“Do you get along well?”
“Oh, yes. We’re quite fond of each other. Like I said, it won’t be long. I’m the one holding out, if you must know. I find it hard to ... encourage without feeling like a loose woman.”
“He’s your husband! He’d never think you loose, especially after four months.”
“Three and a half.”
“Oh, that isn’t good at all. You need to encourage him.”
“I don’t know how to do that.”
Thea held her temples as if praying for wisdom. “I’ve never had a beau, and I’ve no clue about these things, but I can guess. When you’re sitting beside him, move closer. Put your head on his shoulder ... for goodness’ sake, do something!”
“I’ve wanted to, but I could just never bring myself to do that.”
Thea shook her finger at Vera. “Get it done! Make it a Christmas gift!”
“Oh, Thea! How I wish I had the nerve to do that.”
Chapter Eight
Vera honestly couldn’t find fault with anything. Thea was doing a great job. The house was old but spotless. The children had decorated, and it made the house warm and cozy. She could feel the Christmas spirit the minute she walked into the house. The sights and smells brought back all the memories of past holidays.
Now, if she could only get through her first night sleeping in the same room with her husband, she’d feel relieved.
Vera and Wyatt walked into the bedroom and to find that someone had set their valises down on the floor. The fireplace was blazing, and the room danced with the reflection of the fire. The double bed seemed even smaller in Vera’s eyes than she’d remembered it. The dresser had a clean crocheted doily on it and a small lamp that had been lit. Near the fireplace was the red velvet settee.
Neither of them spoke at first. Finally Vera said, “I’ll sleep on the settee.”
“I’d argue with you, but I don’t think I’d fit on it.” He walked over and looked at it closer. “I should offer. I could always let my feet hang over the sides.”
“No, you take the bed. You’re the guest. I won’t have it any other way.”
Wyatt thought for a moment and then said, “How about if we take turns? You can sleep there tonight and I’ll take a turn tomorrow.”
“What about your feet?”
“I’ll curl up. Don’t worry about it. I’ve slept in smaller spaces in my life.” Wyatt looked around the room. “So, is this where you and your siblings were conceived?”
Vera nodded and touched the bed gently. “Yes. No one has slept here since they died.”
“Does it bother you to sleep here?”
“No. I think that, as I’m the oldest in the family, my parents would like that we’re sharing it.”
Wyatt walked to the door. “How about I walk down to the outhouse while you get into your nightclothes?”
“That would be perfect,” Vera said.
After he’d gone, Vera undressed and pulled her flannel nightgown on fast as a wink, fearing he’d come back and catch her undressed. She grabbed the blanket that had been folded on the bottom of the bed and made herself comfortable on the settee. It really was comfortable and very warm as it was so close to the fire.
She was thankful she’d used the outhouse before going upstairs. She’d die of embarrassment if she had to use the chamber pot in front of Wyatt. Would she ever be comfortable using one of those things in front of him?
Wyatt came in and turned off the small lamp. She heard the rustle of clothing and then she heard him climb into the bed.
“The bed is very comfortable. How’s the settee?” he asked.
“Nice and warm.”
“Are you tired?”
“Yes, but I’m wound up. It was an exciting day.”
“We could talk a little if that will help you unwind.”
“I’d like that.”
Wyatt said, “I like your family. What great siblings you have.”
“I’m afraid I didn’t take the time to enjoy them when I was here. I took it upon myself to work around the clock and run the house like an army camp. I was so wrong.”
“You did what you thought best. I worry that you’ll love it here so much you won’t want to come back to Kansas with me.”
“Oh, Wyatt, never. I love our farm and our life there.”
“Do you?” Vera heard him sigh. “I’m glad.”
That’s all Vera remembered until morning.
It was only two days before Christmas, and Vera knew she had to make a move to let Wyatt know she was ready to become a real wife. She felt herself growing closer to him each day. Seeing him interact with her family so easily made her heart throb with her fondness for him.
The tree had been decorated beautifully, and the children sat near it every chance they got. Thea had hung their stockings around the fireplace and you could feel the excitement grow until it was nearly palpable.
Thea said they’d all go to church on Christmas and exchange gifts upon returning home.
Vera walked into the sitting room and looked up at the lamp suspended from the ceiling. “What in the world is that, Thea?” She pointed to a plant-like object hanging from the lamp.
“Why, Vera, that’s mistletoe.”
Vera felt herself blush. “Take it down,” she whispered.
“No. Uma’s girlfriend, Roxy, gave it to us. It’s a part of Christmas.”
“Well, you won’t find me standing under it.”
Thea said, “Tsk, tsk, what a shame.”
After her chat with Thea, Vera promised herself to be more receptive to Wyatt. That evening as they sat around the sitting room singing carols, she rested her head on Wyatt’s shoulder and waited for his response. She pretended she was tired, but she felt wound up like a grandfather clock.
He pulled his arm
