Chapter 8

Christmas Day

The sun had barely made an appearance when the sounds of happy feet hit the ground. Blue eyes stretched open wide when the tiny redhead rounded the corner to the living room. The candles on the tree had all been lit and dozens of gaily wrapped packages rested at its base.

Santa had come!

Since Cooper's voice still wasn't one hundred percent, Hadley felt an obligation to shout twice as loud to alert the family of Santa's arrival. And, bearing no resemblance to a mature adult, the eldest daughter was just as loud and just as jubilant.

Kitty was about to step away from their hiding spot behind the door of the parlor when Matt pulled her back for a kiss. It was the last quiet moment before the storm. Clear blue eyes enjoyed the three riotous children before coming to rest in the loving gaze of his wife. "Thank you." He whispered.

By now, the entire house was awake and gathered around the tree. Doc had grumbled something about needing coffee but apparently, that was not going to happen until all the presents were open. Despite the chaos, Kitty managed to filch a cup to appease the old doctor.

Calleigh insisted everyone take a seat and with Cooper's help, the gifts would find their way into the proper hands. Doc settled down on the couch with Amelia at his side. He offered a sly wink to his lady when the familiar package was placed in his hands.

Before he had a chance to unveil the extravagant gift Calleigh approached him with another present. As she handed it to him, she whispered. "Please make a fuss. Festus has worked so hard on this and don't you dare tease him about the mistake." Closing her instructions with a kiss to Poppy's cheek, she backed away.

Doc glanced over at the hill man as he laid Amelia's gift on the floor. The whiskered little man did appear to be a mite anxious. Doc began to tear the wrapping aside setting the letters free. He felt Amelia's hand on his arm as he turned the box around and they read the words together.

DЯ. Galen Adams

It was obvious that a lot of work had gone into the case. The cherry wood had been polished until it glistened and the muslin strips had been carefully placed in the cubicles. The letters had all been so meticulously etched into the top; it was hard to believe the crafter was unable to read.

It was Amelia's voice first heard as Festus approached them. "Festus, it's beautiful. I had no idea you were such a craftsman." Out of the corner of his eye, Doc spied the toe of her soft leather shoe gently tuck her gift under the hem of her wool dress.

The hill man was flattered by her kind words but it was Doc's approval that held him in suspense. "It's for those sharp whittling tools. That'n ya got is purty well used up."

Doc mumbled the word scalpel as his brain fought his heart for the right words. Again, he felt the comforting female hand stroke his forearm. Clearing his throat, he simply spoke from the heart. "Festus I don't say this often but you amaze me. This is absolutely perfect. I can't believe you went to all this trouble for me."

A smile burst on the hill man's face. "You ole scutter, I just didn't want your patients to see ya workin outa that old beat up box. It probably made people wonder if ya really was an old quackity quack."

"I think it's very kind of you to worry about Galen's reputation and I'm sure he will treasure this beautiful gift."

Doc took a swipe at his mustache as he let his gaze travel from the box, to Festus and finally to Amelia. "Well, I'll say this just once but I'll probably deny it if you tell anyone. Whenever I look at this I will remember that I'm lucky to be so loved."

Calleigh wiped the loose tear from her eye as she watched the scene between Festus and Poppy. She sensed Newly's presence before he slipped up behind her, sliding his hands around her waist. "Think anyone will tell him about the 'R'?"

She cleared her throat to shake off the impending tears. "Not if they don't want to get shot."

Newly drew her in closer, resting his chin on the top of her head. "Okay, what's up with you?"

"Nothing, I'm just watching my family."

"Uh huh. Last night at the party after the pageant, they practically devoured your cake and you brushed it off with a simple thank you."

"The party was for Cooper and Daddy, not my fruit cake." A moment of silence pairedup with a heavy breath before adding. "Maybe I was just being humble."

Placing his hands on her slender shoulders, the cowboy whirled her around. "Who are you and what have you done with my wife?" When his words failed to bring a smile, Newly's tone mirrored his concern. "Calleigh, what is it?"

The young wife stared into those soft brown eyes."I won't ask how but I'm curious as to who knows."

Newly pursed his lips, pondering only a moment before coming clean. "Besides me, just Amelia." Hardly a breath had passed when he added, "Oh and Barney."

"Momma sent a telegram to Amelia?" Surprise overrode her curiosity. "For a fruit cake?"

"She didn't want anyone in Dodge to know that you…well that you weren't having much success. By the way, she threatened to skin Barney alive it he told anyone."

The trademark Calleigh grin was in full bloom. "I bet she would too."

"Are you upset? I know you wanted to do it all by yourself."

Calleigh turned back around, secure in his embrace while letting her gaze come to rest on her mother. "I wanted to do it myself to make her proud. I know she loves me but I always wondered if she was just a bit disappointed that I don't have any of the... customary domestic skills."

""I'm sorry baby. I know how upset you must be."

"Upset?" Calleigh squealed with laughter. "Newly you are so sweet."

He gratefully accepted the butterfly kiss even though his mind was whirling in confusion. "But you said…"

A pair of soft hands stroked his cheeks. "I said…I always wondered. But now I know." He desperately wanted to ask what she knew but Matt had warned him about wandering in too deep to the female mind. "Now I know" She continued. "If she went to all this trouble, she loves me just the way I am."

"Well I'm sure it will make Kitty happy when you tell her-"

"Oh no!" Urgency had squeezed in beside excitement. "I can't let her know that I know but…" She glanced lovingly at her mother again. "I know that she knows."

Newly was quickly passing confusion and moving headlong into the dazed stage. Taking Matt's advice, he mentally stepped away from the subject and settled for a simple. "Merry Christmas, baby. I love you."