They were all in the sitting room, a crowd of noisy children and talkative adults, when a knock came on the door.
“Who could that be?” Linette asked. “Everyone is here.”
Eddie pushed to his feet. “Only one way to find out.” He pulled open the door. “Howdy, stranger, what can I do for you?”
“I hear you help people.”
“We do if we can.”
Every eye had turned to the doorway, where a man stood bundled in winter clothes.
“Then perhaps you’d let us spend Christmas with you. Me and these two children.” He drew forward a boy and girl. The boy looked to be about Grady’s age, the girl somewhat younger, with eyes so big and solemn it made Nate want to rush over and console her.
Linette joined her husband at the door. “You’re most welcome to stay here as long as you need. It’s Christmas. Please join us.”
He introduced himself as Wade Snyder and the children as his niece and nephew. “Annie and Joey.”
Linette took their coats and scarves. The children clung to their uncle’s side for some time before they edged over to join Grady and the group of children who played in one corner of the room.
Linette, Louise and the other women hurried to the kitchen to take care of the meal. Soon the adults crowded around the table in the dining room while the children sat at the kitchen table.
Louise smiled and ducked her head as if she didn’t want anyone to see her joy-filled expression. Nate hoped she was comforted by the evidence she and Missy weren’t the only ones seeking refuge at the Eden Valley Ranch. He didn’t mind a bit that he was forced to sit so close to Louise that they continually bumped elbows.
Again a knock sounded.
Linette chuckled. “More company.”
Eddie opened the door. “Hi, Rufus. Come on in and join the fun.”
“Thanks, but I got to get back. Petey and Prudence are home alone and my sister annoys Petey something fierce. I got a message for Slim. Is he here?”
Nate heard his nickname and went to the door. “Howdy.”
“Thought you’d come round to see me when you got to town.”
Nate didn’t see any reason to point out there was no use once he’d heard Mountain Mike had gone.
Rufus went on without Nate’s reply. “Mike said to say he was sorry he couldn’t wait for you. That man gets real nervous if the thinks it might snow and keep him from getting back to his precious cabin.”
“Uh-huh.” Did the man come all the way out here on Christmas Day to tell everyone that?
“I told him why you wanted to see him. He said he could take care of it without waiting for you.” Rufus pulled a sheet of paper from his pocket. “This here is the deed to the ranch. All signed legal-like. Mike says he’ll be back in the spring and you can pay him then. All of it or part. Whatever you can.” He handed the papers to Nate, bid goodbye to one and all, and left.
Nate stared at the paper. With unsteady hands he unfolded it and saw the land description and Mike’s signature. All it needed was Nate’s signature, and he’d add that and get Eddie to witness it.
Eddie clapped him on the back. “Now, that’s a Christmas present to remember.”
Nate’s shock wore off and he laughed, waving the paper over his head. “I just got me a ranch.” He stood in front of Louise. “I just got us a home.” He pulled her to her feet. “Mrs. Hawkins, you and I have a home of our own.” And before she could protest, he kissed her in front of the whole crowd.
As they clapped, the adults gathered around to congratulate him and shake his hand, to wish them both all the best.
He held Louise at his side. He had all the best with or without the ranch. He had Louise and Chloe.
As they returned to the table, Nate could not remember a better Christmas.
Epilogue
“Wait here,” Nate said as they stood before the cabin that was to be their first home. He carried Chloe and her cradle inside and put them down, then came back and scooped Louise into his arms.
“What are you doing?” She wrapped her arms about his neck. He could take her anywhere, do anything he wanted, she was that happy to be with him, facing a shared future.
“We’ve done everything else backward, but I want to do this right.” He crossed the threshold and lowered her to her feet but kept his arms around her.