Chapter 13
Gabriella
Gabriella changed her clothes into a dark green, floor-length dress, fitted at the waist and full-skirted from the waist to the floor. She found a few modesty pieces in a drawer, so she pulled out a white one and tucked it in around her neck and into the low neckline. She wrapped a fine white scarf around her waist and tied it in a bow in the back. She loved fashion and trying new things with clothes. It was strange, but she didn’t miss her clothes or fine things in Monaco at all.
Then, she lifted the mattress and dug out a little money that she had hidden and placed it in her reticule, just in case.
“Are you ready yet?” Dirk called through the door.
Gabriella laughed. “You cannot rush perfection.”
“And Rome wasn’t built in a day, either!” he teased through the door.
A moment later, she was standing in the doorway, and Dirk let out a low whistle.
“I’m not sure I should take you into town after all,” Dirk admitted, taking in her appearance. “Someone is liable to see you and take you away from me.”
Gabriella gave him a small smile, trying not to think about being kidnapped just a few weeks before. She secretly was glad that he knew. She wanted to tell him more about her family, too, that she was a princess, but now that it was Christmas, it didn’t seem as important. Dirk knew enough… for now.
“Ready?” he asked as he held out his arm to her, the perfect gentleman.
She smiled as she took it, making a mental note to tell him about her family right after the holidays were over. Gabriella didn’t want anything to ruin their Christmas together. It was the first one she’d actually looked forward to in a very long time. “I’m ready if you are.”
He smiled, and then led her out the door and to the sleigh waiting out front. It was red and trimmed in gold with a black leather buttoned interior. “I love this sleigh.” Then, she had an idea. “Why don’t you dress up like Santa Claus and ride into town in your sleigh on Christmas Eve? Or maybe a town Christmas festival? The children would love it!”
Dirk chuckled. “I thought about it. Who knows? Maybe next year we can collect toys for the children, and we can hand them out together.”
A pang of guilt grabbed her as he helped her into the sleigh. She didn’t want to make plans, knowing that she would probably be leaving soon.
He must have sensed her thoughts. “But we can think of that some other time.” Dirk looked as if he was about to say something more but stopped himself. Then he reached behind the seat and pulled out the quilt. “Here.”
“Thank you.” She smiled as she slid the quilt across her lap—and Dirk’s, too.
He smiled. Then he made a clicking sound with his tongue, and the horse started trotting. The freshly fallen snow was beautiful, with bare trees and evergreens looming over the landscape, looking as if they had just sprouted up from the snow out of nowhere.
She looked around, her eyes wide.
“Do you like it here?” he asked, skeptical.
“Oui,” she replied without thinking. “Yes, it’s so beautiful.”
A broad smile spread across his lips.
Gabriella looked around her, and snow was everywhere. “Do you think the minister will cancel the service for tomorrow night because of the snow?”
Dirk shook his head. “No, he’ll be there,” he replied as a faraway look came into his eyes.
“What’s the matter?”
“The preacher has had it rough lately.” Dirk held the reins as they trotted at a leisurely pace. “A short time ago, he lost his wife to influenza. It’s been hard on him and the children.”
Gabriella was horrified. “How old are the children?”
“Little,” Dirk answered, frowning. “Shane is only four, and Hailey is two.”
“My goodness!” Gabriella was unable to imagine what it would be like to have children that young and lose your spouse.
Dirk nodded. “The women in Whiskey River have pulled together to help, especially Madison and Ella.”
“I know that Ella is Colton’s wife, and Madison is the saloon owner’s wife?” she asked, trying to remember.
Dirk smiled. “Yes, Madison is Wyatt Nash’s wife.”
Gabriella nodded. “It’s nice to have people when you need them.”
Dirk nodded, spending the rest of the sleigh ride telling her about all of the townsfolk of Whiskey River that she hadn’t met yet. They sounded wonderful to Gabriella. They seemed to accept new people who moved there readily, since nearly everyone came from another part of the country. She hoped they would accept her, too, even as a visitor.
Soon, they pulled into town, and it was just how she had expected. They rode past Dirk’s livery stable. Gabriella’s heart skipped a beat as she viewed the town, which was quickly becoming familiar to her. “I love this town. It’s perfect.”
Dirk pulled the sleigh to a stop in front of the general store. “Why don’t you go shopping?” he suggested, looping the reins around the pole that stretched across the sleigh, serving as a handle. “I’ll check on the stable and will meet you there.” He got out of the sleigh, walked around it, and offered her his hand to help her down. “Oh! And I want you to charge everything to my account.”
“Oh, no,” Gabriella objected, catching the attention of some ladies on the wooden walkway. “I have money—”
“No, you don’t!” He smiled as he helped her safely onto the walkway, and then climbed back into the sleigh. “I won’t be long.”
“See that you aren’t!” Gabriella teased, her heart futtering as she watched him drive away.
A few ladies nodded as they walked by, giving her friendly smiles.
Gabriella nodded, returning their smiles as she headed into the general store. The bell on the door rang loudly, alerting the shopkeepers.
“Well, well!” cooed Mrs. Carson, her brown, mousy hair pulled back in a severe bun. “It’s nice to see you again.”
“Bonjour, Madame Carson,” Gabriella gave her a warm smile. “It’s nice to see you again, too.”
Mrs. Carson nodded. “I just love your accent! I don’t think I’ll ever tire of hearing you speak.”
“Actually, I’m here to shop, if you don’t mind,” she beamed and then added as an afterthought, “We don’t have much time before Christmas.”
“Oh!” Mrs. Carson exclaimed as a broad smile spread across her face, obviously remembering the amount of money she had spent in her shop before.
It reminded Gabriella too much of why she had run away in the first place. In the short time she had been in Whiskey River, Gabriella was enjoying her anonymity, of being treated like everyone else, and of being seen for who she was and not for her title or wealth.
“Well, if I can help you with anything, anything at all—”
“Yes, yes. I’ll be sure to let you know.” Gabriella smiled as she walked away. On the table laid lace and ribbons in gold, silver, green, and red, along with colored paper and even some plain ornaments. “How much are these?”
“Oh, you don’t want those!” Mrs. Carson dismissed them with a wave of her hand. “Those are for people who can’t afford more.” She walked across the store to a shelf with crystal, gold, and other ready-made ornaments. “Now, what you want is over here.”
Gabriella shook her head. “No, actually. It would be fun for Dirk and me to make ornaments together.”
“You’re still staying with Mr. Price?” Mrs. Carson asked, raising an eyebrow.
Gabriella nodded, ignoring the woman’s prying. Then, a thought occurred to her. “Mrs. Carson, do you happen to have a copy of the book Le Comte de Monte-Cristoby Alexandre Dumas?”
“Yes, but—”
“May I see it?” Gabriella asked, cutting her off.
“Sure… yes… right this way,” Mrs. Carson announced, proudly leading the way. She reverently picked up a hardcover book and handed it to Gabriella.
It was the most beautiful book Gabriella had seen in a very long time. “I’ll take it.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.” Gabriella thought for a moment. “Do you also happen to have The Nutcracker by Alexandre Dumas?”
Mrs. Carson nodded. “Yes, we do.” She took it off the shelf and handed it to her, too.
Gabriella noticed that Mrs. Carson was hovering, watching her every move, but she didn’t let it bother her. Instead, she enjoyed the moment. The cover was gold, and when she opened it, colorful decorations adorned the pages. “I’ll take it.” She smiled without looking up.
“Which one would you like?”
“Both,” she replied, and the shopkeeper just stared at her. “I’d like to buy them now before Dirk gets back, if you don’t mind. They’re presents, so please don’t tell him.”
“No.” Mrs. Carson shook her head, her eyes wide. “I wouldn’t dream of it. Your secret is safe with me.”
Gabriella nodded. “Also, could you wrap them up separately for me while I shop? I really want him to be surprised.”
A broad smile spread across Mrs. Carson’s face. “Yes, of course.”
Gabriella thought for a moment and then asked. “Do you also happen to have a picture frame, about so big?” She made a square with her hands.
Mrs. Carson’s eyes widened. “Why, yes! Of course! We have a few to choose from.”
“May I see them?”
“Right this way.” The woman led her to a corner where a few picture frames were resting on a table toward the back, leaning against the wall.
Gabriella picked up a gold frame, just the right size that she needed for a special gift. “I’ll take this, too. But could you wrap it in plain, brown paper so Dirk doesn’t see it?”
“Yes, of course!” Mrs. Carson’s eyes widened, clearly enjoying Gabriella’s shopping spree just as much as she was.
Then, Gabriella saw a holiday cookbook on the shelf. She picked it up and paged through. “I’ll take this, too.” It had all kinds of recipes for turkey, stuffing, cookies, cakes, and much, much more. It wouldn’t make her a better cook, but it wouldn’t hurt either. As Gabriella paged through the book, she was surprised to see that she understood a lot more of the baking and cooking terminology that had been completely foreign to her before meeting Mrs. Jenkins and Dirk.
Gabriella dug into her reticule and pulled out enough money to cover her purchases. Mrs. Carson added everything up proudly, took Gabriella’s money, and then counted back her change.
“Thank you so much!” Mrs. Carson gushed. “And if you ever need anything—”
“Well, I’m not sure how long I’ll be in town, but I’ll keep that in mind.” Gabriella cringed when she realized what she had said.
“Oh, really? So, are you just passing through?” Mrs. Carson prodded.
Gabriella was sure the shopkeeper was fueling up to tell the town gossips. “Really, Mrs. Carson,” Gabriella chided, looking at the door. “Mr. Price will be here shortly, and I really would like the books to be a surprise.”
“Say no more!” Mrs. Carson thought for a moment and then raised an eyebrow. “Would you like me to use the colorful paper? It’s expensive—”
“Yes, of course, Mrs. Carson,” Gabriella replied, enjoying the shopkeeper’s reaction. “And please hurry.”
“Yes, of course! Right away!” Mrs. Carson immediately started pulling colorful wrapping paper off the shelf. “I’ll have it ready for you right away.”
Gabriella gave her a small smile. “Thank you. I truly appreciate it,” Gabriella replied, making sure to speak English so as not to draw more attention from the exuberant shopkeeper.
While she was waiting, Gabriella looked around and picked up some potatoes, flour, sugar, coffee, tea, and a few other practical items that she knew they needed. Then she looked over at the counter. There was some fine stationary propped up there. She looked closer, and saw it had gold scrolls on the corners and a miniature Santa Claus and sleigh at the top. Matching envelopes were sitting near them. Obviously, people bought it to send Christmas letters to their loved ones back home.
“I’ll take two sheets of this paper, and envelopes, too, please.” Even though she knew that a postrider couldn’t get through until the pass opened up, she wanted to write a letter to her uncle, anyway, vowing to send it as soon as she could. Although she wasn’t quite sure what else she would say, she wanted to wish her uncle and cousin a Merry Christmas and to let them know that she was safe.
Mrs. Carson handed her the books wrapped in colorful paper. “Here you go, miss.” She beamed. “I used the best wrapping paper.” Then she lowered her voice conspiratorially. “I do hope that Mr. Price likes them.”
Gabriella smiled, and then leaned forward. “I’m sure he will,” she agreed as she handed her the paper and envelopes, a new writing quill, and ink. “I’d like to pay for these now, too, please.”
“Another surprise?” Mrs. Carson asked in a low voice, her eyebrows raised.
Gabriella smiled as she dug into the reticule again and handed her the money. Once again, Mrs. Carson gave her the change and wrapped the fine paper in clean, brown paper.
“Thank you, Mrs. Carson.” Gabriella beamed excitedly. “You just made my Christmas.”
Mrs. Carson smiled. “I think you just made mine!”
Both women laughed.
Gabriella picked up a bag of apples for a pie and a few for the horses, along with the rest of the ribbons, lace, and colored paper on the table to make ornaments. There wasn’t much left since it was so close to Christmas, but it was enough for her and Dirk to make decorations together.
“There she is!” Dirk proudly announced as he walked into the general store. “Did you find everything you need?”
Gabriella nodded as she and Mrs. Carson smiled conspiratorially at one another.
“Is this everything?” Dirk asked, pointing to the rest of the items that Gabriella had set on the counter. “Is there anything else you’d like?”
“No, but thank you.” Gabriella laughed. “I think I bought out the store as it is!”
“Not quite.” Mrs. Carson chimed. “We still have some cinnamon sticks left, too, if you’re interested.”
“Yes,” Dirk replied before Gabriella could answer. “We’ll take them, and throw in some loose candy, too.”
Gabriella giggled. “You’ll rot out your teeth.”
Dirk’s lips curled into a smile. “Oh, this isn’t for me. It’s for you.” Gabriella was about to object, until he placed his finger on her lips. “Besides, it’s Christmas.”
Gabriella had an idea and turned to Mrs. Carson. “Do you have any cocoa, too?”
Mrs. Carson nodded as she pulled a small tin off the shelf. “Would you like some?”
Gabriella nodded. “Yes, please.”
A broad smile spread across Dirk’s face. “We can make some hot cocoa later this evening, if you like.”
“But I’m paying for everything.” Gabriella dug into her reticule once again. “It’s the least I could do—”
“Not hardly.” Dirk placed his hand over her bag. He already had his money out and handed it to Mrs. Carson. “Now, I think we’d better get out of here before we really do buy out the whole store.”
Gabriella laughed. “Here, let me pay for it. I insist—”
But Dirk shook his head. “No, I was only joking. I just have to stop by the sheriff’s office for a moment.” Dirk looked outside and the day was beginning to fade. “Do you mind? It looks as if we still have a bit of time.”
Gabriella shook her head. “No, not at all. It’ll be good to see Daxton again and to ask after Mrs. Hill.”
A few minutes later, Mrs. Carson had tallied the other items.
“Thank you, Mrs. Carson.” Dirk grinned as he took his change and picked up the box of groceries, while Gabriella discreetly gathered the purchases she had made before he arrived.
“Merry Christmas!” Mrs. Carson chirped happily as she placed the money in the till and slammed it shut.
“Merry Christmas, Mrs. Carson!” Gabriella waved to her one last time over her shoulder.
When they walked outside, the sleigh was parked right by the door. “If you don’t mind,” Dirk decided, “I’m going to set these things in the sleigh, and then we can go to the sheriff’s office.”
She nodded, waiting.
“Gabriella!” a feminine voice called to her from down the wooden walkway. “You’re all right! I was so worried!”
Gabriella glanced in her direction, surprised. “Kenzie! It’s good to see you again! I was hoping I’d see you here!” Gabriella gave her a quick hug. “So, have you opened your dress shop yet?”
Kenzie let out a deep breath. “I have the building, but it’s going to take a bit of work to get it into shape.”
Gabriella gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Well, if anyone can do it, it’s you.” She glanced over at Dirk, waiting patiently on the walkway. “Dirk, this is Kenzie Baker, the new dressmaker in town. We met on the train.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Kenzie beamed, giving him her hand, palm down.
Dirk gently kissed it, the perfect gentleman. “The pleasure is mine.”
Kenzie smiled, clearly pleased. “Well, I have to go. Will you be at the church tomorrow evening? It’s Christmas Eve….”
Gabriella nodded. “Yes, of course. Are you going, too?”
Kenzie nodded. “I’ll see you there.” She was about to turn away, but added, “I’m so glad to see you here. When I saw the men walking after you—”
“Well, I’m fine now.” Gabriella cut her off. “Merry Christmas.”
Kenzie gave her a warm smile and then nodded. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“See you then!” Gabriella grinned as she linked her arm in Dirk’s and they headed toward the sheriff’s office. “I’ll wait out here.”
Dirk shook his head. “Not on your life.” He pulled her toward the door. “I’m sure that Daxton would like to see you again.”
Gabriella nodded.
Dirk fell quiet for a moment, thinking, but said nothing.
Gabriella hated to cut Kenzie off like that but vowed to tell her everything privately after the holidays. Dirk knew that she had been kidnapped but she didn’t want anything to spoil their holiday together. She just hoped that the sheriff would give them some good news.
“Here we are,” Dirk said as he opened the door to the sheriff’s office. Daxton and Colton rose to their feet. “Hey, Daxton! I appreciate you checking in on the stables for me.”
Daxton’s face lit up when he saw Dirk. He rose to his feet and held out his hand to him. Dirk gave him a hearty handshake. “It was my pleasure, but I didn’t have to do anything. Billy has everything under control.”
Dirk nodded. “Thank you.”
The sheriff smiled and then nodded to Gabriella. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, miss.”
Gabriella extended her hand. “The pleasure is mine.”
The sheriff inclined his head toward Dirk. “So, has he been treating you good?”
Gabriella giggled. “Yes, Dirk’s been taking good care of me.”
Daxton shook her hand and gave her a kind smile. “Yeah, that sounds like him.”
Gabriella nodded in agreement. “He’s one of the nicest men I know.”
“Miss, it’s good to see you again,” Colton said as he crossed the room. He wore a cowboy hat, gun belts tied down to his legs, and spurs.
Gabriella nodded. “It’s good to see you again, too. How’s Ella?”
“Not as well as I’d like.” Colton frowned as he pulled his hair back at the nape, then let it fall down his back. It appeared to be a habit of his.
Gabriella’s heart went out to him. “Well, I’m sure that everything will work out fine. Please, give her my best. Even though we’ve never met before, I’ve heard so much about her that it feels like I know her.”
Colton smiled. “Well, we’re going to have to remedy that. Let’s plan on getting together after the holidays.”
A pang of guilt pulled at Gabriella’s heart, unsure how long she would be there, unable to see past the holidays. But she didn’t want to think about that, not now. For the moment, she wanted to enjoy the time she had with Dirk… for as long as that might be.
Dirk wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her to his side. “We were in town getting some things for the holidays and we thought we’d check in to see if you had heard anything.”
Gabriella noticed that he was careful not to say their names. She squared her shoulders as she listened.
Daxton glanced over at Gabriella first, obviously wondering how much to say in front of her. Then let out a deep breath, relenting. “They’re still at large, but the U.S. Marshalls found their hideout that you told us about.” He shook his head. “The horses there were half starved, so it’s obvious that they hadn’t been back there since… since the kidnapping.”
Dirk nodded. “You’ll let us know if anything turns up, won’t you?”
The sheriff nodded. “Yes, of course.”
“Will we see you two at the church tomorrow night?” Dirk asked, obviously trying to change the subject.
Colton shook his head. “Ella and I won’t be there. Doc Morgan has Ella on bed rest until the baby comes.”
Dirk nodded in understanding and extended his hand to him. “If there’s anything I can do, just let me know. Please, give her my best.”
Colton nodded. “Thanks, I will.”
Then Dirk turned to the sheriff. “Will we see you and the kids?”
Daxton smiled. “Yes, Lillian is so excited for Christmas that she’s beside herself.”
Gabriella and everyone in the room laughed. “I think we all are.”
Daxton placed a hand on his shoulder as he walked him to the door, and said in a low voice, “Dirk, don’t worry about coming into town until after Christmas. You just stay home and enjoy yourself. Billy and I will take care of everything here.” He took a step back. “In fact, Billy’s doing such a good job that you should hire him full time.”
Dirk smiled appreciatively. “I just did, and I hired Kyle to help me at the ranch, too.”
The sheriff extended his hand. “I’m glad to hear that. They’re both good young men.”
Dirk shook it and said in a low voice, “Let me know if you hear anything.”
Daxton nodded. “Have a Merry Christmas and don’t worry. We’ll find them.”
“Sheriff, thank you for everything,” Gabriella interrupted, wanting to put an end to the doom and gloom. “Well, we have to go get ready for Christmas!”
Daxton smiled. “Are you cooking?”
Gabriella laughed. “As a matter of fact, I am.”
“And she’s quite good at it now, I might add,” Dirk replied, coming to her rescue as everyone laughed. “Merry Christmas, everyone! Daxton, we’ll see you and the kids tomorrow night.”
Daxton nodded, smiling. “See you then.”
Colton tipped his hat to Gabriella. “It was a pleasure to see you again, ma’am.”
Gabriella nodded. “Please give Ella my best and that I look forward to meeting her.”
Colton’s lips curled into a smile. “I will.”
As Gabriella and Dirk headed outside to the waiting sleigh, she couldn’t imagine leaving this town. Not now, not ever.