Christmas Surprise Page 15

  Tam didn't react until he heard toms gobbling and saw them strutting their stuff. He gave her a silly grin. "I'd call that perfect timing on my part."

  Caroline returned to her horse, pulled the rifle out of its case, and loaded it. Tam did the same. They thinned out the flock. She bagged four more and Tam three. They gathered their kills, brought them back, and tied them onto their saddles.

  "Nobody's going to be hungry this Thanksgiving." She finished attaching her birds to the back of her saddle and mounted.

  Tam walked up to her. "Thank you for not saying 'I told you so' or reminding me that I now owe you a song."

  "You're a good sport, Tam."

  "Thank you. So are you."

  He walked around to his horse, untethered her, and mounted. "Are you ready to leave?"

  "Yes, wait until Daddy sees how well we did."

  "We make a good team."

  Her heart skipped a beat at hearing his comment. She didn't know what to think, but her hope that he might stay after the spring thaw brightened.

  She took him back the same way they came. They rode into the trading post early afternoon. Hank waited on the porch. Caroline smiled at the whoop Daddy gave them as they came to a halt in front of him.

  "How many do you have there?" Hank said.

  "Nine total."

  "Where'd you have your luck finding those beauties?"

  "We pulled into the place where you and I always stop first. It disappointed us to find most of the birds were small and a waste of our time. We rode on further to Hughes Meadow and got our first two birds."

  "Let me," Tam said. "We ate lunch and by the time we finished, the party began. The largest turkeys I've ever seen arrived in bunches and the pickin's were good. Your daughter was quite right at choosing the meadow. "

  "Leave the birds here on the porch. I'll have Matthias help me pluck the feathers and prepare the birds for our holiday supper. We can get them in the cooler by the end of the day."

  "Thank you, Daddy."

  "Oh, by the way, when you're done settling your horses, there's a bag on the table by the sofa that needs your attention. Pastor Timmons left it for me, but I believe it's your responsibility."

  Her high spirits plummeted. I can't believe I have more mail order bride letters to answer. "I'll take care of them right away."

  Tam dismounted and untied the turkeys from both horses and set them next to Hank. He walked, leading his horse, to the barn while Caroline followed on her horse. She dismounted and led her mare into the barn. They both removed their saddles, and then gave the horses a good brushing before turning them loose in the corral.

  "Would you like a cool drink of water?" Tam asked Caroline.

  "Yes, please."

  He filled the ladle and handed it to her. "Thank you." She refreshed herself with the drink and handed the ladle back to him. "I have a job to take care of, Tam. Thanks for today. It was fun going on the hunt with you. I'll see you later."

  Caroline trudged back to the lodge and entered the main room. She opened the bag and saw that it held twice as many envelopes than the first bunch. She picked them up and headed to the desk in her bedroom. This time she intended to send the magazine a letter asking them to retract her father's name from their article. The amount of women looking for a new home through a mail order advertisement staggered her.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Matthias set up a table on the deck outside the backdoor. He left for the kitchen and came back with two dripping wet, headless turkeys. He dropped them on the table in front of Hank. Blood seeped through the spaces between the boards of the table onto the deck.

  "Good God what is that horrid smell?"

  Matthias chuckled. "I believe Lottie called it a thick, gamey stench when she handed them to me. I take it you've never done this before?"

  "It's been years and I certainly don't remember the wet feathers reeking like this."

  "When you get these done, Hank, I'll carry a couple more out here and take the ones you've done back into Lottie. If you need me for something sooner, give out a holler."

  "Why don't you stay and keep me company?"

  "Let me finish cleaning the main room so the girls can set up the chairs later. It won't take me long and I'll be back."

  Hank couldn't remember the last time he'd plucked turkey feathers, but since he couldn't do anything else, he grabbed the first bird and started the nasty task.

  He had one bird halfway done by the time Matthias returned. His brother-in-law brought two glasses of ale with him and set them on the table. "I figured these would help make the job easier."

  "Thanks. Now I know why I never volunteer to help in the kitchen around Thanksgiving. When I was a lot younger and very foolish, I would help with the stuffing until Isabella ran me out of her domain because I didn't do it right."

  Matthias chuckled. "My sister did find a way to talk me into doing it a few times. I wasn't as good as you in finding a place to hide."

  Hank shifted his position on the chair. "I'm so tired of this splint. It can't come off soon enough."

  "You'll have to wait until the end of December."

  Hank sighed. "Speaking of the holiday, I had an idea. What do you think about having Big Dog fix up the sleigh? We can take all the girls for a ride and pick out a perfect tree for them to decorate. We could cut it down and either pull it back with us or have one of the boys pick it up."

  "I'd forgotten all about the sleigh. The man's great at blacksmithing. He's already working on some special gifts, and the girls are going to be delighted."

  "Caroline was right about the importance of us celebrating holidays again. Genevieve wants to teach the spiritual reason for Christmas and, I assume, why we celebrate Thanksgiving. Isabella would be pleased."

  "I'll talk to Big Dog about the sleigh as soon as I see him. Are we keeping this as a surprise?"

  "Yes, it would be more fun. I'll think about the best place to go tree hunting. Caroline mentioned she and Tam could go pick a tree out and bring it back, but I like keeping the whole family involved."

  "Are you going to let Caroline in on our plans so she can have time to accomplish everything she wants done?"

  "I'll speak with her as soon as she comes downstairs. Right now, she's writing apology letters to all the women interested in being my mail order bride."

  Matthias chuckled. "If I'd known it was this easy to get a wife, I would have had her send a letter from me as well."

  Hank leaned back and rested his fingers for a few moments. "Are you serious?"

  "I used to envy what you and Isabella had together. Being single can be a lonely life at times. I've considered taking a wife, but nobody around here seems right for me."

  "Mr. Hughes, may I speak with you for a moment?"

  Hank turned around and saw Genevieve standing behind him. "Please, come join us. If you'd like to help, we have quite a few more birds to pluck."

  Matthias got up and grabbed a chair for her. "Would you like me to leave while you talk?"

  She shook her head. "No, it's about plans I'd like to make for the holidays."

  "Let's hear them."

  "Your daughters would like to put on a pageant—a short one after Thanksgiving supper depicting the meaning of saying thanks. I wanted to make sure I wasn't stepping out of my place in planning it if you'd rather we not do it."

  Hank nodded. "I'm so glad you've come to take care of my children. Your idea's a good one. God knows my children are not the shy type and would probably enjoy using their dramatics to entertain our guests."

  "I will certainly try."

  "Good. Please call me Hank. You're part of the family now, and I think we can go by first names from now on."

  Genevieve smiled. "Thank you."

  "You've probably noticed we're rather casual at the trading post."

  "Yes, it would have been difficult for my mother to live here. She always put on airs." She stood. "I'll go tell my students all the good news."

  She
started toward the door, but turned around and came back. "I almost forgot. Caroline has asked me to give her a test to determine if she needs to continue with classes or not. I haven't given her an answer yet, Hank. What's your opinion on the subject?"

  "My daughter is very headstrong. She's probably right for asking you instead of me. What do you think?"

  "She's more than ready to leave classes. I have seen the well-stocked bookshelves you have. I would stipulate she read a book a week and write a summary of what the story's about. I'd also let her sit in on classes if she'd like."

  "It sounds like a good plan. Thank you for checking with me first."

  "You're welcome. I would never step on your authority with your children's education or health."

  Hank waited until she left the deck until he spoke. "I wish all my decisions were as good as the one I made in hiring Genevieve."

  "The girls have accepted her, too. I've noticed they're a lot more settled down now that they have a structured day."

  Lottie poked her head out the kitchen door. "You have any of those birds ready for me yet?"

  "Yessiree, Lottie."

  She joined them and picked up two of the turkeys. "If you keep up the good work and can get half of them done today, I'd appreciate it. I can keep the ones you don't get to in the cooler until tomorrow after church."

  "We'll do our best."

  "Good I'll bring the next two out in a moment. These are plump birds. Where'd you send those two to hunt?"

  "I didn't. Caroline remembered Hughes Meadow. She and Tam appeared to have had a good time together."

  "Hank, you're not thinking they'd make a good couple, are you?"

  "Why not? He'd make a fine son-in-law."

  "Don't do it. The MacGregors are leaving as soon as you're able to take charge of your duties again. When the boy leaves, I don't want to see our girl's heart broken."

  "I'm not pushing them together, Lottie, if that's what you're suggesting. Tam asked to go hunting with Caroline. He came back unscathed, so I'm assuming all went well."

  Matthias snickered. "That's right. When Jens Madsen went fishing with Caroline last summer, he came back with a black eye. She never did tell us what he did to make her angry enough to slug him."

  Hank slapped his uninjured knee. "After that fishing trip, Jens stayed away from the trading post. Didn't he move his camp and start trapping closer to the Canadian border?"

  Matthias shook his head. "Your daughter is a wonder, Hank. Whoever she decides to marry, and she will marry despite your fears to the contrary, had better be strong-natured himself, and love her enough to give her free rein.

  DANIELLE AND MADELEINE set up the chairs for the evening entertainment while Caroline prepared the pans for roasting popcorn. When Tam came through the back door with a handful of firewood, she acknowledged him with a grin. "Daddy is going to get fat and sassy by the time his leg heals."

  Tam chuckled.

  "I'm sorry I haven't asked before. How's your arm healing?"

  "If I use it too much, it aches. Other than that, it's leaving quite an ugly scar."

  "Think of the stories you can embellish on how you got hurt."

  "Nah, my brother won't let me get away with making it out as a heroic deed."

  "What are you talking about? You are a hero. You saved Daddy's life."

  Tam knelt in front of the fireplace and shoveled ashes from inside the grate into a large pail. "You embarrass me, Caroline."

  "That makes us even."

  "Huh?"

  "You embarrassed me earlier today."

  He finished cleaning out the fireplace and set kindling inside. "Can you hand me a match, please."

  Danielle reached the box of matches first and gave a couple of them to Tam. He lit the tinder and moved back to make sure the fire started.

  Tam picked up the pail and headed toward the back door. On his way past Caroline, he stopped and leaned toward her ear. "You enjoyed your embarrassment more than I'll enjoy mine."

  She pulled back. "You rogue."

  He chuckled on his way out to dump the ashes.

  An hour later, friends started arriving for the entertainment. Hank maneuvered on his crutches, and with Matthias' help, sat on the tall stool. Hank started warming up his audience with a couple of fast, hand-clapping ditties.

  "Does anyone have a favorite?"

  Tam stood up in the back of the room. "I don't suppose you know any Scottish songs?"

  Hank nodded. "Would this one do?" He started playing the melody of The Bonnie Banks o' Loch Lomond.

  "Yes, that one's fine. I'm the worst singer in this room, but I owe someone a song and I'd like to sing it." He walked up to the front of the room and faced Caroline.

  Hank started playing again and Tam belted out "By yon bonnie banks and by yon bonnie braes..."

  Caroline locked her gaze with Tam's as he battered and bruised the beauty of the ballad. She'd never heard the song before, but imagined someone who could carry a tune would thrill an audience with the sound of it.

  When he finished, she didn't know what to say.

  He tipped his head toward her. "Have I embarrassed myself enough?"

  She started clapping. "Thank you, Tam for sharing part of your homeland with all of us."

  Bless their hearts, the audience clapped with her. Tam turned around and took a bow. She slid off her stool and leaned toward him. "That's enough. You can take your seat now."

  "As you wish, my lady." He returned to his chair and after he sat, he dared smirk at her. Jory jabbed him in the ribs and said something to his brother, but she couldn't hear what it was.

  "Can I continue now, Caroline?" Hank said, sending his daughter a wink.

  "Yes, Daddy."

  "Thank you." Her father glanced around the room. "Does anyone else wish to sing tonight?"

  A yes came from the most unlikely person Caroline could have imagined.

  Big Dog walked to the front of the room. "I'd like to sing the song Tam just murdered the right way." He looked at Tam and grinned.

  "Let's hear what you've got, my friend." Hank strummed his guitar and Big Dog belted out the song almost on tune the whole way through.

  Tam stood and bowed. "I take my hat off to you, man."

  Hank started a popular song and sang as he played. Big Dog wasn't shy. He sang along with Hank. The crowd stamped their feet and clapped. Caroline wasn't sure who was having more fun, the entertainers or the crowd.

  The rest of the evening was upbeat. Guests called out their favorites and Hank played. If Big Dog didn't know the right words, he made them up. Nobody cared.

  After their guests left, Tam and Jory helped her clean up the room. Danielle took care of seeing the younger sisters were settled in their beds.

  Caroline settled on the sofa and watched Jory push a broom over the floor. Tam sat next to her.

  "What did Jory say to you after you returned to your seat?"

  "You mean when I attempted to sing?"

  She giggled. "Yes, that's what I mean. I was trying to be nice."

  "He called me a showoff."

  "Does he sing as bad as you do?"

  Tam chuckled. "We're identical twins, Caroline. His voice is the same as mine. Yes, to answer your question, Jory sings as bad as me."

  "You're a good sport. Don't worry I won't embarrass you by asking for another."

  "Thank you, but I won't say the same about asking you to let me kiss you again."

  She could only imagine how another kiss would make her feel. Caroline tried to push thoughts of Tam MacGregor out of her mind, but since his kiss by the meadow, thoughts of him were difficult to forget.

  Lottie came into the main room carrying a basket. "Have Luc and Josef already left?"

  "Yes, can I help you with something?" Caroline asked.

  "Would you mind taking these supplies to their cabin? I promised I'd get them put together tonight and have them ready before they left."

  "Sure, I'll do it right now."

&nb
sp; "It's dark outside. I'm sure Tam won't mind escorting you."

  "You're quite correct, Lottie. It would be my pleasure to be her escort." He got up and took the basket from her.

  Caroline grabbed their coats and handed Tam his. He put the basket on the floor, slipped his coat on, and then helped Caroline with hers. "Why don't you take the bowl of leftover popcorn along with you, too?"

  "What a good idea." She took the treat along with the lantern. Tam carried the basket. They left the lodge and started their short stroll to the trading post's gate.

  "You have a close relationship with Luc. How do you feel about him and Josef living at the trading post?"

  "Actually, I'm relieved. Luc loves it here and now that we have a governess, my grandparents can't complain about Josef not keeping up with lessons."

  "Has the teacher agreed to give him lessons, too?"

  "I don't know if Daddy has asked her yet or not. I assume he's waiting for the boys to get settled."

  They left the trading post and turned right. It was a short walk to the cabin.

  "Why doesn't Hank close the gate at night?"

  "Daddy always takes in the strays. You might be surprised at how many men in the area are like Trapper Joe. They don't have any place permanent. If they need help, we see them here."

  "Hank has a good heart."

  "Yes, he does, but sometimes he goes too far with his generosity. It's who he is and most of the time I adore him."

  "What's that supposed to mean?"

  "At times I think Daddy expects too much from me. I fight his demands and sometimes he even listens to me. His favorite phrase to toss out at me when we have an argument is that I'm too much like him."

  Tam snickered. "I can say the same thing about my brothers. Since Jory and I are the youngest, Trevin, who is our oldest brother and head of the family, used a heavy hand with us. I guess we turned out all right."

  "Does he still boss you?"

  "Nah, Trevin roars once in a while, but we don't mess up as often now that we've both matured, or at least I would like to think we've grown up."

  "I think you're both quite mature. Your brothers should be proud of the way you act now."

  They found Luc in a chair in front of his new home. "Hello, Luc."