Chapter Twelve
Shannon waked warm and snuggled against Riley. For a few minutes, she savored the sensation of being treasured and protected. If only this could last forever.
No point wishing for the impossible. As quietly as possible, she slid from the bed and picked up her shoes before tiptoeing downstairs. She had no idea of the time. In fact, she had no idea of the day.
After fastening her shoes, she searched for something to prepare for breakfast. She sensed Riley’s nearness and turned.
He carried his boots and set them down by the kitchen table. “Morning.”
“I don’t even know what day this is. How long did I sleep?”
“About thirty-six hours. Today is Christmas Eve, Sleeping Beauty.” He sat down and pulled on his boots.
“Good heavens, were you here all the time I was asleep?”
“Naw, I had sheriff stuff to take care of but I came back here often. I kept checking on you to make sure you weren’t sick or something.”
“Guess I was more tired than I realized. I’ve never slept that long in my life. No wonder my head is groggy. That’s too much sleep.”
“I don’t agree. You worked ten days without more than three or four hours of sleep. I’m surprised you remembered your name after all that.”
“I do remember my name and where I am.”
“What are you wearing to church tonight?”
She mulled the idea over. “Don’t think I’m going.”
He leaped to his feet. “What? You have to go. It’s the most important night of the year for the entire community. Everyone will be there.”
“There’s no point building community relationships if I’m not going to be a part of the community.”
“Shannon, I’m coming to pick you up at six o’clock this evening.” He kissed her lips firmly. “Please, as a special favor to me, be ready for the party.”
She didn’t comment because she hadn’t decided. One thing she intended to do, and that was to go to McGarry’s bathhouse. After packing a change of clothes, her sponge, and her favorite soap in a tote bag, she set off for a hot bath.
On her way, she met Robbie, looking dejected. “What are you doing outside, young man? You’re supposed to be resting and caring for Ila Mae.”
“Mama had today and tomorrow off work so I thought I’d look for a job. Mr. McGarry doesn’t need anyone.”
“I need someone to take care of my horse. You interested?”
His face beamed. “Yes, Dr. Shannon. Sometimes I helped Dr. Jones so I know what to do.”
“Go home and wait one week and then you come take care of Plato. I’ll pay you starting today, but you have to promise to rest.”
“I will and I’ll make sure Ila Mae does too.”
Shaking her head, she wondered how many other children weren’t following her instructions.
At the bathhouse, Mr. McGarry greeted her with a wide smile. “Doctor Callahan, nice to see you. Ladies’ side is right over here.”
“Thank you and you should call me Shannon. I’m so looking forward to soaking in a tub of hot water.”
He showed her how to regulate the water’s temperature and furnished a large white towel then left her in privacy. She undressed and climbed into the tub and sank into bliss.
Back in New York, she’d taken hot baths for granted. What a privileged life she’d led in spite of her battles to become a physician. Maids, stable hands, streetcars, and cabs were only a part of the luxuries of that other world.
Taking all that into consideration, she preferred her life here on her own. Too bad the citizens of Mistletoe didn’t reciprocate her fondness. At least some of the children were her friends now.
Walking back home, she was a hundred percent better. She’d caught up on her sleep and had a refreshing bath. The snow hadn’t melted, but the sky was sunny and the air crisp. She caught the scent of smoke from chimneys, but the air was fresh and clean compared to New York. She didn’t want to live in a congested place ever again.
So, what did she want? Tears gathered in her eyes. She wanted to live here in Mistletoe and be accepted by the other residents. She wanted to keep seeing Riley and having him melt her bones with his kisses.
Shannon decided that if she stayed here, she’d write her father and ask for the money her grandmother left her. She wasn’t supposed to get the inheritance until she married, but her father was the trustee. There would be enough to build on two or three rooms to her house and hire a housekeeper.
Back at her home, she gave Sylvester fresh water. Should she go to the party or not? Darned if she wouldn’t go and dare anyone to insult her.
She ironed her red silk and velvet dress trimmed with a cream chiffon ruffle at the neck and cuffs. Last year, she’d worn this same dress at Christmas, but no one here had seen her in the gown. During her bath, she’d washed her hair. Now she brushed the curls and arranged a style she only wore for parties.
She pulled out the lace collar the elder Mrs. Gibson had crocheted for her and tied it on over her dress. Actually, it didn’t look that great over the chiffon ruffle, but she didn’t care. Other than Doreen Murphy, the Gibsons were the first people here who’d been kind.
At a few minutes before six, she was still waffling on attending, but now she was dressed and looking her best. She’d even located her fur lined velvet evening cloak, smoothed out the creases, and fluffed up the matching white fur muff. Perhaps that was too formal. When she saw how Riley was dressed, she’d know what coat or cloak to wear.
She heard noise in the carriage house and peeked out the window. Sure enough, Riley was there, so she let Sylvester out to run. When he’d hitched Plato to the buggy, Riley started her way. She waited until she heard him stomping snow from his boots then opened the parlor door.
Sylvester bounded into the house and plopped down on his bed by the fire.
Riley took off his hat when he came inside. He stopped and stared. “Holy mother of… you look beautiful.” He shook his head. “I mean you always do, but this is even better.”
She twirled for him to see the gown. “Too much?”
He pretended to consider. “Well, you could bare the shoulders a little more.”
“I’m serious, Riley. If I’m going to this event then I want to be dressed appropriately.”
His grin broke into laughter. “You look perfect. Women will be wearing plain cotton work dresses and fancy ball gowns and everything in between.”
“You look very nice, Sheriff.” She took in his black suit, silver brocade vest, and black string tie. His gun looked out of place.
He followed her gaze. “Sorry I have to carry the gun, part of the job. Always have to be prepared.”
She handed him her cloak. “I almost decided not to go tonight. Then I thought I might as well. I hope no one will be rude to me on Christmas Eve.”
“No one could possible fault you tonight, Shannon. You’ll take away everyone’s breath.”
“What a nice compliment.” She held up her skirts so they wouldn’t drag in the snow.
When they arrived at the church, she watched a few others arriving while Riley secured Plato and came to help her descend.
“Looks as if we’re latecomers.”
“No, we’re right on time. Perhaps some had to come early to decorate.”
He nodded at several people gathered near the doors. One man nodded at Riley then pushed by to go in ahead of them. Instead of saying anything about the man’s rudeness, Riley stopped to speak to someone else she didn’t recognize.
When they walked into the church, a loud cheer broke out. Hanging from the ceiling over the refreshment table was a long banner that read:
Thank you, Dr. Callahan
Shannon was stupefied. She was certain her mouth hung open. “I’m truly speechless. All I can think of to say is thank you.”
Everyone clapped for her. Tears of happiness gathered in her eyes. This was more than she’d even dreamed.
Looking at Riley, she asked, “Did you know about this?”
He tugged at his collar. “Might have. Didn’t see the banner but heard there was something afoot.”
“I’m flabbergasted. I’d better find a place to sit before my knees give way.”
He led her to one of the pews that had been rearranged to accommodate the party. Harriet and Abner stopped by to speak to her.
Shannon took a hand of each one. “You have no idea how wonderful you two are. The food you sent helped heal the ill and nourish the caretakers.”
Abner acted embarrassed.
Harriet squeezed Shannon’s hand. “We always try to do our bit for the community. Someone started passing the hat to reimburse us. I think we took in more than we spent on food.”
Shannon gazed from one to the other. “I sincerely hope so. There was preparation time and delivery plus the goodness of your hearts. I’m so proud to know you two.”
About seven, Reverend Nichols stood on the altar and raised his hands.
“My dear friends, we have the special honor of a wedding tonight. Miss Everleigh Walsh is becoming the bride of Seth Ketchum.” He nodded to the pianist, who played the Mendelssohn wedding march.
Riley stood beside Shannon as she rose when the bride passed by. He leaned near her ear. “Walking her down the aisle is her uncle, James Walsh, who’s a local rancher.”
All evening people drifted by to speak to Shannon. After the party was over and Riley had delivered her to her parlor, he helped her remove her cloak. She chose to sit on the couch. She didn’t want this evening to end.
Riley sat beside her. “Now have you decided to stay?”
She affected a large sigh and arranged her skirts neatly. Although she was now determined to stay, she didn’t reveal her decision. “I’m still not sure.”
He gestured to the chess set. “Want us to play chess to decide?”
She shook her head. “Mmm, no, I enjoy the game but that’s not what I had in mind.”
He slid his arm around her shoulders. “Want to play for a kiss?”
She flashed a coquettish smile. “You’re getting warmer.” Inside her heart pounded and at least a hundred butterflies took flight in her stomach.
He caressed her face. “How about you marry me?”
Her heart almost exploded with joy but she couldn’t let him know yet. “Why would I do that?”
Cuddling her close, he said, “Because I love you and don’t want us to ever be apart.”
She threw her arms around his neck. “Oh, Riley, that’s what I needed to hear. I love you too. Of course I’ll stay. I don’t ever want to be apart from you.”