Leather and Lace

Chapter 27

The few days before Christmas brought a chill to the morning, and sometimes the crispness lasted all day. The difference in the weather left a feeling of expectation in the air. Or perhaps it was the time of year. Casey realized so many things in her life were about to change. She wasn’t convinced the changes would be for the best, but for now she’d celebrate all those blessings that God had given.

Sarah grew worse. Every day that ticked by drew her closer to the end. Casey prayed she would not pass away before Christmas. Just a few more days, Lord. Let her have this one last Christmas with the reverend.

Casey pasted on a smile and looked for things to brighten the ill woman’s day. She made sugar cookies and let the smell waft through the house, although dear Sarah could not eat even one. The reverend spent more time in his wife’s bedroom. Every day the lines in his face increased.

Morgan had decided to wait until after January 1 to visit Governor Ireland. She realized Morgan knew best, but each day that passed chiseled away at her hope.

Christmas arrived quietly at the parsonage. The reverend and Casey had decided that Sarah needed rest and that an abundance of celebration and visitors would only weaken her.

“It’s enough for me to have Sarah this last holiday,” the reverend said at Sarah’s bedside. “God blessed me with this extra time to share the celebration of Jesus’ birth with my precious wife, and I refuse to leave her side today.”

“I was hoping you’d say that,” Sarah said. “I’m being selfish, but I can’t think of anything better than you right here with me.” She leaned back against the pillow, her hair pinned properly and her face a beacon of light.

“I want to prepare a good dinner for you,” Casey said. “I’ll bring it upstairs as soon as it’s ready.”

“No pumpkin pie for me,” Sarah said with upturned lips. “Often wished I liked it, but never acquired a taste for it. John here loves it. ‘Pumpkin pies and roasted pumpkin seeds make my day,’ he always said.” She smiled up into his face. Her skin looked and felt like paper. “Tell her, John,” she said.

“We do have something for you,” the reverend said.

Casey shook her head. “It’s not necessary at all.”

“I know, but Sarah and I decided upon this some time ago.” He excused himself and brought her a fairly large package wrapped in brown paper and tied with red cotton ribbon.

“I’ve never had a gift this large for Christmas.” She glanced into his face. “In fact, I haven’t celebrated this time of year since I was a little girl.” She swallowed a lump. “I’m getting more like a woman every day.”

The reverend laughed, and Sarah smiled. Casey immediately set the package down on the rocker and touched Sarah’s cheek. She bent and kissed the woman. “Merry Christmas, Sarah. I love you.”

“And we love you.” Sarah’s eyes sparkled as though all of heaven radiated through them.

Feeling a bit giddy, Casey opened the package. She gasped. A dress, a beautiful green velvet dress fit for a queen. “This—this dress was featured in the newspaper.” Her gaze flew to Sarah. “The day I told you about my past.”

“Indeed it was,” Sarah said.

“But it’s so expensive.” Casey smoothed her fingers over the fine fabric. “You shouldn’t have done this.”

“But we wanted to,” the reverend said. “You are like one of our children, and this is a small token of our devotion.”

Casey lifted it from the package and held it up to herself. “I don’t know when I will ever be able to wear something so fine.”

The reverend chuckled. “If you would ever say yes to Morgan, I imagine he might take you someplace fancy after the wedding.”

She didn’t breathe a word of the misgivings mounting in her mind about marrying Morgan. This was a day of celebration, and she would not spoil it. “I have something for each of you.” She excused herself to retrieve the small gifts from her room. For Sarah she had a shawl that Jocelyn had helped her crochet, and for the reverend she had handkerchiefs embroidered with his initials, also with the help of Jocelyn.

In the middle of the afternoon, Morgan arrived bringing gifts from the Double H. The two sat in the parlor, side by side on the sofa. The clock in the hallway ticked away peacefully, as though blessing their time together.

“Is your tree beautiful?” she said, feeling a twinge of regret for not being a part of the festivities.

“Nearly touches the ceiling,” Morgan said. “Yesterday Grant and I took the wagon and found it. Took us a couple of hours because we couldn’t agree.” He laughed. “Anyway, Mama and Bonnie brought out the decorations, and Grant and I strung popcorn.”

“How much popcorn did you eat?” Casey could almost smell it.

“More than we strung.” He sobered and brushed a wayward curl from her face. “Sure wish you could have been there. We all missed you.”

“Me, too, but I need to be here. Besides, I don’t think it would be a good idea with Ben enjoying the day with Bonnie. There will be plenty of other Christmases for me to share with friends and family.” She tried to envision the decorated ranch house. “I have gifts for you to take back.” She nodded toward a basket on a table near them. “I baked a few things, and there are some jellies and jams.” She took a breath. “And I have a little item for you.”

Morgan rubbed his palms together. “Is it a year’s supply of kisses?”

She glanced at him before standing from the sofa. “Not exactly.” She reached among the gifts and handed him his.

He opened it slowly, not at all like she expected. She watched his face, hoping to see a favorable response.

“A journal,” he said and turned the book over in his hand. His features lost all manner of teasing. “This is perfect, Casey. I needed one of these to record these—these days of securing your freedom. Thank you.”

She nearly wept. He was obviously moved by her choice, and it pleased her very much.

“Now, my turn,” he said a few moments later.” He reached inside his jacket and pulled out a small box.

Casey stared at it and then at him. Please don’t propose marriage now, Morgan. I can’t give you the answer you desire, and I don’t want to spoil Christmas.

“Go ahead and open it,” he said.

Casey lifted the lid of the box to see a delicately carved gold and ivory broach. It nearly took her breath away. “Morgan, it’s beautiful.”

He smiled. “I found this in San Francisco. Remember when you and Mama rested at the hotel?”

She nodded. He said he’d gone for a walk. “Thank you so much.”

He sighed as though relieved that she was pleased. “I knew the reverend and Sarah had given you a dress, and I wanted you to have something special to go with it.”

“Perfect,” she said, brushing her fingertips across the broach.

“But you are my real gift.” He drew her into his arms and kissed her lightly, his lips tasting of the peppermint candy from a bowl in the hallway. The sweetness reminded her of what life with Morgan might be like. If only she weren’t so afraid.