Merry, page 12
part #1 of Mistletoe Falls Christmas Brides Series
As they rounded the final bend, the sight of their mountain cabin came into view. Warm smoke curled from the chimney, and the fields around the house were tidy, evidence of careful upkeep. Hank and his father, Jeb, stood near the barn, tending to the goats, sheep, and hogs. Hank looked up at the sound of the approaching wagon and waved enthusiastically.
"Welcome back!" Hank called out, jogging over as they pulled to a stop.
Jeb followed at a slower pace, his weathered face breaking into a smile. "Good to see you both home safe."
Merry climbed down first, then moved to Leif's side to help him. He hesitated, pride flickering in his eyes, but relented as she and Hank offered support. Together, they eased him onto his crutches.
"Thank you," Leif said, his tone gruff and full of pain.
"Happy to help," Hank replied earnestly. "We've kept everything running while you were away."
Merry smiled gratefully at both men. "We can't thank you enough for all you've done."
Jeb tipped his hat. "Think nothing of it. Neighbors look out for each other. It’s the least we can do for what you did to save my son, Leif. Please know that if there is anything we can do—anything at all—anytime at all, just send Danny Boy here to our place to fetch us."
“I will,” Leif replied. Merry knew how hard it was for him to accept help, but she could tell he was trying. As they made their way inside, Danny headed toward the barn. “I’ll just go see if there’s anything I can do.”
Hank grinned. “Yes, there’s plenty you can do. You can feed the chickens for one, and stack firewood because I hate both those chores." Hank teased Danny all the way to the woodpile.
Jeb tipped his hand to his hat and reached out to shake Leif’s hand. “Can I help you inside?”
She saw Leif hesitate for a moment, but then his shoulders dropped and he nodded. “I’m sure Merry could use help getting’ me inside. I’m not exactly a lightweight, Jeb.”
Merry stood on one side and Jeb stood on the other and together, they helped Leif up the steps and into the house. While she was eager to help Leif get around, she also wanted to be aware of his pride. If he needed help, she had to trust him to ask for it.
Inside the house, it was warm and welcoming. Jeb, Hank’s mother, and Hank had all done a great job of preparing the house for their arrival. Merry had worried it might seem different after their time away, but the familiar scents and sights put her at ease.
A big pot of beef stew sat bubbling on the stove. It smelled heavenly and Merry was relieved she didn’t have to worry about cooking supper tonight. It had been a long three days and she was more tired than she wanted Leif to know.
They settled Leif into his favorite chair by the hearth and propped his leg up to keep the flap the doctor stitched over the bone from bleeding.
"Would you and your son like to stay for supper?" Merry offered.
He shook his head. "Thanks, but Hank and I should be getting back. We'll stop by tomorrow to check in if you don’t mind."
"You're always welcome here," she said sincerely.
After the Thompsons left, Merry busied herself in the kitchen, preparing the beef stew in bowls. She could hear Danny chatting animatedly with Leif in the main room, his high-pitched voice a pleasant backdrop to Leif’s silence.
When supper was ready, she called them to the table. Leif maneuvered slowly, the crutches awkward but necessary. Danny hovered nearby, ready to assist.
As they ate, Merry observed her husband carefully. He was quieter than usual, but she could see the effort he was making to engage with Danny, asking him questions about his chores and time with Hank.
"Did you know Hank can fix anything?" Danny exclaimed between bites. "He even fixed the old wagon wheel!"
"He's handy, that's for sure," Leif agreed.
Merry sensed a hint of something in his tone—envy perhaps? Regret of his sacrifice? No, she was sure if Leif had to sacrifice his leg to save the boy again, he would. Her husband was a good man. Right now, he was a lost man trying to find himself again.
After dinner, she cleared the dishes while Leif rested by the fire. Danny tugged at her apron. "Merry, can I show Leif the drawing I made?"
"Of course. I think he’d love to see it."
Danny retrieved a crumpled piece of paper and presented it to Leif. "See? It's our family."
Leif unfolded the drawing, revealing a crude but charming depiction of the three of them, along with a fourth figure, much smaller, cradled in Merry's drawn arms.
"Who's this?" Leif asked, pointing to the tiny figure.
Danny grinned. "That's the baby! Merry said we're going to have a new brother or sister!"
Leif looked back at the drawing, his expression unreadable. "It's very good," he finally said to Danny.
The boy beamed. "Thanks!"
As the evening wore on, Merry tucked Danny into his cot, listening as he recounted his plans for the next day. "Hank said he'll teach me how to fish!"
"That sounds wonderful," she replied, smoothing his blankets. "But remember to be careful at the river. The water is extremely cold. If you fall in, you’ll catch your death of cold."
"I will," he promised, his eyes drooping with sleep.
When she returned to the great room, she found Leif still by the fire, staring into the flames. She sat beside him, the warmth of the hearth enveloping them.
"He's growing up so fast," she mused.
Leif nodded absently. "He looks up to Hank."
"Yes, he does," she agreed cautiously.
He sighed. "I should be the one teaching him those things."
"You will," she assured him. "Once you're feeling better."
He glanced at her. "Will I? I'm just not sure how that’s going to happen."
She reached over to take his hand. "Leif, he looks up to you as his father. He hasn’t had that since his own father died and left him and his mother homeless. Then when his mother died, he was left to fend for himself on the streets of New York City. Don’t you think a present father—a father who cares what happens to him and will do anything to keep him safe—don’t you think that’s much more important to him than anything you could teach him?”
He squeezed her hand but didn't reply.
A knock at the door interrupted them. Merry stood, puzzled. It was late for visitors. She opened the door to find a man holding a small bundle of letters.
"Mrs. McAlister?" he inquired.
"Yes?"
"Mail for you, ma'am. It’s been stacking up at the post office. Mr. Barney asked me to deliver it to you on my way to the fort."
"Thank you," she said, accepting the bundle.
She returned to the sitting room, excitement bubbling within her. "Letters from New York!"
Leif watched as she sifted through the envelopes. "Friends?"
"Yes!" She opened the first letter eagerly, her eyes scanning the page. A smile spread across her face.
"What do they say?" he asked.
"They've decided to become mail-order brides too!" she exclaimed. "Francis and Beth have both accepted proposals and will be coming to Mistletoe Falls!"
"That’s wonderful news for you," Leif said, managing a genuine smile.
She moved to sit beside him again. "I was so worried about them. Life in the city is so harsh, and now they have a chance at happiness too. I’m just so grateful I was given the opportunity to find that happiness is possible for the lot of us."
He nodded thoughtfully. "It's a brave step to take."
"Like the one we took," she said softly.
He met her gaze. "How did you have the courage to do such a thing?"
“It wasn’t really a matter of courage. It was more a matter of survival.” She mused.
They sat in comfortable silence, the crackling fire filling the space between them.
"Leif," she began hesitantly. "While we were in town...during the time you were still unconscious after your surgery, I spoke with Doctor Harper."
He raised an eyebrow. "About?"
She took a steadying breath. "I asked him about a prosthetic leg for you."
His expression tightened. "Merry, those are expensive."
"I know," she admitted. "But while you were still unconscious and unable to argue with me, I had him take measurements and order one from the skilled craftsman over at Fort Benton."
He looked away. "Those cost a lot of money, Merry. You shouldn't have spent your money on that."
"It was our money," she corrected gently. "And I wanted to do this for you."
He shook his head. "Where are you gonna get that kind of money?”
“Mr. Phelps said he could use more of my crocheted items to sell. He’s willing to pay me a commission. A healthy commission.”
“And what did you tell him?”
“I told him I would have to talk with my husband first before I gave him an answer.”
Leif remained quiet for a moment before he spoke. “I don't want to be a charity case."
"You're not," she insisted. "You're my husband. I want you to have every opportunity to live a full productive life."
He sighed heavily. "I don't know..."
"Please, just say you’ll let Dr. Harper fit it to your leg when it comes in. If you hate it, then we’ll try to sell it or use it as very expensive firewood," she teased. "If it works, it could make things easier for you. For us."
He was silent for a long moment before finally nodding. "But that means you’ll have to work while you are carrying our child.”
“I’ll be crocheting, Leif. It’s not like I’m chopping wood. It’s not physical activity.” She teased.
She could see his doubt trying to take control again, but she was delighted when he finally smiled and said, “All right. I'll give it a hard try."
Relief washed over her. "Thank you."
He chuckled. It was a sound she hadn’t heard in a while, but it was a sound that did things to her down deep. Things that only a woman could feel for the man she loved and she had no doubt she was in love with her handsome, one-legged, lumberjack husband.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Merry stood at the window of their cabin, gazing out at the dusting of snow that had begun to settle on the ground. The mountains around them were blanketed in white, a winter wonderland that made her heart swell with the promise of a new season.
Christmas was just around the corner, and the town of Mistletoe Falls had already begun to decorate for the occasion. The air was crisp with the scent of pine and fresh snow, and the spirit of the holiday seemed to fill the air with magic.
She turned away from the window, her fingers lightly brushing the lace doilies she’d crocheted for their cabin. The quiet hum of the fire in the hearth was a soothing backdrop as she finished packing a basket of treats to take to the town square for the Christmas Eve celebration.
Leif had agreed to go this year. Apparently, he hadn’t been much on public celebrations in years past, but this year, they were going as a family. Not just the two of them, but with Danny, who had become a son to them, and with the addition of the little one on the way, they were now a real family.
She smiled, her hand resting over her abdomen. It was still early days, but she felt a deep connection to the tiny life growing inside her. The future seemed so much brighter now, full of promise and new beginnings. They had made it through so much already, and there was nothing that could tear them apart now.
Merry heard the soft creak of the door behind her as Leif stepped inside, his boot and crutches leaving a trail of snow across the floor. He was wearing his usual rugged flannel shirt and thick trousers, his broad shoulders hunched slightly against the cold. His face was pale, and there was an anxious look in his eyes that made her heart flutter with concern.
“You okay?” she asked, turning to face him. He had been quiet all morning, and she knew something weighed heavily on his mind. The uncertainty was written all over him.
Leif gave her a tight smile, his jaw set in that stubborn way she had come to know. “Yeah, just... just thinking,” he said, his voice a little rougher than usual. “About today.”
Merry felt a flicker of understanding, her heart squeezing in sympathy. She knew exactly what he was thinking about. The appointment with Doctor Harper wasn’t just a routine visit—it was the day Leif’s prosthetic was ready to be fitted.
It had been six weeks since his surgery, and while Leif had made incredible progress, he still harbored deep fears about what life would be like with a prosthetic. It wasn’t just about walking again. It was about the changes, the adjustments, and whether he would ever feel truly whole again.
She stepped toward him, reaching up to touch his cheek gently. “Leif, I know you’re nervous. But no matter what happens today, we’ll make it through. You and me. And Danny. And our little one. Our future is bright. I promise you that.”
Leif’s eyes softened as he looked down at her, his large hand resting over hers on his cheek. “I know you’re right,” he said, but there was an edge of doubt in his voice. “But what if it’s not... what if I can’t do it? What if I can’t get used to it?”
Merry shook her head, her expression serious but full of love. “You’ve already overcome so much, Leif. This is just one more step. And you’re not doing it alone. I’m with you, every step of the way.” She smiled, trying to lighten the mood.
“Besides, you’ve always been strong. You’re the man who built this place from the ground up, who fought to survive as a young boy. I know you can handle anything. And if it takes time, that’s okay. We’ve got all the time in the world.”
Leif let out a breath, and for the first time that morning, the tension in his shoulders seemed to ease. He nodded, his lips curling into a small smile. “You’re right,” he said softly. “I’ve got you. And I’ve got Danny. And I’ve got this little one on the way. We’ll make it through.”
Merry smiled up at him, her heart swelling with love for the man she had married. They had come so far, and now they had everything to look forward to. No matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, as a family.
“Let’s get to town,” she said, taking his hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze. “The Christmas Eve celebration is already starting, and I know Danny’s looking forward to seeing the tree all lit up.”
Leif nodded, his expression softening as he squeezed her hand in return. “I’ll be right beside you, Merry. Let’s go.”
The drive to town was peaceful, the horses trotting steadily along the snowy trail, their breath misting in the cold air. Merry and Leif exchanged small talk, the familiar rhythm of their conversations providing a sense of comfort. Danny sat between them on the wagon seat, bouncing with excitement as they neared Mistletoe Falls’s town square.
When they arrived in town, the square was alive with the sound of carolers singing and the soft glow of candles lining the pathways. The townspeople were gathered around the large communal tree in the center of the square, its branches adorned with colorful lights and ribbons. The scent of pine and fresh-baked treats filled the air, and Merry couldn’t help but feel a sense of warmth wash over her.
“Look at the tree, Merry!” Danny exclaimed, his eyes wide with wonder. “It’s huge!”
Merry laughed, her heart full as she looked up at the towering tree. It was more magnificent than she had imagined, its lights twinkling like stars in the night sky. She took a deep breath, feeling the joy of the holiday season wrap around her like a blanket.
Leif’s arm was around her waist, and she could feel the tension still lingering in his body. But as they stepped closer to the tree, she could sense that the atmosphere of the celebration was beginning to ease his nerves.
The sound of laughter, the cheerful voices of the townspeople, and just as they were about to join the crowd for the caroling, Merry noticed Doctor Harper approaching them from across the square.
She immediately recognized the serious look on his face, his usual easygoing manner replaced with something more professional. He walked up to them, a smile on his face, but his eyes were focused on Leif.
“McAlister,” Doctor Harper greeted him. “Merry. I was hoping to see you three here tonight. I hope I’m not interrupting your holiday.”
Leif straightened, his usual stoic expression in place, but there was a flicker of nervousness in his eyes. “No, you’re not interrupting. We were just enjoying the celebration.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” Doctor Harper said, glancing at Danny, who was tugging at Merry’s coat to get her attention. “But I’ve got news for you, Leif. Your prosthetic is ready. It’s been fitted, and I think you’re going to be pleased with how it feels.”
Merry’s heart skipped a beat. She could see Leif stiffen beside her, his fingers tightening around her hand. She gave his hand a squeeze, her voice gentle but firm. “Leif, you don’t have to do it today. You don’t have to rush.”
Leif looked down at her, his eyes full of uncertainty. “But it’s ready. We’ve been waiting for this day to come. No sense puttin’ it off, right, Doc?”
Doctor Harper smiled, his expression one of understanding. “Whenever you’re ready, McAlister. Why don’t you come after the festivities are over? Enjoy the songs and treats. We have plenty of time to fit it before you go home tomorrow.”
“Sounds like a good plan, Doctor Harper. We’ll come to your office when we’re through here.”
“I’ll be waiting.” The doctor shook Leif’s hand tipped his fingers to the brim of his hat to Merry, and walked across the square greeting other folks attending the Christmas celebration. Merry’s heart swelled with pride. Leif was ready to move forward. The future was waiting for them, bright and full of promise—just as she had always hoped.
Epilogue
One year later…
Merry stood at the window of their cabin, watching the snow fall gently outside. It had been a year since she and Leif had first celebrated Christmas Eve in Mistletoe Falls, and so much had changed in that time. The world outside was a blanket of white, the same way it had been this time last year, but this time, it felt different. It felt complete.
