Page 11 of A Redemption Mountain Christmas

“Are you all right?” he asked.

“Fine,” she answered without further explanation.

Ginny emerged behind them, relief washing over her face when she saw Eliza and Rachel. “Thank the Lord you’re safe.”

Eliza looked at the concern on all their faces, knowing most of it was for Rachel.

Tucker prepared for his ride to the orphanage, bundling up in warm clothing and bracing himself against the cold wind. He pulled his wool coat tighter around his broad shoulders as the biting wind whipped through the streets of Splendor. He tucked his neckerchief up over his nose and mouth and tugged his hat down low, bracing against the icy chill, anticipating the heavy snow to come.

Though the air was bitter, a warmth blossomed in Tucker’s chest at the thought of seeing Rose again. He tried to temper the flutter in his heart, unsure if the shy woman returned his growing affection.

Still, he couldn’t deny the joy pulsing inside whenever he was near her. Tucker checked his saddlebags one last time, making sure he’d packed the oranges and peppermint sticks for the children. Satisfied he was ready, he swung up into the saddle and headed out into the blustery day, an irrepressible smile creeping across his face despite the cold.

Tucker arrived at the orphanage a short while later, his cheeks stinging from the biting wind. He dismounted, grabbed his saddlebags, and stomped his boots on the porch to shake off the snow before making his way to the large front door. Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, he raised his gloved hand and knocked firmly.

After a few moments, the door opened, revealing Rose’s kind face. Her cheeks were flushed a rosy pink from the cold, but her eyes sparkled when she saw him standing on the porch.

“Deputy Nolan. What a wonderful surprise,” Rose said, a note of delight in her voice causing Tucker’s heart to skip a beat. “Please come in out of the cold.”

She stepped back and opened the door wider in invitation. Tucker stomped his boots once more on the mat, then stepped inside the blessed warmth of the house.

“Thank you, Miss Keenan.” He unwound his neckerchief and removed his hat. “I hope I’m not intruding on your day.”

“Not at all,” she assured him. “The children will be thrilled to see you. Let me take your coat.”

He shrugged out of his heavy wool coat and handed it to Rose, catching a trace of her floral scent as she turned to hang it on a peg by the door. His pulse quickened at her nearness, and he had to remind himself to mind his manners.

“I brought some treats for the children,” Tucker said, patting his saddlebag. “Thought they could use something sweet before Christmas.”

She beamed, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “How very thoughtful. Thank you.”

Tucker rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly shy. “Please call me Tucker.”

“Very well…Tucker,” Rose said softly, a becoming blush rising on her cheeks. “If you’ll call me Rose.”

He nodded, watching her. They stood there a moment, neither quite sure what to say next. The sound of footsteps thundering down the stairs broke the silence.

“Deputy Tucker’s here!” a young voice shouted.

He couldn’t help chuckling as a herd of children came barreling into view, eager smiles lighting up their faces. His gaze met Rose’s, seeing his own happy contentment mirrored in hereyes. With the children jabbering around them, Tucker knew this would be a wonderful visit indeed.

Rose led him into the cozy kitchen, the gaggle of children following behind. She gestured for him to take a seat at the sturdy wooden table while she poured him a cup of coffee.

“I hope you don’t mind the commotion.” She nodded toward the excited youngsters.

Tucker grinned as a bold little girl climbed onto his lap. “Not at all. I’ve been eager to see their smiling faces.”

As she busied herself in the kitchen, Tucker entertained the children with funny voices and silly faces, much to their delight. Their joyous laughter filled the room.

After pouring more coffee into Tucker’s cup, Rose sat down across from him. “Now, tell me what you know about a Christmas party in town?”

Tucker launched into describing the plans for the upcoming town holiday celebration, including the tree lighting and carolers. She listened, asking questions here and there.

“It sounds lovely. I wish we could attend, but we’ll have our own festivities here.”

He took a sip of coffee before replying. “Well, if you’d like to bring the children into town for any of the activities, I’d be happy to escort you.”

She looked both pleased and surprised. “Oh, how kind of you to offer. I’ll have to think about it.”

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