Thea’s heart went out to him. He was a good man and a Christian. It felt so good to give someone something as simple as a warm and loving holiday. It was something she’d always taken for granted.
“Thank you for being honest. I should let you get some sleep. Tomorrow, the real fun begins. I hope you enjoy it, Jack.” She stood. “I just need to check on a few things in the kitchen. Good night.”
“Good night and thank you,” he said.
Chapter Ten
Awakening in Wyatt’s arms was a delightful way to start Christmas. This would be one Christmas she’d never forget. Her head rested on his strong chest. She looked up and saw him looking down at her.
“Good morning, Mrs. Stone.”
“Good morning, Mr. Stone.”
“Merry Christmas,” he said and kissed her on the forehead.
Vera laughed. “Is that the best you can do on Christmas?”
Wyatt smiled. “Come up here, then.”
She edged up, and he kissed her lips. “Merry Christmas to you, dear husband.”
“I’d give you a better kiss, but we’re expected downstairs for church soon,” he said as he moved her gently from the embrace so he could get up.
Still shy of married life, she turned so she wouldn’t see him dress.
“Is your church one where everyone dresses to the hilt? I didn’t bring a suit.”
“Goodness, no. It’s a farming community. Some men wear overalls.”
“I’ll wear nice pants and a pressed white shirt. Will that do?”
“Perfectly.”
Vera waited until he’d left the room before she got out of bed and dressed. She chose a festive red and gold checkered dress.
Vera entered the crowded kitchen to discover she was the last to arrive for breakfast.
“How did you sleep?” Thea asked her.
“I had the best night I’ve ever had,” she said, smiling at Wyatt. He winked back at her.
Thea announced, “We’ll have a huge breakfast and not another morsel until dinner at four, so eat heartily. I’ve spread everything out on the counter in the kitchen, so fill your plates.”
The older children helped the younger ones before the adults took their turn filling their plates. The choices were bacon or ham, scrambled eggs, warm homemade bread, cornbread, and canned peaches.
After they’d eaten, everyone prepared for the walk to church through the five inches of snow they’d received overnight. The men took shovels from the barn and shoveled ahead of the others all the way into town, which was a half mile away.
The service was beautiful, and when the minister thanked God in prayer for sending us a Savior to die so we might be forgiven for our sins, Jack whispered, “Thank you, Lord,” and Wyatt rubbed his back. Jack looked up at Wyatt and said, "I’m so thankful for what Jesus did on the cross for people like me.”
Wyatt continued to rub Jack’s back compassionately, “Not just for people like you ... for all of us.”
Vera squeezed Wyatt’s hand.
The children ran most of the way home, eager for the gifting. Wyatt carried a shovel in one hand and held his wife around the waist with his other.
Vera now knew what a real marriage felt like. It was bursts of love emanating from her chest and moving up to her lips to make her smile. She felt happier than she ever had in her life. No matter how cold it was outdoors, her love kept her flushed and warm.
Thea kept the kids calm until everyone had come into the house and they had hung their overcoats up. Sam put another log on the fireplace, and when they were all seated, Thea allowed the children to reach into their stockings. The younger ones squealed in delight, popped candies into their eager mouths, and cherished their shiny pennies. The children opened their presents, gratefully valued each homemade gift, hugged, and sometimes modeled them.
Thea picked up the first package for the adults. “This one is for Jack, from ... goodness, the whole family.”
Jack’s eyes widened, and his mouth opened in shock. “But I didn’t buy—”
“Oh, no!” Thea said, shaking her index finger at him. “We don’t allow that here. Christmas is for giving, not receiving.” She handed him the square package wrapped in brown paper.
Jack took the package and laid it carefully on his lap. He stroked it a few times, smiled up at Thea, and then at the family who were all watching. “Thank you.”
“Open it,” Thea said with a chuckle.
“Oh, yes,” he muttered. Vera could tell he wasn’t used to receiving gifts, and her heart went out to the dear man.
Jack swallowed hard and opened the package, slowly and carefully, he pulled out four books. He stroked each one. “This is amazing.”
“They aren’t new,” Thea said. “I’ve read them already, and I think Vera has, too. They’re mysteries.”
Obviously choked up, Jack seemed to struggle for words. “I ... I don’t know what to say. I’ll treasure them and probably read each book several times. Thank you.”
Thea picked up another package. “This one is for Vera and it’s from ... Wyatt.”
Wyatt stood and took the small package from Thea. “I’ll deliver this one.”
The small box, wrapped with the same brown paper, hinted to Vera that Thea had helped him wrap it.
Wyatt surprised her by bending down on one knee before holding out the gift. “Vera, will you agree to be my partner for the rest of our lives?”
Surprised and slightly embarrassed, Vera nodded. “But I have already.”
He didn’t hand her the gift but opened it himself and drew out a gold band. He took her left hand and said, “I promise to be your partner through whatever the years bring us. With you at
