William and I sat on the fence and watched the kids sled for another hour, until their parents came to get them. “What all do you do when you’re not with me?” I asked, hopping off the fence.

He took my hand and we walked around my land, leaving footprints in the snow. “Mainly I walk through town. This place is all so new to me.”

“Do you not spend time with your uncle, or any other members of your family?”

He snorted. “I’ve been keeping to myself. My uncle invited me over for Christmas dinner, but I’d rather spend it with you. Besides, he still isn’t happy with me right now. The man can hold a grudge.”

“I wouldn’t worry too much about it. It doesn’t matter anyway.”

Brows furrowed, he faced me. “Why is that?”

Because we are in a dream and none of this is real. Waving off his concern, I said, “All that matters is your happiness.”

Up ahead, Helen walked out the front door of the house, carrying a basket on her arm. She saw us and waved. “Good morning.”

“Good morning, Helen. Where are you off to?” I asked her.

She patted the basket. “I have to run to the market for more food.”

“Great. Do you mind if I join you? I have some things I need to get. Besides, I want to see Hannah.”

William squeezed my arm and let go. “You ladies go ahead. I’ll meet you in town in a bit.”

“Okay,” I said, watching him walk up the hill to his horse. Turning to Helen, I grabbed her wrist. “Do you mind waiting for me? I have to run up to my room.”

She nodded. “Of course. You’ll need a walking dress.” Her gaze moved upward and stopped on my hair. “And to do something with your hair.” She smiled. “Go. I’ll be right here. Unless you need some help.”

“Oh, no. I can handle it on my own. You relax and enjoy the view, I’ll be back soon.”

---

Once I looked presentable, I fetched the money out of the hidden compartment in my window seat. I had to figure out what I was going to do with it all. I didn’t need it. After searching around for my grandmother on my way out, I found her reading a book in the library. She lifted her head and set her book aside.

“You looked like you were having fun out there,” she said with a smile.

I chuckled. “I was. Now I’m getting ready to head into town with Helen, but I wanted to ask you something first.”

Her brows lifted. “What is it?”

From what I could tell, my great-grandmother was a loving woman. I couldn’t see her objecting to my idea. “I know it’s Christmas Eve, but instead of the servants cooking for us, I thought it would be a nice gesture to cook for them.”

She stared at me, blinking, then a smile lit up her face. “I think that’s a marvelous idea. I’ll even help you.”

Breathing a sigh of relief, I rushed over and hugged her tight. “Thank you. I’ll be back soon to get started. William’s going to help us as well. It’ll be a good chance for you to get to know him.”

She chortled. “I look forward to it. It’d be nice to know more about the man who keeps my granddaughter out all hours of the night.”

Sheepishly, I let her go and smiled guiltily, but she waved me off.

“Don’t worry, my dear. Your grandfather and I used to sneak away quite often.” She winked and grabbed her book. “We just never got caught.”

“I’ll remember that for next time,” I said, winking back at her. Before going outside, I grabbed my own basket from the kitchen. Helen stood by the fence, watching a deer walk through the yard.

“William really fancies you,” she said, glancing at me over her shoulder.

My cheeks burned. “And I, him.”

She cleared her throat. “I saw you ride in this morning together. There was a glow about you.”

I hid my face. “Was it that obvious?”

“Yes,” she replied with a giggle. “When you love someone, it’s hard not to show it. I know that all too well. Do you think you and William will get married?”

We walked down the driveway and my chest ached. “I doubt that’ll happen.”

“Why do you say that?”

“We’ve only been together for a short while.”

When we got out to the main road, a man in a carriage rode by us and he nodded in passing. “That doesn’t matter,” Helen said, laughing. “Jonathan and I courted for a couple of weeks before we were married. Then he had to leave for the war, and I thought I’d never see him again. Life is too short to be away from the ones you love.”

I would be facing something akin to her pain, as I was in love with a dream man, and as soon as I woke up, he would be gone. “If William asked me to marry him, I’d do it in a heartbeat.”

She beamed. “I’ll pray it happens soon.”

When we got into town, there were people everywhere, buying their last-minute necessities for the holidays. Helen and I walked into the general store, which was also a market of sorts. We split apart to shop for what we needed.

From what I could tell, my grandparents had five people who worked for them, six if you included Margaret. Even then, I didn’t know if she was really one of them. She only appeared at odd times. But I had to make sure I made enough food for them all.

When I turned a corner, Hannah was there, stocking the canned vegetables. Her eyes lit up when she saw me. “Adeline.”

“Hello, Hannah.” I hugged her. “It’s Christmas Eve. How long do you have to work?”

“Not long. All I have to do is put out these vegetables. When I’m done, I’m going home to change and help my mother with dinner. Fred’s coming over to eat with us.”

“Oh, Hannah, that’s fantastic.”

She nodded. “It is. Fred’s such a sweet man. I never thought I’d be able to open up to another man after my husband passed.”

“All it takes is time, and for you to find the right match.” I hugged her again. “Have fun tonight. Will I see you at my house tomorrow?”

“Yes.” She squealed low. “Fred and I will be there.”

“That’s wonderful news. I’ll see you then.”

Helen had purchased her items, and waited for me by the door while I bought mine. When we walked outside, we slowly wound our way through the town. It was surreal looking at all the people dressed in their 1865 attire. Everyone was so posh, even if they were only in their walking clothes.

“Will you be eating dinner with your grandmother tonight?” Helen asked.

I bit my lip. “Actually, there’s something I wanted to tell you.” She stopped and faced me, her brows lifted. “I’ve decided to cook dinner for you and the others this evening for Christmas Eve.”

She shook her head. “Oh, don’t do that, Miss Adeline. I know this is your first Christmas with us. Let me make it special.”

I placed a hand on her shoulder. “It already is. I want to do this. Believe me, I’m excited about it. William’s agreed to help.”

She gasped and held a hand over her mouth. “I don’t know what to say. Does your grandmother know?”

“Yes, I told her before we left. She’s going to help.”

Tears formed in her eyes. “Your grandmother is the sweetest, most gracious woman I know. I don’t know what I’d do without her and your grandfather. Not everyone in this town are as nice as your family.”

I nodded. “Thank you, hearing that makes me proud to be a Hamilton.” We slowly walked around town, enjoying the quiet streets of Asheville. I was never going to experience it like that ever again. “Have you made any new dresses?” I inquired.

Her face lit up. “I have. It’s your Christmas dress.”

My head jerked her way. “What ever do you mean? Why haven’t I seen it?”

She giggled. “Because it’s a surprise. Your grandmother bought the silk months ago. I was going to give it to you tonight, so you could wear it to the party tomorrow.”

“I can’t wait,” I announced excitedly.

Her gaze caught something over my shoulder and she smiled. “William’s coming this way. I’ll leave you two, so I can get back.”

“Please tell the others about tonight. William and I will be there soon to get started on dinner.”

She nodded happily. “I’ll let them know. They’ll be most excited.” William came up behind me and she bowed her head. “Farewell, Mr. Blair.” Turning on her heel, she started on her way back to the house.

William took the basket from me and held out his arm. “Mind if I escort you home?”

“I’d be delighted.” Taking his arm, he pulled me in closer. Nobody even paid attention to us as we walked around the town, or if they did, I didn’t notice. It was like we were in our own world.

“Did you tell Helen about tonight?” he asked.

“I did. She seemed happy about it.” We waited for a carriage to pass by before we crossed the street. “I wish I could do more for her though. She does a lot for my family. I want to find a way to repay her.”

“Your grandparents pay her, right?”

I nodded. “Yes, but Helen has so much talent. If she had more money, she could open her own dress shop.”

We walked to the edge of town, and something caught my eye. It was an old wooden building that wasn’t much bigger than an average New York apartment. It was a little rundown, but after replacing some of the rotted wood and painting it, it’d be as good as new.

“Something like that would be perfect.” I rushed over and looked in the window. The only thing inside was a dusty desk.

William peeked in as well. “This place belonged to a cobbler. He died before the war.”

“So sad,” I murmured. “Do you know who he was? Maybe I could buy it from his family.”

William opened the door. “This place was passed down to the next living kin.” He walked in, and I followed behind him.

“I’m assuming that person still owns it now?” I asked. As I looked around, I could totally see Helen in there, making her dresses, with bundles of fabrics on the shelves for customers to choose from.

William turned to me and smiled. “He does. You’re looking at him.”

“What?” I shrieked. Excitement welled in my chest, but I was also sad. William never talked about his family. “Who was he to you?”

“My grandfather on my mother’s side. I never knew the man.”

“Where are your parents now?”

His gaze saddened. “They’re not alive. All I have here is my uncle, and I couldn’t care less about being around him.” He waved his hands about the room. “I know I’m not going to use this place, so I might as well give it to someone who will.”

Jumping in his arms, I kissed him. “Thank you. I can’t begin to tell you how much this means to me.”

He kissed me again, his body warming me. “You can pay me back tonight. I have a few things in mind.”

“Mr. Blair!” I gasped in mock exasperation. When I couldn’t hold it in anymore, I broke into giggles.

He set me down and blew out a ragged breath. “I have to get away from you, or I’m going to lose control.”

“I know the feeling. And we wouldn’t want any of the townspeople walking by and seeing anything inappropriate.”

Pulling me in for a hug, he snugly held me around the waist. “Let me walk you home, and then I’ll be back with a contract for Helen to sign. Once it’s signed over to her, she can do whatever she wants with it.”

“I can’t believe this. We’re about to change her life!” We let go of each other and made for the door. “It feels good to give to others. I almost feel like Santa Claus.”

William held open the door for me to pass through. “That’s why you’re so special. I don’t know anyone else like you.”

I looked up at him and smiled. “The same goes for you.”