“It?” I asked.

  “I swear it’s a reindeer, but Annie says it must be some sort of deer she hasn’t seen before. Mr. Parker is in the barn with the animal now. Seems to have just run out of steam. Mama, come and see.”

  This silly Christmas mystery was getting out of hand. Biting back my anger, I bustled into my long coat and pushed my feet into the knee-high boots. I threw a wool shawl over my head and wrapped it around my neck. “Lead the way.” I refused to say anymore in case this pent-up emotion swirling within me caused me to say things I could not take back.

  It was warmer inside the barn, and my body stopped shaking. Chris halted at one of the stalls and disappeared behind the open gate. I followed. Joel knelt on the bed of straw while his fingers examined an animal. He looked at me when I joined him and the girls.

  He shrugged his shoulders. “No cuts, nothing broken. He just won’t wake up. His breathing has quieted since we laid him here. Seems quite comfy. Like he was looking for a place to sleep.”

  “Just like Winter – she won’t wake up either,” said Annie.

  “Winter?” I asked.

  “That’s the good part, Mama. I think she is the same lady you met on the train – our alias Mrs. Claus.” Chris nudged Annie who nodded in agreement as if this all made any sense. “Well, her and my little green man – which I know now is the authentic elf – are resting in that stall over there. I just knew the one who delivered your gift wasn’t the same boy we saw in the play in town. The actor was just a local and dressed up to play the part. The real flesh and blood one was in the woods wondering what to do with his ride.” She pointed to the animal in the straw to clarify his mode of transportation. “We were sitting pondering what to do when Winter and another man, who laughs real funny, came out of nowhere and joined us. We were all headed to the ranch, dragging the critter on a homemade gurney, when Mr. Parker showed up.”

  I looked at Joel, and he lifted his brows and conceded to what we had passed off as silly circumstance. “Just like she says. That’s the group I found, half frozen and feeling a little blue about their situation.”

  I stood to my feet and hurried to the next stall. I leaned over the rail and gasped. It was the lady from the train. No one could forget her attire or her rosy cheeks. Beside her rested a dwarf man dressed in a cute green outfit with curled-up-toes for shoes and a peculiar hat that bobbed up and down in rhythm to his gentle snoring. Beside him, a stout man lay, not asleep but gazing at me with the kindest blue eyes I’d ever seen. I exhaled, and he smiled.

  He sat up, leaned over and shook Winter’s shoulder. “It’s time to wake up, Ma.”

  Ma! He must be the son she was searching for – the one with gold fever. She jumped to her feet and quickly crossed the distance between us. She stood face-to-face with me grinning.

  “Well, hello, dear. Just the person I was expecting.” The woman grinned then winked and nodded toward the other stall.

  My eyebrows raised but I refused to bite on that bait. “I’m thrilled to see that you found your son.”

  “As am I. The boy didn’t make it easy, hiding out in the mountains. He should have known better than to try to hide from his family. After a couple days the boy came to see my way of thinking. We’re on our way home and came across the wayward animal. We couldn’t just leave him lay there. Then your Mr. Parker arrived and came to rescue. Perfect timing! The rest is history in the making.”

  Her eyes twinkled with mischief, and I suspected the finding of the animal, that resembled a reindeer, was where the truth of her story slipped into a mysterious realm – the one Chris and Annie had gone foolishly traipsing after. I stood dumbfounded. It all sounded so logical, but somehow I knew it wasn’t.

  “Excuse me, dear,” she said as she and her son pushed past me and made their way to the nearby stall where the others gathered.

  Joel stood to his feet and began to explain. “Winter, I can’t find a thing ailing the animal. It’s like he’s in a deep sleep and has no intention of waking until he chooses.”

  “Well then perhaps we should let him nap. Do you have a place where we can freshen up inside out of this cold?”

  Her son rubbed his tummy. “It’s been a while since we left the shack. Wouldn’t happen to have some food to share would you?”

  I looked at Joel, and he nodded. “I was preparing our festive Christmas Eve dinner just before you arrived. It’s a bit overcooked, but there’s more than enough for company.”

  I took my eyes off, Winter, for a brief moment and when I turned back, she was covering the animal with a plaid blanket. My breath caught in my throat. But I was not nearly as surprised as Joel.

  “Where did you get that?” he asked.

  “Why it was in one of those trunks you have back there. Right cozy it is, and we don’t want Rudy to catch a chill.”

  “Wild animals don’t catch a chill,” said Joel.

  “Perhaps. But this one doesn’t look wild.” She laughed. “You’ll need to excuse me. I’m a bit of a nature fanatic.” She looked toward the girls. “Could you bring us up to the house now? Even though my name, Winter, suggests I was created for the season, my aging bones do tend to chill easily.”

  Annie looked at her father, and he nodded. I lingered behind the group and fell in beside Joel. He shrugged his shoulder. “That plaid cover was stuffed in a burlap bag in a cedar chest. When did she discover that?”

  “Your guess is as good as mine. It is plaid. The girls will be thrilled to think you own something with a plaid pattern.”

  He reached out his hand to stop me. “Tamara. My wife loved everything plaid. Created all kinds of stuff for the house, the beds, the barn, clothes, and even the Christmas tree. After she died, I locked it all away because it was like seeing her ghost everyday. When Chris and Annie started this detective business, I went looking. I debated dragging some out – to make everyone happy – but couldn’t quite bring myself to do it.”

  “I don’t want you tripping over the ghost of your wife. Why would you do that for me, or anyone else for that matter?”

  “Annie says I can’t be the one the match maker chose for you because I don’t like plaid. Just trying to stay in the running, in case you’re taking this whole thing serious.”

  I smiled. “I am trying not to. But then Winter, her son, and a green dwarf showed up on your doorstep and threw a curve ball into my resolve. Do you believe in magic – cause magic frost is sprinkled all over that lady walking ahead of us?”

  “Can’t say I do, or did.” Joel stopped and laid a hand on my arm. His words held none of the nervousness I felt pulsing from his stiffening fingers. “I only know that it’s taken me a mere couple of weeks to fall madly in love with you. You are my unexpected gift this Christmas.”

  I gulped and bungled my response. I was not expecting to hear that confession from Joel’s lips today. “Love is a mighty big word.”

  “Not big enough to contain all the warm fuzz tickling me from the inside.” His eyes darkened, and his grip tightened. “Tell me, Tamara, that I have a chance to win your heart and keep you from going back to Texas.”

  I bit my lip and looked toward the house. The group had already disappeared behind the door. “I have been offered a full time position in Livingston and will be remaining. Texas need not concern you anymore. I’m surprised the girls have not let you in on that change – but it still doesn’t confirm anything between us.” When I glanced his way nervously, I noticed the disappointment shadowing his face. I was getting cold feet. “I never came here looking for love, Joel.” I wanted to escape to the house but his grip held me.

  “I wasn’t looking either,” he said. “Just snuck up on me like a prairie snowstorm.”

  “Can we put this discussion on hold? Chris needs to be considered.”

  “She is as welcome in my home as you are. We’d be a perfect family, can’t you see that?”

  I fumbled with my thoughts. Why would a simple detail like love wears plaid at Christmas, the words written in Mrs. Claus’ note, weigh so heavy on my decision? It was foolish, yet I held back. What harm could a couple more days do? “I can promise you this, Joel. There is no man, besides you, that I am the least bit interested in.” I was rewarded with a huge smile that captured my heart. I knew then that I’d already fallen hopelessly in love.

  Chris yelled from the door. “Mama, something’s burning on the stove.”

  I picked up my skirt to run. “Oh, I forgot the caramel sauce was warming. It will be ruined.”

  Winter was in the kitchen when I arrived out of breath. She stood stirring the sweet ingredients inside the pot and humming the tune of the day. Rudolf seemed to be on all our minds. The reindeer! It was bizarre, and I’d not allow my mind to go there.

  “Not to worry. I saved it. Caramel is my favorite during the holiday season – a matter of fact, it’s my favorite any season. You must have known I was coming.”

  “I’m afraid not, whereas, my daughter is a different story. Don’t think I’m crazy but I need to ask you a question. Did you have a gift for me delivered to the schoolhouse?”

  “It must have been some other jolly soul, but it was a grand idea. I’m sorry I didn’t think of it myself.” Again the mischief played behind her eyes, and I felt confident that her answer was speckled with little white lies similar to the swirling frost that covered the gift of the reindeer ornament.

  “Are you in the habit of lying, Winter?” I asked slightly embarrassed at what I was basing the accusation on.

  “Oh, my! No indeed! That would put me on the naughty list.”

  The gentle voice of her son interrupted from behind. “What my mother means to say is that Christmas is a time for secrets. Hiding gifts and talking circles around curious folks is the name of the game. I’m sure you’ve done that with your daughter. She is a hard one to fool, but her spirit is delightfully open to accept the miracles the season brings. You, on the other hand, tend to prefer running the show, and not become the recipient of holiday magic. Am I right?”

  I laughed. “I suppose, young man, you have us both pegged. I never was any good at the receiving end of the unexpected. But it is Christmas, and I will try to relax and enjoy whatever Montana has in store for the Spencer family.”

  “Now that’s the spirit,” said Winter.

  The lady dressed in Christmas red wiped her hands on a towel. “I’m off to freshen up. I will join you soon.” She grabbed the arm of her son on the way. “You are sounding more like your father every day, Glisten.”

  “Is that your real name, the one we should call you,” I asked finding both their names rather peculiar.

  “Yes, ma’am. Come to think of it, I can rightfully blame my folks for my little side-trip to find gold. It glistens as well!”

  “So does everything Christmas and that’s where you belong. Follow me and leave this woman alone if you want to fill that tummy of yours. You have a long night ahead of you.”

  “It’s getting late. Surely you’ll sleep over before you continue your journey home?” Here I was inviting them to stay at Joel’s place. I had no right. I revised the plan. “Or you can join me at Fran’s boarding house in town.” I moved toward the blacktop wood stove and stopped midway. “Although I’m certain there are no stages or trains tomorrow…” I glanced back toward the doorway, but they were gone. I sighed. I’d talk to them about it again later.

  Chris and Annie arrived and began to set the table. “I don’t know how you managed to save this feast from ruin, Mrs. Spencer. Pa will be so surprised. That’s one of the things he scolded us about on the way home. Pa likes food, ma’am.”

  “Most men do. But surprises seem to be the name of the game tonight. Care to tell me once again why you girls left the ranch without a word as to where you were going?”

  “We told you were going to see the deer.” She noticed my firm expression and groaned. “Aw, Mama, we went through the whole thing with Mr. Parker. I think he forgives us, right Annie?”

  “Only because he found us before we froze to death.” The girls giggled but abruptly stopped when they noticed my serious expression.

  “I want to hear it from you, Chris. We have time now for you to redeem yourself and put the episode behind us.”

  “Well, it was the reindeer’s fault.”

  “The deer! It is not a reindeer. We are not nearly far enough north,” I said.

  “You remember that bunch standing in a circle at the tree line looking like they were having a meeting or something? Well, like I said before – we went exploring. We ran toward the herd, but when we got close, they all scattered in different directions. Annie thought she knew where she was going, but the rein… the deer,” she corrected herself, “the one we chose to follow, sent us on a merry chase. Then a light snowfall covered the tracks. Have to admit we got a bit nervous at that point. Then, just like magic, Jack Frost lit up a pathway that led us straight to the elf, Winter, Glisten, and the injured animal.”

  “Thank goodness you found them. You could have frozen…”

  “We know, we know. Already been drilled in that direction by the man of the house,” said Chris in a tone I found a bit too disrespectful for my liking.

  “You mind your tongue, girl. You sent Mr. Parker on a dangerous journey today to find you, and you’d do well to remember this is his home. He can drill you however he sees fit.”

  “Yes, Mama.” She bowed her head, and I knew guilt ate at her.

  “Continue your story,” I said.

  “Not much more to tell. The elf built a warm fire, and we sat close to it and talked. Winter and her son are such a funny pair. They didn’t seem to be in much of a hurry. Like they were waiting for someone.”

  “Anyone, or someone specific?” I asked.

  “We couldn’t tell,” said Annie. “It was just a feeling. They never came out and said it directly. But, when Pa came riding in, Winter smiled real big and said something like, ‘right on time.’ That was a bit odd don’t you think, Mrs. Spencer?”

  “I’m afraid everything about Winter is odd.” I sighed. “But there’s something about her you have to love.”

  “She’s Christmas, Mama. I think her real name is Mrs. Winter Claus. But that’s just a theory.”

  I laughed. “Come and get the bowls of food, Chris. Annie would you go call the troops to the kitchen, and we’ll eat.”

  The food was extravagant and tasty and had everyone seated at the table drooling. I wondered at the gravies resurrecting power of the dried up meal but knew it had to be more than that. It tasted like magic. I chastised myself – now I knew I was going crazy.

  “If worry makes grub like this, I might just run away more often,” said Chris.

  “Don’t you even dare think about it,” I said. Joel muffled his agreement while popping another warm biscuit into his mouth.

  “Yes, child. You must always remember the naughty list. Santa is a stickler about that and keeps close track of the children on his list. It’s serious business up at the North Pole.”

  I grabbed the opening. “And how is it you are so knowledgeable concerning the practices of this Claus character?”

  “Why everyone knows Santa Claus! It a hit with the boys and girls of all ages – leastways, the ones who believe in a bit of magic.”

  “Mama calls blessings a miracle. Magic kind of freaks her out,” said Chris.

  “I see! Well, it so happens this Match Maker is on good terms with the Miracle Maker, so let’s not get befuddled with a word.” She looked at me. “For you, my dear, miracles will suit fine,” said Winter.

  I laughed and shook my head. All this crazy-talk among supposed adults. I reckoned there was no harm in a little fun on Christmas Eve, for Chris and Annie’s sake. It did manage to keep the mood light and festive after such a worrisome time with our two impulsive girls.

  “Who is ready for dessert?” All the hands went up, and I rose and went to the counter. The girls gathered up the dirty dinner plates while Joel filled cups with warm apple cider.

  I placed the heaping mixed berry pie on the table, and Chris stuck a small plate under my nose. “I’ll help you, Mama.”

  “Thank you. Serve our guests first, please.”

  Winter spoke up. “You two married long?”

  I nearly dropped the spatula onto the floor and chanced a peek in Joel’s direction. He was smiling. Figures.

  “Mr. Parker and I are friends. We just met recently.” I peered at Winter. “You should know that. We arrived in Livingston on the same train.”

  “Whoops – caught in my own trap.” She touched her son’s arms. “Your old Ma is losing the magic, Glisten. I am so happy you’re coming home.”

  “Can we eat this pie before my eyes grow teeth and my green eyes turn berry red?” said Chris.

  Joel laughed. I loved the sound as it rang out through the room. “Eat girl. Although, Tamara, I’m thinking that a no-dessert punishment sounds like a good idea for our runaway girls.”

  “Not on Christmas Eve.” She flashed a plea in Winter’s direction. “Tell her it’s against the rules of the season. I was on the good list all year long. Only one major mess up.”

  Winter threw her hands in the air. “It’s Santa’s rules, not mine. Did you mail a letter to the man-in-red? Of course, you did. Now you’ll just have to sit tight and see if you get a lump of coal or your heart’s desire.” She winked at Chris, and I caught the feeling they shared a secret.

  “My list is tiny.” Chris glanced nervously toward me. “It’s not even for me.” Near panic etched her voice, as if she thoughtlessly backed herself into a corner.

  “Rest easy child. You don’t have long to wait. Santa is on his way.”

  Chris stomped her feet. “But the gift from Mrs. Claus - it’s all ruined. The only plaid in this house is draped over that sleepy deer in the barn.”

  I grew concerned. “Chris you are carrying this too far. Winter does not want to hear about your investigation.”

  Winter gazed at me. “Still a skeptic?” Then she directed words to Annie. “Dear, does your father have an extra shirt for Glisten. His is wet, and I don’t want him to catch a cold.”

 

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