Finnis McGinnis - Flame Series: Christmas Edition
Chapter 1
Better Times
Kitty ran her hands over the colorful printed spread to smooth out any wrinkles that might have survived. She stood up to inspect the finished product. Bess Ronniger had made the quilt two years ago as a surprise Christmas present, aided by Calleigh. She had taken bits of material from garments owned by each member of the Lady K family. Of course the most predominant fabric was that comprising sections of red cotton from two of Matt's old shirts—his clothes being biggest, offered the most samples. Those most difficult to acquire, were the black swatches from one of Doc's old vests. Despite his vigorous argument that it had at least another ten good years, Calleigh managed to pilfer it from his bureau. Each piece was such a lovely reminder of the people she loved.
Two years ago, she mused softly. It wasn't a profound thought by any means, but it was enough to liberate another round of tears. Kitty dropped down onto the freshly made bed and buried her face in her hands.
Two years ago, only a couple of days before Christmas, Hadley had just taken her first step. There was a time when neither she nor Matt could envision such happiness. That day was forever ingrained in her heart and memory.
Breakfast was over and everyone but Matt had departed for their daily duties. Kitty was scolding her husband for whirling their son around in the air like a frenzied bird, "Honey he just ate." She stood with her hands on her hips, struggling to keep the smile off her face. "You won't think it's so funny when that oatmeal comes spewing back hitting you in the face."
Between Cooper's giggling and Matt's rumbling laughter, neither of them appeared to be too concerned with that outcome. Giving up her protests, since she was clearly outnumbered, Kitty folded her arms across her chest and leaned back against the counter to watch the two "boys" at play. She had become so engrossed in their silliness, she had completely forgotten about Hadley.
It was always easier to clean the high chair tray without baby girl's help. So prior to Cooper and Matt's horseplay, Kitty had plucked the little one from the seat and settled her on the floor with a couple of toys for entertainment. But only a few minutes later when she glanced over at her daughter, Kitty was stunned to see two wobbly legs holding up the chubby body.
"Matt." Kitty kept her voice low, her tone calm. She wanted to get his attention without scaring the baby. "Honey..."
The antics continued, complete with sound effects, as Matt swooped the boy up again. "Don't worry hon, he's not going to heave."
She reached out slowly, carefully grabbing at his shirt, "Matt... look."
The big man whirled around, bringing Cooper close to his chest. "What? He's fine honey…" As he turned, he realized the reason for his wife's insistence. Silence claimed them both as all eyes fell on the youngest Dillon. Matt gently let Cooper slip down to the floor.
Having the whole family as an audience seemed to please the little girl, causing her to clap her hands with a gleeful grin. All three Dillons dropped to their knees, encouraging Hadley to take that first precious step.
"Hadley, come to Daddy sweetheart." Matt held out his hands as he tried to coax his baby to try. "Come on, baby girl."
The smallest redhead studied the anxious trio. Without fear or hesitation, that tiny foot came up and set firmly on the ground. The second foot soon followed, not as steady as the first but just as determined. After repeating the exercise three more times, Hadley fell into the safety of her daddy's big hands.
Kitty sniffled back her remaining tears. Well, this Christmas certainly wasn't going to be a memorable one. Matt was stuck in Wichita and was not going to make it home by Christmas and worst of all, Bootsie was missing!
Both the Lady K and Double O had been searched from top to bottom. Every family member and hired hand had been put to the task of locating the beloved companion, all to no avail. Cooper remember that Hadley definitely had Bootsie at the station, when they all went to see Daddy off to Wichita.
Kitty had spoken with Hymie, the old ticket master, and the two Olsen boys that worked at the station. After hours of searching, Bootsie was still not found. 'Gone forever', was not a phrase that Hadley could understand. Nor would she be willing to accept it. Even the lure of Christmas, Santa and some new toys could not compete with her broken heart.
It wasn't hard for Kitty to identify with her daughter's pain, as the older redhead was sorely missing her own big teddy bear.
TBC