The Christmas Vow Read online

  Blake, Luke, Chauncy, and Adam had gathered to clear the snow off the ice and ready the area for the guests who would attend the event.

  “Last time I checked, she practically had him hog-tied to the bed,” Chauncy teased as he scooped snow into a pile.

  Adam glowered at him as he lifted another bench.

  “Aren’t you apt to rip out those stitches?” Luke asked as Adam easily hefted the bench.

  “Nah. I don’t know why everyone made such a fuss. I’ve had far worse injuries at work.” Adam glanced at his friends. “Although, when I get hurt on a boat, I don’t have the luxury of lazing in bed while a beautiful woman checks on me every hour.”

  Luke thumped him on the back. “I’m sure that was a real hardship for you.”

  Adam grinned. “I somehow managed to suffer through her ministrations, and all the delicious food she insisted I needed to eat to regain my strength.”

  The other men chuckled.

  Chauncy squeezed his shoulder. “We are glad you’re fine, though, Adam. It’s not every day there’s a shooting in our town. Do you think you’ll have any more trouble from Tia’s former father-in-law?”

  “I’m counting on it.” Adam glanced around. “Speaking of counting, where is my brother? I assumed he’d be out here, too.”

  “Someone needed to keep the bank open,” Luke said, lifting a shovel of snow. “It’s a good thing your brother is much more interested in balancing the books and keeping up the accounts than me. It gives me time to enjoy a beautiful day like today.”

  Adam squinted up at the pale yellow sun brightening the winter sky. “It is a splendid day to be out, even if it’s cold.”

  “What are you complaining about? Isn’t it frigid on the river in the winter?” Blake asked, leaning on the handle of his shovel as he looked at Adam. “I’ve ridden a few ships down that river and thought I might freeze from the inside out before we reached the port.”

  Adam grinned. “It can get cold out there, bone-chillingly so, but I just add another layer of woolen underwear and go on with my day.”

  “Maybe you won’t need those extra drawers this winter since you’ve got a new bride to keep you warm.” Luke waggled his eyebrows at Adam.

  Adam scooped a handful of snow and lobbed it at the banker. Luke ducked as he laughed and they returned to work.

  When they finished, they ventured to Blake’s house where Filly and Ginny had lunch ready for the men.

  The hot beef stew and slices of warm corn bread filled their empty stomachs and warmed them from the winter’s chill.

  “Did you get everything set up?” Ginny asked as she refilled their coffee cups.

  “We sure did, Ginny Lou,” Luke said, winking at his sister.

  She frowned at him then turned to pour more coffee into Adam’s cup. “Are you feeling well enough, Adam?”

  He suppressed a sigh of frustration. If one more person asked about his health, he thought he might explode. Instead, he pasted on a smile and nodded to Ginny. “I’m fit is a fiddle, Ginny, but thank you for asking.”

  “It was so brave of you to fight that nasty man while defending Tia and Toby,” Ginny gushed, setting down the coffeepot on the stove. “You’re like a heroic knight in shining armor.”

  Chauncy snorted while Luke chortled and Blake shook his head at his wife’s theatrics. Adam rolled his eyes and caught Filly’s grin as she looked at her sister-in-law.

  The two women seemed such an unlikely pair, but from what he’d witnessed, they were close friends. Petite, fair-headed, and full of plans, Ginny’s appearance was far different from Filly’s mahogany hair, green eyes, and tall height. She was nearly as tall as Alex. Yet, the two women seemed to hold a deep affection for one another. He thought they balanced each other well. Ginny drew Filly into her fun and nonsense while Filly kept her sister-in-law from getting into too much trouble.

  Adam leaned back in his chair and looked around the Stratton home. He remembered being in it a few times as a boy. From the outside, it didn’t appear much different, but the inside looked vastly changed.

  Recalling the humble furnishings that used to fill the home, it now boasted some of Blake’s unique, expensive pieces. Ginny had added plush rugs and velvet-tufted chairs. She’d also insisted Blake add running water and build on a bathroom, since she was used to a life of luxury.

  Surprised she seemed happy living out in the country with Blake, Adam mused that love could make any place a home.

  Thoughts of Tia filled his mind as he sipped his second cup of coffee and ate a piece of the custard pie Filly set before him.

  Although he’d offered her the option of staying in Hardman when he returned to Portland, Adam wanted Tia and Toby to go with him. In the few days they’d lived in the same house as a family, he’d grown accustomed to it, to having them both around. Selfishly, he didn’t want to give that up when he went back to work.

  If they’d agree to go with him, he might even look into a new job opportunity he’d been offered last month to captain a boat on day excursions. At most, he’d only be gone a few nights a month instead of several days out of each week. The new position would also be notably less hazardous.

  As his mind worked through the possibilities, he partially listened to the conversation taking place around him.

  “Has she given away any of her secrets, Adam?” Luke asked, with a probing glance.

  “What?” Adam asked, confused. “Who?”

  “Stop dreaming about your wife and pay attention to the conversation,” Chauncy chided. “Luke is bound and determined to discover how Alex does all of her magic tricks. So far, he’s only been able to get her to share the secrets for a handful of basic sleight of hand maneuvers that even the first-graders could figure out.”

  Luke glared at his best friend. “I don’t see you getting any inside information either.”

  “Nope, but you are the one obsessed with prestidigitation, my friend.” Chauncy winked at Filly and she nodded her head.

  Luke turned his attention back to Adam. “Have you seen her do any tricks?”

  Adam took a sip of coffee. “Not many. She’s done a few simple tricks after dinner a couple of times. I’m looking forward to seeing her performance at the Christmas Carnival. Arlan showed me her magic wagon.” Adam whistled. “Now that is what you’d call a unique piece of craftsmanship.”

  “That it is,” Luke agreed. He rose to his feet and slapped Blake on the back. “We need to get back to town, but you know where to find us if you require assistance with anything else.”

  Blake shook his brother-in-law’s hand. “No, you’ve all done enough. I appreciate your help preparing for the party. As long as it doesn’t snow between now and Saturday, we should be all set.”

  “A blizzard wouldn’t dare mess with my sister’s plans for a party,” Luke said, reaching out to muss Ginny’s hair. She ducked and stuck her tongue out at him, causing everyone to chuckle.

  Filly gave the two of them an indulgent look. “You two will be old and gray, hobbling around on canes and still tormenting each other.”

  “I hope to goodness we are.” Luke winked at his sister then held out Filly’s coat for her.

  Chauncy pulled on his coat and hat. “I’ve got some calls to pay to folks out this way before I head home. Thank you for lunch, ladies. Although I know Filly made the food, your coffee has vastly improved, Ginny. It no longer tastes like bitter mud.”

  Ginny wrinkled her nose at Chauncy as he chuckled and hurried out the door.

  Adam soaked up the lighthearted heckling of his friends. He missed this, missed being part of a fun group of people who knew each other, cared about each other.

  He’d made friends in Portland, but it wasn’t the same as this bunch who shared his past.

  Blake kissed Ginny’s cheek then motioned to Adam. “Shall we get started on that project you mentioned?”

  “That would be great, Blake, if you’re sure you have time. I know you get bogged down with holiday orders.”
Adam smiled at Ginny before he followed Blake out the back door to his workshop.

  As they stepped inside, the scents of various types of wood mingled with the furniture polish and varnish Blake used on his creations.

  “This is impressive.” Adam glanced around the large space, taking in the finished pieces, the works in progress, and the stacks of wood ready to be used for furniture and some of Blake’s other projects.

  The aromas of nuts, popcorn, and cherries, with hints of pine tantalized Adam’s nose as they approached the stacks of wood. Adam leaned closer and breathed deeply of the faint aroma of roses.

  “What’s that wood?” Adam pointed to a fragrant, slightly pink-hued board.

  “Rosewood. Smells good, doesn’t it?” Blake lifted a piece of wood and handed it to Adam. He sniffed it again, enjoying the light fragrance.

  While he laid it on a stack of wood, Blake picked up another board from a stack along the wall and handed it him. Adam took a deep breath and coughed, covering his nose. “That’s awful. It smells worse than a sun-baked dead fish, and I’ve had plenty of experience with those.”

  “Red oak. It does not have a pleasant smell, but it is a beautiful wood.” Blake took the board from Adam and set it back on the pile. “Now, let’s talk about that project you want to work on.”

  Adam removed two pieces of paper from his coat pocket and smoothed them out on Blake’s workbench.

  “I want to make this for Toby.” Adam tapped his finger on a drawing of a boat. He pointed to the second drawing. “And this other project will be a surprise for Tia.”

  “Let’s do Tia’s first,” Blake said, studying the drawing. “I’ve got some cherry wood already cut that should work perfectly.”

  Adam nodded his head. “I appreciate your assistance with this, Blake. I could make them without your help, but since I’m short on time with Christmas approaching next week, I need to hurry up and get these finished.”

  “My pleasure,” Blake said, setting several small pieces of cherry wood on his workbench. “I’ve never made a boat like the one you’ve planned, so it’ll be an interesting challenge for us both.”

  With Blake’s tools and talents they finished the surprise for Tia in an hour. After staining the wood and setting it aside to dry, they started working on Toby’s boat.

  Using oak for the frame and cedar for the planks, it quickly took shape.

  Before he left for the day, Adam gave Tia’s gift a coat of varnish then wiped off his hands. After thanking Ginny for lunch and Blake for his help, he walked the short distance back to town.

  Whistling a holiday tune as he strode down Main Street, Adam took a moment to admire the festive atmosphere with so many of the businesses and homes festooned with wreaths, garlands, and bows.

  Suddenly realizing Tia had yet to adorn the house for the holiday, Adam wondered if she had any decorations.

  Rather than heading straight home, he made a detour by the mercantile. The bell above the door jingled, announcing his presence as he stepped inside the store. The scent of apples and cinnamon greeted him, and he took a deep breath.

  “There’s cider bubbling on the stove back there, Adam, if you’d like a cup.” Aleta Bruner smiled at him as she walked out of the storeroom to stand behind the counter.

  “It smells mighty good, Aleta, but I’ll pass. I’m looking for a little Christmas cheer to take home to Tia and Toby.” Adam smiled as Percy Bruner ran inside and slammed the door behind him.

  “Son, how many times have I asked you not to slam that door?” Aleta shook her finger in the direction of the rambunctious boy.

  “Probably almost as many times as you’ve told me not to run inside, whistle in the house, or snitch candy right before dinner.” Percy grinned at his mother and doffed his hat. His bright red hair stood every which direction.

  Adam hid a smile as Aleta threw her hands up in the air, piqued. “Run along upstairs, Percy, and finish your homework before supper.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Percy nodded to his mother then smiled at Adam. “Have a nice evenin’, Mr. Guthry.”

  “You as well, Percy.” Adam watched the boy start to run to the back room then slow to a walk when his mother loudly cleared her throat.

  As Percy clattered up the stairs, Aleta sighed. “I swear, that boy of mine would deplete the patience of St. Peter himself.”

  Arlan chuckled. “He’s a good boy, Aleta. Alex speaks quite highly of him.”

  Aleta beamed and nodded her head. “I know it, but sometimes…” The woman snapped her mouth shut and looked at Adam. “Now, you said you want to take home something with a bit of Christmas cheer?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Aleta stepped around the counter. “I’ve got just the thing. These arrived yesterday, but I’ve already sold three of them.” She picked up a footlong sleigh, decorated with a lithograph of Santa driving two reindeer pasted to the side. Although simple, Adam knew Toby would love it.

  “Can you fill that open section with nuts?” Adam asked as he nodded to Aleta.

  “I certainly can. Would you like any type in particular, or a variety?”

  “A variety, I think. Tia used to love almonds, but I’m not sure what Toby likes.”

  Aleta nodded and quickly filled the little sleigh with an assortment of nuts. Adam had her add a nutcracker, in case Tia didn’t have one, then Aleta tied a bright red bow around it.

  “That’s perfect, thank you.” Adam smiled as he paid her then tipped his hat. “Have a pleasant evening.”

  “You as well, Adam. Give Tia my regards.”

  “I will. Good night.”

  Adam hurried home from the store and stamped his boots twice on the back step before opening the kitchen door to a subdued Toby pouting at the table and Tia near tears.

  The accusing glare she tossed at him brought Adam up short as he shut the door and set the sleigh on top of the icebox while he removed his outerwear.

  “What’s going on in here?” Adam picked up Toby when the boy ran over to him and lifted his arms.

  Gently patting the child’s back, he moved over to where Tia sat with Crabby on her lap. The cat growled as she tried to work out a knot tied in his tail.

  A quick look around revealed Toby had spent the day practicing his knot-tying skills.

  Chapter Sixteen

  “Oh, Toby.” Adam muttered, doing his best to hide his mirth.

  “Mama hollered at me.” The little boy buried his face against Adam’s neck and sniffed. “Just ‘cause I tied a little ol’ knot in Crabby’s tail. The kitty didn’t care.”

  Tia glowered at Adam as she tugged on the knot and the cat growled at her again.

  “Here, let me help.” Quickly setting Toby down, he picked up the cat. Adam rubbed his hand over Crabby’s head and scratched behind his ears. Once the cat started to purr, he turned so Tia could work the knot out of his tail.

  “From now on, little man, no tying knots on living things, okay?” Adam gave Toby a stern glance.

  The child sniffled again. “I didn’t mean to be bad.” A big tear rolled down his cheek, followed by another while his lips quivered. “I think I better go to bed without my supper.”

  “Let’s not get carried away.” Encouragingly, Adam smiled at Toby. “Did you learn your lesson?”

  Tears filled his eyes as Toby nodded.

  “You might have hurt Crabby by tying his tail in a knot, so you won’t do anything like that again, will you?” Adam asked.

  Toby rapidly shook his head.

  “All right, then.”

  Toby pointed to Tia. “But I hurt Mama.”

  Adam glanced down at Tia as she worked the knot free. “Are you hurt, Tia?”

  She shrugged as he set the cat in its box. “Crabby dug his claws in a few times, that’s all.”

  Adam took her hands in his and examined them, but didn’t see any scratches.

  Toby pointed to Tia. “He scratched her legs, Daddy.”

  Adam shot his wife a devilish smil
e as he swept her into his arms. Before she could protest, he set her on the counter and pushed up her skirts.

  “Stop that, this instant!” She swatted at his hands, making Toby giggle. When she leaned around Adam and pinned him with a frosty glare, the boy grew silent.

  “You let me worry about those scratches, Adam Guthry.” Tia smacked his hand again and jumped off the counter. She turned to her son. “As for you, young man, the only thing I better catch you tying knots in from now on is that old rope Adam gave you for practicing. Is that clear?”

  Slowly, Toby nodded his head.

  Tia waggled a finger in the direction of the hall. “Now go wash your hands and face while I get supper on the table.”

  When Toby left the room, Tia blew a breath of air between her lips and leaned against the counter before scowling darkly at Adam. “This is all your fault.”

  Adam slapped a hand to his chest and offered her a look of innocence. “My fault? What did I do? I’ve been gone all day.”

  “You…” Tia took a step forward and shook a finger in his face. “You, Mr. Guthry, taught him how to tie all those stupid knots. Just look what you’ve done!”

  She pointed to the curtains by the kitchen sink that had been tied together in a basic knot. As Adam looked around the room, he noticed Tia had decorated for Christmas, yet the ribbons she’d draped around the doorway bore a series of knots as high up as Toby could reach.

  “He tied my yarn into a jumbled mess, my dishtowels into a wad, and…” Tia huffed indignantly, “you should see what he’s done to my silk stockings.”

  Adam entirely liked the idea of seeing Tia’s stockings, especially if they encased her shapely legs.

  “I’m sorry, Queenie. I had no idea he’d practice tying knots on everything within reach. If it makes you feel any better, he’s done a bang-up job of it, though. He’s tied a few knots better than some of the men I work with.” Adam lifted one of the knot-ridden ribbons and admired the bowline knot.

  A grunt of disapproval made him drop the ribbon and turn back to Tia.

  “I promise Toby and I will set everything to rights after supper. May I help with anything right now?”