Chapter Ten
Elaina Miller rubbedsleep from her eyes and gathered her wavy strawberry blonde hair into a loose bun at the nape of her neck. Despite the festive day that lay ahead, she was feeling blue. Steven had come to bed so late last night, she’d not even noticed his arrival.
Pulling her shawl tighter around her shoulders, Elaina moved with purpose, measuring out flour and cracking eggs into a bowl. The silence of the house hung heavy around her, broken only by the occasional pop and hiss from the stovetop. She whisked the batter, each stroke a release for the worry that knitted her brow. Why would Steven prefer to be in the chill of the barn and not in bed with her? It made no sense.
As Elaina poured the batter onto the hot frying pan, the back door creaked open, and Steven Miller stepped inside, his breath misting in the cold air. He stamped the snow from his boots, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the early dawn. In his arms, he cradled a handmade cradle, adorned with a bright red bow that stood out starkly against the rich, dark wood.
“Morning, Elaina,” Steven said, his voice a comforting rumble in the quiet of the kitchen.
“Good morning,” she replied, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “You’re up early.”
“Couldn’t let the cows start Christmas without a good milking.” His hazel eyes held a spark of something secret, something hopeful.
He set the cradle down near the hearth with care, and from within it, he retrieved a smaller package, wrapped in brown paper and tied with twine. The parcel seemed almost inconsequential nestled within the grandeur of the cradle, yet his gentle handling suggested a treasure beyond measure.
Elaina’s gaze lingered on the cradle, tracing the smooth lines of the craftsmanship with an appreciative eye. It was clear that this was what had kept him from their bed until the small hours. The realization that he had been creating something so beautiful made her wonder if she’d misjudged him.
“Steven, the cradle...” Her voice trailed off as she took in the full sight of the gift that would soon rock the baby she carried within her.
“Wait till you see what’s inside,” Steven said, a boyish grin breaking across his face as he gestured toward the wrapped package.
The scent of pancakes began to fill the room, a homely reminder of the simple pleasures they shared. As Elaina turned the pancakes, her movements became less mechanical. She felt as if the holiday might just turn out to be something special. This Christmas might yet hold more than she had dared to hope for.
Elaina slid the last of the golden-brown pancakes onto a plate, the aroma of sizzling bacon mingling with the sweet scent of the maple syrup she had warmed over the stove. She set the table with a practiced hand, arranging utensils and pouring fresh milk into two glasses.
“Breakfast is ready,” she called out.
Steven entered and took his seat at the table. “Smells wonderful,” he said, a tender smile touching the corners of his mouth as he reached for her hand to say grace.
They bowed their heads, Elaina feeling the rough texture of his palm, worn from days of laboring on the ranch. She was growing more and more excited at the idea of what was in the cradle. And she couldn’t wait for him to see what she’d labored over for him.
“Thank you, Elaina,” Steven said, breaking into her thoughts. “This is a fine Christmas breakfast.”
“I’m glad you think so. It’s a good thing I’ve learned to cook since Cynthia is getting married. I’m sure she’ll still help me, but it won’t be quite the same.” Her gaze met his. “She’s spending the day in town with her folks and Nathaniel.”
After breakfast, Elaina gathered the dishes and began to wash them.
She rinsed the last plate and wiped it dry, her movements slow and deliberate. As she wiped her hands on a towel, she caught a glimpse of the cradle once more. He’d carved the design of an angel into the headboard. It was as if he’d created an angel to watch over their baby.
Elaina stepped into the main room, the warmth of the hearth battling the chill that seeped through the walls. Her gaze fell upon the cradle nestled near the fire. It was crafted with care, the wood polished to a honeyed glow that spoke of hours spent sanding and finishing it to perfection. She walked over, her fingers tracing the smooth, curved edges.
“Steven, this is beautiful,” she murmured, unable to mask the admiration in her voice. “You made this?” She was almost certain he had.
Steven nodded. “Thank you. I did,” Steven replied. “I wanted to finish it before Christmas. That’s what kept me in the barn so late last night. I hated leaving you, but I had to get it finished.”
Elaina nodded, her lips curving upward in a tentative smile, understanding dawning on her. His late nights were not an escape from their life together but a dedication to their future.
“Here,” she said, her tone lightening as she drew closer to where he stood. From beneath the tree, she retrieved a pair of carefully wrapped packages. “I made these for you.” The gifts were modest but she’d worked hard on them, and they would help keep him warm throughout the long Montana winter.
Steven’s expression softened as he accepted them, his large hands turning them over with reverence. Then, with a gentle smile, he reached into the cradle and brought out a smaller package, extending it to her.
“Your other gift,” he said simply, placing it in her outstretched hands.
“Go ahead, open yours first,” Elaina urged, her heart pounding with a mix of nerves and excitement. She watched as Steven carefully untied the twine around his presents.
Steven unfolded the knitted scarf, its deep red yarn complementing the golden hue of his hair. “This is mighty fine work, Elaina,” he said, wrapping it around his neck and grinning at the way it shielded him from the room’s chill. Then he opened the socks and the gloves, pulling the gloves on. “Thank you. I’ll treasure these.”
With his gifts received and appreciated, Elaina’s hands trembled slightly as she turned to the small package he had given her. As she peeled back the layers, she uncovered a wooden ornament, exquisitely carved and polished to a soft sheen.
