He reached out to brush a strand of hair from her face, his fingers lingering on her cheek. "You are God’s grace to me, you and Ruby both. A better gift than I could have dreamed of. I’ll never stop being thankful for you.”
Tears pricked her eyes at the raw honesty in his words. This was what she had longed for her entire life, without even realizing it.
A home. A place to belong. Someone to cherish her, body and soul.
CHAPTER23
The scent of pine needles and cinnamon mingled with woodsmoke from the hearth fire as Sampson settled on the floor, his back pressed against the log wall. His wounded arm rested in a sling across his chest now, instead of in the tight binding Dinah had made him wear the first few days.
Grace eased down beside him, tucking herself under his good arm as she adjusted Ruby in her lap.
Grace spoke to the newborn. “Do you want to see what’s happening?” She turned the babe outward, propping the child against her so she could watch the festive scene all around them.
After being away from his family for so long, then nearly losing his life a week ago at the hands of Jedidiah’s men, the simple joy of being surrounded by loved ones was a precious gift.
And now, with the danger passed, they could finally all enjoy a proper Christmas. And what a celebration it was turning out to be.
The entire family had gathered, filling the cabin with chatter and laughter. His brothers had brought in a large fir tree that stood in the corner, adorned with garland, ribbons, and a few ornaments their mother and Lucy had made.
The meal had been a great big affair, with roasted venison, turkey, potatoes, fresh bread, and so many sweets he might not eat for days. Now it was time for the exchange of gifts.
“C’mon, Uncle Jericho.” Anna bounced in her chair as she and Sean waited none too patiently for everyone to gather by the fire.
“C’mon. C’mon.” Little Mary Ellen jumped up and down as she chanted. She hadn’t yet been confined to a seat.
How could that much enthusiasm not make even the grumpiest face smile?
Ruby gurgled and waved her hands at her cousins’ antics. Her palm landed on Sampson’s finger, where he had his hand wrapped around Grace. The babe gripped hard.
Warmth curled through him at the feel of her chubby hand clutching his. He would never, ever tire of the honor of being this tiny girl’s father. Of getting to experience all her reactions. Her first smiles, her first laugh.
And now, her first Christmas.
Grace lifted her chin to him with a smile. "She's got you wrapped around her little finger." Amusement tinged her soft voice.
Sampson chuckled. "I suppose so. Both of you." He brushed a kiss against Grace's temple, breathing in the sweet scent of her hair.
When everyone finally settled, Lillian was given the honor of distributing the wrapped parcels. As each gift was opened, laughter and exclamations of delight filled the room. Toys for the children, both handmade and ordered from the States. Beautifully embroidered shawls for all the women—including Grace. That must be Naomi’s handiwork. She could accomplish miracles with her needle, and in such a short time. The way his family included Grace and Ruby made him more grateful than he could say.
Miles had outdone his usual hand-crafted gifts this year, especially with what he gave Jericho—one of Dat’s old broken rifles, fully repaired and restored with an elaborate carving in the stock. That boy had talent, no question about it.
Or rather, thatman. Miles looked all grown up with Clara at his side. His eyes held a maturity that hadn’t been there before Sampson left. A steadiness.
Clara’s uncle joined in just like he’d always been part of the family. It was clear he had a soft spot for the youngsters, propping Mary Ellen on his lap to admire her new doll and hair ribbons.
After the last gift had been opened, Jericho stepped toward the middle and cleared his throat.
The chatter quieted as all eyes turned to him.
"I have one more thing." He paused, looking a little sheepish to command so much attention. “This is mostly for my brothers. Well, I guess maybe it’s more for everyone.”
The chuckle that circulated made Jericho’s ears turn red. It’d been a while since Sampson had seen him flustered, even a little.
Jericho cleared his throat again as he pushed on. “We're all grown men now, most of us with families of our own. I've tried to lead and guide you as best I could, but though my intentions were always good—” He slid a glance at Dinah. “I know my determination to keep people off the ranch wasn’t always the best choice.”
He paused, his gaze scanning the room. Landing on each person who’d found their way here despite Jericho’s efforts. “All you ladies who’ve come to join us make this place better.” His expression turned wry. “You sure make my brothers better.” Then he slid a glance sideways. “Even you, Eric.”
A round of chuckles sounded. Though a hint of nervousness threaded through it. Was this merely an apology? Or did Jericho have something to announce?
