Christmas Surprise Read online

  Tam picked up two glasses as they were filled and carried them to Hank and Luc. He returned for his own and sat on a chair next to Luc. "Thank you for letting me tag along tonight. Trapper Joe is definitely unique." He nudged Luc's arm. "You could have at least warned me about the body odor."

  Luc roared. "Why. Did he make your eyes water?"

  Tam nodded.

  "We're not sure, but the consensus is that Trapper Joe doesn't wash his clothes or take a bath for months at a time."

  Hank chuckled. "We've had bets before on whether he'd have on new clothes at his next visit. I'm thinking that tonight he's back to his old theory. He believes his odor disguises human scent."

  "If the number of pelts he brought tonight is any example, I'd have to agree with him," Tam said.

  Luc set his glass on the floor by his chair. "Are you going to follow his way of thinking, Tam?"

  CAROLINE POKED HER head inside the classroom and smiled. Her younger sisters were having a great time working on decorations for the tree.

  She needed yet to convince Daddy to let them have one this Christmas. He was in the main room reading. Now might be the time to approach him about celebrating the holidays this season.

  Bribery could possibly help her cause. She walked into the kitchen and saw the coffee on the stove. "Lottie, is the pot fresh enough Daddy would enjoy a cup?"

  She nodded. "You need a few cookies to go with it?"

  Caroline chuckled. "You know me too well."

  "Uh huh. I usually see you in here looking for a way to bribe your father before you state your case." The cook pulled a small plate and large jar out of the cupboard. She placed several butter cookies on the plate while Caroline filled her father's favorite cup. "What are you up to?"

  "It's time we celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas again. If he agrees, I promise to help you prepare the turkey supper."

  Lottie clapped her hands. "Yes, I hope he agrees. It's his favorite meal of the year so you might have better luck than you expect." She strode over to the calendar on the kitchen wall. "Thanksgiving is on the twentieth this year."

  Caroline picked up the plate and cup. "Thank you. I'll let you know soon and then we can start planning." She returned to her father to promote her ideas.

  "I've a treat for you Daddy." She handed him the cup and set the plate on the table where he could easily reach it.

  "You have something on your mind?"

  "How'd you guess, Daddy?" She sat across from him. "Actually, I do have several things I'd like to discuss with you."

  He grabbed a cookie and sipped his drink. "Let me hear them."

  She took a deep breath. "Can we celebrate the holidays this year?"

  He started to say something, but she held up her hand. "Please, let me finish before you make up your mind."

  He popped the last of his cookie into his mouth and reached for another. "Let me hear the rest then."

  "Genevieve is teaching my sisters about Thanksgiving and once that celebration has passed, she wants to put them to making ornaments for a Christmas tree. Oh, and I haven't made fruitcakes forever. We can order some dried fruit now and it'll be here in time, and..."

  Hank held his hand up. "Stop and take a breath, child. Yes, do whatever you have in mind. It all sounds delightful."

  Stunned at what he said, Caroline jumped up and hugged her father, nearly spilling his coffee in the process. "Daddy, thank you, thank you. I'm so pleased and can't wait to get started."

  He held the dish toward her. "Please, eat the last one."

  "Thank you, Daddy. There's one more thing. It may be the most important of all."

  "Tell me what else I can do for you."

  She took a deep breath. "I've already sorta discussed my idea with Genevieve. She agrees it would be good for me, and possibly Danielle will be willing to help, to teach my sisters how to sew."

  Hank smiled. "You really caught onto sewing easily. I remember your mother praising your progress."

  "Yes, well Genevieve knows only the basic stitch but quilt making doesn't take much more effort than straight stitching. My thought is to have Uncle Matthias bring Mama's trunk down from the attic and let the girls look through her clothes. They can make quilt squares from the different fabrics. Each of us can pick out our favorite prints. One garment could produce several squares."

  Hank smiled at her. "I can see how excited you are about this."

  "What do you think? Can we do it?"

  He leaned his head back and stared at the ceiling for a few moments. Caroline started to get nervous, but then he gazed at her and she could see a few tears. "I'm sorry, Daddy. I didn't mean to upset you."

  "No, daughter, you haven't upset me. On the contrary, you've made me so proud and I think your idea is a great one. Did you want to start on it right away?"

  She shook her head. "No, I think after the first of the year will be a good time to get them into starting the project. Right now, they can work on tree decorations." She got up and kissed her father on the cheek. "You've made me very happy and I know the girls are going to love to hear the good news."

  "Will you let me make the announcement?"

  Chapter Thirteen

  Tam ventured into the blacksmith's building looking for Big Dog. He wanted to have his horse's hooves trimmed and new shoes put on. The man's laughter sounded from the carpentry shop next door. He rounded the corner and stopped in his tracks. "What are you building?

  "Come and find out."

  Tam stepped into the room and waited to see what Big Dog would present for his inspection. He was quite surprised when he saw the sled. He ran his fingers over the smooth wooden slats attached to metal runners.

  "Your workmanship is remarkable. I grew up watching my older brother, Braden, working with wood. Are these for the younger Hughes girls?"

  "Yes. I hope to get enough done for all of the young ladies except Caroline and Danielle. I'm not sure what to make for them yet."

  Tam sat and watched Big Dog assemble a second sled. "You enjoy your hobby, don't you?"

  "I do. It gives me great pleasure to create and give my friends something to remember me by."

  "If I wanted to make a certain young woman something as a gift, would you be willing to help me?"

  "Would you be speaking of Miss Caroline?"

  Tam's cheeks warmed. "Am I that obvious?"

  Big Dog chuckled. "I grew to admire you on the long miles we spent together on the trail. She would be fortunate to win your heart. Does she return your feelings?"

  "Yes, but she's a bit leery of giving me her heart because Jory and I aren't supposed to stay longer than the spring thaw."

  "I never try to second guess women, Tam." He picked up another slat and worked to attach it next to the first two.

  "I'd like to build her a box to put her hopefuls in."

  "I've watched you over the past few months and never seen you run from a challenge." Big Dog set the tool down and crossed his arms. "You afraid that pretty filly wants more than what you can give her?" he asked with a smirk on his face.

  "Scared shitless."

  "You being a Scotsman and all, I would've thought you'd have a lot more confidence in yourself."

  "Caroline is different. I've never met a woman like her before."

  Big Dog picked up his tools and worked in silence for a while. Tam was ready to leave, but the man's words stopped him.

  "If she's the lady you want to take as a wife, I suggest you find a way to show her, and make it memorable."

  "Thank you." He started to leave, but stopped at the door. "I almost forgot why I came looking for you. My mare needs new shoes and a hoof trim. Are you the man to do it?"

  "I sure am. I'll take care of her first thing in the morning. Let me look around for some good lumber and we can start on a hope chest for your lady."

  Tam frowned. "A hope chest?"

  "Yes, I knew a lady once who had one in her house. She was a friend of Miss Genevieve. One day when I picked Miss Genevie
ve up from visiting the lady's daughter, I helped her move it. I had forgotten about the beautiful chest until now. At the time, I wished I could build something as lovely."

  "Thank you. I'll see you later." He left for the corral where Jory worked the horses with Luc and Josef. He climbed on the corral fence and sat, so he could watch Josef handle a dark brown mare named Cissy. "He chose this horse?"

  Jory nodded. He sat next to Tam. "Josef seems to prefer this one to the rest."

  "I was thinking Madeleine might take Shiloh. She'd be an easy ride, and I think Hank would approve the mare for his daughter."

  "Luc agrees with you. He said about the same thing yesterday."

  "We've fulfilled our promise to Chase. I'll see how we can send a telegraph message to him." Tam jumped off the fence and headed to the house to ask Hank.

  When he stepped onto the lodge's porch, Caroline called his name. He turned toward her as she rang the triangle announcing the lunch meal.

  "Wait and I'll walk inside with you," she said.

  He enjoyed watching her graceful stride as she came toward him. "How's your day going?"

  "I've had a very eventful day." She smiled at him. "My father has agreed to celebrate the holidays again. He wants to be the one to tell my sisters. I can't wait to see their reaction."

  He opened the door to the main room for her. "I'm glad you're so pleased. I suppose there'll be a turkey supper in a couple of weeks, then?"

  "Yes, but Daddy has always made a big deal about bringing home the Thanksgiving turkey. He's going to be disappointed he can't do it this year."

  They entered the dining area. Tam excused himself to wash up.

  Rory walked into the washroom behind him. "Something smells good."

  Tam wiped his hands on a towel and handed it to Jory. "I haven't had a bad meal since we got here."

  They joined the others and took their places at the table.

  Once everyone settled and had food on their plates, Hank cleared his throat. "I have a surprise."

  Everyone stopped talking and stared at Hank.

  "We will be celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas this year."

  Tam looked around the table at all the happy faces. It pleased him to see Hank and his family starting to enjoy life again.

  Gabriella slid off her chair and wrapped her arms around Hank's neck. "I love you."

  He kissed his youngest daughter's cheek. "I love you, too."

  "What are Thanksgiving and Christmas?"

  "I thought you were making decorations for the tree, honey?"

  She nodded. "Yes, teacher lets us have fun. Why do we do it?"

  "I'll tell you what, tonight at our entertainment time, I will share what we do and why. Now scoot and finish your meal."

  Tam was gaining an insight to the love in the Hughes family. He watched Caroline while Hank made his announcement. Her delight in her sisters' joy showed in the brightness of her smile. His gaze locked with hers for only a moment, but it was long enough to leave him shaken. Fate, or was it instinct, kept his heart growing fonder of Caroline.

  "Genevieve, you may do as you wish as far as having the girls decorate the main room and make ornaments for the tree."

  "Thank you, I'll be pleased to work with the children."

  He turned to Tam. "I can't go turkey hunting this season. Would you do the honor in my place?"

  "Thank you, sir, I won't let you down. I wish you could join me, but your spirit will be with me."

  The rest of the mealtime, the girls gave ideas on what kind of ornaments and decorations they wanted to make.

  "I HAVE AN IDEA, TAM. Let me take you to a great place where the wild turkeys feed." Caroline stopped and touched his arm. "You're a good shot?"

  "I am and I would enjoy the company." They continued onto the corral.

  "Good. It was nice of you to offer to take Daddy with you. I'm sorry his leg isn't healed enough for him to go."

  "Maybe he can join the hunt for the Christmas Day meal." He stopped walking and faced her. "What does Lottie put on the table then?"

  She chuckled. "I already asked her what she would serve and she said Daddy has a couple of large hams in the ice house. They were part of a smuggling operation."

  Tam shook his head.

  "What? It's a big part of the way we live here in the Northwoods."

  They arrived at the corral and prepared their mounts to leave. Caroline couldn't wait. She loved to get away from the hubbub at the post. This time she'd get to spend alone time with Tam. He was easy to be around.

  "Caroline? Are you all right?"

  Tam's voice pulled her out of her daydreaming. "Yes, let's go."

  They both mounted and followed the trail away from the post and toward the woods. As soon as the trail widened to a narrow road, Tam moved alongside her. "How much longer until we get there?"

  "We can check out the closest site, but I actually like a place I call Hughes Meadow. There's plenty of brush to hide behind and it has a large open area where turkeys like to feed."

  "Did Lottie say how many she needs to feed all of us?"

  "Yes, as many as we can get."

  "What?"

  "She plucks the feathers—rather, she has us pluck the feathers—and shares with those families around the trading post that are in need."

  "That's nice."

  "Yes, Thanksgiving is the time for sharing."

  By the time they reached the first spot, the mist cleared and the day started warming. They hunkered down in a grove of white birch and waited. A few turkeys came into view, but none was large enough to consider.

  "Let's go a bit further to the meadow I mentioned."

  Tam grinned at her. "Wherever you go, I'll follow."

  They finally reached Caroline's favorite meadow. She motioned for him to be quiet and then pointed to the turkeys. They dismounted and tethered their horses. As quiet as they could, both of them loaded their rifles and headed toward the best vantage point.

  "Let's both shoot at the same time. Don't miss," she said, smirking.

  "Have you settled on the bird you want?"

  She nodded.

  "On the count of three." Tam counted. "One, two, three—"

  Two shots rang out. Two turkeys fell.

  They grinned at each other. "Good shooting," Tam said. "I'll go pick them up while you get our noon meal from your saddle bag."

  "Good idea. Maybe the rest of them will be back by the time we finish eating."

  Caroline pulled a pack out of her saddlebag and returned to their hiding spot. Tam joined her and set the birds in the shade. He settled next to her and leaned back against an oak tree.

  He patted the ground next to him. "Come over here and hand me the grub. There's enough room for both of us."

  She joined him and laid the bag in his lap. "See what we have to eat."

  Tam pulled out two apples, a half loaf of rye bread, and a chunk of cheese. He searched through the carrier for a knife, but didn't see one. He pulled his bowie knife from his boot sheath.

  "Where'd you get that?"

  He handed it to her. She ran her fingers over the bone handle.

  "My brother, Braden made it. He insisted I never leave home without it."

  "It's beautiful." She handed it back.

  "Thank you. How long do you think it'll take the turkeys to return?"

  "Umm, my guess is they'll be here before we finish our food."

  "What if you're wrong, Caroline? They may not return anytime today."

  She stared him in the eye a moment before she made the challenge. "If I'm wrong, I'll give you..."

  "...a kiss." He stole the words from her.

  "You're a rogue, Mr. MacGregor."

  He laughed from somewhere deep in his gut. "Aye that I am."

  She knew the area well. Almost every year since she'd been coming here with her father the turkeys returned after an hour or so from the time they'd shot the first birds. This was a keen feeding place so the odds were on her side. "When
they come back on my schedule, what are you giving up?"

  "I'll sing a solo at one of your father's sing-a-longs."

  "What song?"

  "My choice."

  She held her hand toward him. "We have a deal."

  He took her hand, but didn't let go right away. Her cheeks warmed at his touch. "Shall we eat so we can be ready for all those turkeys that'll arrive soon?"

  "I can't understand why you're making fun of me. I'm telling you there will be so many turkeys you won't be able to shoot them all."

  Tam released her hand. He sliced the bread and cut chunks of cheese. She put cheese on a piece of bread and handed it to him before she fixed herself an open-faced sandwich. They ate in silence.

  Caroline stole a look at Tam occasionally wondering what kissing him again would be like. Until he'd come to the trading post she'd never been tempted to kiss anyone. She found this man very interesting and wanted him to stay in Wisconsin.

  She stuffed the remains of their meal back into the carrier and stood. She surveyed the meadow in dismay. The turkeys didn't come back.

  He got up and stood next to her. "Any luck yet?"

  She glared at him. "Do you see any turkeys?"

  He put his hands on her shoulders and turned her toward him. He lifted her chin. "Cheer up, Caroline. I won't force a kiss on you. If you'd prefer, we can forget the bet."

  She gazed into his incredibly blue eyes and saw the spark daring her to back out of their deal. No way in hell would she give him the satisfaction. "I wouldn't think of reneging on our bet, Tam. Take your kiss."

  He slipped his hands along the sides of her face and leaned toward her. His soft, warm lips pressed against hers. Chills and heat fought for control of her body as his kiss deepened. She couldn't stop her knees from shaking. She grabbed hold of his shoulders and kissed him back. Too soon he pulled away.

  Tam stroked her cheek. "You are so beautiful. Thank you for being a good sport."

  Caroline covered her burning cheeks with her cool hands. She started to say something, but no words came.

  "Is Caroline Hughes speechless?"

  "Yes."

  The cutting and yelping of turkey hens arriving in the thick meadow grass saved her from saying more.