Chapter 23
CHAPTER 23
T he scent of pine needles and cinnamon mingled with woodsmoke from the hearth fire as Sampson settled on the floor, his back pressed against the log wall. His wounded arm rested in a sling across his chest now, instead of in the tight binding Dinah had made him wear the first few days.
Grace eased down beside him, tucking herself under his good arm as she adjusted Ruby in her lap.
Grace spoke to the newborn. “Do you want to see what’s happening?” She turned the babe outward, propping the child against her so she could watch the festive scene all around them.
After being away from his family for so long, then nearly losing his life a week ago at the hands of Jedidiah’s men, the simple joy of being surrounded by loved ones was a precious gift.
And now, with the danger passed, they could finally all enjoy a proper Christmas. And what a celebration it was turning out to be.
The entire family had gathered, filling the cabin with chatter and laughter. His brothers had brought in a large fir tree that stood in the corner, adorned with garland, ribbons, and a few ornaments their mother and Lucy had made.
The meal had been a great big affair, with roasted venison, turkey, potatoes, fresh bread, and so many sweets he might not eat for days. Now it was time for the exchange of gifts.
“C’mon, Uncle Jericho.” Anna bounced in her chair as she and Sean waited none too patiently for everyone to gather by the fire.
“C’mon. C’mon.” Little Mary Ellen jumped up and down as she chanted. She hadn’t yet been confined to a seat.
How could that much enthusiasm not make even the grumpiest face smile?
Ruby gurgled and waved her hands at her cousins’ antics. Her palm landed on Sampson’s finger, where he had his hand wrapped around Grace. The babe gripped hard.
Warmth curled through him at the feel of her chubby hand clutching his. He would never, ever tire of the honor of being this tiny girl’s father. Of getting to experience all her reactions. Her first smiles, her first laugh.
And now, her first Christmas.
Grace lifted her chin to him with a smile. "She's got you wrapped around her little finger." Amusement tinged her soft voice.
Sampson chuckled. "I suppose so. Both of you." He brushed a kiss against Grace's temple, breathing in the sweet scent of her hair.
When everyone finally settled, Lillian was given the honor of distributing the wrapped parcels. As each gift was opened, laughter and exclamations of delight filled the room. Toys for the children, both handmade and ordered from the States. Beautifully embroidered shawls for all the women—including Grace. That must be Naomi’s handiwork. She could accomplish miracles with her needle, and in such a short time. The way his family included Grace and Ruby made him more grateful than he could say.
Miles had outdone his usual hand-crafted gifts this year, especially with what he gave Jericho—one of Dat’s old broken rifles, fully repaired and restored with an elaborate carving in the stock. That boy had talent, no question about it.
Or rather, that man . Miles looked all grown up with Clara at his side. His eyes held a maturity that hadn’t been there before Sampson left. A steadiness.
Clara’s uncle joined in just like he’d always been part of the family. It was clear he had a soft spot for the youngsters, propping Mary Ellen on his lap to admire her new doll and hair ribbons.
After the last gift had been opened, Jericho stepped toward the middle and cleared his throat.
The chatter quieted as all eyes turned to him.
"I have one more thing." He paused, looking a little sheepish to command so much attention. “This is mostly for my brothers. Well, I guess maybe it’s more for everyone.”
The chuckle that circulated made Jericho’s ears turn red. It’d been a while since Sampson had seen him flustered, even a little.
Jericho cleared his throat again as he pushed on. “We're all grown men now, most of us with families of our own. I've tried to lead and guide you as best I could, but though my intentions were always good—” He slid a glance at Dinah. “I know my determination to keep people off the ranch wasn’t always the best choice.”
He paused, his gaze scanning the room. Landing on each person who’d found their way here despite Jericho’s efforts. “All you ladies who’ve come to join us make this place better.” His expression turned wry. “You sure make my brothers better.” Then he slid a glance sideways. “Even you, Eric.”
A round of chuckles sounded. Though a hint of nervousness threaded through it. Was this merely an apology? Or did Jericho have something to announce?
His face turned sober. “With all those men who came to attack the ranch and mine, I don’t think this place is still a secret. Thankfully, God’s been working on me a couple years now, helping me rest in Him. Trust that He’s taking care of all of us, even if it’s not the way I’d do it. His way actually turns out much better in the long run.” He glanced at Dinah with an intimate smile.
Then he faced the rest of them. “Anyway, I think it's time for a change. What about if we split the ranch land into seven equal parts, one for each sibling? I’ll hold Lucy’s portion until Lilly and Sean are old enough.”
Whoa.
Split up the ranch? The idea felt foreign. Certainly not something he’d ever expect from their protective eldest brother.
The rest of the family seemed as surprised. Murmurs rose as his family spoke to each other, some calling out questions to Jericho.
Jericho’s voice rose above the ruckus. “You can each choose which acreage you want, so long as we agree together. I imagine those of you who’ve already built cabins will want to keep the property around you."
He turned to the couple on the other side of Dinah. "Eric, Naomi. Dinah and I want to share our portion with you."
Eric’s brows shot up. “Really? Just the land around our house, right?”
Jericho shook his head. “We’d like to go half and half. This is your home too.”
"I…don't know what to say." Eric wove his fingers through Naomi's as grateful tears tracked down her cheeks. "Thank you. Truly."
Before chatter could start up again, Jericho turned to Jude. “We can talk about the fairest way to split up the mine. Maybe you’re paid a wage to oversee it, and we split the sapphires, or maybe the rest of us pitch in more and help with that work. We can all decide together how to handle it.”
Jude dipped his chin with a nod, but his eyes sparkled.
The group broke out in excited chatter, discussing potential plots and plans for their land.
But Sampson let the news settle fully. He would have his own portion of land, him and Grace. He’d always known he possessed a seventh of the ranch and mine profits, but he’d always thought it’d be a stake in the whole. He’d never imagined Jericho would agree to give them all their very own property, where they could each choose how to manage it. He and Grace could build the home of their dreams.
He stroked his thumb over her side, and she looked up at him. Her gaze shimmered, filled with a happiness that settled his insides with a warm peace. Their own plot of land was just an extra blessing. As long as he had Grace and Ruby, he was home.
But getting to build their life here with all their family—that made the future look even sweeter.
She rested her hand on his knee and smiled up at him. “Merry Christmas, husband.”
He couldn’t help lowering his mouth to hers for a quick brush—just a taste. “Merry Christmas, Mrs. Coulter.”
He had to force himself to lift his head and focus back on the group.
Jericho was watching him, a half-smile curving his mouth. Sampson met his gaze and nodded a quiet thanks.
This would be a new season, a new chapter for the Coulter family.
Jericho stepped back against the wall and wrapped his arm around Dinah's waist with a contented smile.
But Dinah held up her hand. "Hold on, everyone. There's actually one more gift left to open.”
Once more, the family fell silent. All eyes turned to her as she faced Jericho with a mischievous glint in her eye. "You should know better than to think you get the final say, my love." From the pocket of her skirt, she produced a small, neatly wrapped package and pressed it into her husband’s hands.
Jericho raised an eyebrow, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Is that so, Doc? And here I thought I was the head of this family."
"Oh, hush and open it." Dinah swatted his arm playfully, her eyes never leaving his face.
As Jericho eased the paper open, anticipation charged the air around them. The wrapping fell away, revealing a piece of folded cloth. Jericho unfolded it, holding up a baby gown.
It’s meaning grabbed Sampson at the same instant that Grace gasped.
Realization took a second longer for Jericho, but his eyes widened, and he looked at Dinah, his mouth parted. "Is this...? Are you...?"
Dinah nodded, her smile radiant. "Sometime in the summer, if my calculations are correct."
A heartbeat of silence, and then Jericho let out a whoop of pure joy, sweeping Dinah into his arms and twirling her around.
Laughter erupted from the family, and the room came alive with fresh excitement.
Sampson pulled Grace a little closer, his heart near to bursting with so many wonderful gifts.
Ruby squealed and clapped her hands, as if she too understood the joy rippling through the room.
Grace tilted her head up to him, her own smile soft as her eyes brightened. Again, he pressed a kiss to her mouth. Then he shifted so he could murmur in her ear. “I love you.”
One day, maybe he and Grace would share a moment like Jericho and Dinah, announcing a new addition to their own little family. But for now, he already had every blessing he could possibly want.