A gentle knock sounded before the door creaked open. Two Stones entered, his hair neatly braided, wearing a rich blue shirt.
"Good morning." His warm eyes studied her. "How are you feeling?"
"Much better, thanks to you." Her voice rasped, so she cleared her throat.
A smile touched his gaze. "Let's get you to the table then."
She pushed the blankets aside and started to rise. Thankfully, Dinah had changed her into a dress, not nightclothes. When her stocking feet touched the hard floor, the shooting pain made her wince.
Two Stones stepped forward and lifted her in his arms.
"I can walk." Even as she protested, she curled against his chest.
"I know." He slid her a look. "But allow me this."
She did, relaxing against him and resting her hands on his shoulders. His strength surrounded her, his heat seeping into her weary body. She felt utterly safe.
This man who had vowed to protect her, who asked for nothing in return, embodied everything she so desperately craved, even if she hadn’t allowed herself to admit it. And God had brought him to save her, not just that first day, right before her father died, but yesterday too, when he’d lifted her numb body out of the snow.
She could see Almighty’s hand, guiding them together. Tears pricked her eyes as she finally allowed herself to believe it—that God had worked all things for her good these past weeks.
And maybe He had before that too, if she thought back. She would have to spend time talking with Him when she was alone. For now, she offered up a silentThank Youthat she meant from the very depths of her soul.
Two Stones settled her into her chair at the table, then lingered beside her as the Coulters bustled about, carrying heaping plates of roasted deer meat, potatoes, and warm biscuits.
"I hope you're hungry, Heidi." Dinah placed a dried apple pie in front of her. "Lilly and I have been at it again this morning, cooking even more to go with what we made yesterday."
Heidi smiled. "It smells wonderful. Thank you, truly. All of you." She glanced around the table, taking in the circle of welcoming faces. "I don't know how I'll ever repay your kindness."
"No need for that." Jericho shook his head. “We’re just thankful you’re here.” His unspokenalivelingered in her mind.
She ducked to hide the threatening tears. She had lost so much, but she’d gained something precious. Not just Two Stones, but also this family who loved him as one of their own. And they were extending the same to her.
As they began the belated Christmas feast, laughter and light filled the little cabin. The food tasted every bit as good as it smelled, and she relished every bite, though she grew full far too soon.
Even before most of them had finished eating, Sean’s voice rose above the rest. “Can we open our gifts now?”
Miles nudged him. “Jericho said we have to clean out the barn first. You get started and we’ll be right behind you.”
Sean scrunched his nose at him. “You go first. See if I come help you.”
She grinned at the pair, and her face kept the smile as the children were handed their first presents. Jericho and Dinah had given Lillian a doll with blonde hair to match her own. Its beautiful red dress also matched the coat they gave her pup, Apple. The next present Lillian opened came from Naomi—a red dress matching the clothing for her doll and pup. This one was definitely Lillian’s size though, decorated with beautiful lace that would make her look like a princess.
The girl’s eyes shone with pure joy as she thanked the quiet woman. “It’s perfect. More than I ever dreamed.”
Naomi squeezed her hand across the table. “It was my pleasure. The color will be lovely on you.”
The chaos grew as the others shared gifts with each other, occasional squeals and laughter rising over the hum of excited voices.
Heidi glanced over at her husband. If only she could give him something special for Christmas, to show him what he meant to her. She had nothing. Except…
Two Stones met her eyes as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small leather pouch. "I have something for you." A shy smile touched his lips.
She took the bag, searching his face for any sign of what it held. He revealed nothing, so she reached in with two fingers and pulled out the tiny metal piece.
It was a delicate gold ring was set with a brilliant blue stone.
She blinked back her tears and lifted the ring. It glimmered in the firelight, the blue gem deep and dazzling.
