Decision made she pulls open the door, and the lantern brightens sending a beam on the ground straight up the porch as if guiding her. All her fear is replaced by awe. Tinley walks down the porch and breaks into a run with a giggle.
With every step she takes the beam retreats, guiding her through the night. Taking a deep breath, she steps into the light beneath the lantern and is surprised by the warmth in the glow. Tinley presses a hand to the cold, black, iron base and stares up in awe.
Sebastian is in the office down the hall when he feels a cold breeze. “What in the world?” The flames in the fireplace dance and he hurries to find the source of the wind. His heart drops when he hears a childish giggle. “Tinley!” he shouts and runs to the door.
Tinley is bathed in honey beams of golden light, and he can see her lips moving. Sebastian runs and he stumbles when the lantern flickers above her head. She shouts, clapping her hands with glee.
“Did you see it, Daddy! It flickered, just like Oma said!” she runs halfway to meet him, and he scoops her up in his arms.
“What are you thinking, Tinley, coming outside at night alone! You could’ve gotten hurt!” he rumbles as he spins and walks back inside the house.
“Daddy, it worked!”
“Tinley!” Sebastian storms with her into the office where the fire is. He drops her onto the stool and kneels down to remove her boots and coat “That was dangerous. Promise me that you’ll never do that again.”
Tears fill her eyes, “But, Daddy, it flickered,” she whispers.
“I understand that you like Oma’s story, sweets, but going outside at night without a grown-up is dangerous.”
“Yes, Sir,” she whispers, and a single tear trickles down her cheek. “Don’t you believe in Christmas magic, Daddy?” she asks softly.
“Oh, Tinley. The day you were born, I saw true magic. The magic of God’s love. He gave me the greatest miracle when he chose me to be your Daddy.”
Tinley smiles and throws her arms around his neck. He scoops her up and laughs, “Now, let’s get you to bed so we can get some sleep.”
Chapter 2
“Most young women our age want a scarf or new gloves for Christmas. Only you, Mena, would ask for a promise for Christmas,” Aiylin jokes.
Mena grabs her sister’s hand and stares intently at her. “I know what I’m asking is odd, but I’m desperate. She has sabotaged our wedding plans three times, and I know she means to do it again!” Mena insists. “Promise me that you won’t tell anyone about our plans.”
“I promise, Mena. Tell me what your fiancé thinks of you eloping?” she asks.
“He’s all for it! We will be married and on the ship before his Mother even realizes we’re gone,” Mena beams with excitement.
“Are you sure you want to do this, Mena? To marry into a family this way could cause hurt feelings. It may make things worse. Have you thought about the consequences?”
“Of course I have, Aiylin. I’m not naïve,” she jumps up and paces in the sitting room. Mena tosses her blonde hair over her shoulder and glances at her sister with her dark eyes flashing. “I never dreamed that I’d find love again after Michael died, but God has blessed me, and here I am.” She sniffs and looks at the mantle, where her husband’s tintype rests. “We are ready to start our lives together, and this is the only way that’s going to happen.”
“I understand. You know I’d do anything for you, Mena. What do I need to do?”
Mena beams with joy. “I need you to ride with me on the train in two days and deliver a message for me. You go to Nazareth after we marry and tell his Aunt that we will not be joining them. His mother insisted that I go and meet them to see about having our wedding at her house in Nazareth. I’m sure she has other nefarious plans. She always has an ulterior motive. I had this made for you,” she goes to her wardrobe and pulls out a red velvet bustled dress with black detailing and a fur neckline and offers it to her.
“It’s perfect for your coloring,” she beams with excitement.
Aiylin is beyond baffled. “It’s lovely, but why do I need a dress,” she asks, running a hand over the velvet. “I don’t understand why you think that sending me to deliver a message for you will help?”
“It’s simple, every time I’m away she brings a parade of young eligible women for Patrick to ‘choose’ from. I’m sure that she means to separate us for a few days so she will have time to talk him out of marrying me. Instead, you will go in my place, and his Mother will think that she’s won. By the time she learns differently, we will be married and on the way to our honeymoon.” Mena grins triumphantly.
“What exactly am I supposed to say to this Aunt?” Aiylin asks.
“The letter will explain everything. You will take the day train and come back on the afternoon train. Of course, we will pay for your ticket.”
“If you think this is for the best, then, of course, I will go,” Aiylin promises. “Tell me where I’m going?”
“Nazareth, Pennsylvania. It’s a short, day trip from Lockhaven and beautiful scenery. Or so I’m told.”
“Nazareth?” she frowns. “Are you sure it’s only a day trip? Isn’t that at the foot of the mountains?” Aiylin asks.
“It is. I have everything planned out. Don’t worry about a thing, except what you will tell Langdon.”
“Oh, you had to bring him up.” Aiylin jumps up and pushes a strawberry blonde curl out of her eyes.
“I’m
