twelve

“You’re right, Gabe. It’s snowing too hard to attend church tonight,” Lena said with a disappointed sigh. Already at midday, she could barely see through the window for the driving snow. “I’d looked forward to driving into Archerville for the Christmas Eve services.”

“We can conduct our own,” Gabe replied with a reassuring smile. “It won’t be the same for you, because I know how you enjoy visiting with the other members, hearing the sermon, and singing, but we’ll honor the Lord’s birth just the same.”

“Oh, I know you’re right, and you’ve looked forward to tonight too,” she said. “I’ve noticed how you enjoy the minister’s company.” She tilted her head. “Seems like Christmas Eve should be spent with others, but we’ll make do just fine.”

“Of course we will. I’d like to involve the boys in our own little service, and I do have something for each of you.”

“You do?” When did he purchase gifts? The occasions they’d ridden into Archerville for supplies, she’d been with him the entire time.

He offered a wry grin. “I purchased gifts in Philadelphia before boarding the train there.”

“Mine are very small,” she said, “and not fancy.”

Gabe reached for her hand—an infrequent action for him. “You, Caleb, and Simon are my Christmas treasures. With you, I am the wealthiest man alive.”

His words moved her to tears, for she knew without a doubt he meant every word. Although no mention of love had crossed their lips, she felt it growing as each day passed.

“Gabe, I have never met a man with such a giving spirit. I feel as though you know our needs before we speak them.”

His gaze met hers, sealing those words she wanted to say but couldn’t—not until he spoke them first. “Next to God, my family is my life.”

Oh, my dear Gabe. I never dreamed I could learn to love you, but you have made it easy.

That night after a hearty supper of ham, turnips, white-flour biscuits—which were a rare treat—and a pie made from dried pumpkins, they gathered around the fireplace to hear the Christmas story. Pushing back the rocker, all four sat on the rag rug. Caleb and Simon read from Luke, and Lena led in singing Christmas carols. Outside the wind whistled as it often did during snowstorms, but somehow it didn’t sound threatening as the story of Jesus’ birth unfolded before them.

“I have an idea,” Gabe said, “one I think you’ll enjoy. Caleb, I want you to pretend you are a shepherd boy. You’ve heard the angel’s proclamation of Jesus’ birth and are hurrying with the other shepherds to see the baby. Unfortunately, you must assist an aging shepherd who has difficulty walking. All the others leave you behind.”

Caleb stared into the fire for a moment. He nibbled on his lip, then turned to Gabe. “Knowing me, I’d feel sad the other shepherds would see the baby Jesus before me.”

“Only sad?” Gabe asked.

“Well, probably a little angry.” Caleb glanced at his younger brother. “Sometimes when I have to wait for Simon to tag along with me, I get mad. He can’t help being slow, like the old shepherd. Maybe I could talk to the old man so the walk would go faster.”

“Very good.” Gabe patted Caleb on the shoulder. “How do you think the old shepherd felt when the younger one had to help him walk to Bethlehem?”

Caleb brought his finger to his lip, seemingly concentrating on Gabe’s question. “He might remember when he was young and didn’t have to lag behind. I think he’d feel badly for the shepherd boy too.”

“What would the two discuss along the way?”

“The angel’s message?” Caleb asked without hesitation.

“Probably so,” Gabe said.

Caleb took a deep breath. “And maybe how they all had been frightened when the angels appeared in the sky.”

Lena listened in awe at the way Gabe taught the boys without them ever realizing it. Caleb’s always so serious. I wish he’d learn how to enjoy life before he’s an old man.

“And you, Simon?” Gabe continued. “What if you were the young shepherd boy?”

“Since the angels came at night, I might be a little afraid of wild animals.”

“Much like the day with the wolves?” Gabe asked.

Simon’s face grew serious. Nightmares had plagued his little mind since the incident. Many nights his cries awakened them all. “Yes, Sir.”

“Don’t you think if God cared enough for the world to send His Son as a baby that He might be watching out for all frightened boys?”

Simon gave Gabe his attention. “I think so. Do you think God cares about my bad dreams?”

Gabe ruffled Simon’s hair. “I’m sure He does.” He looked at each member of his family. Love clearly glowed from his gaze. “We all need to pray for Simon’s nightmares until God stops them.”

“I will,” Caleb responded. “Those wolves were scary.”

“Bless you, Son. We all need to pray for each other, in good times and bad.” The room grew quiet, then Gabe spoke again, his tone lighter. “And now I have a gift for you.”

The boys’ eyes widened.

Gabe rose from the floor and walked to his trunk where he stored his books. The fire crackled, and Turnip rose on his haunches, his ears erect. “Easy, Boy. It’s just the wind searching for a hole to get inside.” Gabe retrieved a leather pouch and brought it back to the fire.

“You really did purchase these before you left Philadel-phia?” Lena asked. “Why, you didn’t even know us.”

Gabe smiled, warming her heart. “I believed the future held something wonderful. . .and it did.” He pulled out a small brown paper parcel. “This is for you, Simon.”

The young boy grinned at his mother, then eagerly took the package. Inside, two carved wooden horses with soldiers mounted atop poised ready for a little boy to play with them.

“Thank you,” he breathed, turning the toys over and over in his palm. A broad smile spread from ear to ear.

“And you, Caleb,” Gabe said, handing him another parcel.

Lena watched her elder son slowly untie the string wrapped around his gift.

“A compass,” Caleb whispered, moistening his lips. He peered up at Gabe with an appreciative gaze. “I will take good care of it always. I promise.”

Gabe nodded. “I know you will. I know both of you take excellent care of your possessions.” He turned to Lena. “And now for you.” He strode over to the chest and pulled out a much larger package and handed it to her.

Oh, my. Has Gabe spent his money on something extravagant for me? It’s large too. He gingerly placed the gift in her lap. “Open it, please,” he said.

Lena swallowed a lump in her throat and slowly un-wrapped the package, savoring the thought of Gabe’s generous spirit more so than what was inside the package. She gasped, and her fingers shook as she lifted a cream-colored woolen shawl for all to see. “It’s beautiful,” she uttered, staring into his face. Never had he looked so handsome, so beloved as tonight. Every day his unselfish devotion amazed her, and every day her love for him grew. “Thank you so much. I’ve never had a shawl so grand.”

“You’re welcome.” He smiled. “There’s more for you.” Gabe took the shawl and placed it around her shoulders.

Lena turned her attention to the remaining items in the package. Neatly folded yard goods in colors of light green and a deeper green plaid felt crisp to the touch. “How perfect,” she whispered, examining the fabric and relishing its newness.

“I believe there’s an ample amount of calico for a dress and jacket,” he said.

“Oh, yes.” She blinked back the tears. What was it about this man that drove her to weep for joy?

Gabe rubbed his hands together. “On our next visit to Archerville, I’d like to purchase the necessary items to make all of you new coats. And I believe new shoes and mufflers are also in order.”

This time Lena did cry. She hadn’t known where the money would come from to purchase the needed clothing for the boys. They grew so fast, and Caleb tended to wear out his clothes before Simon had an opportunity to wear them. “Oh, Gabe, you spent too much. Thank you, thank you ever so.”

He lightly brushed his fingers over her hand. “I have a little put aside for our needs.”

If I could only give to him what he’s given to me and our sons. He loved her and the boys, of this she felt certain.

Lena hurried to the bedroom to fetch her own small packages. She’d saved for Christmas since last summer. For Caleb and Simon, she had bought peppermint sticks and had sewn them warm shirts. The ones they wore for everyday use were thin and had been patched many times. The boys thanked her and dutifully placed a kiss on her cheek.

She handed Gabe his package, believing he’d like it, but nervous nevertheless. Slowly he unwrapped the gift, and at first she feared he was displeased.

“Not a day passes I don’t wish for a journal,” he said, running his fingers over the leather cover. Still staring at it, he continued, “Humorous and serious bits of conversation, happenings I refuse to forget, something new I’ve learned, lessons our Lord has taught me. . .” He glanced up at her. “Memories are what keep us alive. Thank you, Lena. I’ll treasure this always.”

Her heart leaped to tell him those precious words, but she couldn’t—not yet.

❧

“Stop it, Caleb!” Simon shouted as his face got thoroughly wiped with snow, courtesy of his older brother.

“What’s the matter with a little snow?” Caleb asked, holding Simon down with one hand and reaching for another handful with the other.

“You know what I’m talking about.” Simon sputtered and tried to punch him, but Caleb was faster and simply laughed. He coated Simon’s face with the cold snow.

“Tell me,” Caleb taunted.

“Pa,” Simon hollered. “Caleb keeps hitting me in the face with snow that the cow did her business in.”

Gabe groaned. What would those two do next? “Caleb, leave your little brother alone.”

“Do you want to hear what he did to me this morning?” Caleb protested.

Not really, but I guess I will.

“He locked me in the outhouse for nearly an hour.”

Gabe looked away to muffle his guffaw.

“You called me a runt,” Simon retorted. “And took my quilt last night and wouldn’t give it back.”

“Boys, I have the perfect solution to this,” Gabe said, wishing the boys could get along for one whole day without picking on each other. “Your mother is taking advantage of this cold weather by mending and such. The last I checked, she was preparing to darn socks—something each of you need to learn.”

Simon stared at him incredulously. “That’s woman’s work!”

I feel a lesson coming on. “I believe your mother worked like a man before we married.”

“That’s right,” Caleb said with an exasperated breath. “But since you’ve been here, Ma doesn’t have to do that anymore.”

Gabe lifted a brow. “Then show your gratitude. Inside, boys.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Caleb and Simon plodded to the soddy. Gabe grinned and turned his attention back to rearranging the tools inside the barn. He wondered what they’d think of next.

❧

Had four months really passed since Gabe arrived in Nebraska? The days flew by, each one blending into the next. He loved every moment of it, not once ever considering the natural demands of his family and farm as a hardship.

As had been his habit since the first morning, Gabe woke at the hint of dawn. He’d grown accustomed to sleeping on the tamped earthen floor by the fire, long since comprehending he had the warmest spot in the soddy, but this morning an eerie shriek of wind woke him. The howls carried a sense of foreboding, different than other bouts with high winds that ushered in heavy snowfall. Gabe’s concerns mounted for the livestock. They had a goodly stock of supplies and provisions, but he feared losing any of the animals to the cold. When the temperatures had plummeted in the past, the dugout had provided sufficient protection to ensure the warmth of the horses, mule, and chickens. But the cattle in the fields could not huddle close to a warm fire.

After slipping his overalls overtop his trousers and pulling his suspenders up, Gabe quickly added chips to the fire. Thankfully, we can keep the soddy warm.

“You’re up earlier than usual,” Lena said quietly. “I’m afraid we’re in for a bad storm.” In the shadows her silhouette and soft voice comforted him. His love for her abounded in moments like these. The freshness of sleep on her lovely face tempted him to reveal his heart. Fear of her rejecting him always halted his confession. He believed she cared and often saw something akin to affection in those green eyes, but he could be mistaken.

“Winter winds are attacking us again,” he said, making his way to the peg holding his outer garments. As he shrugged into his coat, he fretted over past snows. “Lena, how did you survive the winters alone? How did you deal with all of the work and responsibilities of this farm?”

“By God’s grace,” she answered. “When the wind tore around the soddy and snow banked against the door, or when in the heat of summer, tornadoes raged, I simply prayed.” She walked across the room and took his muffler from his hands. Wrapping it around his neck, she smiled. “God’s never failed me. Somehow I managed to make it through one perilous situation after another. Then He sent me you.” Her last words were spoken barely above a whisper.

Gabe warmed to his toes. Was she conscious of what her sweetness did to him? The emotion bursting inside him sought to surface. He longed to take her into his arms and declare his love. Oh, Lord, dare I?

“Tonight, after Caleb and Simon are in bed, I’d like to discuss a matter with you.” Gabe instantly regretted his choice of words. He sounded as though he wanted to propose a business transaction. “I mean, do you mind talking with me for awhile?”

“Is everything all right?” she asked, pulling her shawl around her shoulders.

“I believe so.” He dipped his hands into each mitten. “It’s not a topic you need to worry about, just a personal matter about which I wanted your opinion.” He offered a smile and grasped the latch on the door. “Come along, Turnip. We have work to do. From the sound of the wind, I may be blown to Archerville.”

She laughed lightly. “I’d come looking.”

Would you, my love? “How far would you venture?”

“As far as Philadelphia, and if you weren’t there, I’d look some more.”