The Christmas Bargain Read online

  “Are you sure you have room to hold it?” Filly asked, pouring him half a cup and offering more to Abby and Chauncy, who both refused.

  “Positive,” Luke said, taking a sip of the sweet, hot drink.

  “Who’s this Filly you keep talking about?” Chauncy teased, making Filly blush and earning a swift kick to his shin from Abby under the table, along with a stern glare.

  “Filly?” Luke said, feigning ignorance.

  “Well, don’t think we didn’t notice you’ve called her Filly at least a dozen times since we got here. I thought your wife’s name is Philamena,” Chauncy said, ignoring the irritated looks his wife shot him.

  “You’ve met my wife, have you?” Luke said, pulling Filly onto his lap as she swept by with an empty bowl. She flushed a fiery shade of red and would have jumped to her feet except Luke’s strong arm kept her pinned on his lap. “She’s an expert horse-wrangler, debate partner, and witty conversationalist. I think she is aptly named - a high spirited girl that must be gently tamed.”

  “Luke,” Filly said, her face flaming. Both pleased and embarrassed by his words and behavior, she shook her head at him. “Goodness gracious. I think that last piece of pie has caused you to come unbalanced.”

  Abby giggled while Chauncy laughed out loud. Slapping Luke on the shoulder, he said, “You tell him, Filly.”

  Filly blushed again, getting to her feet and continued clearing the table. Although the formal dining room was lovely, Luke said he preferred they dine at the small table in the kitchen where it was much more cozy and friendly. So while she cleared the table, Luke washed, Chauncy dried and Abby sat with her feet propped on a footstool. She seemed to be increasing in size by the day.

  As the men joked and clanked the dishes, Filly smiled at her friend. “Not too many weeks left until that little one arrives. Are you ready?”

  “I think I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. I know I’m ready to go back to a normal size instead of feeling like a bloated cow,” Abby said, taking a sip of water. “We finished setting up the baby’s room last week and I’ve got diapers, gowns and blankets tucked in drawers, waiting for this little one’s arrival.”

  “Are you hoping for a girl or a boy?” Filly asked, dreamily thinking about how nice it would be to have a baby to cuddle and hold.

  “I think I’d like a girl. Chauncy would love a boy, but we’ll be pleased with whatever we get,” Abby said, grinning. “I just pray the baby arrives safe and healthy.”

  “I know she will,” Filly said, picking up the last of the dirty dishes.

  Once the kitchen was clean and the last dish dried, the foursome retired to the parlor where they played charades. Abby decided the women should be a team against the men. They all got involved in the game and began laughing so hard, Filly was afraid it might send Abby into premature labor.

  They then switched teams with the Dodds against the Grangers and played a guessing game in which Chauncy and Abby thoroughly trounced Luke and Filly.

  Finally, they settled back around the fire and listened to Chauncy read a passage from the Bible. It was the perfect way to conclude such a wonderful day among friends.

  As Abby’s eyes started sliding shut, Chauncy declared it well past time to take his wife home. Luke offered to hitch up the buggy, but Abby insisted the walk would do her good, so she and Chauncy bundled up and headed for home. Luke and Filly put on their coats and walked along.

  Standing at the parsonage door, Abby gave Filly a warm hug then kissed Luke on the cheek.

  “Thank you both for such a lovely day. I don’t know when I’ve laughed so much,” Abby said. Leaning over she patted Chauncy’s trim stomach. “Or when he’s eaten so much. Happy Thanksgiving!”

  “Yes, thank you both for a splendid day,” Chauncy said, following his wife inside, accepting the basket of leftovers Luke held out to him. “Happy Thanksgiving!”

  As they turned down the walk, Luke took Filly’s hand in his and casually strolled back toward home. The air was cold and crisp, with the stars shining above like a dark blue blanket of velvet set with diamonds.

  “Thank you for making this one of the nicest holidays I’ve had, Filly. You outdid yourself,” Luke said as they sauntered along, in no hurry to go inside.

  “Thank you for taking me in and making me feel so welcome in your home, Luke. This was the first holiday I’ve celebrated in years and years. It was wonderful,” Filly said, feeling truly grateful for her many blessings. “And thank you for the trunk. That was so thoughtful of you.”

  “You’re welcome. It was my grandmother’s,” Luke said, gazing down at his lovely bride. “I remembered it was up in the attic gathering dust, so you might as well be using and enjoying it.”

  Stopping, Filly stood on tiptoe and pressed a kiss to Luke’s cheek before slipping her arm through his. “That makes it even more special. Thank you, Luke, for everything.”

  Luke was hoping she’d kiss him again, except he’d be ready to turn his head at the last minute and see if her lips would connect with his. Instead she kept walking.

  “You are truly welcome, Filly. I don’t think Granger House has ever felt quite so much like home as it has since you moved in. I enjoy having you here with me,” Luke said.

  In the moonlight, Filly could see something in his expression that she couldn’t quite name, but it seemed to magnify the churning emotions she was experiencing. At the moment, she almost hoped she’d find a patch of ice to slip on so Luke would pull her into his arms. If she was really lucky, maybe he’d kiss her.

  “I enjoy making it feel homey. I hope if there is something you’d like me to do or that would help make it more inviting, you’ll let me know,” Filly said earnestly as they walked in through the front door.

  Luke helped her out of her coat and removed his while she took off her hat and gloves then unwound the scarf from around her neck.

  “Well, there is one thing you could do,” Luke said, wanting to bury his hands in the pile of luxurious curls on top of her head. His fingers itched in longing so he shoved them in his pockets.

  Looking up at him, Filly raised one slender eyebrow. “Oh, what might that be?”

  “I think it would make the house so much more warm and inviting if you gave me a kiss whenever I come home,” Luke said, trying to look and sound serious.

  Filly studied him for a long moment. Her bright green eyes sparkled and a smile tugged at the corners of her rosy lips. Luke thought he might abandon all plans to take things slow and easy and ravish her with kisses right there in the hall.

  As the ice in his eyes melted into molten orbs of blue, Filly forgot what it was she wanted to say. She was consumed with Luke’s presence. His smile enticed her, his scent excited her, his lips invited her. If only she knew how to kiss, had some experience in such matters.

  Dropping her gaze, she took a step back.

  Luke however, took a step forward and tenderly pulled her close to him.

  “What’s wrong, Filly?” Luke asked, rubbing his hands up and down her arms, creating tendrils of burning heat from her fingers to her shoulders. “Something is bothering you.”

  “It’s nothing,” she said, keeping her eyes downcast. Telling him the truth would cause her to die of humiliation right there in the hall.

  Luke tipped her chin up with his thumb and searched her face. “Don’t tell me it’s nothing. Something has quite suddenly sapped your happiness. What is it? You know you can tell me anything.”

  Leaning against him, she buried her face against his broad chest. “I don’t know how to kiss,” she whispered.

  Luke couldn’t hear what she said with her face muffled against his shirt. Pushing her back, he smiled down at her. “Let’s try again. What did you say?”

  Her face flamed with color and she looked down at her shoes, instead of into his face. Taking a deep breath, the words burst from her in rapid succession. “I said I don’t know how to kiss. Therefore, it would be nearly impossible for me to do as you asked.”
r />   “I see,” Luke said, once again forcing her chin up so she had to look at him. Grinning at her, he cocked his head to one side and pretended to study her. “I think we need some lessons, then.”

  “Lessons?” Filly asked, confused. “What are you talking about?”

  “Kissing lessons,” Luke said, drawing her closer into his arms. “I’m going to give you kissing lessons. When I feel you have mastered the art, then you’ll be expected to carry out my wish of a kiss whenever I come home. This may involve some practice on your part.”

  “Practice? Luke, you’re teasing me again, aren’t you?” Filly asked, a smile brightening her face.

  “I’m not teasing in the least. I’m quite serious about this,” Luke said, tightening his arms around her and bending his head so their lips were only a whisper apart. “In fact, I believe we should start your first lesson right now.”

  Luke touched her lips softly, gently, for the briefest moment. Filly thought a butterfly landing on her skin couldn’t have felt any more light or pleasant.

  Pulling back, Luke looked into her eyes, his own a hot blue flame. “There are many types of kisses, so we’ll start with the basics first. That is a kiss you might give a very good friend, someone you are quite pleased to know. A kiss that says ‘Hello, I like you.’”

  “I see,” Filly said, relishing the time being spent in the circle of Luke’s arms. Inhaling his spicy scent, she felt warm and languid.

  “You try it now,” Luke urged.

  Filly stood on tiptoe and returned the quick, light kiss to Luke’s lips.

  “Very good,” he said. “I knew you were a quick learner. Let’s try another kiss. This one says ‘I am more than a little fond of you.’”

  Luke dipped his head and pressed his lips to hers again. This time, his lips were firm and controlled, like he was holding something back. As his lips moved on hers, Filly felt herself melting into him. His arms crushed her to his chest and when his kiss began to deepen, Luke suddenly pulled back and let out a ragged breath.

  Filly didn’t know what to think. Couldn’t think. Her senses were in a jumble and all she wanted was for Luke to continue the lesson.

  Convinced there was no wisdom in returning his kiss, Filly ignored the facts and pulled Luke’s head down toward hers, repeating the experience.

  When she heard him groan and felt his arms sliding down her back, she ended the kiss and took a step back.

  “I am more than a little fond of you, too,” she said, leaving a dazed Luke in the hall watching her while she walked into the kitchen.

  Luke stood grinning like a fool, trying to regain his composure. Kissing lessons had to be the best, yet most torturous idea he had ever come up with.

  <><><>

  Filly was removing the last of four loaves of light, golden bread from the oven the next morning when she heard tapping on the kitchen door. Setting down the last bread pan, she wiped her hands on her apron and opened the door to find Percy Bruner from the mercantile standing on the porch step.

  “Come on in, Percy,” she said to the young boy, inviting him into the warmth of the kitchen. “What can I do for you today?”

  “Morning, Mrs. Granger,” he politely replied. His bright red hair stuck out every which direction around his cap and his grin looked a bit off with his front tooth missing. The knees of his britches were already dusty, like he’d been crawling around somewhere he probably should not have been. He was an active boy, of that there was no doubt. “Mr. Granger stopped by the store early and asked me to deliver this to you.”

  Percy held out a tiny package with a sealed envelope. Filly took it from him and smiled. She realized she should probably tip him but had not a clue if Luke kept any money in the house.

  “Percy, I’m terribly sorry. I don’t have any change this morning, but would a few cookies do?” Filly scooped up three big sugar cookies, still warm from the oven, and handed them to the boy.

  “These will do just fine, ma’am. Thank you,” he said, a big smile lighting his freckled face.

  “Thank you for bringing this over, Percy, and please tell your mother I said hello,” Filly said, distracted by Luke sending her something.

  Percy hurried out the door with a backward wave. “I will,” he called and ran down the sidewalk back into town.

  Opening the package, Filly found a tiny foil-wrapped item with a label that read lip balm. Curious, she opened the envelope. In Luke’s bold writing, it simply said:

  To keep your lips ready for your upcoming lessons… Luke

  At first Filly couldn’t figure out what Luke was referencing. Remembering their lessons from the previous evening, his implication struck with sudden clarity and she blushed a fiery shade of red.

  “Oh, that man,” she said, not sure whether to be pleased or embarrassed. She couldn’t get the kisses they shared out of her mind. Each time her thoughts traveled to the experience, she felt flushed and weak-kneed. Since Luke hadn’t said any more about the lessons at breakfast, she wondered if he had perhaps forgotten.

  Apparently not.

  Humming to herself, Filly cleaned the kitchen, removed her apron and put on her outerwear.

  Wrapping one of the loaves of bread in a snowy white towel and placing it in a basket, she let herself out of the house and started toward the parsonage. Arriving there, she knocked but received no answer. Trying to decide if she should check the church, she heard someone call for her to come in.

  “Hello,” she said, stepping into the front entry and taking off her outerwear. “Abby?”

  “I’m in the kitchen,” Abby called, sounding tired.

  Walking into the kitchen, Filly found Abby sitting at the table with her feet up on a chair. The breakfast dishes still sat around her and dirty pans grew crusty on the stove.

  “Pardon my mess,” Abby said, reaching out a hand to her friend. “I don’t seem to have any energy today. I thought I’d sit down and rest a minute after breakfast and fell asleep right here in the chair.”

  Squeezing Abby’s hand, Filly slipped on an apron, made her a cup of tea, and started cleaning the kitchen.

  “Filly, I’d rather sit and visit than have you cleaning up my messes. You don’t need to do that,” Abby said, her voice betraying her exhaustion. “Chauncy will take care of it for me later.”

  “I know he would, but I might as well do it now. It will just take a minute and we can visit while I work,” Filly said over her shoulder as she scrubbed the dishes.

  “Well, have it your way,” Abby said with a laugh, then changed the subject. “I hope you don’t mind if we call you Filly. It just seems to fit you better than Philamena.”

  “I don’t mind at all. I rather like the idea of a new name to start off my new life.”

  “And how is that new life going?” Abby asked, trying to hide her overwhelming interest in how her friends were doing in their new roles of husband and wife. From what she and Chauncy could see, they were already well on their way to falling in love. “Are you and Luke getting along fine?”

  Filly knew she could trust Abby and told her about Luke’s kissing lessons and the gift of lip balm that morning. Abby laughed so hard she was streaming tears down her cheeks.

  “I’d say you are getting along better than fine,” Abby finally said when she could talk.

  “Maybe,” Filly said with a huge smile lighting her face.

  “No maybe about it, honey. Luke has gone soft for you,” Abby said with a knowing smile. “I never thought I’d see the day, but he couldn’t have picked a finer woman. I agree with Chauncy, God drew you two together for a reason.”

  Filly didn’t say anything, hugging the words to her heart to take out and explore later.

  “Abby, I’m dreadfully lacking in certain social graces. Maybe you wouldn’t mind teaching me and I could come help you here for an hour or two every day. Would you or Chauncy mind?”

  “I think I’d be getting the better end of that deal, but I’d be happy to teach you what I know,” Ab
by said, wondering in what area Filly thought she was lacking. She had been a gracious and welcoming hostess to them at Thanksgiving dinner, everyone in town was talking about what a wonderful wife Luke had found, but obviously something was bothering her. “What kind of things would you like to learn.”

  “For starters, if someone brings a delivery to the house, like Percy did this morning, should I tip them? If so, how much?” Filly asked as she took stock of Abby’s pantry and quickly put together a pot of turkey soup.

  “It is a good idea to tip and the amount would really depend on who it is and what they are delivering. Like for Percy, a nickel would be fine, but if it was George bringing the delivery, I’d tip more. Did Luke not mention any of this to you?”

  “No, and I didn’t know if he kept any money in the house or not,” Filly said, sweeping the floor. “Poor Percy had to accept cookies as his tip this morning.”

  “I’m sure that troubled him greatly,” Abby said with a grin, knowing the boy’s love of sweets.

  “Not that you’d notice,” Filly smiled, putting away the broom and sitting down next to her friend. “Do you want me to help you move into the front room?”

  “No, I’m fine right here,” Abby said, trying to stretch in the chair. “I just woke up tired today. That doesn’t make sense, but then so much of expecting doesn’t make sense. You cry when you should laugh, laugh when you should cry and crave the most ridiculous things to eat. Just the other day, I wanted a pickle so badly I thought I’d die without one. I’ve already eaten all the ones I canned this summer and the Bruner’s were out. By the time Chauncy arrived home without pickles, I no longer wanted a pickle and was instead craving something sweet. Lucky for me, he picked up a few lemon drops while he was at the store.”

  Filly laughed. Getting up, she stirred the soup, set the table for lunch, sliced the loaf of bread she brought, and made a fresh pot of coffee. Glancing at the clock, she knew she needed to get home and see to her own lunch preparations.

  “I better get going, but if you need anything else today, have Chauncy come get me,” Filly said, surveying the kitchen to make sure everything was ready for lunch. “I’m happy to help all I can.”