“Yes, it was a wonderful trip. I bought lots and lots of expensive dresses.” She narrowed her eyes at Sylvia. “But I guess that’s the reason you want to marry Papa. Everyone knows he’s richer than a king.”
Smiling through gritted teeth, Sylvia turned her attention to Angel, remarking on the beauty of the Christmas tree. Since Sylvia hadn’t responded to Lucy’s challenge, the young woman slumped in her chair and continued to sulk.
Within minutes a small bell rang, and Lucy leapt from her seat. “Dinner is ready.” She walked off and left her guests, who followed behind her, glancing at each other at the display of unsteadiness in Lucy’s walk.
After they were all settled at the table, Eli turned to Nate. “Will you offer the blessing?”
Lucy snorted, but bowed her head anyway as Nate said a short prayer. Soon, dishes were passed from hand to hand, and silverware clanked as they all enjoyed the ham, turkey, boiled potatoes, greens, biscuits, and fruit.
Angel smiled with pleasure as she watched her boys. She had been working on their table manners for some time now, and apparently her lessons had paid off. They all conducted themselves like little gentlemen. She glanced over at Nate, and they both smiled, knowing what the other thought. Even Julia-Rose used her spoon with her fingers, much to Angel’s delight.
After dinner, Lucy disappeared as the others retired to the parlor where Nate and Eli played a game of chess, with Matt looking on. Sylvia and Angel kept the rest of the children occupied with stories and games. If Eli noticed his daughter’s absence, he didn’t comment on it.
Shortly after dark, Nate stood and stretched. “Eli, I enjoyed that game. But it’s time to get my family home. We were up pretty early this morning.”
The adults struggled to their feet, full and content from the wonderful meal, which concluded with the elegant desserts that in Lucy’s absence, Sylvia had served in the parlor. The boys appeared to have spent their energy, and Julia-Rose’s eyes grew heavy. It had been a long day.
Eli walked them to the door, calling for the doorman to deliver their coats.
“I’ll be bringing Sylvia home in a little bit.” Eli placed his arm around her shoulders possessively.
They stood in the doorway with their coats on, as Lucy came slowly down the stairs. She weaved her way through the crowd, smiling smugly, and seemed to lurch on her way to reach Nate.
Glancing up, Angel noticed a sprig of mistletoe hanging over Nate’s head, and knew trouble was about to start.
Lucy pointed. “Mistletoe,” she chanted, and proceeded to pull his head down and give him a lengthy kiss.
“Lucy!” Eli grabbed her arm and pulled her away.
“What?” She turned and stumbled against him. “It’s only mistletoe. I saw you kiss her under it before.” She jerked her chin in Sylvia’s direction.
“That’s enough.” Eli moved closer and peered into his daughter’s eyes. “Have you been drinking, young lady?”
“No.” She raised two fingers, about a half-inch apart. “Well, maybe a little. It is a holiday, you know.” She slurred her words and swayed in his direction. “I’ve had enough of this party.” As she turned to walk away, her body crumbled. Nate caught her right before she hit the floor.
Sylvia glanced at Angel, and mouthed, “Oh, dear.”
Chapter 18
It was winter in Oregon City, and the night before, a rare snowstorm had battered the city, blowing white powder in swirls, wrapping bare tree branches in crystals, and turning the world into a frosty, hushed playground.
Luke and John were the first of the boys awake to witness the wonderland. Nate watched with one eye closed as they ran to his bedroom and excitedly rubbed nightshirt-clad arms across the window, then shrieked in delight. Matt and Mark woke up, and hearing her brothers’ screams, Julia-Rose started to wail.
“Snow, Papa, snow,” Luke yelled, jumping on the end of his parents’ bed.
Angel pulled the pillow over her head. Nate regarded her. “Coward.”
Despite being Saturday, Nate left his shop closed in honor of the snowfall, and after chores were done, he joined the boys in the front yard to build a snowman. Angel dressed Julia-Rose in warm clothes, and taught her how to make angels in the snow. When the baby got too cold, Angel changed her clothes and sat with her on the front porch, drinking cups of hot cocoa and watching the boys and Nate having a snowball fight.
Shortly before supper, a familiar figure on horseback ambled toward the house. Smiling broadly at the antics between Nate and the boys, Sheriff Travis and his horse plodded along, kicking up clumps of snow-covered mud. He stopped in front of the gate, and tipped his hat to Angel.
“Afternoon, Mrs. Hale, Nate.” A puff of steam shot from his mouth as he swung his rotund body off the horse and opened the gate.
“What can I do for you, Sheriff?” Nate dusted powdery snow off his gloves.
The sheriff cleared his throat, and kicked at the snow under his foot. “I understand there’s a Mrs. Sylvia Hardwick residing here with you?”
“Yes, that’s right.” Nate frowned. “She’s my wife’s stepmother, been here for a few months.”