Quinn's Christmas Wish (8 page)

Quinn’s smile warmed her heart. “Maybe a bit of time away is good,” Amanda agreed.

“I’ll be back to fix the window before we leave.” He walked over to the hearth to build up the fire. “Sorry, it may get cold in here until I’m back.” The winter wind blew through the window.

Amanda and Quinn watched him move quickly from room to room before he returned to the kitchen and pulled Amanda to him, placing a kiss on her lips. She struggled, embarrassed Quinn witnessed that.

“Quinn, I love your mother, and I know this is sudden, but I plan on marrying her. I hope you’re okay with that because there’s not much I can do about it. She’s stolen my heart.”

Quinn’s smile brightened the whole room. “I think that’s a grand idea.”

Amanda stood motionless, not believing what she’d just heard. “Don’t I get a say in this?” she asked.

Samuel kissed the top of her head and made his way for the door. “Only if the answer is yes. One hour, Amanda. I’ll be back.”

She turned to Quinn. He looked weak and pale. “Quinn, we can’t travel like this. You’re still not well.”

“I’ll be fine, Mom.”

“Quinn, come sit by me please.”

Amanda sat and took her son’s hands. “Quinn, I love you more than anything in this whole world. I want you to know that I will never forget your father.” Tears sprang to her eyes. “I loved him so very much. I didn’t think I would ever care for another man, and I would never want another man to replace your father, because he could never be replaced in my heart, or yours,” she said, touching Quinn’s chest. “But I am fond of Samuel, and he is a good man.”

“Mom,” Quinn interrupted. “I like Samuel, too. I asked him to consider marrying you.”

Her mouth fell open and she closed it again wondering what to say. “So I heard. Today is a day of surprises, isn’t it?”

She stood and wrapped Quinn in a blanket. “I think you should go lay down and rest while I get some things ready to go.”

No arguments came from him. He wandered to his room and crawled under the coverlets. After a few moments, Amanda checked to find him fast asleep.

∗ ∗ ∗

Jazira ran and ran. She ran until she didn’t know what direction she headed. Her mind often drifted back to thoughts of Quinn. She hoped he would be okay. They followed her…the men who wanted her dead. She stopped by the creek and lapped some water, then turned her attention to the wound on her shoulder. One of the shooters hit her, and worse yet, she couldn’t reach it with her tongue.

She whined and her stomach growled with hunger. Keen hearing told her she didn’t have time to feel sorry for herself. They continued to follow, and if she didn’t stay ahead of them, her death would be imminent. Truthfully, she wondered if it was worth it. Living, that was. What did she have to live for? Another night in the dark and away from Quinn, not knowing if he lived. Jazira hung her head and limped off through the trees.

∗ ∗ ∗

In the dark, Samuel held Quinn in his arms while Roman carefully made his way down the trail with a packhorse in tow. Amanda rode a mare also attached to another packhorse which was graciously supplied by Mr. Murphy.

They stopped often and Samuel stretched his arms and adjusted Quinn’s weight. He figured traveling at night would be best. Nobody would expect them to depart in the middle of the night in the depths of winter.

The full moon supplied light at times when the trees became sparse. At one point, he stopped and noticed the large paw print. It had to belong to the wolf. The tracks followed the trail, until he noticed a splotch of red in the snow.

“Damn it!” He cursed.

Quinn stirred and opened his eyes.

“What? Did you find Jazira?” he asked, hopeful.

Samuel shifted the boy’s weight. “Quinn, can you sit up by yourself for a moment?”

Quinn grabbed onto the saddle’s horn and held on. “Yes, sir.”

“Good man.”

He swung off the saddle and crouched, looking down at the tracks. He could see the packed snow where she had bedded down under a tree. They must have taken a shot at her while she slept. Samuel cursed again.

“What’s wrong?” Amanda asked from behind them.

Samuel also knew Quinn, being as quick as he was, would figure out what he looked at.

“I can sit up and ride for a while now,” Quinn said quietly as Samuel mounted Roman.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure,” Quinn replied.

They continued down the trail in silence. When Quinn said sadly, “Will she live?”

Samuel sighed. “I think she’s a fighter. Her tracks disappeared into the forest so I can’t tell how much blood she may have lost.”

Owls hooted and trees creaked. “Thank you for being honest with me.”

“Any time, Quinn. I’ll always be honest with you, if you can be truthful with me.”

Quinn nodded. “I hope she lives.”

Hours went by and they began to climb upward. Soon he’d be at his cabin. The climb was not an easy one and the horses slipped often. It was a trail seldom used by anyone else other than him.

Eventually their climb leveled out and a small field spread out in front of them. His cabin lay just ahead along the tree line.

“We’re almost there, Amanda, are you okay back there?”

In the moonlight, Amanda could see the outline of his home. Her mouth dropped, amazed by its size. The cabin was huge and sprawled out like the letter “V”. Off to the side stood a corral, and a barn that appeared to be three quarters complete.

A large porch wrapped around the home, making it seem even larger. She could only imagine what it would look like in the daylight.

The horses struggled to get through the snow to the barn, but soon everyone dismounted. Samuel tethered the horses and let Amanda and Quinn into the cabin. The home was every bit as beautiful inside as it was on the outside. She felt a bit uncomfortable as she stood in the massive entryway looking up at the large beamed structure. This didn’t quite fit with what she had imagined.

Lantern in hand Samuel lit the sconces on the walls and the larger lanterns on the tables. Then he headed for the enormous fireplace and started a crackling blaze. He returned to Amanda and Quinn. “You two look around. Everything here is yours, as it is mine. I’m just going to care for the animals. I’ll bring in your things.”

Quinn looked up at Samuel. “Can I go out with you?”

Amanda cut in before he got to. “Quinn, you’ll have all day to look for Jazira, but for now I want you to rest.”

“I think you’ll find a bedroom to your liking. Go take a look.” Samuel pointed.

Amanda knew her son. He didn’t really care about a room, but off he went. “I don’t know how to thank you. Samuel, this is more than I expected.”

He, pulled her close and placed a light kiss on her lips. “I can think of many ways you can thank me, but the biggest one is just the fact you and Quinn are here. When I left here a few days ago, never in my wildest dreams would I have expected to find you…and Quinn. You’ve changed my life, Amanda, and I’m so very grateful.”

She kissed him back, with tears rolling down her cheeks. “Thank you.”

“Don’t say thank you,” he said. “Just say yes. Say you’ll marry me,” he pleaded.

She choked back a sob. “Yes! Yes. Yes. Yes!”

He picked her up off the floor and squeezed her in a bear hug. Amanda squealed and for the first time in over a year, she felt hopeful.

“Okay, I’ve gotta go. The animals need tending to.”

Amanda pulled his collar up and kissed him. “Go then, I’ll investigate your kitchen.”

“I’d rather hoped you’d investigate the bedroom.” He laughed, exiting the cabin.

Amanda stood in silence for a moment, taking in the grandeur of the home. How had he managed to get everything up here? The trail was narrow, but a wagon would have managed. She went in search of Quinn. The first bedroom was relatively small, but very adequate with a good-sized bed. She continued down the hall and came across a door. She pushed it open and entered the room. The bed was enormous, covered with furs. Carved in ornate designs, the large headboard peaked her curiosity. Did he do this? She walked forward, running her hands over the smooth wood, then down onto the furs. She looked to the floor where her feet were buried in what must be a bear rug. A hearth stood in the corner and the moon shone through a large window.

Amanda shook her head in disbelief and went back down the hall. She didn’t know where Quinn had gotten to, but noticed the other hall jutting past the kitchen, she headed that direction. She’d explore the kitchen once she found Quinn.

“Quinn,” she called.

“I’m in here, Mom,” he answered.

Cracked open, Amanda pushed the door wide, a smile instantly light up her face. Half way up the wall and lining the perimeter of the room was a carved wooden train track complete with an engine, cars, and a caboose.

“Look, Mom, I’ve never seen anything like this before,” he exclaimed in excitement.

“It’s amazing!” she joined in with enthusiasm.

“How did he do all this?”

“I don’t know, Quinn, maybe you’ll have to ask him that question,” she responded sitting on the bed.

Quinn yawned.

“Do you think you can sleep here?” she asked.

He nodded his head in acknowledgement. “Especially if you stay with me for awhile.”

She pulled back the sheets. It was like Samuel planned on having company. Quinn removed his pants but left his shirt on and crawled under the covers. Amanda curled up beside him and pulled a blanket up over them both.

“Mom, I really hope we find Jazira. She’s hurt.”

“I know, sweetie. It’s all pretty hard for me to believe. I wish you’d told me,” she said rubbing his head.

“Would you have believed me?”

Amanda kissed his cheek. “You’re too smart for your britches!”

“You’ll like her,” he said sleepily. “Maybe she will be here for Christmas.”

Her heart broke for him. It was the first time she’d heard him mention anything about the Christmas season since Walter’s death over a year ago.

“That would be nice. I’m sure Samuel will be able to find her.” Amanda closed her eyes and prayed. If what made her son happy was a talking she-wolf, Amanda would do whatever it took to save it.

Soon she drifted off to sleep, dreaming of a white Christmas, ribbons and bows, and Quinn with this pet wolf all curled up beside the fire singing Christmas carols.

∗ ∗ ∗

Amanda awoke to the smell of brewing coffee. Her eyes sprang open, the strangeness of the room reminding her where she’d slept. Quinn’s body didn’t lie beside her. She pushed the covers aside, prepared to search for him. The sound of his laughter put her at ease.

Ruffled clothing wound around her body. She did her best to straighten them. Her hair must look a fright, but she exited the room to find out what was making her son laugh.

The smell of coffee beckoned to her as she walked quietly down the hall. Sitting at the table and laughing were her son and Samuel. For a brief moment, she debated whether or not to interrupt them.

Both of them stopped and looked her direction.

Samuel rose and pulled a chair out for her.

“Sorry Mom, I hope I didn’t wake you up,” Quinn said.

She ran a hand over her hair hoping it wasn’t sticking up. “I have to say, I enjoyed waking to your laughter.”

“Amanda, would you like a cup of coffee?” Samuel asked.

People didn’t typically serve her she served them. Uncomfortable with the situation, she headed toward him to help herself.

Samuel held up his hand to stop her. “No. Sit please. I can bring it to you.”

Now she really felt out of place. She never slept in and never got served. Her cheeks heated. “I’m sorry I overslept.”

“Mom, you were really tired. You even snored.” Quinn laughed.

“I did?” She crossed her arms on the table and buried her head.

The two males snickered…at her expense.

“Guess what Samuel and I are doing today,” Quinn said.

“Looking for Jazira I suspect,” she replied.

“Yes, we are going to look for Jazira, but we’re also going to find a Christmas tree.”

Amanda swallowed hard, almost overcome by tears that threatened to spill down her cheeks. She never thought she’d see that sparkle in Quinn’s eyes again.

Samuel set the cup down in front of her. Her gaze caught his. He winked and her heart melted.

“You could come along if you like,” Quinn stated.

A cough cleared her throat. “Heaven’s no! Somebody’s got to feed you both,” she croaked.

“The pantry’s heavily stocked, Amanda, and I’m sure you’ll find the ice box adequately supplied as well,” Samuel answered.

“I have no doubts.”

Smiles disappeared with his next statement as he pointed to the gun cabinet. “I’m guessing you can use a rifle?” he asked before continuing. “Ellis and his men may very well come up this way and not just them, but wildlife as well. I need to know you will be able to protect yourself if we are gone.”

Those thoughts hadn’t played out in her mind, but of course the possibility existed. She didn’t like guns, but could use one if needed. “Yes, I’ll be fine.”

“We’re gonna wait for daylight,” Quinn stated.

“Amanda, I brought your things in, but didn’t know where to put them.”

“Thank you,” she responded.

With dawn on the horizon, Amanda stared out the window. “Quinn, you’d best get cleaned up and put on some clean clothes before you go…warm clothes,” Amanda shouted as he jumped from the chair to grab the bag he’d packed for the stay.

“Yes, Ma’am,” he answered before running down the hall, leaving Samuel and Amanda alone.

“I thought bringing home a tree might help with his mood, but what he really wants is to look for the wolf.”

Nodding her head, she replied sadly, “He hasn’t cared much about Christmas. We didn’t even have a tree last year.”

“He’s a great kid, Amanda.”

He was and she knew it. Again, she looked around at the large cabin. “Samuel, I have to ask…why did you build such a large home, complete with extra bedrooms and even a train track. It’s like you were expecting something,” she said.

“I was expecting someone,” he sighed, “but I got something better.” He reached out and took her hand. “I have a sister back in Alaska. She has a little boy just a bit younger than Quinn. She was going to come and live here for a while, but things didn’t quite work out as planned. I’ve always enjoyed building besides the prospecting. I’ve done quite well for myself, but thought I’d find Bandit Creek a tad warmer than Alaska and I could still stake a claim. I did have substantial help building this place, but I hadn’t expected to arrive to a flooded town surrounded by superstition.”