Susanne giggled and raised her mouth for his kiss.
The Cameron twins' thoughts at that moment were running on identical tracks: Home is anywhere as long as this woman is in my arms.
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Christmas Eve Day. Christine lay in bed and stared up at the ceiling. If she were in Spooner right now and her grandfather were alive, they would be getting ready to go uptown for their traditional birthday breakfast. They had missed only one year since Christine was seven. The year she had turned 12 there was a blizzard, and Grandfather didn't want to risk getting caught in it.
Twenty years old! "Thank You, Lord," Christine prayed, "for finding me now when I still have most of my life to live with You in my heart." At the thought that her life might be cut short by a selfish man's greed, Christine pushed out of bed and refused to dwell on the idea.
Christine found Grandma Em up and breakfast ready. Grandma Em hugged Christine in the doorway. "Happy birthday, Christine!" Christine was surprised, since the only person she had told was Luke.
Grandma Em led her to the table. Christine was speechless as she sat down at her place to find a small, brightly wrapped package.
"I don't know what to say."
"Don't say anything. Just open it."
Under the wrapping Christine found a small black- bound diary.
"I know you came from Spooner without your things. The new year is upon us, and with all the changes you've been through, I thought you might find this helpful. Recording answers to prayer and then looking back on them can really lift your spirits."
Christine was too moved to speak. She turned the pages to see that Grandma Em had written in the front, "Happy 20th Birthday, Christine. May God bless you today and always. Love, Grandma Em. Proverbs 3:5,6."
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Moving around the table, Christine kissed Grandma Em's cheek and hugged her. "Thank you," she said softly.
"You're welcome." Grandma Em smiled at her. "We've got a full day ahead of us. Let's eat."
Grandma Em was not kidding about the schedule. Silas would be bringing a tree in this afternoon and the parlor needed to be readied. At 6:00 there was to be a Christmas Eve service at church, and then the Cameron family would be headed back to trim Grandma Em's tree and have cookies with hot apple cider.
The day rushed by in a flurry of activity. Christine took a bath and dressed for the evening with special care. The dress she had made for the season was a deep green, near the color of her eyes. It had a high neck with long sleeves and a stark white collar and cuffs. Christine's hair, freshly washed, was brushed out and left long down her back.
The women were ready to go when Luke and Silas arrived to collect them. Christine was surprised but not disappointed when she saw Silas lead Grandma Em to a larger sleigh, one she had never seen before, while Luke guided her to the cutter and bundled her inside. The night air was crisp and Christine snuggled close to Luke.
The service that evening was one that Christine would never forget. The lamps were low, Pastor Nolan explained, because he didn't want the people to follow along in their Bibles but to just listen as he read.
"Luke 2. And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David), to be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that
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she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.' And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, 'Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.' And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."
Christmas took on a new meaning for Christine that night. She sat in awe as she thought of God coming to earth in the form of a tiny infant to one day become the Savior of her soul.
No hymnbook was opened and no music was played, but the congregation raised their voices in one accord. They sang with reverence and thanksgiving in their hearts.
Christine cried through most of the service and had to ask Luke for his handkerchief. When Pastor Nolan ended
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the service, Luke bent to tell Christine he had offered to douse the lamps and close up.
There were many hugs and much laughter. And when the last person left, Christine went to the stove for warmth as she waited for Luke to finish.
When the only light was a lamp burning up front and the fire, Luke joined Christine by the stove.
"Oh, Luke, it was such a beautiful service!"
He smiled tenderly.
"It makes such a difference hearing the story of Christ's birth when that same Christ lives within you."
They stood quietly together, unsure if the warmth they felt came from the fire without or within.
Luke reached into his pocket and brought out a thin gold chain. He held it for Christine's inspection. Hanging from the chain was a delicate gold locket, in the middle of which was a tiny diamond.
Luke waited until her eyes raised to his. "Happy birthday, Christine."
Christine struggled desperately to keep from crying and ruining this precious moment. Luke moved behind her and, raising his arms, clasped the necklace on her. _* When Christine felt the locket drop below her throat, her finger reached for it and she gently opened it up to reveal an empty space within. Her eyes went questioningly to Luke.
"I was hoping you would put our picture inside, Christine-our wedding picture."
Christine's breath caught in her throat. She could only stare at the man before her.
"I wanted to ask you here, Christine, in church so you would know I've prayed and trusted God in this. Christine, will you marry me?"
"Oh, yes, Luke!" Christine spoke without hesitation and went into his arms. Luke held her as if he would never let her go, and Christine clung to him.
"When, Christine, when will you marry me?"
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"Anytime you want." Christine was in a daze.
"January."
"But that's next month!" she answered, some sanity returning.
"January 21st. That's four weeks from today."
It was on the tip of her tongue to tell him it was too soon, but she looked into his eyes and knew she wanted it as well.
Without a word Christine nodded her head and Luke kissed her with all the love and longing he felt. In that kiss Christine knew it would be the same for her as it had been for Grandma Em. Every day she would awake and know that Luke Cameron loved her with all his heart.
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January 5, 1888
My Dear Christie,
My heart is filled with joy over your wedding plans. I wish I could be there, and you know I would be if it were at all possible.
I continue on here, as I hope is your want. The house is in fine order and the horses are well taken care of. The sheriff spoke to the bank as you requested, and extra money was made available for salaries and household needs.
I hope this finds you safe. Please write and tell me about the wedding.
Love, Mrs. Hall
"Her letter is a little shorter than usual and she didn't say anything about my accepting Christ," Christine commented to Luke as they sat at Grandma Em's kitchen table.
"Maybe she's afraid it will change things and she'll be out of a job."
"I've been thinking about that. I will have to go back home at some point. Things aren't really settled with grandfather's estate."
"When are you going to start thinking of Baxter as home?"
Christine could only stare at Luke, unsure of what he meant. Luke tugged on a strand of her hair. "I was just teasing, Christine. I didn't mean to upset you."
"There are times I don't know where home is, Luke. Can you understand that?"
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"Considering what the last year of your life has been like, it's completely natural." He stood up. "I've got to go. As usual, I told Si I wouldn't be long, and then I stop over here and you won't let me leave."
"Oh no you don't, Luke Andrew Cameron! You're not going to blame your tardiness on me!" Christine shook her finger at him.
"You, Madam," Luke said with mock sternness, "are entirely too big for your britches and much too sassy. That is all going to change after we're married. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Luke," Christine answered with all the meekness she could muster.
"All right. Now act like a good wife and get my coat and hat." Christine moved like a humble servant and barely kept a straight face. While Luke was putting his coat and hat on, Christine moved around the kitchen table away from him.
"All right, I'm ready to go. You may come and kiss me goodbye."
"No."
Luke regarded his playfully defiant fiancee from across the table.
"Come here, Christie." His voice was no longer commanding but deep and persuasive.
Christine shook her head and stepped away from him as he moved toward her. His use of her nickname told her she would be kissed or he wouldn't be leaving.
"Come here, Christie, come and kiss me."
"You'd better kiss him, Christine, or Silas is going to end up feeding all those horses by himself." Grandma Em spoke matter-of-factly as she brought up jars of fruit from the basement.
Luke looked barely patient at the interruption but Christine was highly amused. She sauntered out from the kitchen to the parlor. "I'll walk you to the door." Her eyes told Luke she felt victorious.
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"Bye, Gram."
"Bye, Luke."
"You think you're pretty clever, don't you?" They were at the front door and Luke was buttoning his coat.
"Pretty and clever, both," was Christine's sassy reply.
Luke threw back his head and roared with laughter. Christine never failed to delight him. Long after he kissed her goodbye and headed home, he was still laughing.
IN
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"Do you have the ring?"
"Yes, Luke. For the third time, I have the ring." Silas was calm as always, a steady rock in the storm.
"Did Julia get all of Christine's things moved in?"
"Last night. Christine will bring the last of her things after the ceremony."
"Does the house look okay?"
"It looks fine."
"Listen, Si. I've been thinking, and I just don't feel good about you staying with Grandma Em. This is your home. I don't want to do anything that will make you feel unwelcome. I know Christine feels the same..."
"Luke!" Silas' raised voice stopped Luke's tirade. He never shouted and Luke stood speechless.
"I do not feel that you and Christine are kicking me out of the house. It was my idea and it will only be for two nights. I'll be back Monday. Luke, you are bringing your bride home tonight and it's her I'm thinking of. The two of you need time alone together, if only for a few days, to start off your marriage on the right foot." Silas' voice was more firm than Luke had ever heard it.
Luke was grateful for Silas' words and nodded his agreement.
"Besides," Silas spoke as they headed out of the house, "you're only going to have her until Monday. Come Tuesday morning, she'll get one look at my hairy face and go screaming from the house." The men laughed at the long-standing joke and the tension evaporated.
The 2:00 o'clock sun was shining brightly overhead as Silas mounted his horse and Luke climbed into the cutter. They had a wedding to attend.
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"How does it look?"
"You look beautiful," Julia said earnestly.
"I look ten feet tall in all white," Christine replied with dismay. Julia and Susanne dissolved into giggles; both women agreed they had never seen a more radiant bride.
The women were in Grandma Em's room, and with less than an hour to the 3:00 o'clock ceremony Christine looked about to come unglued.
"She needs to see Luke," Julia said softly.
"I need my grandfather." Tears filled Christine's eyes as she spoke. "He should be here, to give me away. And Paul- Paul wasn't able to come, and that's not right." She was becoming frantic.
Christine did not notice Sue leave the room. But she was back momentarily, and with Grandma Em. She and Julia left them alone.
Upon seeing Grandma Em, Christine burst into tears. Grandma Em, drawing wisdom from every one of her 70 years, said nothing-not a word about teardrops on her wedding dress or how close it was to 3:00.
She knew Christine had slept poorly last night and had eaten nothing today. She also remembered how her own father had been too ill to walk her down the aisle and how devastated she had felt over this.
"I don't know what's wrong with me," Christine finally choked out. "I love Luke and I want to marry him. I just don't know what's wrong."
Grandma Em gently pulled Christine to the desk chair. She then moved the rocker close and began to pray. "Dear Father, help Christine. Please draw her near to Your throne, where she can find comfort and rest for emotions she herself may not even understand. You know of the love she and Luke have for each other. Calm her nerves and give her a peaceful heart to go down and marry the man she loves. If, Lord, there has been blindness, and Luke and Christine are not to be wed, please put Your hand down and prevent
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this marriage. Speak to Christine's heart so she will know Your will. We give this day and its glory to You. Amen."
Grandma Em sat quietly as Christine dried her face. "Would you like me to go get Luke? You know he'll come in an instant if you ask him."
Christine looked at the clock. 3:10. "Do you think he's upset with me?"
"No. Probably worried, but not upset."
Christine took a deep breath. "Will you please send Silas up in about five minutes?"
"I most certainly will. Do you want help with anything? Maybe Julia should come back up."
"No, I'll be fine. Thanks, Gram." Grandma Em didn't miss the use of the nickname that her grandchildren used. She hugged Christine and nearly glowed with happiness as she left the room.
Christine stepped before the full-length mirror. Her hair was still in place, swept up in curls atop her head.
Her dress was snow-white satin. The skirt was full and gathered at the waist. Puffed sleeves at the shoulder fit snugly along Christine's arms and buttoned tightly at the wrist. The satin on the bodice was overlayed with handmade lace that ran in a V from the nipped-in waist to a high, stand-up collar. The same pearl buttons that buttoned at the wrist ran full length down Christine's back.
Luke loved Christine's hair and had asked her not to cover it. Christine was taking a close
-up check for signs of tears when Silas knocked.
Silas kissed her cheek before offering his left arm. They paused at the top of the stairs. "Are you okay?"
Christine nodded. "Thanks, Si."
Luke stood in the parlor awaiting his bride. The urge to go to her had been nearly overpowering, but Grandma Em had told him that all was fine and that Christine would be down in about five minutes. He didn't care that the ceremony hadn't started on time or that the kids were getting
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squirmy; he just wanted to see Christine and know she was all right.
The relief he felt upon hearing the rustle of her dress on the stairs just before she came into view was poignantly sweet.
Nothing could have prepared Luke for the vision of Christine in her wedding dress. He could only stare. Christine's eyes searched his out and the rest of the room faded from view.
Christine remembered little of the ceremony. She would always cherish Luke's eyes as he said "I do," the pressure of his hand holding hers, watching his hand slip the ring onto her finger, and their first kiss as man and wife, tender and warm.
Mark and Julia had stood up with them. Pastor Nolan performed the ceremony while Mrs. Nolan played the piano. The parlor was filled with family and friends from church.
The reception was well under way. Gram, Julia, and Sue had prepared a feast. When Luke and Christine were finally seated, their plates full, Luke asked, "Are you okay?"
"Just an attack of nerves. Are you angry?"
"Furious," Luke stated with a smile.
The time flew by, and before long everyone was at the front door waving and shouting blessings and good wishes to the newlyweds as the cutter bore them away.
The horse's fast pace and the gusty wind made conversation nearly impossible. Christine was starting to feel chilled as they reached the house.
Christine was picked up and carried into the front room of the ranch house, then set down and a lamp lit before either person uttered a word.
"Welcome home, Mrs. Cameron."
Christine's face glowed with happiness. "I like the sound of that."
Luke handed Christine the lamp. "Go get warmed up while I take care of the horse."