Rescuing the Lawman Read online

  Chapter Ten

  Everyone sat around the dining room table, including Nellie. She’d been reluctant to join, saying she was an outsider. Everyone quickly dispersed that notion.

  So there she sat, eyes wide at the array of food strewn across the elegantly decorated table. Both Bethany and Nancy had been up since dawn preparing the food, both enjoying themselves. Yes, it was hard work, but when you loved to cook as they did, it wasn’t work. Not really.

  The decorated Christmas cake sat in the center of the table, and large bowls of carrots, turnips, parsnips and green beans were placed along the white cloth. They would be passed around when the time came. There was a jug of gravy and also a bowl of cranberry sauce on each end of the long table, and bowls of nuts sat there too.

  A large leg of ham, and a piece of pork took pride of place. Everyone watched as Hunter carved the meat.

  The pudding was bubbling away on the stove, and would be ready by the time they finished eating the main course. She would make custard to accompany it, and Nancy also had cream for those who preferred it.

  Nellie sat next to Bethany, and held her hand tight when it came time for Hunter to say the blessing. “Thank you Lord for this abundance of food we are sharing today as we celebrate Jesus’ birth, and for all the greatness you have brought into our lives. Thank you also for bringing Nellie safely to us. Amen.”

  “Amen.”

  When Bethany looked up, tears filled Nellie’s eyes. “Thank ye, boy,” she said, emotion in her voice. “I want to give yer a big hug, but I cannit cause of this broken ankle.” Hunter stood and came around the table and hugged her tight.

  Silence surrounded them, and Bethany was certain everyone felt the same sort of emotion she was feeling right now.

  “Go on, git now and eat your food.” Hunter grinned, and the atmosphere suddenly became festive.

  The table was cleared of all the soiled dishes, and Bethany carried in the huge pudding she’d made. Nancy carried the custard and cream. Gasps surrounded them as they entered.

  This time it was Bethany who cut the pudding and dished it out to everyone.

  “This is delicious.”

  “You’re a wonderful cook, Bethany.”

  “So good.”

  Lots of praise surrounded her. Hunter stared at her, a grin on his face. “You’re a pretty good cook, I guess,” he said as he chuckled.

  She knew he was joking but threw the kitchen towel at him anyway. “Tuck in, everyone,” she said, then took her place at the table. She picked up her spoon and took a mouthful. It was good. Perhaps the best she’d ever made.

  When everyone finished eating, she announced they could have seconds, since there was plenty left over. Hunter took up the offer, as she knew he would. She was beyond full, and refrained. Bethany was pleased to see Nellie had eaten her fill. It was heartwarming to know she would now be looked after. For the rest of her life if she agreed.

  When everyone had eaten their fill, they moved into the sitting room while Nancy, Bethany, and Mildred tidied up and did the dishes. Once done, they joined the others.

  Hunter studied her as she sat down on one of the comfortable chairs. As she leaned back her eyes began to flutter closed. She’d been up for hours, but that was nothing new. Catering for so many on such a big occasion had taken a lot out of her.

  When she opened her eyes again, everyone was staring at her. Hunter suddenly stood, and they followed his every movement. She wondered what was going on. Suddenly he was down on one knee, and his gaze never left her face.

  “Bethany Lancaster,” he said, and she swallowed down the lump in her throat. “We didn’t get off to a great start, but over time I’ve grown to love you.” She could hear the emotion in his voice. “Will you marry me?”

  Tears pooled in her eyes. Silence surrounded them as everyone waited for her response. She reached out with a shaking hand and cupped his cheek. “You were an absolute pain when we first met,” she said, her voice shaky. “But I too, have grown to love you.”

  He covered her hand with his own and gazed at her.

  “Are you goin’ t’ marry ‘im or not?” Nellie said impatiently.

  She couldn’t help but laugh, no matter how nervous she was feeling. “Yes, I’ll marry you,” she said. Hunter was suddenly off the floor and pulled her out of the chair. Before she knew what was happening he was kissing her. She didn’t care who was watching.

  ~*~

  The wedding happened far more quickly than Bethany had anticipated.

  Three weeks after Christmas she stood at the back of the church. She’d ordered a new gown for the occasion. It was made of a soft pink silk, and had a rounded neckline. It was high enough to be decent, but didn’t tug at her throat. The bodice was ruffled down to her waist, and the top of the sleeves were the same at the top, and were then straight down to her wrists. Coming in at the waist, it was then straight all the way to the ankle. A matching hat sat on the side of her head.

  Her outfit was perfect for today’s ceremony, but by adding a brooch or other embellishment, it would be suitable for any special occasions they attended in the future.

  As she stared down the aisle toward her soon-to-be husband, she thought about fate. She knew if the stagecoach hadn’t been robbed, she probably would have continued on to the next town.

  What a tragedy that would have been.

  Nellie stood next to her, also in a new gown, leaning on the crutches she’d vowed to master when Bethany asked her to give her away. She’d become far more than a friend to the pair, and was more like a surrogate grandmother. Even more than she was before.

  She’d settled into the boarding house, and with each passing day, she looked far healthier, which was pleasing to both Bethany and Hunter. She’d already said she wanted to stay on, which was even better.

  The organ music began to play, and Pastor Kelly stood at the altar with Hunter. The church was filled with locals despite their plans for a simple and private ceremony. The townsfolk were all eager to see their marshal married off, they’d told her on more than one occasion.

  “Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today,” the pastor said after Nellie had offered her to Hunter.

  She didn’t hear much more of the ceremony. Instead she studied Hunter for most of the time. In fact she hadn’t realized it was over until Hunter grabbed her and kissed her like he’d never kissed her before.

  When they left the church, rice was thrown at them from every direction. It was down Bethany’s back, down her front, and in her hair to the point she was itching. “Come with me,” Hunter said, dragging her away. “We’ll be back for the wedding breakfast,” he told Martha Greenwood who had arranged it for him.

  “Where are we going?” Bethany was confused. She had no idea where Hunter was taking her. Until they arrived.

  The marshal’s house sat not far from the jailhouse. She’d never been inside since that would be improper. But now they were married, that all changed. He unlocked the door and picked her up, then carried her across the threshold, kicking the front door closed. He stole a kiss as he carried her to the bedroom. Only then did he place her on the floor.

  “Let me get that terrible gown off you,” he said. “We’ll get rid of all that awful rice.” And that’s exactly what he did.

  Epilogue

  Two years later…

  “I truly love this place, Hunter,” Bethany told him as they went for their daily stroll around town. “When I first came here I had a bad feeling about it.” She glanced up at him. If she knew anything about her husband, she knew he loved the tiny town of Alsburgh.

  “I don’t blame you. You had a shocking introduction to the place.” He reached out and stroked her cheek. “I’m glad you decided to stay though. We would never had met otherwise.”

  “If I’d had the choice, I never would have stayed. I had no money, remember?” He nodded. “If you hadn’t paid for my board at Nancy’s I have no idea what I would have done.” She got up on her toes and kissed h
is cheek.

  She glanced up at the Christmas tree sitting in the town square. “I love this tradition,” she said. “I look forward to it every year.” She knew Hunter did too.

  He held her hand and they turned the corner toward home. “I’m really tired,” Bethany said. “I need to rest for a few minutes.”

  Hunter unlocked the door and ushered her through. He put their son on the floor and he took off in a hurry.

  “Luke Benjamin, don’t you dare!” Bethany ran across the room toward their fifteen-month-old son and the Christmas tree. Well, as best she could with her swollen belly.

  Hunter frowned. “What have I told you, young man?” He scooped the boy up and cuddled him. “We don’t touch the tree, remember.” Luke’s eyes filled with tears and Hunter patted his back. “It’s alright,” he said gently. “Just don’t do it again.”

  He headed toward Bethany who was panting. “You don’t look good. Come and sit down.” He led her to a comfortable chair, then made her a cup of tea.

  “I’ll go and get Nellie. I’m sure she’ll be happy to mind Luke for a while.”

  “No, don’t, I’m fine. It just took the wind out of me, that’s all.” She took another sip of her tea. “It’s time for his nap anyway.”

  When Hunter came back from putting the boy down for his nap, he sat down beside her. “What can I do for you? Should I get Doc Shilling?”

  She smiled up at him. “I’m not due for a couple more weeks. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

  “Nellie told me she’s happy to move in to look after Luke if you want.”

  “Please don’t uproot her, Hunter,” she said, pleading with him. “You know how hard it was to get her into town. Let her stay where she loves.”

  Of course he agreed.

  She sat back into the chair and closed her eyes. After a few minutes she opened them again. She wasn’t at all comfortable, so stood.

  “Where are you off to now?”

  Hunter’s concern was heartwarming, but unwarranted. “I’m just going to lay down for a while.” Before she had a chance to go any further, he’d scooped her up and carried her to the bedroom.

  Pulling back the covers, he laid her down and pulled off her shoes, then covered her up. “You can go back to work now,” she said, as her eyes began to flutter closed.

  “I’m not needed,” he said, leaning in to kiss her cheek. “I have two deputies who are more than capable.”

  He laid down on the bed next to her, and faced her. “I love you more than life itself,” he said as he stroked her cheek.

  “I love you too,” she said, feeling his love fill her whole being. “I never want to be without you. I am so glad we met, even if it was amidst tragedy.” She shivered. “Hold me,” she said, and he did.

  She never intended to let him go, and thanked God for bringing Hunter to her.

  The End

  Bethany’s Christmas Pudding Recipe

  This recipe has been passed down through my husband’s family for generations, and is the kind of pudding your great-great grandmother would have made – wrapped in a clean calico cloth and boiled for hours on end. I can still recall our puddings hanging from the beams in the kitchen after our family Christmas baking days each year. The wonderful fragrances that lingered for days, if not weeks – not to forget the hard work my mother, aunties and other relatives put in to make the day a success.

  The thick white outer coating is what sets this pudding apart from the rest. (And it doesn’t need to be hung from the rafters!)

  The pudding can be cooked several months ahead and frozen – in the cloth - or alternatively you can make it one week ahead of time. To reheat ready for eating, boil for a short time on the day of use. You can also cut into individual slices and reheated in the microwave.

  For best results, butter should be used where indicated, not margarine. (It keeps far longer too.)

  Ingredients:

  3 lbs (9 cups or 1.5 kg) Mixed Fruit

  1/4 Pint (1/2 cup or 4 oz) Fresh Orange Juice

  1 lb (500 grams) Butter

  1 lb (2 cups) Brown Sugar

  8 Eggs

  2 Green Apples (such as Granny Smith’s) – Grated

  1 cup Plain Flour

  Pinch Salt

  1 cup Soft Fresh Breadcrumbs

  1 teaspoon each Nutmeg, Mixed Spice and Cinnamon

  Method

  In an extra large bowl, soak the fruit in orange juice. Set aside.

  In a large bowl, cream the sugar and butter thoroughly, add eggs one at a time, beating well. Add grated apples. Now add sifted flour, salt and spices. Mix well. Add this mixture to the original fruit mix that you previously set aside. Add breadcrumbs and blend the entire mix thoroughly.

  Calico needs to be thoroughly clean before use. If new, prepare by washing ahead of time.

  Prepare the calico cloth (Use only unbleached calico):

  Take washed calico, dipped in boiling water, and lay pieces of calico flat on kitchen table and completely cover with sifted plain flour (white only).

  Place entire pudding mixture on the cloth (in the center), and tie securely with strong string. Boil in cloth (in boiling water) for approximately five hours. Ensure water stays on the boil the whole time, and top up with boiling water when required.

  This recipe makes one extra large pudding, or you can split into four smaller puddings, which reduces the cooking time. To check if cooked, slide a metal skewer down the tiny gap in the top of the pudding where the top is tied.

  When cooked, remove from boiling water and allow to cool slightly on a plate. If not using immediately, transfer to fridge after the pudding is cool.

  To freeze: Leave in fridge overnight to avoid breakage, then remove cloth and wrap in foil. The pudding is now ready to freeze.

  Plum pudding can be served with White Sauce, Custard, Brandy Sauce, Cream, or Ice-cream. Can be served hot or cold.

  Brandy Cream

  This is my sister’s recipe. As far as she’s concerned, it’s not Christmas without the Brandy Cream. Unfortunately she really loves the Brandy flavor and is often heavy handed.

  Ingredients

  1/4 cup brandy

  300 ml cream, lightly whipped

  2 separated eggs

  1/2 cup castor sugar

  Method

  Fold brandy into lightly whipped cream. Put aside.

  Beat egg whites until soft peaks form (do not over beat), and gradually add sugar. Beat together until thick and sugar has dissolved.

  Gradually add egg yolks. Add brandy and cream mixture and fold into egg mixture.

  Store in sealed container in fridge until ready to use. (This recipe is best made the day you intend to use it. We normally make it a few minutes before serving the plum pudding.)

  From the Author

  Thank you so much for reading my book – I hope you enjoyed it.

  I would greatly appreciate you leaving a review on Amazon, even if it is only a one-liner. It helps to have my books more visible on Amazon!

  ~*~

  All my books can be seen on my Amazon Author Page.

  To read more books in the Christmas Rescue series, click here.

  About the Author

  Multi-published, award-winning and bestselling author, Cheryl Wright, former secretary, debt collector, account manager, writing coach, and shopping tour hostess, loves reading.

  She writes both historical and contemporary western romance, as well as romantic suspense.

  She lives in Melbourne, Australia, and is married with two adult children and has six grandchildren. When she’s not writing, she can be found in her craft room making greeting cards.

  Check out Cheryl’s Amazon page for a full list of her other books.

  Other Links:

  My Website

  Visit my Blog

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