The Widower's Christmas Wish Read online

  She didn’t know where she was and sat up suddenly. She heard a moan from beside her and it all came crashing back.

  Her entire life had changed yesterday. Married and a mother within hours. And now here she was laying in bed with her new husband.

  Her very handsome husband.

  He’d held her close all night – she remembered now. Recalled the feelings she’d had being in his arms, feeling his hard body against hers, and the way she’d felt at home with him.

  “Good morning, wife of mine.” His voice was deep and sexy. Every time he spoke it did things to her. She wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not.

  She slowly climbed out of bed. “Good morning,” she said, a little less cheery than she probably should be.

  A large hand snaked around her waist and pulled her back. “Time for a quick cuddle?” She turned to see him grinning at her.

  “Papa! Mama!” A little voice yelled to be let out of the cot.

  He let go suddenly. “The joys of having a child.” He sighed. “I guess there will be no cuddling.” Instead he kissed her lips lightly, taking Charlotte by surprise.

  The kiss was unexpected, and Charlotte was left reeling by the tingle that lingered on her lips.

  He stared into her eyes, no doubt daring her to protest. She had no intention of it. He was her lawful husband, and he had every right to kiss her, if her mother’s words were anything to go by.

  “You must be hungry,” she said suddenly, jumping out of bed. “I’m sure Emma is too.”

  Charlotte pulled a robe around herself and headed to little Emma’s room. She was rewarded with a huge grin as the little arms went up in the air. “Mama!”

  “Hello sweetheart,” Charlotte said gently. “Mama’s here.” She still couldn’t get her head around it but forced herself to use her new title.

  “So is Papa!” Angus strolled into the room and Emma forced herself into his big strong arms. Charlotte watched on as he held his daughter tight.

  It must have been heart-breaking to have been separated from her for so long. All that was about to change – the child deserved to be with her father, and Angus deserved to have his daughter with him.

  Suddenly Emma’s face looked pained. “Papa, I have to go,” she said urgently. Except the poor child had no idea where the privy was. For that matter, neither did Charlotte.

  Angus pointed them in the right direction, and they both headed out.

  When they returned, Charlotte felt so much better, and could only imagine how the little girl was feeling.

  “Into your room, young lady, and we’ll get you dressed.”

  Angus stood back and watched, grinning at her.

  “What?” She’d done nothing to get that reaction. Or had she?

  He pulled her close and whispered in her ear. “You’re very cute when you’re being Mama.”

  She gasped. Is that what she was doing?

  She tried to pull out of his arms, but he held tight. “I have to get your daughter dressed. Let go.”

  But he didn’t want to and continued to whisper. “I like holding you like this. Don’t you like it?” He frowned.

  She let herself go limp against him. “I do,” she said. “But I have to get Emma dressed. Please.”

  He dropped his arms from around her and she suddenly felt bereft, as though a part of her had been removed.

  * * *

  Angus quickly dressed and headed for the kitchen, wondering what Charlotte had prepared for breakfast. He would have to leave soon.

  He pinned his sheriff’s badge to his waistcoat and sat down at the wooden table he’d made when he and Sarah had married.

  Charlotte was no where to be seen. “Charlotte?” Where on earth could she be?

  He went to the wood stove and picked up the kettle. Stone cold. The woman hadn’t even lit the stove for his coffee. What was wrong with her? “Charlotte!” He needed to get her attention. Not that it would do him any good, he couldn’t wait for coffee now. He’d have to get one at the diner in town.

  He sighed. There was going to be a big learning curve with his new wife, he was certain.

  He heard laughter, then Emma skipped into the room. “Mama and me have been playing games.” She grinned broadly, and his heart skipped a beat. It was so good having his little girl living there. He’d missed her so much.

  He squatted down to her level, and she put her little arms around his neck. “Where’s Mama?” he asked softly.

  “Fixing my cot,” she whispered back. She kissed his cheek then ran off again.

  He smiled, but his heart broke for the times he’d missed her growing up.

  “Mama, Mama,” Emma called. “Papa wants you.” He watched as she skipped toward her precious Mama.

  He stared as she walked toward him, a smile on her face. “You wanted me?”

  “I have to go to work,” he said with a heavy heart. He wanted nothing more than to stay home and get to know his new bride.

  The closer she got to him, the more he wanted her. He lifted his hand and swept back a loose tendril that touched her cheek.

  He wanted to touch that cheek right now.

  He stepped toward her. They were so close he could feel her breath on his lips. He wanted so badly to kiss her lips.

  She stared at him innocently.

  He reached out and cupped her face in his hands. He leaned down and gently covered her lips. She tasted sweet, and her lips were soft.

  He pulled back. He couldn’t do this now. He had to go.

  He looked into her caramel colored eyes, and his heart melted. He leaned in once more and claimed her lips.

  She didn’t resist.

  “Eeeeeeeeeewwww! Papa, stop that!”

  He felt a tug on his waistcoat. He looked down at the tiny interloper. “Get used to it sweetheart.” He turned back to Charlotte, stole another quick kiss, then headed to the stables.

  Angus had no idea why, but despite only knowing her a very short time, Charlotte seemed to tug at his heartstrings.

  * * *

  “Helloooooooo.”

  Charlotte recognized Abigail’s voice and headed toward the front door.

  She greeted her sister-in-law with a warm hug. “Thank you again for yesterday. It was amazing,” Charlotte told her.

  Abigail shrugged as though it was nothing. From her experience, people only did things for you when they would get something out of it. But here it was different – they did things because they cared.

  It was a huge change for Charlotte, and one she relished.

  Abigail pushed her back. “My dear Charlotte, what on earth are you wearing?” She looked her up and down. “It looks like your Sunday best!”

  Charlotte was in a pickle. “It’s all I have,” she said honestly. “I only managed to bring two outfits, apart from what I was wearing. I had to get away...” She stopped dead. She’d said too much.

  Her sister-in-law’s eyes opened wide. She jumped on Charlotte’s words. “You had to get away? From what? Or perhaps from whom?”

  Charlotte looked to the floor. “I didn’t mean...”

  She felt an arm go around her. “Your secret is safe with me, my dear. But we will have to properly outfit you. A trip to Dayton Falls is in order.”

  “Emma, come here, darling. We’re going to town.”

  * * *

  They stood at the counter of the Mercantile.

  “Good morning, Mr Horvard,” Abigail said. “This is Charlotte Doyle, my brother’s new wife.”

  His expression was one of shock, but he was ever the professional. “Pleased to meet you, Missus Doyle,” the owner said.

  Abigail looked about the store. “We need some everyday dresses for Mrs Doyle, if you have some in stock.”

  Charlotte pulled on Abigail’s sleeved arm. “I, I can’t,” she whispered. “What will Angus say?” She felt embarrassed that she even had to use his money to outfit her with clothes.

  “You can, and you will.” Abigail was adamant, and apparentl
y Charlotte had no choice.

  “Follow me,” Mr Horvard told them. “I have a rack at the back of the store. If we don’t have your size, I can order them in.” He looked her up and down. “These should fit you though.”

  “Thank you, Mr Horvard. I’ll let you know if we find anything.”

  Thoroughly dismissed, the store owner returned to the counter.

  The two women scrounged through the racks. Abigail pulled a face, apparently not liking what she found. Emma held tightly to her Mama’s hand.

  Abigail finally pulled a dress from the rack. “This one,” she said, holding it up in front of Charlotte. “This looks nice, and the color suits you.”

  Charlotte nodded but didn’t commit.

  “Oooh, here’s another pretty dress for you.”

  By the time Abigail had finished, she had four pretty dresses she could wear at the cabin.

  On their way back to the counter, they came across a box of lady’s drawers on sale. Abigail picked up four pairs and handed those to Charlotte as well. “What? I’ll bet you have virtually none with you.”

  Charlotte didn’t deny it.

  Mr Horvard wrapped the purchases and handed them over. “Put them on my brother’s account.”

  He nodded, then they left the store.

  The three stepped outside, and Abigail pointed. “That’s the Sheriff’s Office over there,” she said. “Want to visit Papa?” she asked Emma.

  Of course, the child was excited to see her Papa. Strangely, Charlotte felt the same way.

  The little girl ran through the door before anyone could stop her. “Papa! Papa!” She stood in the middle of the room. “Where’s my Papa?” she asked when he was no where to be seen.

  There was a clink of metal, then he walked in the room carry keys to the cells. “Did someone call Papa?” he asked, with a twinkle in his eye. He picked Emma up with one hand and held her tight. “I was putting a bad man in the cells,” he explained.

  Emma nodded, but Charlotte was sure she didn’t understand.

  He glanced across at her, and his eyes burned into hers. She tried to pull her gaze away, but it just wasn’t happening.

  He stepped toward her, his daughter still in his arms. “I’ve missed you today, darlin,” he said quietly.

  She wondered how that was possible after just one day. But oddly enough, she felt the same way.

  His arm reached out and went around her, and he pulled her closer. “Now I have my two most favorite girls with me.” He winked at his wife, who felt the heat creep up her face.

  “All right, that’s enough of the soppy stuff,” Abigail said. “We came into town because Charlotte needed clothes.” She pointed to the package. “And now we’re going home. Goodbye, Angus.” She turned tail and left the Sheriff’s Office.

  * * *

  “You’ve never cooked before, have you?” Abigail asked.

  Charlotte took great offense. “I have too. Cook taught me to bake cakes.” She suddenly realized what she’d said, and her hands flew to her face.

  Abigail frowned. “Cook? Only rich people have cooks...” Her hands went to her chest. “Oh my gosh, Charlotte. There’s a lot you’re not telling.”

  Charlotte closed her eyes tightly. She silently prayed for the Good Lord to give her the strength to get through this day. She didn’t want to outright lie to Abigail, but she had to give her a plausible explanation.

  “Please,” she pleaded. “Don’t tell Angus. I was in terrible danger if I stayed.”

  “You can tell me all about it while we collect vegetables from the garden.” She picked up a basket and they headed outside.

  “My dear girl, that is absolutely horrible. I am so glad you chose my brother to marry.” She hugged Charlotte tightly, and it felt as though she would never let go. “You could have been his next victim.”

  “He was just after my inheritance, I’m certain,” Charlotte told her. “He was thoroughly revolting, and evil. Thoroughly evil.” She’d thought it before she found out about his two former wives and felt it even more after Miss Bethany had told her more.

  “I’m so sorry you went through all that, Charlotte.” She began to peel the potatoes. “I promise I won’t tell my brother, but it’s something you need to do.”

  “Once these are done we’ll add the carrots and other vegetables.” Abigail had placed the pot over the fire and added some water. “We always make more than we need, and then there’s some left for breakfast.”

  Charlotte’s heart sank. “I, I forgot to give him breakfast this morning.” Tears filled her eyes.

  Abigail patted her back. “He’s resilient, he’ll survive. But from now on, you make sure you have coffee and food ready for him each morning.”

  Charlotte nodded.

  “The thing is,” Abigail said, not meeting her eyes. “Our property is sold. William and I will be leaving soon, so I’m not going to be around to help you out. Or to teach you.”

  Charlotte gasped. What was she going to do? She was relying on Abigail to teach her how to be a good wife.

  “I’ll show you a few basics, but mostly you’re on your own. I’m really sorry.”

  Charlotte threw the parsnips and turnips into the vegetable stew and stirred it as she’d been shown.

  “This needs to cook for the rest of the day.”

  The other woman went to the pantry. Charlotte could see the dismay on her face. “There’s virtually nothing here, and no bread.” She pulled out flour and a few other ingredients and instructed Charlotte on how to make fresh bread.

  “I’m never going to be able to do this,” Charlotte wailed.

  Abigail wiped her hands on her apron. “Of course you will. I’ll write down the recipe for you, so you won’t forget.” She smiled at Charlotte, trying to reassure her, but Charlotte felt far from reassured right now.

  Chapter Five

  “This is delicious.”

  Charlotte leaned back in her chair and smiled. Her first meal as a married woman, and her husband liked it.

  “Your sister helped,” she said honestly. “I don’t know what I’d do without her.”

  Emma sat watching the exchange between the two but didn’t say a word. “Eat your stew, darlin,” Angus told her.

  “It’s too hot, Papa.”

  He looked to Charlotte as though she would know what to do. She had no idea.

  “Maybe blow on it?” It was the only thing she could think of. Emma smiled and did as she was told. Soon she was eating tiny bits of the stew.

  “Oh my gosh!” Charlotte jumped up and pulled the bread out of the oven. “It’s nearly burned. I totally forgot about it.”

  Angus looked back over his shoulder. “Nah, that’s not burned. Just a bit... dark. It will be okay, I promise.”

  He got up from the table and got a wooden bread board and sharp knife, ready to cut the bread when it was cool enough.

  Charlotte took the butter from the pantry, and placed it in front of her hungry husband, then took some plates from the cupboard.

  There was an awkward silence. “This is one of my new dresses,” she told him. “Do you like it?”

  He looked her up and down. “It’s pretty. Suits the color of your eyes.”

  “You’re not mad?”

  She stared at the floor.

  “Why would I be mad? I want my beautiful wife to look her best.” He held her hand and squeezed it. “Besides, what else do I get to spend my money on?” He leaned in and spoke quietly so only Charlotte could hear. “I don’t suppose you bought some sexy nightwear?”

  She was shocked, but he laughed.

  She pulled her hand away in disgust.

  “It was a joke, darlin,” He was still laughing, and she was annoyed.

  “I’m sure that bread is cool enough to cut now.” She did her best to change the subject.

  He gazed at his daughter. “Hurry up and eat, Emma. It’s almost your bedtime.” He glanced at her almost full plate. “That food must be cool by now.”

&
nbsp; He stood and cut the bread into thick slices. “Put some of this aside for the morning,” he said. I’ll have a few slices of bread and a hot cup of coffee before I leave.”

  He didn’t say anything about not being fed this morning, but she knew exactly what he meant. “I’m sorry,” she said. “It didn’t enter my mind...”

  He brushed her words aside. “You’re new at this. You’ll learn.” He winked at her, and she was sure there was a double meaning in there somewhere.

  He finished up his stew and bread, then stared at his wife. “I don’t suppose that sister of mine made dessert?”

  Charlotte was beaming, she knew she was, but she couldn’t help it. “No, she didn’t.”

  His smile disappeared.

  “I did!” She was very pleased with herself too. “I made an apple pie using fruit from that big apple tree out the back.”

  Now he was beaming. “What a clever wife I have,” he said, pulling her onto his lap.

  Charlotte was beginning to feel that she did fit in.

  * * *

  “No! I don’t want to!”

  Charlotte wanted Emma to go outside with her, but the child stood her ground.

  This was the first time she’d had any resistance or any sort of bad behavior from Emma. They’d become almost friends, and everything had been fine.

  Until today.

  She didn’t know what to do, so she did the only thing she knew – she threated to punish the child. “This is your last chance, Emma,” she said between ground teeth. “Either come outside with me now, or I’ll take your toys away.”

  Emma glared at her. “No you won’t,” she yelled.

  Charlotte stood glued to the spot. Becoming an instant Mama was never a good idea, and now she knew why.

  Without another word, she stomped into Emma’s room, and collected up all her toys. She put them on top of the wardrobe in the main bedroom and closed the door.

  Now she was dealing with a tantrum. Emma lay on the floor of her room kicking and screaming and telling Charlotte what a horrible Mama she was.

  It broke her heart, and hot tears streamed down her face, but she walked away.

  She simply couldn’t deal with the drama of it all. How was she going to be this child’s Mama?

  What would her mother have done? Charlotte thought back to all those years ago when she threw tantrums.