Christmas Surprise Read online

  He surveyed the shelves and checked out the barrels and crockery. "You have a lot of different kinds of goods in such a small space."

  "We try to carry at least one of everything people come in and ask for. My mother used to make the aprons and some of the simpler items, but she didn't have a lot of extra time. The biggest sellers are the cast iron pans."

  "You don't have to stay here all the time in case a customer comes in?"

  "No, we're open two hours in early morning and then two hours from three to five in the evening every other day."

  "Ah, you don't get a lot of customers."

  "No, the place isn't very busy during certain months. We're flexible with hours, but we may get busier closer to the holidays. It depends on whether people have money or items to trade."

  Tam noted several articles of clothing he'd need if they stayed during the winter. Jory hadn't agreed yet, but his brother's friendship with Luc might change his mind. Their mutual interest with horses and spirits would have them discussing techniques for hours. Tam preferred to spend his time winning over Caroline's affection. With the death of the old lady, they didn't have to escort the coach back to California.

  "I see a lot of things I'd like to have. It depends on whether Jory and I stay for a while."

  "I had no idea you were thinking of staying in the Northwoods."

  He looked deep into her eyes. He couldn't figure out if she'd be pleased or not if he and Jory stayed more than a couple of days. "I like it here, but nothing's been decided yet."

  They left the store and moved onto the saddlery. A strong scent of leather pervaded the medium-size room they entered. The store owner displayed several types of saddles on racks. Tam ran his fingers over the engravings on one of the saddles. "Whoever made this does great work."

  "Yes, my Uncle Matthias has artistic skills and making saddles is just one of them."

  "This is your uncle's place?"

  "Making saddles is his hobby. Very few can afford them so he's never under pressure to get one done. It takes a lot of work to finish this particular kind."

  "One of my brothers does woodworking and I've seen the hours it takes him to create something comparable to this."

  "I want to show you something." She led him through the store and out the back exit. "This is Uncle Matthias' garden."

  Tam gasped. Poles of different heights with carved faces and designs stood everywhere. Bright colors enhanced the effectiveness of his garden. "What do you call these?"

  "Totem poles."

  "Matthias carved these?"

  "Yes, this is his happy place. He lets us come here as long as we don't hurt them. When I was little, they scared me, but now I have grown to love each of them."

  "My brother, Braden, would probably sell his soul to have something like this. I wish he could see them." Tam rubbed his chin. "What's your talent, Miss Hughes?"

  "What makes you think I have any talent?"

  "It seems to run in your family."

  "Before Mama died, I had spare time to sketch."

  She glanced at the watch she wore pinned to her bodice. "Oh, it's later than I thought. It's time for me to help Lottie fix supper. We'll have to finish the tour another time."

  "You have chores?"

  "To quote my father, 'those who don't work don't eat.' We all have chores, even my youngest sister, Gabby."

  Chapter Seven

  Hank grabbed his guitar and sat on his stool in front of their guests. He took comfort in having his daughters sitting on both sides of him.

  "Tonight, we're going to change our tempo of music. This morning Madam Vellechamp, a guest who arrived at the lodge last night, died in her sleep. In respect to her and her daughter Genevieve, I would like to play an Irish ballad. It has a way of taking me back to my younger days when dreaming of what was to be a large part of my being."

  He strummed his guitar and started to sing.

  "The lonely wind blowing over green hills calls me heart home.

  Its strength scatters me dreams like wildflowers..."

  Once he finished the song, Genevieve moved next to him. "Thank you. Your music has lightened my spirit."

  "We're happy to see you with us this evening."

  "I know my mother was a difficult person to be around, but in her own world in San Francisco's society she was respected. She couldn't accept the change in our circumstances since my father died and left us in debt."

  "I can sympathize with her. When life turns our world upside down, it isn't always easy to regain our balance. I understand if you decide to return to San Francisco, but I hope you'll stay with us. I've been hearing a lot of complimentary comments from my daughters about their new teacher."

  She smiled. "Thank you again. You have beautiful children and I am already glad to be here. Will you help me with my mother's burial?"

  "Of course, in the morning we can pick a place in the cemetery for her. There isn't enough snow to deter my ranch hands from digging her a proper grave. We do have a preacher on the outskirts of the post. Caroline can take you to meet him and you can decide what kind of service you would like for her. It's entirely up to you."

  "We'll have it before class starts."

  "That sounds good, Genevieve. It's time for me to get back to work. You'll have to excuse me."

  "Good night, Hank. I'm going to retire to my bedroom."

  He watched Genevieve leave the room. He walked back to the front of the audience and picked up his guitar. "I'd like to tell you about my childhood friend, Chase, and his foster father, Cappy.

  "When Cappy brought Chase to the post the first time to trade their furs, Chase and I were in our teenage years. At that time my father was alive and owner of this place. We became great friends and every time they came, Chase and I would grab fishing poles and take off to the river or, if it was warm, swim in Lake Nokomis.

  This routine became habit and continued for several years. When Cappy and Chase started escorting wagon trains across the country, we drifted apart for a while. Then, one day in early spring Chase came with his friend Chipakwa. They'd become blood brothers about the same time as Chase and I became friends. Chase had nicknamed Chipakwa Laughing Bear after they'd spent a couple of days together stranded in a cave. Later I learned that together they worked to stop a band of renegade white men who were killing emigrants traveling to California.

  We never know what our future holds or why we meet certain people along the way. Today Laughing Bear's two sons are part of our family, and because of Chase's friendship, Genevieve Vellechamp has become governess to my children, her long-time driver Big Dog, is thinking of joining our family as a second blacksmith, and Tam and Jory MacGregor brought us horses to add to our stables."

  Hank grinned at the applause. He loved telling stories from his past and tonight's was a special one. He said good-bye to his guests.

  Tam approached him. "I enjoyed hearing some of the history from your youth. My brothers and I have known Chase and Cappy since we arrived from Scotland several years ago. They have quite a large spread of land on the outskirts of Paradise Pines and have earned a good reputation for their horses."

  Hank rested his hand on Tam's shoulder. "Let me buy you a glass of ale." He led the young man to the bar. "My friend and I need your best." He winked at Matthias.

  Matthias filled two glasses from Hank's personal stash and slid them across the bar. "You did well this evening. I hadn't heard the whole story of Luc and Josef's father before."

  "Now I know why Chase hired Jory and me to herd the horses to you and why Chase gifted a horse to both Luc and Josef."

  "You were a surprise, Tam. Chase didn't say a word in his telegram to me. I think he had his mind on Genevieve working as my governess and sent the horses as an afterthought." He knocked his glass against Tam's. "Here's to you and your brother liking what you find here in the Northwoods."

  "I'll drink to that." Tam raised his glass and emptied it. "Wow, that's some good scotch." He set the glass on the ba
r. "Excuse me."

  Hank followed the young man's line of vision and pursed his lips. Jory and Luc were in a discussion with Caroline.

  Tam made his way toward them. He knocked Jory's shoulder. "What are you doin'?"

  Jory pushed Tam toward the door. Tam pushed back. Before they could do damage to his room and each other, Hank stepped between the two brothers. "Take it outside boys."

  They pulled back. Caroline glared at Tam. "What was that push all about, Tam? Me?"

  His gaze locked a moment with hers, but he didn't deny his motivation.

  "Don't you ever insult me like that again."

  "Fine. I won't be bothering you." Tam grabbed a lantern off a nearby table and headed out the door.

  "He's going to freeze outside without his coat," Caroline said.

  "No, he's hot enough at me he won't even feel the cold."

  "Does this happen often? I mean you quarreling?"

  "Mama said we fought before we were born because we had to share the space inside her."

  Caroline rolled her eyes. "I'll never understand why you have to fight, but guess it's part of who you are."

  Jory chuckled. "If you asked me why, I couldn't even answer the question. My brother is a good man. Sort of like me, but his temperament is usually less provocative."

  "How can you say that? He's the one who started the fight."

  "No, I goaded him, Caroline. I knew his jealousy would stir his temper."

  "Jealous of what?"

  Jory winked. "I'll leave you to figure that out."

  Hank didn't like where the conversation with his daughter was heading. He slapped Jory on the back. "Enough of this kind of talk. Let's you and me grab a drink."

  "I'd never turn down the offer of ale." Matthias poured two glasses of the good stuff and pushed them toward Jory and Hank.

  "Try to keep the fist fights to a minimum while you're here, young man."

  "Yes, sir." Jory downed the drink. His eyes watered as he set the glass back on the bar. "It's been a while since I've had good scotch. Thank you."

  The door swung open. Tam took a moment to catch his breath. "Wolves are in the pasture and stalking our horses."

  He ran back out of the room, leaving the door wide open. Jory tugged on his coat and grabbed Tam's. He followed close behind him.

  Hank took his rifle from Matthias and checked to make sure the firearm was loaded. "Caroline, don't let anyone outside and lock the door behind us." He and Matthias buttoned up in their warm coats and left carrying rifles and lanterns.

  CAROLINE GATHERED HER sisters in front of the fire and took one of the books Mama read to them off the shelf. The girls curled up in their favorite chairs and waited for the menfolk to return. Danielle pulled several warm quilts from the large traveling trunk and tucked them around her younger sisters.

  An hour or so later, the three youngest yawned and could hardly keep their eyes open. Danielle put them to bed while Caroline cleaned up the mess left over from their guests. She was also about to retire, but stopped when she heard loud banging on the door.

  "It's us, Caroline, open the door. Your father's hurt."

  Caroline unbolted the door and swung it open. She stepped back as Matthias carried her father into the room and laid him on the floor.

  "Dear God, what's happened?"

  "He stepped in a hole and broke his leg. He'll be fine once I can set the bone."

  Tam came through the door a few moments later carrying long, slender slats perfect for immobilizing the leg.

  "Why don't you put a pot of coffee on the stove while we take care of your father?" Tam said.

  She sighed and mouthed 'thank you'. When he tossed his coat on a wooden chair near the fireplace, blood dripped onto the floor. She noticed the long tear and blood along one sleeve. What the hell did they encounter out there?

  The sight cramped her stomach, but she knew she had to stay strong while he and Matthias concentrated on helping her father.

  Caroline hurried to the kitchen. She shoved wood inside the stove. Once the wood caught on, she filled a bucket with water.

  "Let me get that for you," Tam said, lifting the bucket onto the stove. "Has the well always opened in the kitchen floor?"

  "Yes, apparently my grandfather was a forward-looking man. It sure beats carrying water in here from the well outside in the quadrant."

  She took the coffee pot off the cupboard shelf and handed it to Tam. He filled it with water and set it on the stove where Caroline could put the coffee inside and then slide it over the heat.

  "Are you all right? Your face is pale." She pulled Tam's torn sleeve back and saw a long gash in his flesh. She swayed toward him.

  He wrapped his good arm around her and helped her onto one of the chairs at the preparation table. "Take some deep breaths while I get you something to drink." He filled a glass from the water container on the sink and handed it to her.

  She drank half of the water and set the rest on the table. "Thank you. I'm so embarrassed."

  He sat next to her. "I cannot fathom why you're embarrassed."

  "I'm not usually the type to swoon."

  Tam tipped her chin up. "You've had a shock seeing your father hurt and then blood on my shirt. I'd say you should swoon if you want to. I'm here to catch you and would willingly hold you until you are able to function normally again."

  She stared at the devilish twinkle in his deep blue eyes and couldn't hold back the smile. "You're a rogue, sir."

  He chuckled from deep inside his gut.

  "What a delightful sound."

  "Aw, thank you."

  "Please, tell me what happened."

  He looked at his bloody arm. "This is nothing but a scratch. Scots are a tough breed."

  Her father screamed. She jumped to her feet, but Tam was a bit quicker on his. He placed his hand on her shoulder. "Please, stay seated. Your father wouldn't want you in there while they reset his bone."

  "They?"

  "Yes, Jory is also with your father."

  She returned to her chair. "I insist you tell me what happened. How did they get hurt?"

  "It was a battle between man and beast. The wolves were vicious. Maybe they were hungry, and possibly rabid. I didn't care which. My attention was on the mare they had cornered."

  "How many were in the pack?"

  "My guess is probably six or seven. Jory and I were on horseback. Luc, Matthias, and your father had better control on foot. Hank and Matthias stalked the wolves from behind. Luc had a bow and arrows. He did manage to kill one of the wolves right off. The smell of blood might have set the pack off. Their actions turned frenzied. Luc tried to draw their attention from the opposite side of us. Hank stepped in a deep hole and lost his balance. That's when one wolf set his sight on your father."

  "Oh, no." Caroline pressed her hand against her mouth. "Daddy could have died."

  "Yes, that was my thought as well. I kicked my horse into action and hurried toward Hank. I graspeed for the bowie knife I carry in a casing in my boot. Just as I reached your father, I jumped out of the saddle, and wrestled with the wolf until I could shove the blade into its neck."

  Tam ripped his sleeve open and took a moment to check out the wound on his arm. "By the look of this deep gash, the damned beast wanted a bite out of me, too."

  He wiped a dribble of sweat off his brow before continuing. "Jory and Luc shot the other wolves and now Luc is herding the horses into the barn. Matthias and I brought your father here."

  "I don't understand why you didn't shoot the wolves in the first place."

  "They were too close to the mare to take the chance."

  "Is she all right?"

  "Yes, thank the good Lord."

  Jory walked into the kitchen. "How's that coffee doing?"

  "It should be ready." Caroline got up and set a tray on the sink board.

  Jory noticed Tam's arm. "Let me see what you've got going there." He winced at seeing the wolf bite. "We need to clean it out right away. I'll be
right back."

  He returned with a bottle of whiskey. "Come over here and hold your arm over the sink."

  Tam glanced at Caroline. "If you don't look, I promise not to scream."

  Jory shook his head. "Oh, come on, this won't be worse than that horrid iodine Grace would pour into it. "Caroline heard a quick gasp, but true to his word Tam didn't let out a sound.

  "Who is Grace?" she asked.

  Tam gritted his teeth as his brother poked around in the ravaged flesh and poured more whiskey into it.

  "Grace is our long-time housekeeper/cook. After our mother died, she stepped into Mama's role and finished raising us boys. She has this jar of purplish medication she pours on our wounds. It's strong enough to put us to our knees, but we don't dare make a sound. She doesn't approve of us fighting and when we do, she delights in making her point with the iodine."

  Caroline peeked over Jory's shoulder at the bite. Chills ran the length of her. She remembered how it felt the other day in the barn when her father poured Spike's booze into her gash. Her wound was nowhere near as bad as Tam's, and it seared her raw flesh.

  Time to vacate the kitchen.

  "I'll take the coffee to Uncle Matthias and bring the medical box back." She set the pot and cups on the tray and carried it into the other room.

  "How are you, Daddy?" Caroline set the tray on one of the tables next to where he rested on the sofa. "The splint looks painful."

  "I've been better." He winced as he pulled himself up to a sitting position. "Now I could use some of that brew."

  She poured a cup and handed it to him. His hands trembled. It took all the willpower she had not to throw her arms around him, and tell him how happy she was that he was alive.

  Matthias joined them. "Can you spend some time with your father? I need to clean up the bar area before morning."

  "Yes, thank you, Uncle Matthias. You do what you need to do and I'll be here for Daddy."

  He nodded and tossed a couple of logs on the fire before heading to do his task.

  Caroline put the medical supplies her uncle hadn't used back inside the box. "You and Tam could have been killed, Daddy. Why on earth were you on foot instead of your horse?"