Christmas on His Doorstep by Patricia Davids

Author:Patricia Davids
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-09-02T18:52:01+00:00

Chapter Ten

Bridget sat at the kitchen table impatiently swinging her legs when Jane emerged from the bedroom. “You slept a long time, Auntie Jane.”

Jane couldn’t recall seeing the child so happy and eager to start the day. Bridget had blossomed in Eva’s household. Already her gaunt face was filling out. Although her cheeks weren’t plump yet, they were rosy from the warmth of the kitchen instead of pinched and chapped from the cold of their unheated loft bedroom.

“Because she needed to catch up on her rest.” Eva set a plate of cinnamon rolls in the center of the table while cradling Ruth in her other arm. The wonderful aroma of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen.

Feeling refreshed after an uneventful night, Jane sat on the chair next to Bridget. “I won’t make a habit of it. I promise.”

Willis and the children came in from outside shaking fresh snow from their hats and coats. Maddie placed a wire basket of eggs on the kitchen counter. “Chores are all done.”

Willis took his place at the head of the table. “Something got one of the chickens. Probably a fox, but snow covered the tracks. We fixed the place where he got in.”

Eva frowned. “Did he get one of my layers?”

Maddie shook her head. “He took that mean old rooster who pecked my shoes.”

Looking relieved, Eva turned back to the stove. “The poor fox will have indigestion already from that old bird.”

Otto and Harley sat down. Jane looked toward the door. “Danny is late.”

“He’s not coming.” Harley snagged a roll.

The sharp stab of disappointment surprised Jane. She hadn’t realized how much she looked forward to seeing him. “I hope everything’s all right?”

“It is.” Eva took her seat but avoided looking at Jane, leading her to wonder if she had done something wrong.

Once their silent prayers ended, everyone helped themselves to the ample amounts of food. Jane couldn’t get used to such abundance. A glance at Bridget’s face told her the child felt the same. Bridget took a single piece of bacon.

“That’s not enough to fill up a growing girl.” Willis added a scoop of scrambled eggs to Bridget’s plate.

She pushed the dish toward him. “You should save some for later, for when there isn’t enough food.”

Willis leaned down to look her in the eyes. “Bridget, there will always be plenty of food in this house. My family will never go hungry. If you don’t believe me, let Eva take you down to the cellar.”

Bridget looked at Eva. “What’s in the cellar?”

Eva glanced up. “Let me see. Carrots, potatoes, parsnips, beets, cabbage, green beans.”

“Winter squash, sweet potatoes and pumpkins tucked away in crates,” Willis added.

Eva smiled at him. “Jars of canned meats, hams, bacon slabs and produce from the orchard.”

Bridget’s eyes grew round with astonishment. “All that?”

“Yup.” Maddie buttered her biscuit. “Gardening takes a lot of work in the summer. Canning all that stuff is a chore, too. I snapped a mountain of beans.”

Otto chuckled. “It’s worth it when Eva makes her green bean casserole.”

Eva stroked Bridget’s hair.

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