A Promise for Christmas by Linda Carroll-Bradd

Author:Linda Carroll-Bradd [Carroll-Bradd, Linda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Inked Figments
Published: 2020-11-17T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

The wedding luncheon at the Mountain High Café was almost over when Anson felt Fiona lean against his right arm. She might not be aware of the touch, but he felt every inch of their contact.

A few moments later, she raised a hand to cover a yawn.

Of course, she would be tired. He’d traveled by train a time or two and remembered the constant stops to deliver or take on passengers and the general noise of sharing space hour after hour with so many other people.

A waitress walked toward the table, a speckled coffeepot in her hands.

Maybe coffee is what she needs. Anson lifted his arm and signaled toward the adults’ cups. If he thought he could take a look at his pocket watch and not cause offense, he would. From the café, he couldn’t see his storefront and worried about customers waiting for his return.

“Fiona—” Vika shook her head and hovered a hand over her mug. “Did ye attend many plays while in Chicago?”

“Only on special occasions. When the Huntingdons deemed a play appropriate for the older children, I attended to oversee Philberta and Lyman.” Fiona tipped the cream pitcher on the edge of her mug then stirred the dark brew.

“I don’t mention it often, although I do miss the social life of living in Lincoln.” Glancing at her husband, she patted Chad’s hand on the table. “But I gained so much more by moving here.”

“Glad to hear you say so.” Chad shifted his hand so their fingers intertwined.

Why was he suddenly so aware of his friends’ loving gestures? So far, only the formal touches of escorting and assisting Fiona into the wagon felt normal. Now was not the right time to think about that kiss.

“Daddy, I’m tired.” Guinie leaned her head on her father’s left arm.

Vika straightened and glanced between Lance and Guinie. “Goodness, I’ve been enjoying meself and not paying attention to the children.”

“Don’t worry, dear. Today is special. Besides, she can nap on the drive home.” Chad scooted back his chair so Guinie could climb onto his lap.

Anson stood. “Let me take care of the bill, and we can head back to the store.”

The others rose and gathered their coats and hats.

As soon as the team stopped moving, Anson vaulted over the side of the wagon and quickly unlocked the store to let in a couple customers. “I’ll be right inside, folks.” Then he walked to where Fiona sat. “The Rutherfords will drop you at the house.” He dug into his front pocket and pulled out the second key he recently had Jeb Burns, the blacksmith, make.

Chad jumped to the street and strode into the store.

Fiona’s eyes shot wide. “Yer not taking me there? To me new home? But I thought ye’d give me a tour…”

Guilt burned the tops of his ears. Why didn’t he anticipate her completely logical request? “Remember about the missing telegram and how I didn’t have much notice to make today’s plans? I didn’t anticipate closing the store for more time than was necessary.

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