A few minutes later or was it an hour, Holly opened her eyes again. She was hungry and knew it was time to get up regardless of how warm and comfortable her bed was. Flipping the blankets back, Holly sat on the edge of the bed and just smiled. She couldn’t help but smile, and as she bowed her head in morning prayer, she thanked God for seeing her through the troubles she left behind in Chicago, for the ticket agent who suggested Belle, for Charity’s friendship, and for Joseph’s love. Holly added a prayer for Miss Constance, for the people in her new town, and lastly, for Lydia that she finds peace and happiness.
Dressing in her light green dress, and pulling her hair back into a fashionable bun, she smiled again this time at her reflection in the small mirror above the washstand. She couldn’t help but smile. A light tap at her door brought her out of her musings.
Ruth stood there and said, “Good morning. Joseph is waiting downstairs. He said you are going to see Pastor Elkins.”
“Oh, my. I thought I’d meet him at the café. I need something to eat. My stomach is in a bit of a whirl this morning.”
Ruth smiled at Holly. “Of course, it is. It isn’t every day that a young lady discusses wedding plans. Come down the back stairs to the kitchen. I made blueberry muffins. I’ll take Joseph into the kitchen for coffee, and the two of you can have a bite to eat before you leave.”
Holly hugged Ruth. “Thank you, I’ll be down as soon as I put on my shoes.”
Ruth closed the door to Holly’s room letting Holly’s happiness brighten her own day as she hummed and hurried down to the parlor to ask Joseph to join her in the kitchen for coffee.
~ * ~
Joseph held tightly to Holly’s arm as they walked back from the parsonage.
“Pastor Elkins certainly was excited about a marriage on Christmas Day after services,” Holly commented.
“I think it’s part of his personality showing through and his love of Christmas and people in love,” Joseph answered.
“Look,” Holly pointed toward the mercantile. “There are two trunks and a satchel sitting in front of the mercantile. Someone must be leaving town. It’s been less than a day, do you suppose it’s Lydia?”
Joseph shrugged. “The stage is due in today, but I didn’t think Lydia would leave this quickly. Let’s find out.”
As they approached the store, they saw Lydia standing just inside the door with her arms wrapped around her middle. Lydia took a step back as Joseph opened the door.
“Are you leaving today,” Holly asked Lydia.
Lydia whispered, “Yes, my brother sent a telegram back saying he wanted me to leave immediately. The sheriff agreed, but he said he wouldn’t tell anyone why I left. People think I’m visiting my brother for Christmas. Please keep my secret until after I leave. I am so very sorry and embarrassed. I don’t have any right to ask, but please.”
Holly smiled. “I have no plans on telling anyone what happened at any time. I don’t believe in gossip, and that would surely start the tongues wagging all over town. Only Joseph, Charity, the sheriff, and I know the truth. I will pray for you, and I hope you have a happy life.”
Lydia threw her arms around Holly and fought back tears. “Thank you. I truly am sorry, and the saddest part is that before the jealousy took over, I truly liked you and loved the idea we were friends. My dress is finished, but I am not adding the black lace. It’s beautiful plain, and I don’t want to attract any man for quite some time.”
Holly whispered back, “You will find him when God is ready to put the two of you together.”
Lydia nodded and wiped her eyes. “My stage is coming. It’s time I go. Take care Holly and you too, Joseph.”
Joseph nodded and held the door open for Lydia.
The next few days flew by quickly, and bright sunlight filtering in through the curtains on her window woke Holly. It was Christmas Day. It was her wedding day. No extra time snuggling, she bolted out of bed wide awake. She slipped on her wrapper when she heard Ruth knocking on her door.
“Come down and have Christmas breakfast. You don’t have to dress. It’s just us girls, and I made cinnamon rolls to help celebrate the day. Merry Christmas and happy wedding day. Charity is already here to help you dress after we eat. Hurry now, you don’t want to miss services and your own wedding.”
Holly nodded and followed Ruth to the kitchen without thinking about anything but her wedding. Charity was waiting at the table with a cup of tea in her hand.
“Merry Christmas,” Charity greeted cheerfully. “And happy wedding day. Sit and eat something, or you’ll get sick at church.”
“Where are Annie and Ben,” Holly asked obediently listening to her almost new sister.
“I left them with Joseph. He’s a nervous wreck, and I think they will help him keep his mind off the wedding as much as possible.”
“Why is he nervous?”
Charity bit her lip to hide her laughter. “Why aren’t you?”
Holly didn’t answer but took a bite of her warm cinnamon roll. She never imagined Joseph nervous, and she didn’t feel nervous until Charity mentioned it. Now all she could
