Treasured Christmas Brides Read online

  He’d completed the other painting last night so that it too would be ready for delivery on Christmas Eve or perhaps Christmas morning. The question was whether he could muster the courage to do that. While it had seemed like a good idea when he’d first considered it, now he wasn’t so certain. But there was no need to make a decision this morning. He had three more days.

  Dressing quickly, he descended the stairs for breakfast. First things first. He’d put the final touches on Mrs. Edgar’s portrait, then think about the other one.

  “You have a letter, Mr. Snyder.” Mrs. Tyson grinned as she handed him a cream-colored envelope. “A young woman just delivered it.”

  Jeremy hadn’t been expecting mail, and he didn’t recognize the handwriting. Carefully running his finger beneath the flap, he opened the envelope and withdrew the heavy card, his eyes widening in surprise when he realized it was an invitation to Susan’s wedding. Why had she invited him? Susan had said it was going to be a fairly small wedding, with only her and Michael’s family and a few close friends. Jeremy didn’t fit into either category.

  Uncertain how to reply, he slid the card back into the envelope, then realized there was a second piece of paper inside it. That was ordinary stationery, not the heavier vellum of the invitation. Curious, he unfolded the sheet and read:

  Dear Mr. Snyder,

  I hope you will join us on Christmas Eve. We attend services at 11:00 p.m. Afterward, Michael’s parents have invited us all for supper at their hotel. I know this is short notice, but it would bring me much pleasure to have you as part of our group. You need not reply, but if you can come, please arrive at our home at 10:30 p.m.

  Sincerely yours,

  Susan Mitchell

  Jeremy sank onto the hallway bench, trying to regain his equilibrium in the face of this extraordinary missive. By rights, the invitation should have come from Esther, not Susan. By rights, Jeremy should refuse it. Yet what if this was the answer he sought, the impetus he needed to gather his courage?

  Jeremy nodded. When he’d read Susan’s note, he’d envisioned himself walking to church with Esther at his side, sitting next to her, sharing a hymnal with her, and afterward…

  This was one invitation he would not refuse.

  “Now, aren’t you glad I convinced you to wear this gown?” As Susan slid the last button into its loop, she turned Esther toward the cheval glass. “Look.”

  Esther stared at her reflection in the mirror, not quite believing what she saw. The burgundy silk with the elaborate bustle and the double box pleats circling the hem was the most elegant garment she had ever owned, and the intricate hairstyle Susan had insisted complemented the gown left Esther feeling as if she were looking at a stranger. An elegant stranger.

  “Are you sure this is me?”

  Susan nodded. “The new you. You want to make a good impression on Michael’s parents, don’t you?” Though Esther had had more than a few minutes’ worry over her first meeting with the elder Porters, Susan’s almost secretive smile made her think her niece had something else in mind. That was silly, of course, for what else could Susan be thinking of?

  “It’s very kind of Michael’s parents to host supper tonight.” The couple had arrived in town only this morning but had made all the arrangements in advance, telling Esther they wanted to thank her for the many meals she had given Michael over the course of his courtship.

  It was the same argument Jeremy had made when he’d invited her to dine at the InterOcean, but tonight would be far different from that evening. Though Esther had no doubt that the meal would be enjoyable, she was not filled with the same anticipation she’d felt before. The reason was simple: instead of being half of a couple, tonight Esther would be part of a group, a group that did not include Jeremy.

  A firm knock on the door broke her reverie. “The Porters are early,” she said, glancing at the clock on the bureau.

  “Do you mind going?” Susan gestured toward the lock of hair that had somehow come loose from her coiffure.

  Knowing her niece wanted everything to be perfect, Esther headed toward the door. When she opened it, she stared in amazement as the blood drained from her face.

  “Jeremy! Is something wrong?”

  His heart sank. This was not the reception he’d expected. Though he’d suspected that Susan had sent the invitation without consulting Esther, he had assumed she would have told her before now. The shock on Esther’s face made it clear that she had not expected him.

  “As far as I know, nothing’s wrong,” Jeremy said, trying not to stare at the woman who held his heart in her hands. “Susan invited me to join you tonight. I thought you knew.”

  Though she was clearly flustered, Esther looked more than usually pretty tonight. It might be the fancy dress or those loose curls that danced against her cheeks. It could simply be the flush that colored her face. Jeremy didn’t care about the reason. All he cared about was whether or not this beautiful woman would allow him to share Christmas Eve with her.

  “Come in,” she said, ushering him into the sitting room. “We’ll be ready to leave in a few minutes.”

  Though the words were ordinary, Esther’s voice sounded strained. It could be nothing more than the shock of an unexpected guest, but Jeremy feared the reason was more serious. Perhaps he’d misread her earlier friendliness. Perhaps it had been nothing more than charity that had made her be so kind. Perhaps she saw him only as the man who’d painted Susan’s portrait. All of that was possible, but Jeremy refused to believe it. He wouldn’t give up so easily.

  “I can see that my coming is a surprise. I should have considered that, but to be honest, since the day I received Susan’s invitation, all I’ve thought about was being with you again.”

  Esther’s eyes darkened, and her lips turned up in a sweet smile. Before she could speak, Jeremy continued. “If you’d rather I leave…” He had to make the offer, though he hoped against hope that she would refuse.

  “No, of course not.” The color in her cheeks deepened. “I’m so happy to see you again.” Though Esther started to say something more, Susan rushed into the room, her brown eyes twinkling with what appeared to be mischief. “Aunt Esther and I are glad you’re here.”

  “Yes, we are.” The warmth in Esther’s expression sent a rush of pleasure through Jeremy’s veins. It appeared that coming here tonight had not been a mistake.

  Perhaps it was a mistake, but if it was, Esther would have all her tomorrows to regret it. No matter what the morning brought, she intended to enjoy the simple pleasure of being with Jeremy tonight. Perhaps she should have chided Susan for issuing such an inappropriate invitation and neglecting to tell her about it, but Esther could not, not when that invitation had brought her what she longed for: time with Jeremy.

  There was no time for private conversation, for the once-quiet sitting room felt as crowded and noisy as the train depot when Michael and his parents arrived. Though the Porters appeared to be as charming as their son, Esther barely heard a word they said. Instead, her gaze kept meeting Jeremy’s, and she found herself wishing they were alone. The opportunity came sooner than she had thought possible.

  “Esther and I can walk,” Jeremy said when Mr. Porter explained that he had hired a carriage but that it might be a bit crowded with six passengers. “If she agrees.”

  Esther did. Minutes later they were walking down Sixteenth Street. It felt like the night they’d dined at the InterOcean as they strolled along the street with Esther’s hand nestled in the crook of Jeremy’s arm. But tonight would be different. Esther was determined to do nothing to spoil the evening. Tonight was a night to celebrate the wonder of God’s love and the greatest gift the world had ever received. Sharing that joyous message and the hope that accompanied it with Jeremy only made the night more special.

  As happened each year, the church was crowded, the scents of perfume and Macassar oil mingled with the pungent odors of candle wax and wet wool. Yet no one seemed to mind the crowding or the smells, least
of all Esther. Even if it was only for a few hours, she was with Jeremy.

  When the first hymn began, she discovered that his voice was as off-key as her own, but that didn’t matter. What mattered was that they were worshipping together. Judging from the expression on his face, Jeremy was as moved as she by the minister’s reading from the Gospel of Luke.

  “‘Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.’”

  Esther felt the prickle of tears in her eyes as joy filled her heart. Even if her prayer for a miracle was not answered, this was a Christmas she would never forget.

  “Are you certain you want to walk again?” Mr. Porter asked when the service had ended and they’d filed outside. “We could let the young people do that.”

  Jeremy turned toward Esther. “If Esther’s willing, I’d prefer to walk. It’s a beautiful night.”

  It was indeed. The wind had subsided, leaving a star-studded sky with a few lazy snowflakes drifting to the ground.

  “I’d like to walk.” And to share more of this night with the man who had captured her heart.

  They strolled in silence for a few minutes. When they were two blocks from the church and the crowd had dispersed, Jeremy stopped.

  “The beautiful night wasn’t the only reason I wanted to walk.” He reached into his greatcoat pocket and withdrew a cloth bag. “I have a gift for you.” His voice sounded almost hesitant, as if he were afraid of her reaction.

  Esther stared at the dark green velvet sack, her heart leaping at the thought that this wonderful man had brought her a gift. “I didn’t expect anything.” Just being here with Jeremy was more than she had expected.

  “I know you didn’t, but I want you to have this.” He placed the bag in her hand.

  As her fingers reached inside and touched the familiar shape, Esther gasped. It couldn’t be, yet it was. Gently she pulled out the star-shaped frame. Similar in size to the one she’d bought for Susan’s portrait, this frame was more ornate, with open filigree decorating each of the points. And in the center… Esther took a deep breath, hardly able to believe her eyes. All her life she had longed for her own Christmas star, and now Jeremy had given it to her. Looking back at her from one side of the painting was her portrait. The other side was nothing more than blank canvas.

  “It’s beautiful, Jeremy, but I don’t understand. I didn’t pose for this.” What Esther really didn’t understand was what he meant by the gift. He knew the tradition.

  He gave her a smile so sweet it brought tears to her eyes. “You didn’t need to pose. Your image is engraved on my heart. All I had to do was close my eyes, and I pictured you.”

  Esther nodded. Though she was not an artist, she had no trouble picturing Jeremy when they were apart.

  His expression sobered. “I wanted to give you a finished star, but I couldn’t, because I wasn’t certain what you wanted on the other side.” He paused for a second. “I can paint a landscape there. That may not be like the others, but it’s important to me that you have your own star. I know you’ve dreamed of one, and I want to make your dreams come true.”

  Esther looked at the star, marveling at the way Jeremy had portrayed her. It was her face, yet it wasn’t. She had never seen herself looking so beautiful, so in love. Was this how Jeremy saw her?

  He took a shallow breath before he continued. “I know how I want to finish the portrait. In my dreams, it’s my face next to yours.” Jeremy’s voice rang with emotion. “More than anything, I want to be part of your Christmas star and part of your life.”

  Esther stared at the man she loved so dearly, the man whose words were making her heart pound with excitement. He said he wanted to make her dreams come true, and he was doing exactly that. When she opened her mouth to speak, he raised a cautioning hand.

  “I know I can’t take Chester’s place, but I want whatever place in your life you can give me.” Jeremy paused for a second and took her left hand in his. “I love you with all my heart. Will you marry me?”

  Her heart overflowing with love, Esther nodded. Susan had been right. All she needed to do was ask God for a miracle, and He’d granted it. “Oh Jeremy, there is nothing I want more than to marry you. It’s true that I loved Chester and that he’ll always have a place in my heart, but my love for you is stronger than anything I’ve ever known.” The words came tumbling out like water over a falls as Esther tried to express the depth of her love.

  She squeezed Jeremy’s hand, wishing the cold night hadn’t dictated gloves. “I think I fell in love with you that first day when you walked into the bakery. I had never felt that kind of instant connection before, but it was there, and it’s only grown stronger since then. Marrying you will make my life complete.”

  “And mine.” Jeremy’s eyes shone with happiness that rivaled the stars’ brilliance. “Oh my love, you’ve made me happier than I dreamed possible.”

  When Esther smiled, he drew her into his arms and pressed his lips to hers, giving her the sweetest of kisses. His lips were warm and tender, his caress more wonderful than even her wildest dreams, and in that moment Esther knew this was where she belonged: in Jeremy’s arms.

  When at length they broke apart, she smiled at the man she loved, the man who was going to be her husband. “It may take awhile, but I’ll sell the bakery so we can travel wherever you want.”

  His eyes widened, and she saw him swallow, as if trying to control his emotions. “You’d do that for me?” Jeremy’s voice cracked as he pronounced the words.

  Nodding, Esther explained. “A month ago, I felt as if the bakery and Cheyenne were my home. Then I met you, and I learned that home is more than a building or even a city. Home is the place you share with the person you love.”

  Jeremy matched her nod. “Will you share your home with me?” Esther’s confusion must have shown, for he continued. “I’ve learned a few things too. One is that I want to stay here. Cheyenne will be my home as long as I’m with the woman I love.”

  “Oh Jeremy!” Esther raised her lips for another kiss as snowflakes drifted past them. “You’ve made all my dreams come true.”

  “And so have you, my Christmas star bride.”

  Amanda Cabot‘s dream of selling a book before her thirtieth birthday came true, and she’s now the author of more than thirty-five novels. Her romances have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists, have garnered a starred review from Publishers Weekly, and have been finalists for the ACFW Carol, the HOLT Medallion, and the Booksellers Best awards.

  A popular speaker, Amanda is a member of ACFW and a charter member of Romance Writers of America. A Christmastime bride herself, she married her high school sweetheart who shares her love of travel and who’s driven thousands of miles to help her research her books. After years as Easterners, they fulfilled a longtime dream when Amanda retired from her job as Director of Information Technology for a major corporation and now live in Cheyenne.

  You can find her at www.amandacabot.com.

  A Token of Promise

  by Rebecca Germany

  Dedication

  To all those family members who came before me and left not only wonderful heirloom reminders of their lives but an unshakable faith upon which I could build my own Christian faith. I thank God for you.

  Chapter 1

  October 1897

  San Francisco, California

  Red! He appreciated the color in a sunset, in a strawberry pie, and in a woman’s blushing cheeks, but tomato red did nothing for Gabe Monroe’s freshly polished top boots. Would the beaver cloth forever be stained?

  He looked from the mess of seeds and tomato pulp up the length of long skirts in front of him. She must be the one. Yes, she’ll do nicely. With her slight frame and golden-flecked brown hair, she favored his late sister-in-law.

  “Oh!” The young woman’s market basket dropped to the ground as she knelt and swiped at the mess with her hands.

  Gabe touched her shoulders, coaxing her to stand. “It wil
l wash up.”

  “I’ll get you a rag.”

  “Don’t worry about it. I’ll clean up back at the hotel.”

  Her gaze darted toward the well-tended yard until she braved a look into his eyes. He returned her study of him with his head tilted to the side, admiring her blue eyes and blushing cheeks.

  “I really…am…am sorry,” she stammered in apology.

  “Are you Reverend Chiles’s ward?”

  “Umm, yes.”

  “Well then, I’ll return for you on the morrow next. Good day.” He touched his hat and strode to a fine carriage and horse that waited in the shade of a tree. What luck! It is a most uncanny resemblance.

  Charlotte Vance hurried in the side door of the large home of the Rev. and Mrs. Chiles. Weaving between several barrels of packed china, she willed her racing heart to return to normal. What business could a handsome man of some obvious wealth have at the reverend’s home? She didn’t recognize him as a parishioner, and if she understood him correctly, his visit seemed to have something to do with her…and two days hence. Questions and possible scenarios vied for attention in her mind.

  From the kitchen came the high-pitched voice of the lady of the house. “Charlotte, where have you been? Oh, there is so much to be done, and my poor legs are already weak with the tension.”

  Charlotte took a deep breath as she rounded the doorway to the kitchen and placed her groceries on the table. “The market was busy today, ma’am, with the last of the harvest having come in. I saw Mrs. Morgan, and she sends her regards and prayers for your health.”

  Mrs. Chiles rummaged through the basket, seemingly ignoring Charlotte’s words. “Is this all you got? The reverend specifically asked for tomatoes.”