A/N: Here comes Chapter 4 of the 12 Chapters of Christmas! Next chapter will be out on the 9th!
(Chapter Forty-Three)
Dinner at the Redwood's
The Thorntons arrived at five-thirty, as Mrs. Redwood knew that Gloria would need to be put to bed early.
Jack knocked on the door, Elizabeth's arm firmly tucked in his own, and Belinda carrying baby Gloria.
Jonathan answered the door. "Hello, Constable Thornton – Mrs. Thornton. Please, come in." He had not yet met Belinda, so he had no idea what her name was. He nodded to her as she entered the house.
"Hello!" Mrs. Redwood greeted them as she rushed down the stairs.
"Mrs. Redwood, it's so nice to see you again," Elizabeth said as she embraced the woman.
"Hello, Jonathan," Jack greeted the young man with a firm handshake.
"Hello, sir." Jonathan's eyes were still on Belinda. She felt very self-conscious as she flushed from the eyes studying her carefully.
Mrs. Redwood rushed over to Belinda. "Hello, my dear! Awe, and how is my darling baby?"
"Hello, Mrs. Redwood," she greeted her politely. "Gloria has been so good today."
"Awe . . . could I hold her?"
"Of course," she said as she surrendered the little bundle over into the woman's outstretched arms.
"Why don't you go talk to my son over there?" she offered. "Jonathan," she motioned for him to talk with Belinda. Mrs. Redwood went to chat with Elizabeth while Jonathan got to know Belinda.
"Hello," he greeted her with a slight grin.
"Hi."
"I'm Jonathan."
She knew she should introduce herself, but she just couldn't find the words.
"And you are?"
"B – Belinda. Belinda Marshall."
"Well, Miss Marshall – "
"Please, call me Belinda."
"Well, Belinda." The words slid off his tongue with a sweet taste. He thought that name was so beautiful. "How do you do?"
"I'm doing fine."
There was an awkward silence as neither one had a clue what to say.
"Well, what brought you to Hope Valley?"
"That's a long story," she laughed softly.
"Well, please, tell me – only if you wish."
"Alright," she whispered.
"Will you please excuse me for one moment?"
"Of course," she replied as he ran off to talk to his mother.
"Mama, when do you think dinner will be ready?"
"Maybe half an hour. Why?"
"Alright, thank you mama. I'm just taking Belinda outside for a bit."
"Alright. See you soon," she said with a twinkle in her eye and resumed talking with the woman beside her.
Jonathan was soon back and he ushered Belinda outside into the cool air.
"Thank you," she managed.
"You're welcome," he answered softly.
"So, what was the story you were going to tell me?"
"Well, I lived in a small town with my mother. I was kidnapped by bank robbers and they hid me in a cabin just out of town."
Jonathan gasped. "That must have been terrifying!"
"Yes, but Constable Thornton rescued me."
"I see. And where is your mother now?"
"I suppose she's back home, worried sick."
"Haven't you told her of your rescue from the outlaws?"
"We sent a telegram, but there was no response as of now."
"I'm so sorry."
They finished their conversations and headed inside to eat dinner.
At the dinner table, Jack was asked to say grace and they all bowed their heads and joined hands in a circle. Jonathan was seated next to Belinda, and after the "Amen" was said, everyone repeated the word.
Jonathan and Belinda were still holding hands under the secrecy of the tablecloth. He squeezed her hand gently. It was a silent message that seemed to say "I want to get to know you better."