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June 1886, Silver Creek, Oklahoma
“Can you believe all this food?” Abigail said as she surveyed the row of picnic tables that had been placed end to end for the dishes everyone had brought to the church picnic.
Colton smiled. “Yes, I can. There are so many people here and everyone brought a dish or two. It’s nice to see such a big turnout for the town’s anniversary celebration. I can’t believe how much Silver Creek has grown since we moved here.”
“We’ve contributed three new members,” she said and smiled at their young brood who were playing with the smaller children.
Their oldest, Christian, at nearly five, was a bundle of energy who never seemed to get tired no matter how hard he played or helped his daddy on the farm.
Their next child, Tristen, who was almost four, was adventurous and the one most likely to do the exact opposite of what he was told to do. Then he would giggle like crazy when one of them tried to be stern with him.
And their sister, two year old, sweet little Sarah was the apple of Colton’s eye. She had already learned how to wrap him around her tiny fingers. All she had to do was clap her hands with joy and smile, and Colton turned into a pile of mush.
Abigail shook her head as Tristian plowed into his brother and they both fell to the ground amid gales of laughter. “They’re going to kill each other on accident one of these days.”
Colton laughed. “No they aren’t, they’re boys having fun. As they should be.”
She rolled her eyes.
People milled around the church grounds, smiling and chatting with each other. She spied her parents and her siblings, Emily and Mark, coming toward them.
Her mother had a big smile and hugged Abigail. “Do you want to put two tables together so we can all eat together?”
“Yes, let’s do,” Abigail said.
They went under a clump of trees and pushed two tables together.
Levi headed over to them. “Hey folks, I just wanted to say hello.”
“I’m glad to see you here today,” Mrs. Bradley said. “I hear the sheriff’s been keeping all of you deputies busy.”
Levi chucked. “He has, but I love it. It’s the most rewarding work I’ve ever done.”
“I heard you were a natural born lawman,” Mrs. Bradley said.
“I’m glad folks think so,” Levi said and grinned. “Well, I best visit the food tables and get back to work. The town sure is bustling today. All of the shops are having sales and people are all over the place. Even people from neighboring towns are here joining in today. So I’d better be off.”
“Good seeing you, Levi,” Mrs. Bradley said.
He nodded and headed for the food tables.
Robert and Lucy came over and they were all smiles. They had married the previous year and both of them had never been happier.
Colton grinned. “Father, you look fantastic, and Lucy, too.”
“We’ve never been better,” Robert said.
Abigail was so happy for Colton and his family. His father’s recovery had been nothing short of miraculous. Once he’d set his mind on fixing his life, he’d done it. And now, he was a happy, content man.
“Fix your plates and come sit with us,” Mrs. Bradley said.
“We will, thank you.” Lucy said.
“Where’s Penny?” Abigail said. She hadn’t seen her sister-in-law for the last hour.
“I think she’s sitting under a tree with Tucker,” Colten said. “I swear, she looks like she’s going to have that baby any minute.” He chuckled.
“I can’t wait to see if it’s a boy or a girl,” Abigail said.
“Father’s hoping for a girl since we have two boys,” Colton said.
“Sarah already leads him around like she’s the boss,” Abagail said and laughed.
“I think we should all go visit the food tables before it’s all gone,” Abigail’s father said with a laugh.
***
After lunch, Abigail and Colton rounded up their children. Colton scooped Sarah into his arms, and they walked into the town center where most of the celebration was taking place. It seemed like every shop had decorated their store-front and thrown the doors open, inviting shoppers inside.
Some had placed a table out front with free samples or treats for shoppers. Everyone was celebrating and the sidewalks were crowded with people chatting and stopping to look or shop.
Some people had set up lemonade or snack stands and people were flocking to them, happily purchasing their goods.
“It’s nice to see the town like this,” Abigail said. “It’s starting to thrive.”
“In another ten years, you’ll be surprised at how much it grows,” Colton said. “And that’s good for all of us.”
“I heard that a book store is going to open up soon, and another seamstress shop.” Abigail said. “That’s so wonderful.”
“I hope they do well,” Colton said.
“So do I. It’s a good sign for the town.” She would love to see more shops open, and more people come to live there.
A man with his face painted like a clown walked to the middle of the street and began juggling a handful of red balls.
Several kids gathered around, laughing and cheering him on.
“Who is that?” Abigail said.
“I don’t know, but he’s certainly good at juggling,” Colton said with a laugh.
“He is indeed.” Abigail smiled at the children.
“You know what this town really needs?” Colton said.
“What?”
“A nice hotel. People passing through have to go on to one of the neighboring towns for lodging. We don’t even have a boarding house here.”
“Do you think people would stay here?” Abigail said.
“Why not? The town’s growing. We’re close to the railroad. People come through here all the time, but they don’t have any place to lodge for the night.”
“Then why don’t we build one?” Abigail said.
Colton looked at her and lifted an eyebrow.
***
December 1885
“There were times when I didn’t think this day would come,” Abigail said.
Colton laughed. “Once we secured the loan, I knew we’d get here. I wasn’t sure they’d lend us the money though, even with the ranch as collateral. And even after that, there were some rough patches along the way.”
She nodded. “Like getting supplies and a work crew to build it. And then getting all the furnishings. I almost lost my mind waiting for things to arrive on time.”
“But here we are now,” he said. “It’ll all be worth it in the long run.”
“Well, today’s the grand opening, without a guest in sight. Maybe my idea wasn’t so great after all,” she said.
“Ah, maybe we won’t have someone spend the night, but I bet we have people eat at the restaurant.” He grinned. “We’ll have some diners just because they’re curious. Then they’ll come back because of Lucy’s cooking.”
“I hope you’re right,” she said.
“I know I am. The restaurant will carry it until the hotel talks off.”
The hotel and attached restaurant was the largest structure in Silver Creek. The hotel was three stories tall. Abigail had decided to have it painted pale yellow with white trim, and it had turned out very nice.
The inside had dark-toned wood and maroon and silver wallpaper, giving it an elegant look.
“Your father and Lucy are so excited,” she said with a little smile.
“I know,” Colton said. “It’s wonderful for all of us. Father was thrilled that we want him to run the hotel, and Lucy is a wonderful cook and she loves doing it. It’s the most perfect arrangement anyone could have hoped for.”
“Once the townspeople get a taste of Lucy’s cooking they’ll become regular customers.”
Colton nodded. “Adding the restaurant was pure genius.”
“Why thank you, sir.” She giggled. “Now let’s hope we do well enough to pay off the loan.”
“We will. And if it’s a little slow at the start, we can meet the note from sales of cattle and horses. We’re doing fine.”
“You’d better round up the children and put their warm clothes on so we can head for town. We want to open at noon.”
“I’m sure your father and Lucy are already there getting the place warmed up inside.” She was so happy for them. They had been so excited when she and Colton had asked them if they would like to run a hotel and restaurant.
“I hope so. We might have diners right away.”
“I can’t wait to see how they decorated for Christmas,” Abigail said. She hadn’t been there in the last few days. Everything was completed and ready to open, so there hadn’t been any reason for her to go back. But Colton’s father and Lucy had said they would decorate it for the holidays.
“I’ll hitch the horses to the buggy,” Colton said.
“I’ll have the children ready to go when you’re ready,” Abigail said and smiled. She had a surprise for Colton, but it had to wait until after the opening before she told him. One thing at a time, and the hotel opening was less than an hour away.
Colton hurried out to fetch the buggy, and she set about getting the children ready. By the time she had their boots, coats, hats, and mittens on, Colten had the buggy out front waiting for them. He’d harnessed a matching pair of black horses with white stockings and blazes. It was a handsome team.
She hurried the children out to the buggy. The two boys climbed into the second seat and she held Sarah on her lap.
He had a blanket for the boys to wrap around themselves and one for Abigail and Sarah.
“Everyone ready?” Colton said.
“Yes,” the boys yelled in unison.
“We’re ready,” Abigail said and tucked the blanket around her and Sarah.
Colton signaled the horses to move out and they set off at a trot over the frozen driveway.
They hadn’t had any significant snow yet, for which Abigail was thankful. Once the grand opening of the hotel was behind them, it wouldn’t matter how much it snowed. If the weather was bad, Robert and Lucy could stay at the hotel.
It only took about a half-hour for them to reach the town and another ten minutes to get to the hotel. Several people were already gathering outside.
Robert and Lucy had decorated the windows and around the doorway with garlands, little silver bells, and gold ornaments. It was pretty and welcoming. A wide red ribbon had been placed over the door.
Colton stopped the team across the street from the hotel and they all climbed from the buggy and crossed the street. A moment later, Robert and Lucy joined them. It was almost time to open.
As they waited for noon, more and more people gathered, waiting for the opening.
Lucy said, “I have a surprise. I baked cakes and have hot tea and coffee. After the opening, invite everyone into the restaurant for free cake and coffee or tea. We want them to feel welcome so they come eat here.”
“That’s brilliant,” Abigail said. “Thank you.”
“We want this to work as much as you do,” Lucy said.
Colton nodded. “This is a great start.”
Levi and another deputy had come to watch.
Abigail’s parents and siblings were coming down the street with wide smiles on their faces. Penny and Colton walked with them. Penny had their son wrapped in a fluffy blanket.
Colton grinned when he saw them. “Looks like everyone is here to see our idea become reality.”
“Well,” Abigail said, “it was reality as soon as it was completed.”
Colton smiled. “I suppose you’re right.”
When the clock on the courthouse struck noon, Colton and Abigail walked to the front of the hotel.
“Thank you everyone, for joining us today to celebrate the opening of our hotel and restaurant. And as a thank you, our dear Lucy has baked cake and made hot coffee and tea. We’d like for all of you to come into the restaurant and join us in our celebration.”
A little cheer went up from the crowd.
“Abigail, will you do the honor of cutting the ribbon?” Colton said.
Abigail took the scissors he offered and cut the red ribbon across the doorway.
Another cheer went up.
“Come on everyone, come to the restaurant and have cake with us.”
People flocked to the restaurant door and went inside. The restaurant was large enough to accommodate about thirty dining parties. And hopefully, they would be able to fill the dining room before long.
Lucy had placed slices of cake on several tables and had cups ready to pour coffee or tea. It was nice and warm inside and people immediately grabbed a slice of cake and their beverage of choice and seated themselves at a table.
Conversation filled the air.
A big chandelier provided warm light and the pretty blue and silver wallpaper gave an elegant cool contrast. Lucy had given a lot of suggestions on the restaurant side of the business and she had an eye for what people would like.
It wasn’t long before someone said, “When will the restaurant open for business?”
“Tomorrow,” Lucy said. “The special will be my old family recipe stew. Melts in your mouth and warms your stomach. And of course, we have a full menu to order from.”
“Wonderful,” the man said. “I’ll be here for supper.”
“Me, too,” another voice chimed in.
“I’ll be looking for you,” Lucy said.
Abigail and Colton glanced at each other and smiled.
Abigail took a bit of cake. “Oh, my goodness. This is so good. I don’t know where Lucy learned to bake like this, but I’m sure glad she did.”
“Yes, she’s excellent,” Colton said. “Not that you aren’t.”
“I can cook, but she’s much better,” Abigail said. “But I don’t have time to devote to the kitchen. You know, four children are a handful.”
“That’s true,” Colton said. Then he froze for a second. “Wait a minute. You said four children…”
She couldn’t stop grinning and then she giggled.
“Are you?”
She nodded. “We’re going to have a baby.”
He grabbed her, picked her up and swung her around.
Laughing, she said, “Put me down, silly.”
He set her on her feet then yelled, “Hey everyone, we’re going to have a baby.”
A cheer when up from the people in the restaurant. Suddenly, Abigail’s mother was there by her side and pulled her into a hug.
“I’m going to be a grandmother again.” Her mother smiled and she hugged Abigail again. “This is so wonderful.”
Her father grinned and hurried over. He shook Colton’s hand and hugged Abigail. “This is the best news. Another grandchild for us to spoil.”
Colton laughed. “If it’s a girl, look out. They know how to make us dance for them before they’re a week old.”
Her father chuckled. “Well, that’s certainly true of Sarah. The little minx.”
Abigail laughed. “Sarah is a smart little girl.”
“Wait until she learns to bat her eyelashes at Colton when she wants something,” her father said and laughed hard. “Oh my, this is just the best news, girl or boy, it doesn’t matter, we love them all.”
“I can’t believe how I’ve been blessed,” Colton said.
“How we’ve been blessed,” Abigail said and grinned.
Penny hurried over and gave her a one-arm hug while holding her son with the other arm. “That’s wonderful news. Now Little David will have a playmate close in age.”
“Yes,” Abigail said. “It’ll be perfect for both of them.”
“This is so exciting,” Penny said as everyone gathered around Abigail and Colton. “Another member of the family.”
“We need to celebrate this fantastic news,” Colton said.
“You know what?” Abigail said. “You’re right.”
***
The drive home was colder and Abigail was grateful for the blankets that Colton had brought for them. But cold or not, it couldn’t diminish from the wonderful day they’d had.
She had a renewed sense that the hotel and restaurant were going to do well. It wouldn’t take Lucy long to have people coming to the restaurant to get a good meal, and it was a sure bet that travelers would dine there. Everything was going to work out the way they’d planned from the time they’d decided to build the hotel.
As they turned off the road onto their driveway, snow began to flutter down.
“Look,” Christian said, “it’s snowing.”
“It sure is, honey,” Abigail said. “Hopefully, we’ll have a white Christmas.”
Colton sighed. “Pretty to look at, not so much fun to work in.”
“I can’t argue with that,” Abigail said.
He stopped the buggy and waited for them to climb out before driving to the barn to unharness the team.
“Come on, children, let’s get inside and warm up the house. The boys ran ahead of her and she carried Sarah, hurrying to get inside the house.
Christian reached the door first and burst inside with the others following close behind him. It was cold inside.
Abigail set Sarah down and went to start warming the house. It wouldn’t take long once she lit fires in the stoves and the massive fireplace in the parlor. After she got the blaze going in the fireplace, she rubbed her hands against the cold and enjoyed the heat that immediately poured from the fireplace.
It was already warming up by the time Colton came inside with snow in his hair.
She giggled. “You look like an old man with all the snow in your hair.
With a grin, he brushed it off. “No old timers here. Not yet anyway.”
“We’ll both be old timers before you know it,” she said.
He slipped an arm around her. “We’ll grow into old timers together and what could be more beautiful than that?”
“I can’t think of anything, other than our children growing up and becoming wonderful people.”
He gave her a little squeeze, and she leaned her head against his shoulder. “When I was a girl, I never dreamed my life could be so good. I thank the good Lord every day for you and our children.”
“I do as well, my darling,” he said. “Life has been good to us.”
“Let’s have a Christmas Eve party, for family and close friends,” she said. “I feel like celebrating all the good things we’ve been blessed with, and what a better time to do it?”
“If that’s what you want, then I’m all for it,” he said.
“I would like to do that. I’m so thankful for everything, and this baby we’re expecting is the biggest blessing this year.”
“I agree,” he said.
The boys zoomed by giggling and yelling.
“Settle down,” Colton said.
The boys stopped running and headed for their shared bedroom.
“I’ll start planning the party tomorrow,” she said. “And start getting the house decorated.”
Colton nodded. “Sounds like a good idea. You don’t have a lot of time to get ready.”
***
The following day, Abigail started decorating the house. Over the last couple of years they had bought some nice glass ornaments and lots of garland.
Her father had stopped by and she’d asked if he would mind cutting some evergreen boughs for her to make decorations with. He’d gone straight to the woods and brought back a sled full for her.
She’d placed little tables beneath the windows and placed arrangements on them. Now the house smelled of fresh cedar and pine. She’d placed candles and ornaments with the greenery, and it looked beautiful.
She placed garland and ornaments around the house until she was pleased with the result. Then all that was left was putting up a Christmas tree.
When Colton came in that afternoon, she said, “Do you like the decorations so far?”
“Yes, they look great.”
She warmed with pleasure at his praise. “We need to put up a tree, and I’ll be finished.”
“Well, then, let’s all go get one. We can take the sleigh.”
“That sounds wonderful,” she said. The children would love going for a sleigh ride to find a tree.
“Let me warm up for a little while, then I’ll go get the sleigh. It’ll be fun.”
“I have fresh coffee in the kitchen, if you want a cup, it’s good and hot.” She always tried to have fresh coffee for him when he’d been out in the cold.
“I’d love a cup.”
As soon as Colton had warmed up, he left the house to fetch the sleigh and Abigail bundled up the children in the winter clothes.
***
As soon as Colton warmed up, he left the house to fetch the sleigh, and Abigail bundled up the children in their winter clothes and fetched blankets for everyone to wrap up in.
Colton brought the sleigh to the house and she herded the children outside where they ran to climb in the sleigh.
When everyone was seated and wrapped in a thick blanket, Colton picked up the reins and clucked to the horse. They whisked over the snow at a trot. The horse puffed out his breath in white bursts as they headed for the woods. He’d attached jingle bells to the harness and they rang pleasantly with each step the horse took.
Abigail had Sarah in her lap and a blanket wrapped tight around both of them.
“Let’s sing Christmas carols,” Abigail said and turned to look at the boys.
The children burst into two different songs and Abigail laughed. “Pick one song and we’ll all sing along,” she said.
“O Holy Night,” Christian said. “Let’s sing that.”
“That one’s kind of hard to sing,” Abigail said, “But we can sing it.” She smiled at the boys.”
They sang songs all the way to the woods. Even Colton joined in as they raised their voiced in pure joy of the season.
Finally, they reached an area filled with pine trees of every size and shape.
“We should be able to find something nice,” Colton said and grabbed the ax from the back of the sleigh. “Let’s go find us a tree.”
The boys jumped out of the sleigh and ran ahead of Colton and Abigail.
“They’re having fun,” he said.
She nodded and smiled. “That’s the best part.”
As they walked among the trees, snow began falling again, giving the trees a magical look with a dusting of snow on the boughs.
“Do you see any that you really like?” Colton said.
“Not yet,” Abigail said. “But I know the perfect one is here.”
And sure enough, after a few more minutes of walking, she spied one that would fit the parlor perfectly. “That one, right there.” She pointed to the tree.
“All right,” Colton said. “Give me a few minutes and that tree will be yours.”
He went to work with the ax and it didn’t take long at all to fell the tree. He grabbed the trunk and dragged the tree over the snow to the sleigh. He stowed it in the back while the boys and Abigail got in and wrapped themselves in the blankets to stay warm on the return ride.
That night, Abigail made hot chocolate for everyone, and they decorated the tree as a family. They wrapped silver garland around the tree and hung lovely ornaments on the boughs. It looked beautiful when they finished, taking up the corner of the parlor and filling it with the scent of pine.
Christmas Eve was less than a week away and they were ready.
The boys were yawning and running out of steam. Sarah was asleep on the sofa.
“I’ll get them ready for bed,” Abigail said and shooed the boys off to their bedroom. She scooped of Sara and went to tuck in the children.
***
When she came back to the parlor, Colton waited for her on the sofa and Abigail sat close beside him. He stroked back a lock of her hair that had escaped. “Remember the day you burst into my office?”
She giggled. “Yes. I can’t believe I talked you into helping me. You sure didn’t want to.”
He laughed. “It’s a good thing I did.”
“Yes, it is. Think of all the adventures we would have missed out on.” Not all had been good adventures, but they’d made it.
“No. I’m thinking of the love and family I would have missed out on. And my father healing and having a chance at a wonderful life, our beautiful children…I’m so glad you came into my life that day.”
She warmed all over with love for him and their children. “So am I.”
“You healed me. I was lost and didn’t even know it,” he said. “I let someone cripple me and didn’t even see it. You showed me what love was and opened my heart. I was so afraid you didn’t love me, and I wrote you that letter. I was scared to death when I gave it to you.”
“I thought it was sweet and beautiful,” she said and smiled.
He plucked something from the end table. “Look what I found.” He held it up. It was an ornament made to look like a clump of mistletoe.
She giggled. “Well look at that.”
He held it over them. “We’re under the mistletoe. You know what that means.”
“Oh, yes, you have to kiss when you’re under mistletoe.”
He leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers then he pulled back. “Thank you, Mrs. Drake, for giving me a wonderful life.”
***
The house smelled delightfully of evergreen, roasting turkey, fresh coffee, pumpkin pie, and a medley of the other dishes Abigail had on the stove.
A knock on the door announced the arrival of their first guests.
“I’ll get it,” Colton called.
A moment later, her parents and siblings came into the kitchen.
Her father carried a large sack of gifts. “Where should I put these?” he said with a big grin.
“Under the tree,” Abigail said. “We’ll pass out gifts this evening.”
He nodded and headed for the parlor.
“The house is lovely,” her mother said.
“Thanks,” Abigail said.
“Can I help with the cooking?” her mother said.
“I have everything under control right now,” Abigail said. “But we can sit in here and have coffee while everything finishes cooking.”
“Sounds good,” her mother said. “I could use a good cup of hot coffee. It’s pretty cold out today.”
“We’re going to get more snow,” Abigail said. “You can feel it in the air.”
“Winter hasn’t even really started yet,” her mother said. “And I’m ready for spring.”
“Not me. I think it’s beautiful when it snows. And what better time for snow than Christmas?”
“I guess I can’t argue with that,” her mother said.
Another knock at the door sounded.
“Got it,” Colton called in.
She heard his voice and Levi’s from the next room. She smiled. “Levi and his family are here.”
Her mother nodded.
Next, Penny and Tucker arrived with their children, followed by Robert and Lucy.
The women gathered in the kitchen and the men wandered into the parlor. It was so nice to have her family and friends together for Christmas. Dinner would be ready soon and they would eat together and then pass out the gifts they had for everyone.
“When’s the baby due,” Penny said.
“July,” Abigail said and placed her hand on her flat stomach. “I can’t wait. And I hope we have more. Children are the most wonderful thing in the world.”
“I know,” Penny said. “We’re hoping for another soon, too.”
Abigail smiled and said, “It’s so nice that they can all grow up together and not be too far apart in age.”
Penny nodded. “Things have turned out well for all of us. This family has truly been blessed.”
Abigail nodded. It was true. Over the years she’d even forgiven Mrs. Wilson and they exchanged letters a few times a year. Forgiveness had felt good and in a way, had given her complete closure on the parts of her life that hadn’t been good.
“I’d better check the turkey,” Abigail said. “It should be done by now.”
“I hope so,” her mother said. “I’m famished.”
Abigail pulled the huge roasting pan from the oven and forked the meat. She smiled at her mother. “It’s ready.”
***
They gathered at the table in the dining room which was laden with food.
“Who wants to say grace?” Abigail said.
“May I?” Robert said.
Colton nodded.
The bowed their heads.
“Dear Lord,” Robert said. “Thank you for the blessings you’ve given all of us, for this wonderful food, for our health and well-being, for wonderful friends. Thank you for showering us with your love and grace. Thank you for the love of friends and family.” He smiled a little. “Amen.”
A chorus of Amen range out around the table.
“All right, folks, let’s eat,” Colton said.
Abigail looked at Colton and smiled. The food was good, but having family and friends come together to celebrate Christmas was better. Family and friends were everything.
The children chattered happily as their grandmother helped them fill their plates. Her mother smiled as she helped them.
Abigail’s sister and brother kept the dishes passing around.
Indeed, family and good friends were everything.
She glanced at Colton and he was looking at her with a big smile on his face. “I know what you’re thinking,” he said. “And you’re right.”
“What am I thinking, Mr. Drake?”
“You’re basking in the love of friends and family.”
She grinned. “You know me too well.”
“That’s because I love you will all my heart.”
Warmth filled her and she couldn’t quit smiling. “I love you, too, Colton. With all my heart.”
Indeed, she truly had a wonderful life.
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