Christmas Surprise Read online

  "The wolves were incensed. We worked better with three of us with feet on the ground."

  Luc entered the main room. He shucked off his coat and looked at the splints. "Matthias did a good job." He pulled a chair over and sat by Hank. "We have all the horses inside the barn for a while. I want to make sure there aren't any wolf stragglers out there."

  Caroline handed Luc a cup of coffee. "Tam was bitten by the wolf he killed. Should we be worried?"

  "Where is he?"

  "He's in the kitchen with Jory."

  Luc finished his drink and handed her the cup. "You stay here and I'll take care of the problem."

  She handed him the medical box. "What are you going to do?"

  "I'd rather you not know. Can you find something larger than the usual bandages to use as a sling for his arm when I'm done?"

  "Yes, I'll bring it to you."

  "No, when I need the bandage, I'll come and get it."

  Caroline went to the storage room and found exactly what she had in mind. She returned to the chair by her father and laid the clean cloth on the arm of the sofa.

  "Luc is scaring me. What do you think he's going to do to Tam?"

  Hank took his daughter's hand. "Honey, Luc comes from a long line of Sioux medicine men. I'd trust my life in that man's hands anytime."

  "Did Tam save your life tonight?"

  "He sure did. He wrestled that wolf and shoved his blade into the beast's neck. His act of heroism puts him equal to Luc in my opinion. I am grateful to both MacGregors tonight. They're good men."

  "Tam sat with me in the kitchen while Uncle Matthias set your leg. Does it really hurt?"

  "Yes, but I'm alive. Would you mind if I offer Tam and Jory temporary jobs? They could take over my responsibilities until I can walk on both feet again."

  "Do you know how long a broken bone takes to heal?"

  "Matthias said about six to eight weeks, depending on whether I stay off it or not."

  Caroline leaned down in front of his face. "If I see you doing something you shouldn't, I'll let you have it." She slammed her fist into her hand.

  Hank chuckled. "You're talking like the stable boys, Caroline. What would your Mother think?"

  "Yeah, well I'm serious. Let us wait on you for the length of time it takes for you to heal, Daddy."

  "Sitting still won't be easy for me."

  "You can sit on the porch in the lounge chair and shout your orders."

  "Thank you, daughter. Now answer my question. Can you handle the MacGregors staying longer than we expected?"

  "Would it make you feel less stressed if they stay?"

  "Yes, of course. After our discussion this morning, I want to keep us on good terms. If you feel uncomfortable with the twins being at the trading post all winter, tell me now."

  "Do you think they'd stay all winter?" Most years the winter lasts until at least April and this is only the first week of November. Six months would be a long time for them to be snowed in here.

  "Caroline, stop daydreaming. What are you thinking? I need an answer so I can settle it with them tonight."

  If I'm making a mistake, God help me. I cannot be so selfish as to say no, not while he's hurting and worrying about keeping the trading post running. A lot of trappers counted on them during the winter months. "Yes, ask the MacGregor brothers to stay and help. What about Big Dog? Maybe he'd stay, too."

  "He's already spoken about staying. I hired him to help in the blacksmith's shop while he's thinking about making the trading post his new home. I think you can find him sitting with Genevieve. They are discussing ideas on what the preacher should say over her mother's grave tomorrow."

  "Big Dog is a great comfort for her."

  "Yes, he is. Apparently, he's been her driver for years and is very protective." Hank yawned. "I'm ready for bed." He tried to get up, but the splint restrained his movement. Frustrated, he tried to lift his broken leg again, but the splints were too heavy. He laid back down and calmed his nerves until help came.

  "You can't walk to your room without help." She rose from her chair. "I'll be right back."

  She hurried upstairs and knocked on Genevieve's room. There was no answer. She moved down to Madam Vellechamp's room and knocked. Big Dog answered.

  "Can I speak to you outside for a moment?"

  "Of course." He stepped into the hall. "What can I do for you, Miss Caroline?"

  "My father broke his leg and he'll need help getting up to his bedroom. Could you help him?"

  "That's terrible. Wait just a minute." He went back into the room and came back out with Genevieve.

  She grabbed Caroline's hand. "What has happened to your father's leg?"

  "I didn't want to disturb you tonight. You have enough on your mind already."

  "Please, I'd like to know."

  "My father stepped in a deep hole and broke his leg. Tam saved his life when he stabbed the wolf that was poised to attack Daddy. I am so thankful nobody died."

  "I'm not surprised that one of the MacGregors jumped in to save him."

  "Can you help Daddy up to his bedroom?"

  "Of course, I can. Is he ready right now?"

  "Yes, with the splint he can't even get off the sofa alone." Caroline led him down a back staircase. He took one look at Hank and shook his head. "You're a mess. Let me help you to your bed."

  Big Dog slid his arms under her father and lifted him off the sofa. "Put me down, I can make my way to the stairs."

  Big Dog did as Hank insisted, but the splint was heavy and awkward.

  Hank finally broke down and let Big Dog wrap his arm around his waist for support as he hobbled across the floor.

  The stairs were another problem. Even if he held onto the bannister, he couldn't hop his way up to the top. He gave in again and let Big Dog carry him. Caroline hurried ahead so she could open the door and light his lantern.

  Big Dog maneuvered her father's splinted leg carefully into the bedroom without bumping it against anything. He laid Hank on the bed, took the boot off his good leg, and tucked him into bed. "You need anything at all during the night, you call Big Dog.

  "Thank you."

  "You are welcome. Now get some rest. I'll get a fire started in your grate and then check on you every so often. Leave the door opened so I can hear your call for help."

  "Thank you." Hank watched Big Dog light the kindling. "I have a question."

  "Sure."

  "Earlier in the week you mentioned you would consider staying here. If you'd like the blacksmith job, it's yours along with one of the empty cabins, or a room down the corridor. I'll pay you extra to help me get around until my leg heals."

  Big Dog smiled. "Yes, boss, you can count on me. For the time being, I'd better stay where I am. It'll give me a better chance to get my bearings as to where I should live."

  Hank settled against his pillow. "I can rest easy now."

  "I'll return to Miss Genevieve."

  "How's she doing?"

  "Her heart is heavy. There's a bit of guilt tugging at her for coming here. Madam Vellechamp didn't travel well and wasn't happy when she saw your trading post setup. I suppose she could have willed herself to death, but it's hard to say with that woman."

  "Genevieve will heal in time. My daughters already love her."

  "Yes, I've seen how they greet her. I'll see you in the morning."

  "Good night, Big Dog."

  He left the room.

  Caroline started to leave, too. "Honey, as soon as Luc is done with Tam, please ask him and Jory to see me before they turn in for the night."

  "Let me go and check with them right now. I'm getting tired, too, and need to go to bed. It's been a very long day."

  She left the room and hesitated a moment outside her father's bedroom door. Telling her father that she didn't care if the MacGregors stayed all winter was one thing, but after their shared kisses she wasn't convinced it was a good idea for Tam to stay.

  Chapter Eight

  Morning brought s
now flurries. Caroline and Matthias joined Genevieve. Big Dog, and Pastor Timmons at the graveyard outside the trading post. "Thank you for being here to pay respect to Genevieve and the memory of her mother, Madame Elizabeth Vellechamp. It is unfortunate for us that we didn't have an opportunity to get to know Madame Vellechamp. Our prayers are with you, Genevieve for the days ahead that God will comfort your heart and soul in this time of sorrow and mourning. As we commit Madame Vellechamp's body to the grave, we commend her soul and spirit to Almighty God for His safe keeping in Eternity. Genevieve, may the Peace of God bless and keep you in the days ahead. Amen."

  Big Dog and Matthias shoveled dirt over the casket. Caroline choked back the memories of the day they'd buried her mama, as they rose in ugly patches. She refused to give into the tears that burned the corners of her eyes. Instead, she let her mind roam toward happier thoughts to get her through the service. Big Dog and Matthias returned to the post. Caroline stepped back and gave Genevieve a few moments to say goodbye. It would be spring before they could put flowers around the grave marker.

  Mrs. Timmons invited them to her kitchen for coffee and cake. Genevieve agreed the warm drink would be a treat after standing in the cold for so long. For the next hour, the three women enjoyed their treats and Genevieve got to know the pastor's wife.

  They thanked their hostess and left for the lodge before it snowed again. Dark clouds closed in on them as they walked along the well-worn path.

  "Look," Genevieve pointed toward a huge bonfire on the far side of the post. "I wonder what's going on over there."

  "Let's go see." They used the path between the back fence of the trading post and Lake Nokomis to reach Luc and Jory.

  Luc motioned them to stay back. After they'd waited and watched for a while, Jory ran toward them. "We're burning the carcasses of the wolves we killed last night. Luc checked out the particular wolf that my brother killed and couldn't see signs of it being rabid. We're not taking chances, though. He thought it was best to dispose of all the animals this way."

  "How did you know which wolf bit Tam? Don't they all look alike?" Genevieve said.

  Jory grinned. "He was the big one with his neck nearly severed by Tam's bowie knife."

  His description freaked Caroline. She knew Tam had used his knife, but not to that extent. "I didn't see Tam this morning. How's his arm doing?"

  She didn't like the expression on Jory's face. It only lasted a split second, but Caroline recognized the fear in his eyes. She grabbed Jory's arm. "Please, tell me. What has you so scared?"

  "It's swollen and red. Luc put a mixture on the infected flesh and wrapped the wound. When you have a chance, he needs more clean cloth."

  "For slings?"

  "No, to wrap around the wound."

  "We'll go back right now. I'll find as many as I can."

  "Where were you this morning, Caroline? I looked for you."

  "She was with me," Genevieve said. "We buried my mother."

  Jory sighed. "I'm sorry we weren't there with you, Genevieve. Are you all right?"

  Genevieve nodded. "Yes, I'll be fine in a few days. Working with the girls is the best medicine right now."

  "We'd better go and make sure Daddy is handling bed rest well. My sisters are probably smothering him with love."

  They entered the lodge's main room and hung their coats on the hooks. Tam sat in a chair by the fireplace with his arm in the sling. Caroline's heart went out to him. She knew being inactive and not being involved with burning the wolf carcasses was difficult for him.

  "Good morning."

  He looked at her but didn't respond.

  "Being a hero doesn't roll over to the next day?"

  "No, not so much."

  "I'll see you two later. I think I'll go up and lay down for a while," Genevieve said." I'll be down for lunch and then we'll have lessons this afternoon." She left the room.

  Caroline sat on the sofa next to Tam's chair. "I'm sorry about your infected arm. It smells strange. What did Luc put on it?"

  "I don't know, but he assured me it wouldn't kill me."

  "Have you seen my father yet this morning?"

  "No, but we've all been hearing him." He grinned. "I know how he's feels. It's not the pain from the wound that hurts so much, it's the inability to do what needs doing, watching others do his work, and having to ask for help."

  She frowned at him. "Male pride?"

  "Yes, and with an arrogant Scot like me, it's even worse."

  "Maybe we should lock you and my father in the same room and let you share your misery."

  "Very funny. Last night Hank asked Jory and me to stay for the winter. How do you feel about us being here for a while?"

  "Daddy must have help, and you two are good at what he needs done. If it makes your decision easier, my father is very impressed with how you and Jory mix with others and get chores done."

  He moved next to her on the sofa laid his hand over hers. "You're avoiding my question."

  Their gazes locked. Her cheeks burned. Caroline hesitated to tell him the truth. The feelings she'd started having for Tam were new to her. She ran her fingers over her lips as she remembered the fluttering in her stomach each time he'd kissed her.

  Tam squeezed her hand. "You don't have anything to say?"

  "I didn't answer you because..." She sighed.

  "Is it so difficult to tell me you'd rather I leave or is it something else? Something I've done? Said?"

  "No." She tittered. "It's nothing like that." She paused, trying to figure out the right way to answer him honestly. "I like you. You're different from most of the men who come into the trading post."

  "Different how?"

  "You're not going to make this easy for me, are you?"

  Tam shook his head. "Please, just say it."

  She studied his face a moment. "My father asked how I'd feel about you and Jory staying until spring thaw. My first thought was how much stress your presence would lift off Daddy. He's never been restricted from doing anything he wanted to do before. I expect he's going to make us all crazy feeling sorry for himself."

  "I understand. A damaged arm is easy to deal with. At least I can get around on my own."

  "Yes, that's exactly what I'm concerned about."

  He shook his head. "I don't understand why you hesitated to tell me this?"

  "I've given you the easy answer. There's something else. Something personal that's not so easy for me to say."

  "Is it because I kissed you?"

  "Yes." Her cheeks burned.

  "Do I make you feel uncomfortable?"

  "No, never. You've always treated me like a lady and I've never felt uncomfortable around you."

  "Thank you. I like you, too." He ran his fingers along her cheek. "After you kissed me back, I hoped it meant that we were more than friends."

  She stared into the fireplace and watched the flames dance around the logs. Her life had spun out of her control this past week. The mail order bride letter, learning she wasn't responsible for her mother's deadly accident, Luc's injury, the governess' arrival, Daddy's leg broken, and what was foremost in her mind—Tam's kisses.

  "I want you to stay, but I don't want the heartbreak when you leave." Tears filled her eyes.

  Tam leaned toward her. She closed her eyes and delighted in the soft touch of his lips pressing kisses across her eyelids. He moved to her mouth and claimed her lips.

  Caroline wrapped her arms around his neck. "You've stolen my heart, Tam. Please stay."

  "You're sure?"

  She nodded. "The next several months will give us time to find out how we feel about each other."

  Tam let out a huge breath. "Thank you." He pressed his hand against his chest. "You've taken my heart, but I fear not. It's yours to keep, and gives me joy for thought."

  His attempt at poetry caught her off guard. "Aren't you the one? Did you just make that up?"

  He grinned. "I did."

  "I'm quite impressed."

  "Thank y
ou. I'll have to see what else I can come up with. You inspire me, you know."

  She tried not to smile, but she couldn't help herself. She started to giggle, but when he did, too, they both laughed. Uncle Matthias walked into the room carrying a crate of bottles.

  "What's going on in here?"

  "I think they call it laughing, Uncle Matthias. You probably forgot what it was like, just like me. I have to admit it does feel good."

  Matthias grinned. "I highly approve then."

  Caroline got up. "I'd best go check on my father. If you see Big Dog, please send him up to carry Daddy down for our noon meal."

  "We're not done with this conversation, Miss Hughes."

  She stopped walking and turned around to gaze at Tam. "I hope not. I'll see you later."

  She walked up the stairs toward the sounds of her younger sisters' voices intermixed with their father's. She peeked into the room and had to shake her head. They had fixed a tent over him with his blankets, and he'd let them do it. Amazing.

  Her father looked at her with a 'please save me' expression. She bit her lip to keep from laughing. Helping him out of this situation was going to make points with him today.

  "What's going on in here?"

  Gabby poked her head out from under the blanket and grinned at Caroline. "We're playing house with Daddy."

  "I can see that. How about you going to your room and making your beds. Just because Daddy isn't able to walk, he isn't your plaything." She clapped her hands. "Let's get moving. Teacher is going to have class after lunch today."

  Gabby and Francesca scooted out of the bedroom and hurried down the hall. Caroline proceeded to remove the tent from over their father. "Why'd you let them do this to you, Daddy?"

  "It gave me something to do." He gave her a cockeyed grin. "I don't know. They were enjoying themselves. I don't spend much time with the two little ones. I need to make the effort before they're grown and leaving home."

  She turned at hearing two knocks. Big Dog walked into the room. "Somebody need a ride downstairs?"

  "Yes, please. Take me away."

  As soon as the two men left, Caroline pulled the sheets and remade the bed. Satisfied she'd returned the room to order, she walked downstairs and gathered the cloths Luc needed for Tam's arm.