier took the ring his father had given him that morning and gave it to Lilly. "This was my mother's. I know she would have loved you. So I want you to have it. I know she would want you to have it, and my father wants you to have it, too."
Lilly was completely in awe and could only nod her head as tears of joy came down her cheeks.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Charlie had made a wonderful dinner. While Charlie and Charity had no blood relation, their friendship had become more of a brother/sister relationship as time had passed. So naturally, Charlie had invited Charity to dinner. Matter of fact, he had invited all of his employees to dinner as well as giving them a $20 bonus for Christmas. He knew that his employees didn't have any family in town, and the thought of them spending Christmas alone, just didn't seem right to him. Clover had Ivy, but Charlie knew that Clover and Ivy fought a lot, and Ivy would be having dinner at the station with Noah. Lilly said that she was supposed to be having dinner with Javier and Simon for Christmas, but thanked Charlie for thinking of her.
After Charlie, Clover and Charity had eaten, they sat talking. Lilly saw that the lights were still on in the restaurant and she decided that her coworkers would be the first people to hear her news.
When Charlie saw Lilly walk in he knew that she had been crying. "Lilly, are you alright? Did Javier hurt you? I'll kill him! Where is he?!"
"Charlie, calm down, Javier didn't hurt me. He gave me this for Christmas." She showed him the bracelet on her arm.
Charlie looked confused. "You look like you've been crying. Why would a gold bracelet make you cry?"
"It wasn't the bracelet, it was what it said on the inside." She said giddily. She took off the bracelet and handed it to Charlie for him to see.
Charlie read it out loud for the rest of the girls to hear. "It says, "Will you marry me?" It was then that it dawned on Charlie that it was tears of joy that had stained his friend's face. "Well, what did you say?!" He asked almost knowing the answer.
"I said 'Yes'." she squealed and held up her hand to reveal the ring that Javier had given her as an engagement present. Clover and Charity gathered around her and stared at the small diamond ring. They were all happy for Lilly and gave her hugs. Clover left with Lilly after Charity insisted on going to Grace's tomorrow with her to pick out a wedding dress.
After everyone else left, Charlie and Charity exchanged their gifts. Charity had seen a gun belt that she knew that Charlie would love so she had ordered it and wrapped it up for him.
Charlie gave Charity a �C� necklace that he had seen at the store. After all, he thought of her as a sister, and brothers and sisters gave gifts to each other. "Charity you can lock up, I'm going home now." Charlie told his �little sister�.
"Charlie, I know you're not going home." She said teasingly.
"And just where do you think I'm going?"
"I know that you are going to the bordello to see Vanessa. Elena tells me every time you go in there you go to see Vanessa. And as strange as it seems, you always go to see her after you see Caly, or when you wish you could see Caly."
"Good night, Charity." Charlie said without confirming or denying Charity's accusations.
Charlie did indeed go see Vanessa, but it wasn't until Charity pointed out to him that he only went to see her when he wanted to be with Caly. Maybe he wasn't in love with Caly, just in lust with her. She was smart and beautiful and didn't deserve to be treated as a piece of meat. He always treated her like a queen, but he found that the more time he spent with her, she was just a friend.
He walked into the bordello and asked for Vanessa. He also left Vanessa $20 on her nightstand for Christmas before he left.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Christmas morning Marta found a note that had been slipped under her door. She unfolded it and read 'Look out in front of the hotel for your present.' Since her room was located at the rear of the hotel, she couldn't look out her window to see what it was. So Excitedly Marta quickly put on her clothes and at a fast pace went outside the hotel.
She looked all around the boardwalk for a present but didn't see any. The only thing she saw was a chestnut mare tied in front of the hotel. At second glance she noticed the big red bow attached to the halter. She walked over to the mare and found a card clipped to the bow. She pulled it off and read, 'MERRY CHRISTMAS, FROM SANTA'. She looked at the mare and then she looked all around to see who had left her this fine horse, but the street was deserted.
Marta carried the bow and card into the hotel with her. She looked around for the sender, but she didn't even see Walter. He must be at home. He had told her a few days ago that he wouldn't be at the hotel today. He had posted in the hotel window a week ago and he had told the hotel residents yesterday that Marta would be fixing breakfast, lunch and supper at certain times of the day, and if they didn't get their food at that time then they were out of luck. Lucky for her there were only three residents that she had to cook for.
Before cooking Marta took the mare over to the livery and asked Samantha if she knew anything about her present. Samantha knew the mare had been part of the group that Walter had and was selling for Karen who had left, but she didn't say that to Marta after she found out that the note had said from Santa Claus. Instead she told Marta that she didn't know who had gave her the mare. Disappointed Marta asked if she could board her horse at the livery. Samantha nodded and led the horse to an empty stall. Still baffled as to who could have gave her such a gift, Marta went through the whole day trying to think who the sender could be. She wondered if it could be Ted. He would be the first one she asked the next time she saw him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Kimberly and Lou sat inside the living room and muffled giggles could be heard all the way into the kitchen where Tyson was busy making Christmas dinner. He�d insisted on treating his two favorite ladies to the best service in the house. Well, neither of them was complaining yet . . . they were too busy having fun watching him attempt something that they all knew might become a disaster any moment.
"All right, you two, that�s enough outta both of ya!" He shouted from his post in front of the stove, "You laugh now . . . go ahead. But I guarantee that when you taste this bird, you�ll be on your hands and knees and beggin� for my forgiveness."
"Right," Lou teased, "But first, we�ll have to put the fire out!"
Kimberly grabbed her sides and burst into a fit of laughter, prompting Tyson to appear . . . spatula in hand. He waved it over them both as if it were a dangerous weapon. Lou simply smiled up at him, enjoying the silly fun they were all having on Christmas.
"I�m gonna give you ladies one more warning," he said, scowling fiercely, "One more strike and you�re out . . . this delicious food will be all mine and I ain�t sharin�. You�ll have to go beg for your dinner elsewhere."
Lou stood and bowed, mocking him and listening to Kimberly�s non-stop giggles. "You are so right, dear sir, please forgive our rudeness," she replied seriously, doing everything possible not to break into laughter, "Carry on, my good man! A feast awaits us all!"
Tyson gave her a squinted stare and tilted his head slightly as if to be certain that she hadn�t gone entirely insane. Kimberly finally straightened up and quit poking fun at her brother. After all, it was Christmas and he was doing everything he could to impress Lou.
"I�m sorry, dear brother," Kimberly said as she stood and graced him with a light kiss to his floured cheek, "I didn�t mean to make fun. You�re doing a much better job than I ever could. Lou�s right . . . carry on, my good man."
Tyson smiled at his sister and then glanced at Lou. She sat still, her dark, brown eyes staring into his. She said nothing . . . she didn�t need to. The feelings in her heart gave her away instantly, and Tyson knew that it wouldn�t be long until he could pull her from this fa�ade as a Pony Express rider. He wanted to give her a real life�one she so deserved. If only she�d let him.
After everything was done at last, Tyson sat at the head of the table with Kimberly on his right, and Lou on his left. He said grace and they all helped their plates.
"Dig in everyone, there�s more than enough for all of us!" He chuckled, heaping a pile of mashed potatoes onto his plate.
Lou took a bite of stuffing and smiled, nodding her head emphatically. Kimberly looked at her across the table and her eyes conveyed her own surprise. When they�d both swallowed, they took turns complimenting him on the wonderful meal.
"I gotta hand it to ya, Tyson," Lou said first, "You really outdone yourself on this"
"Too true, this is completely not what I expected at all," Kimberly chimed in, "I am so proud of you!"
"Well, well, well, the truth shall set you free," he retorted, smirking as he held a drumstick, "Now, maybe you won�t be so quick next time to judge my culinary efforts before sampling the results."
Lou sat quietly, admiring the words Tyson said, admiring the he emphasized each and every word with the drumstick pointed directly at them. She knew that it wouldn�t be much longer, and she wouldn�t be able to keep her feelings at bay . . . then what? What would happen when she finally fell for him? Would she have to quit her job? Would Teaspoon fire her? What would everyone else say when they found out that Lou was actually Louise? And . . . could she give up the only life she�d ever known for the only man she really cared about? What were her choices, her options? So many questions and not nearly enough answers.
Tyson looked over at Lou halfway through the meal and noticed that she appeared to be in her own little world. What was she thinking? Was she thinking about him? Was she fretting over losing her job if Teaspoon found out that she was a girl . . . well, make that a woman? He watched her frown deepen and he leaned forward, intent on easing her worries . . . whatever they may be.
"Lou?" He whispered when Kimberly excused herself and set about to cleaning up in the kitchen, "Something wrong?"
She shook her head and played with the leftovers on her plate. She couldn�t tell him what she�d been thinking. She didn�t want him to even know that she liked him . . . a lot! And she had to keep her guard up just in case he really didn�t mean any intentions toward her in that way.
"C�mon, Lou, it�s just us," he coaxed, reaching for her hand and holding it in his, "You can tell me anything."
She jumped at the touch of his hand and jerked away, instantly regretting that she�d done so. The hurtful look in his eyes told her that she shouldn�t judge Tyson so harshly and that his feelings for her were honest and real.
"I . . . I�m sorry, Tyson," she said, setting her fork down and looking at him, "I didn�t mean to . . ."
He smiled then, a genuine smile that nearly broke Lou�s heart right then and there. At that moment, she didn�t care anymore. She didn�t care if Teaspoon and the whole town found out . . . she didn�t even care if she lost her job . . . all she cared about right then was Tyson and the way he was looking at her. There wasn�t much else to think about. He�d made her forget it all with just one smile.
Tyson could still hear the clinking of plates and silverware and knew that Kimberly was too wrapped up in her duties to give a second thought about the two of them. He was safe as far as he was concerned, and he hoped she wouldn�t walk in and see what he was about to do.
Lou froze as she watched Tyson lean further across the table and she felt herself moving forward to meet him. Time stood absolutely still . . . the world stopped revolving . . . their lips met in a soft, gentle kiss that melted her heart and soul. She closed her eyes and felt his hand touch the side of her face. The tender brush of his lips on hers was phenomenal . . . almost supernatural and she ceased to exist.
Tyson hadn�t expected the reaction he received from her . . . in fact, he would have done much better if she�d slapped him soundly across his face for even trying such a thing. But, the minute he touched her . . . the moment their lips met . . . he was in sheer heaven. And when she returned his kiss, Tyson�s stomach flip-flopped and his heart skipped three beats simultaneously. It was like nothing he�d ever felt and he knew it. It would be like nothing else ever again.
With this one kiss . . . this crazy emotion they were both feeling . . . he knew that she had him wrapped up, heart and soul, and he was, for once, powerless to do anything at all about it . . . and he didn�t want to.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
After dinner had been served the family moved to the Saunders' parlor. Meghan sat in a plush chair absently rubbing her abdomen with Luke on the floor beside her closest to the tree. Serena sat on the couch leaning on Daniel, and Ian sat on the other side of the room, as far away from Meg as he could possibly get. The two of them had been dancing around each other since their kiss.
"The parlor looks beautiful Meghan." Serena said as she looked around at the decor. "You have outdone yourself."
"I had wonderful help." She replied. "Luke and Ian are the best assistants a woman could ask for."
Serena smiled at the look Luke gave his wife then turned her attention to the other man in question. Ian had a small smile on his face but it was the look of longing she saw in his eyes that had her raising an eyebrow. He looked over at her and she pasted a smile on her face and he returned it.
"So let's get to the presents." Daniel said with a wide grin. Serena slapped his arm and he laughed. "Used to be that Meg was the one eagerly hopping to the tree."
"I haven't hopped anywhere in the last few months." Meg replied. "But now that Daddy mentions it, let's get to it."
"What about Corey?" Serena asked worriedly.
"She'll be here shortly. She said that we should start without her. She and Dean had dinner plans and she said they'd come over after."
"Well then that's that. Gimmie mine first." Daniel said.
"I think someone hit the eggnog early." Luke said.
"I'm just very festive. I know this is Meg's favorite holiday, and I always get-" He paused as he searched for the right word.
"Foolish?" Serena asked.
"Silly?" Meg added.
"Joyous." Daniel stated with a smirk for his wife and daughter that made everyone laugh.
�
Luke turned towards the tree and the packages piled beneath it. "Who wants to be first?"
"We'll go first." Serena said and pushed Daniel up. The doctor moved to the back of the tree and pulled out a large rectangular shaped object that was flat and placed it in front of his daughter. "This is for you and Luke from Serena and I. Merry Christmas baby girl." He said as he placed a kiss to her temple.
Luke rose to his knees as Meg unwrapped the present. Serena watched with Daniel by her side as Meg gasped in pleasure. "Oh Serena did you paint this?"
The other woman nodded silently. Luke lifted the painting in his hands and stared down at it in amazement. "You are truly talented Serena. We never even posed for this."
Daniel kissed his wife's cheek proudly. "She has an incredible memory."
Luke turned the painting around so that Ian could see it. It was a portrait of Meg and Luke dressed in their wedding clothes. Willow Manor stood out proudly in the background of the painting with the fields of wildflowers around it and the couple. "It's beautiful Serena." Ian said softly as he looked at the way she painted Meg. The Meghan she depicted had a look of love and anticipation in her eyes that he didn't doubt the real Meg had on her wedding day.
Luke helped Meg to her feet and she made her way to her parents to thank them as he left the room with Ian to get their gift.
"Ready?" Luke called from the hallway.
"Yes." Meg replied then turned back to Serena and Daniel. "This is from Luke and I."
The three turned their attention to the doorway just as Luke entered carrying an intricately carved cradle with Ian following with a small dresser that matched it. Serena gasped as Daniel's mouth dropped open.
The couple walked to the items. "It's more beautiful than anything we've seen in any catalog. Where'd you find this Meghan?" Serena asked as she touched the cradle reverently.
"Ian made it." Luke answered proudly.
Daniel looked up at the young man and shook his head slowly. "I don't know what to say."
"Thank you." Serena said as she hugged him, "They're beautiful Ian. You have an amazing talent."
"So do you Serena." He answered.
Serena then turned to Meg and hugged her as best they could. She pulled away and cupped her stepdaughter's face in her hands. "Thank you Meghan this is a wonderful gift."
"So was yours." She replied and was then swung around into her father's embrace.
When everyone was calm and seated again Daniel motioned for their other gift. Ian's eyes opened widely when the package was set on his lap. "You didn't have to get me anything."
"We wanted to and now that I see what you can do I'm glad we got those." Daniel replied.
Intrigued, Meg leaned forward. "Open it Ian."
Ian shrugged slightly and unwrapped the gift. It was a leather bound case and his brows furrowed as he opened it. Tenderly he touched the tools inside and glanced up at the couple who had given him the gift. "Thank you so much, I've never owned anything so polished before."
"We know you'll put them to good use." Serena said.
"What is it mate?" Luke asked.
"Carving tools for woodwork. A very, very nice set of woodworking tools." Ian replied.
Meghan smiled broadly at the couple. "What a thoughtful gift."
"I have something for you as well." Ian said as he rose. "Just give me a minute to
get it."
"Something for us? What was this?" Daniel asked as he motioned to the cradle and dresser.
"Those are from Meg and Luke, this is from me." The group watched silently as he ran from the room. Meg shrugged when Daniel asked what it was. Minutes later Ian returned with a rocking chair that matched the cradle and dresser. "No nursery should be without a rocking chair." He said.
Serena squealed like a child when she saw it and Daniel helped her up to sit in it. "Ian it's perfect. Where'd you find the time to do all of this?"
Ian shrugged. "I don't have much of a life here in town so I use my time as I see fit. I'm just glad you like it."
"They are beautiful pieces Ian." Daniel stated. "You could make a lot of money doing this."
"I never really thought about it. I was a farmer for a long time and wood working was always just a hobby."
"Look into it." Daniel said.
"Yes sir." Ian replied with a smile. "Okay now for the hosts of this small gathering and my temporary landlords. Your first gift is upstairs, shall we go?" The group looked at him in confusion but Luke helped Meg to stand and the couple followed Ian upstairs with Serena and Daniel following. They stopped in front of the nursery door. "Meg you do the honors." Ian said softly.
"It's done?"
He nodded. "If there's anything you want to change then just let me know."
Meg glanced at Luke who was smiling down at her before grasping the doorknob. She opened the door with a small flourish and stood in the doorway silently with Luke. The room was more beautiful than she could have ever imagined. Ian painted it a soft yellow color, the rocking chair that Teaspoon had given them as a wedding present was placed beside the window with the cradle on the wall closest to the door. A small dresser and nightstand were also in the room but it was the shelves that caught her attention. Beautifully hand-crafted shelves lined one wall and had stuffed bears and other toys on them. "Oh Ian." She said softly.
"It's Christmas, I thought the baby should have something too."
Meg turned and hugged him tightly. "Thank you it's beautiful." Ian accepted the hug gratefully then turned to receive thanks from Luke. It was several minutes before the group headed back downstairs.
Ian walked to the tree and retrieved the two gifts he had for Meg and Luke. He handed the first to his friend. "And now for the real gifts, I wasn't sure what to get the man who has it all, but I came across this and I thought you might like to have it."
Luke smiled at the box and quickly unwrapped it. He opened it and glanced up at Ian. "Where'd you find this?"
"I've always had it. Do you like it?"
Luke nodded and held the picture up to Meg. She smiled at the small photograph of a much younger Ian and Luke, their arms around each other's shoulders standing in front of a huge building with wide smiles on their faces. "That's the shearing barn on my family's farm in Australia. This was taken about a month before I left." He rose and enveloped his friend in a huge bear hug. "Thanks Ian."
"Welcome mate." He turned to Meg and handed her a small box. "For the lady of the house."
Meghan smiled and gently unwrapped the box, Serena watched as Meg's eyes lit up and Luke frowned slightly. "Ian, you shouldn't have."
"I wanted to. I saw it and it immediately reminded me of you."
"But it must have been so expensive."
"I bought it with my winnings from the Turkey Trot. Do you like it?"
Meg lifted the silver charm bracelet and smiled. "I love it. Oh look it has a charm on it." Meg touched the small Christmas tree hanging from the bracelet.
"I figure this way anyone can add to it to mark special occasions." Ian said then glanced at Luke who was staring at him as if he'd never seen him before. He smiled weakly at him, but before Luke could say anything Meg tugged at his sleeve and asked him to put it on.
"Now you." She said after Luke had clasped the bracelet. Ian watched as his friend dragged out a large misshapen object.
"Meg insisted that I wrap it." Luke said with a smile for his wife.
Ian knelt before it and unwrapped the saddle. It was dark brown leather and had silver adornments on it. He glanced up first at Luke then to his wife with a wide grin. "Thank you. I don't know what else to say."
"Your welcome." Luke replied as he watched the silent exchange between his wife and friend.
Daniel clapped loudly, drawing all attention to him. "Well, this has been a wonderful Christmas, I'd like to propose a toast." He poured out a small amount of whiskey for the men then ran to get cider for the women. The group lifted their glasses, "To new friends and family, may we all get what we deserve in the coming years."
Luke and Meg exchanged their gifts in private. They wanted to establish a tradition for them, on their first Christmas as a married couple.
Luke watched as the love of his life opened the gift from him. Her eyes gleamed with light when she opened it up. It was a picture that he had Serena paint of their house decorated up for Christmas. Meg had gotten her husband a new set of cuff links with his initials emblazoned on them.
After they made love that night, Luke could not help but wonder if Meg was thinking of him or Ian. He had seen how Ian had started to look at his wife. And tonight when they were exchanging their gifts, had she looked at Ian the same way? Nah, he was just being paranoid. After all Meg loved him and Ian was changing--wasn�t he? Besides, Meg loved him and would never hurt him like that. He could trust her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Rachel smiled to the girls as they worked together to help make Christmas dinner. Grace
was finally starting to overcome some of her shyness and had made friends with Lee. Lynn
teased Lee as Grace attempted to show her how to cook.
Teaspoon stood in the dining area and greeted Kid as he walked in with Blythe. A short
time later Noah followed with Ivy. Jimmy, Ike and Jesse sat at the table talking to each
other and everyone's eyes lit up as the ladies started to set the table. Blythe and Ivy
assisted and soon the table was set.
Ike smiled as Grace walked over to the table and pulled out a chair for her next to him.
"Thank you" Grace smiled at her dear friend. Lee sat on the other side of Grace
and Jimmy next to her.
Teaspoon smiled "Everyone join hands and I'll start the blessing." The surrogate
family joined hands and bowed their heads as he started the blessing. "Well Lord, I'm
not a religious man," he paused and looked around to the young men and women that
held a special place in his heart and thought of the ones celebrating elsewhere
"We're very blessed each one of us on this
day of our Lords birth. This is a time for family and friends, and I would like to ask
that you bless all these dear people around me and bless our loved ones who are not with
us today. Thank you for this wonderful feast that has been set before us. Amen"
After dinner everyone gathered around the tree to exchange gifts. Grace was still nervous
about giving Ike hers as he sat down next to her and smiled. His eyes lit up as he opened
the shirt. He pulled Grace to him, hugged her and thanked her. Rachel and Teaspoon were
both thrilled to have new coats and Lee was happy with her new scarf. For the first time
in a long time Grace was happy and felt like she belonged.