HOPE VALLEY, THANKSGIVING
Will watched Ashley with his aunts and uncles and cousins. She was happy. So was he for that matter. The last six weeks of knowing the angel that sat next to him, and her sister, had been wonderful. He knew that he wanted her and Mary to always be with him. He had never been in love before, never kissed a girl before, but it was something that he looked forward to experiencing with Ashley.
"Will?" She looked at him, a question in her eyes.
"I'm sorry, what?"
"I asked if you want apple pie or pumpkin. I made the apple."
"Apple is my favorite."
She nodded and smiled. If she had said, "I made goose liver pie, do you want some?" he would have agreed, just to see her happy.
"You ok?"
"Of course."
The euphoria of the evening was brought to a halt when Julie moaned and announced it was time to have her baby. She was a week over due and ready to meet her newest child.
When Tom helped her stand, her water broke, signaling the urgency of the situation. Uncle Mike went to fetch the doctor, taking his children and Julie and Tom's youngest, Kevin with him.
Aunt Viola boiled a pot of water, placing scissors and a few other things inside to sterilize them.
Will told Ashley and Mary that it was time to go but Mary wanted to stay.
"Please? I want to see the baby."
"It might take a long time," Will told her. When he saw the sadness in her eyes, he instantly wanted to remove it and replace it with happiness.
"Pushover," Ashley whispered, seeing him wavering.
"Ok, we will stay."
"Thank you!" Mary squealed, throwing her arms around his neck. There it was. That's what he wanted.
"I'm going to help Viola and Sophie clean the kitchen," Ashley announced.
The night was a long one. The doctor arrived, Mike left to go stay with his children and Kevin. Viola tended to Mary, Olive, and Pearl, sending them to bed around midnight.
Will and Ashley made a pot of coffee and sat by the fireplace in the living room. "You know, I didn't mean anything by the pushover comment," she told him, obviously worried he was mad about it.
"It's fine. I guess I am a pushover when it comes to her. I have this need to make sure she's happy."
"That's not a bad thing. In fact that is very sweet."
"But…"
"Just realize that she might figure out she can get her way as long as she pouts."
"I guess I have a lot to learn, huh?"
"Both of us do."
"We can learn together," he said quietly, looking into her eyes.
"Ok."
He smiled and took her hand in his, threading his fingers with hers. "Ash, I have a gift for you and Mary."
"You don't have to buy us things, Will."
"I want to. Mostly it's selfish on my part." He put his hand in his pocket and pulled out his money clip. He unfolded two oblong pieces of paper and handed them to her.
"Train tickets to Harris Town?"
"I want you and Mary to come home with me for Christmas. I want you to meet my siblings and nieces and nephews and my parents and grandparents. More importantly, I want them to meet you."
She smiled at him and looked back at the tickets. "Ok, but what if they don't like me? Then what?"
"Not possible, angel. They will love you."
"How do you know?"
"I just know."
They looked up when they heard a baby crying from the back bedroom. Will smiled and kissed Ashley's temple.
"Welcome to the family, little one," he whispered.
HARRIS TOWN, MADDIE AND NATE'S HOUSE, A WEEK LATER
Maddie smiled at the letter from Will. "Nate, Will's bringing someone, well, two someone's, home for Christmas."
"Oh yeah? That's great."
"He needs my help with presents for them. Do you mind watching the girls while I get started on them?"
"No, I don't mind. Have fun." She walked over and kissed him.
"I love you, Nate."
"I love you too."
Maddie bent down as best she could and kissed Rachel and Leah's heads. "Be good for Daddy, honey bees. I'll be back soon."
"Bye Mama," they said in unison.
Maddie walked over to the door, wrapped her coat around herself, pulled on gloves and her boots, and walked out into the blustery morning. She was grateful that they lived just on the edge of town. It would only take about five minutes to get to the tiny building that served as the new store until the new one was built. Even though the stock was currently limited, Travis could order anything.
"Good morning, Mrs. Carlin," Travis greeted with a smile.
"Hey Uncle."
"Where are your adorable daughters this morning?"
"At home with Daddy. I need to order a few things."
THE BAKERY, LUNCHTIME
Ben waited while Carlie helped a customer, watching her eyes light up when she was excited to help them. Every so often, she would catch his eye and smile, sending his heart into a faster rhythm.
Finally, the rush ended and Carlie walked over to him. "Hey."
"Hi." He kissed her cheek. "Busy morning?"
"Yeah. It's typical. We should be slow now. I'll let Sandy know I'm on break." He nodded.
They walked to the Avery House a few moments later, fingers joined. "Carlie, I want to take you to dinner tonight."
"Ok."
"Like a date. I want to pick you up at home and bring you flowers and drive you to the restaurant. I want to gaze at you in the candlelight and hold your hand. I want to drive you home and kiss you goodnight."
"Oh, Ben. That sounds wonderful. There's nothing I'd like more."
He wanted more. He wanted to marry her and in February, on her birthday, he would tell her that.
They sat at the table in The Avery House, eating their sandwiches. She had made roast beef the night before just for this lunch. "Would you like more cold potatoes?"
"Sure." He handed his plate to her and laughed as she placed two large spoonful's on his plate. "Good thing I came hungry."
After lunch, he walked her back to the bakery. He kissed her forehead and smiled. "See you tonight? I'll pick you up at six?"
"Ok." She watched him walk away and then went back to work.
THAT EVENING, T & T RANCH
Carlie walked down the stairs and into the living room.
"Carlie, you look beautiful, sweetheart."
"Thanks, Ma."
She heard a knock and took a deep breath before opening the door.
As she opened it, she was greeted by a very handsome boy and a bouquet of roses.
"Hi," she said quietly.
"Hey." He stepped inside and kissed her cheek. "These are for you."
"Wow, roses? Where did you get roses in December?"
"Secret."
"Hi, Ben."
"Hi, Aunt Elizabeth."
"I'll grab my coat and we will go, ok?" He nodded. "Hey, Abbie? Can you put these in some water for me?"
"Sure!" Abbie's eyes grew big when she took the flowers. "These are so pretty."
Carlie and Ben were on their way, snug under a blanket in the horse-drawn wagon he had brought. Carlie slipped her arm under his and snuggled against his shoulder. "Mmm, you smell good," she blurted, instantly turning red. She hadn't meant to verbalize that.
He smiled at her embarrassment. "Thank you."
"This is really nice, Ben. I hope you know that you don't need to spend a lot of money to get my attention. You got it a long time ago."
"Good to know. However, I'm taking you out because I want to spend time with you and because I love you. Once in awhile, I'm going to spend money on you because you deserve it."
She lifted her head and kissed his cheek. "I love you too." As they drove through town, she looked at the shell of the new store. It was coming along nicely. "It's going to be bigger than the old store?"
"Yeah. We thought expanding would be a good idea."
"When is it supposed to be done?"
"Around February." She nodded and then looked ahead again.
When they pulled into the livery, he helped her down and nodded to his dad who took care of the horses. He offered his hand and she took it.
A FEW HOURS LATER
Ben walked Carlie back to her front porch. "Do you want to come in? We can have tea or coffee."
"Sure." It wasn't too late. He followed her in and hung her coat for her. He followed her to the kitchen and sat down as she put the kettle on to boil.
She walked over and sat next to him. "Tonight was perfect. Thank you, Ben."
"It was nice." He couldn't help but imagine how in probably eighteen months or so they could be doing this exact thing in their own place. It was a bit scary but also exciting to think about. It was also very difficult to not spill his thoughts.
Bradley walked in with his thumb in his mouth. He pulled his blue blanket behind him and raised his arms to her. "Up pease."
"Ok, buddy. Why aren't you asleep?"
"Miss you." He popped his thumb back in his mouth and closed his eyes, settling against her chest. Her heart melted. She kissed the top of his head and covered him with his blanket.
She looked up, her eyes finding Ben intently watching her with Bradley. "What?" she whispered.
"Do you want children, Carlie?"
"Yes. Very much but only if they're yours." She covered her mouth, chastising herself silently for blurting what she meant to keep inside. Her cheeks turned pink again. She stood and removed the boiling water from the heat pouring it over the tea leaves to steep.
Ben stood up and wrapped his arms around Carlie and Bradley.
"Hey, is Bradley in here?" Elizabeth asked, breaking their moment. Carlie turned so she could see. "I'll take him, hon." As she walked away with him, she smiled at the couple. "Not too much later."
"Yes ma'am."
Once she was gone, Carlie turned to Ben and wrapped her arms around his waist, looking up at him. "I can't believe I said that out loud."
"You did that a few times tonight." He placed his lips on her forehead. "I want babies too, but only if they're yours." She giggled and sighed as his soft, warm lips met hers. "Good night Carlie." He kissed her again and then stepped away.
"Night." Then something came to her. "Wait, Ben?"
"Yeah?"
"We have family Christmas Eve dinner every year. Will you come?"
"Sure, if you'll come to my house for Christmas dinner."
"I'll be there."
HOPE VALLEY, TWO WEEKS LATER
The week before Christmas, Em, Will, Ashley, and Mary boarded the train headed to Harris Town.
Ashley counted on her fingers, trying to remember all the Thornton siblings names and order of birth.
"Why are you stressing?" Will asked, grabbing her hands and holding them. "You don't know them yet."
"I'm trying to remember everyone. Now let me try." She raised her thumb and began. "Caleb, Maddie, Em, Will, Drew, Jay, Abbie, Kylie, and Bradley." She frowned when she realized that was only nine. "Who did I forget?"
"I know!" Mary said bouncing in her seat. "Carlie."
"Show off!" She reached over to tickle Mary but she jumped into Will's lap. "Ok, so Caleb is married to Amy and they have how many kids?"
"Four!" Mary broke in, dodging the fingers that came her way again.
"Ok, smartie, what are their names?"
"Um…Twins Mason and Meri, Logan, and Joey! I remembered Meri because she has my name."
Ashley sighed. "Ok, Maddie is married to Nate and they have two girls, Rachel and Leah?" Will nodded. "And Drew is married to Carrie and they have twins too?"
"Yep! Audrey and Noelle!" Mary said with a giggle.
Ashley blew out her breath and watched the scenery as they left Hope Valley. Will took her hand. "You don't need to worry. They will love you."
"And me?" Mary asked.
"Yes, and you."
"Good. I love them too," Mary told him as she snuggled against his chest. "I love you, Will."
He smiled and kissed the top of her head. "To the moon and back, Mary."
"That much?"
"Yep, that much."
T & T RANCH, THAT AFTERNOON
Elizabeth tucked her hair into the braided bun she had fashioned and then buttoned her dress. She was so excited, her hands were shaking. This time of year meant the most because all her children were home. Tonight, Em and Will. Tomorrow, Caleb and Amy and the kids.
"Ready, babe? Train should be in town in about fifteen minutes."
"Yeah, let's go."
Carlie stayed home with her younger siblings so Jack and Elizabeth could meet the train.
When they reached the station, Elizabeth stood beside Jack. "Nervous?"
"Just so happy. It's been three months." He kissed her cheek and smiled.
The train pulled in and put on its brakes.
Will pointed out the window. "Those are my parents."
"You and Em look just like them, Will. Your mom is beautiful."
"She is. Inside and out." Suddenly he couldn't wait to hug them. Homesickness hit him like a huge pile of bricks.
Em exited the train before them, thankfully. Will was now very nervous.
"So, you're nervous now?" Ashley teased, gripping his hand.
"Yeah. It's been three months."
"I'm guessing you don't bring a girl and her little sister home with you every day, do you?"
"No. First time for everything , I suppose."
Em flew off the train and ran straight to her parents.
"Mom, Dad!" She hugged them together. "I missed you!"
"We missed you too, Em," Elizabeth told her. "I can't wait to hear all about your job."
"What are we? Chopped liver?" Will asked with a grin on his face.
"Will!" Elizabeth walked over to meet him.
"Hi, Ma. It's good to see you." She wrapped her arms around him and held on for a moment. When she stepped back, he introduced them. "Ma, this is Ashley and Mary Harrison. Ash, Mare, this is my Mom, Elizabeth."
Ashley stepped forward and smiled nervously. "It's nice to meet you, ma'am. Will has told us so much about you."
"It's nice meeting you too, dear." She hugged her warmly.
"I'm Mary. Are you Will's Mama?" Mary tugged on her hand.
"Hi, Mary! Yes I am. How do you know Will?"
"I lost sissy and he helped me find her." She wiggled her finger for Elizabeth to come closer. "I think he loves her."
"Oh yeah? Tell me more." Elizabeth held her hand out and Mary took it.
Ashley walked up to Will and Jack. "Dad, this is Ashley."
"Hi, Ashley. Welcome to Harris Town."
"Thank you, sir."
"Just Jack."
"Thank you, Jack." She slid her hand inside Will's and smiled.
"So where will you be staying, Ashley?"
"Actually, Dad, I was hoping she and Mary could stay in your guest room. I'll bunk in my old room with Jay."
"Ok, that's fine. Caleb and Amy will be staying at Kevin and Maggie's this trip so we have plenty of room.