The Christmas Bargain (13 page)

“You should wear this, Filly. It must have belonged to your mother,” Luke said, fingering the delicate piece of jewelry that somehow looked like his wife.

“It did,” Filly said, taking the cameo from Luke’s hand and studying it. “I think I will wear it. It doesn’t do any good hidden away in a box, does it?”

She took out a crystal candle stick, three worn books, a silk fan and soft hand-knit baby blanket.

The last item she pulled from the quilt was a picture showing a woman who looked exactly like Filly wearing a wedding dress as she stood next to a handsome man who smiled at his bride in adoration.

“That’s Mama and Papa on their wedding day. Pa used to be a good man, before Mama died. I sometimes just tell myself that they both died that day. It makes it easier to think of my papa being dead than thinking of him as the mean drunk he’s turned into. Mama would be so sad if she knew.”

Luke rubbed his hand reassuringly across her shoulders. “I’m glad you have good memories of your mother and some things to remember her by. I was right by the way.”

“About what?” Filly asked, wrapping her treasures in the quilt and placing the bundle on the rocking chair.

“Your mother was a very beautiful woman and you look exactly like her.”

Filly turned to her husband and caught a teasing smile as it passed across his face.

Feeling her cheeks heat, she grinned. “And you are still full of blarney.”

Luke laughed and embraced her in a hug. The contact shot sparks between them and Filly wasn’t sure how long her legs would hold her.

“Don’t ever leave me again, Filly. I don’t think my heart could take it,” he whispered in her ear then left the room.

<><><> 

The next morning, Filly had a hard time making herself get up, but she had a Thanksgiving feast to prepare. Donning a simple calico dress and a big apron, she walked into the kitchen to find a beautiful little trunk sitting on the counter with a note that read:

For your mama’s treasures. Love, Luke

Swiping at the tears his thoughtfulness brought to her eyes, she carried the trunk to her room and put her keepsakes inside. After all the fuss she created last night, she was surprised at his kindness this morning.

She was reminded once again what a wonderful  man she was fortunate enough to have married.

Chapter Seven

“I don’t think I could eat one more bite, even if you held me down and stuffed it in,” Chauncy said with a satisfied grin as he leaned back in his chair.

“I should say not,” Abby laughed. “You’ve indulged enough for three people. I’m surprised the buttons haven’t popped off your vest and taken out someone’s eye.”

Luke chuckled and Filly smiled, thrilled to play host to Chauncy and Abby for the Thanksgiving holiday. Her meal had turned out well and if the amount of food the men consumed was any indication, they enjoyed it immensely.

“How about another cup of cider, Filly?” Luke asked.  Filly brewed apple cider with spices on the stove creating not only a wonderful scent that made the house smell delightful, but also a very delicious drink.

“Are you sure you have room to hold it?” Filly asked, pouring him half a cup and offering more to Abby and Chauncy, who both refused.

“Positive,” Luke said, taking a sip of the sweet, hot drink.

“Who’s this Filly you keep talking about?” Chauncy teased, making Filly blush and earning a swift kick to his shin from Abby under the table, along with a stern glare.

“Filly?” Luke said, feigning ignorance.

“Well, don’t think we didn’t notice you’ve called her Filly at least a dozen times since we got here. I thought your wife’s name is Philamena,” Chauncy said, ignoring the irritated looks his wife shot him.

“You’ve met my wife, have you?” Luke said, pulling Filly onto his lap as she swept by with an empty bowl. She flushed a fiery shade of red and would have jumped to her feet except Luke’s strong arm kept her pinned on his lap. “She’s an expert horse-wrangler, debate partner, and witty conversationalist. I think she is aptly named - a high spirited girl that must be gently tamed.”

“Luke,” Filly said, her face flaming. Both pleased and embarrassed by his words and behavior, she shook her head at him. “Goodness gracious. I think that last piece of pie has caused you to come unbalanced.”

Abby giggled while Chauncy laughed out loud. Slapping Luke on the shoulder, he said, “You tell him, Filly.”

Filly blushed again, getting to her feet and continued clearing the table. Although the formal dining room was lovely, Luke said he preferred they dine at the small table in the kitchen where it was much more cozy and friendly. So while she cleared the table, Luke washed, Chauncy dried and Abby sat with her feet propped on a footstool. She seemed to be increasing in size by the day.

As the men joked and clanked the dishes, Filly smiled at her friend. “Not too many weeks left until that little one arrives. Are you ready?”

“I think I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. I know I’m ready to go back to a normal size instead of feeling like a bloated cow,” Abby said, taking a sip of water. “We finished setting up the baby’s room last week and I’ve got diapers, gowns and blankets tucked in drawers, waiting for this little one’s arrival.”

“Are you hoping for a girl or a boy?” Filly asked, dreamily thinking about how nice it would be to have a baby to cuddle and hold.

“I think I’d like a girl. Chauncy would love a boy, but we’ll be pleased with whatever we get,” Abby said, grinning. “I just pray the baby arrives safe and healthy.”

“I know she will,” Filly said, picking up the last of the dirty dishes.

Once the kitchen was clean and the last dish dried, the foursome retired to the parlor where they played charades. Abby decided the women should be a team against the men. They all got involved in the game and began laughing so hard, Filly was afraid it might send Abby into premature labor. 

They then switched teams with the Dodds against the Grangers and played a guessing game in which Chauncy and Abby thoroughly trounced Luke and Filly.

Finally, they settled back around the fire and listened to Chauncy read a passage from the Bible. It was the perfect way to conclude such a wonderful day among friends.

As Abby’s eyes started sliding shut, Chauncy declared it well past time to take his wife home. Luke offered to hitch up the buggy, but Abby insisted the walk would do her good, so she and Chauncy bundled up and headed for home. Luke and Filly put on their coats and walked along.

Standing at the parsonage door, Abby gave Filly a warm hug then kissed Luke on the cheek.

“Thank you both for such a lovely day. I don’t know when I’ve laughed so much,” Abby said. Leaning over she patted Chauncy’s trim stomach. “Or when he’s eaten so much. Happy Thanksgiving!”

“Yes, thank you both for a splendid day,” Chauncy said, following his wife inside, accepting the basket of leftovers Luke held out to him. “Happy Thanksgiving!”

As they turned down the walk, Luke took Filly’s hand in his and casually strolled back toward home. The air was cold and crisp, with the stars shining above like a dark blue blanket of velvet set with diamonds.

“Thank you for making this one of the nicest holidays I’ve had, Filly. You outdid yourself,” Luke said as they sauntered along, in no hurry to go inside.

“Thank you for taking me in and making me feel so welcome in your home, Luke. This was the first holiday I’ve celebrated in years and years. It was wonderful,” Filly said, feeling truly grateful for her many blessings. “And thank you for the trunk. That was so thoughtful of you.”

“You’re welcome. It was my grandmother’s,” Luke said, gazing down at his lovely bride. “I remembered it was up in the attic gathering dust, so you might as well be using and enjoying it.”

Stopping, Filly stood on tiptoe and pressed a kiss to Luke’s cheek before slipping her arm through his. “That makes it even more special. Thank you, Luke, for everything.”

Luke was hoping she’d kiss him again, except he’d be ready to turn his head at the last minute and see if her lips would connect with his. Instead she kept walking.

“You are truly welcome, Filly. I don’t think Granger House has ever felt quite so much like home as it has since you moved in. I enjoy having you here with me,” Luke said.

In the moonlight, Filly could see something in his expression that she couldn’t quite name, but it seemed to magnify the churning emotions she was experiencing. At the moment, she almost hoped she’d find a patch of ice to slip on so Luke would pull her into his arms. If she was really lucky, maybe he’d kiss her.

“I enjoy making it feel homey. I hope if there is something you’d like me to do or that would help make it more inviting, you’ll let me know,” Filly said earnestly as they walked in through the front door.

Luke helped her out of her coat and removed his while she took off her hat and gloves then unwound the scarf from around her neck.

“Well, there is one thing you could do,” Luke said, wanting to bury his hands in the pile of luxurious curls on top of her head. His fingers itched in longing so he shoved them in his pockets.

Looking up at him, Filly raised one slender eyebrow. “Oh, what might that be?”

“I think it would make the house so much more warm and inviting if you gave me a kiss whenever I come home,” Luke said, trying to look and sound serious.

Filly studied him for a long moment. Her bright green eyes sparkled and a smile tugged at the corners of her rosy lips. Luke thought he might abandon all plans to take things slow and easy and ravish her with kisses right there in the hall.

As the ice in his eyes melted into molten orbs of blue, Filly forgot what it was she wanted to say. She was consumed with Luke’s presence. His smile enticed her, his scent excited her, his lips invited her. If only she knew how to kiss, had some experience in such matters.

Dropping her gaze, she took a step back.

Luke however, took a step forward and tenderly pulled her close to him.

“What’s wrong, Filly?” Luke asked, rubbing his hands up and down her arms, creating tendrils of burning heat from her fingers to her shoulders. “Something is bothering you.”

“It’s nothing,” she said, keeping her eyes downcast. Telling him the truth would cause her to die of humiliation right there in the hall.

Luke tipped her chin up with his thumb and searched her face. “Don’t tell me it’s nothing. Something has quite suddenly sapped your happiness. What is it? You know you can tell me anything.”

Leaning against him, she buried her face against his broad chest. “I don’t know how to kiss,” she whispered.

Luke couldn’t hear what she said with her face muffled against his shirt. Pushing her back, he smiled down at her. “Let’s try again. What did you say?”

Her face flamed with color and she looked down at her shoes, instead of into his face. Taking a deep breath, the words burst from her in rapid succession. “I said I don’t know how to kiss. Therefore, it would be nearly impossible for me to do as you asked.”

“I see,” Luke said, once again forcing her chin up so she had to look at him. Grinning at her, he cocked his head to one side and pretended to study her. “I think we need some lessons, then.”

“Lessons?” Filly asked, confused. “What are you talking about?”

“Kissing lessons,” Luke said, drawing her closer into his arms. “I’m going to give you kissing lessons. When I feel you have mastered the art, then you’ll be expected to carry out my wish of a kiss whenever I come home. This may involve some practice on your part.”