Page 37 of A Redemption Mountain Christmas

Eliza sat up on a stifled yawn and stood. From the other room came the murmur of young voices.

“The children are awake,” he said.

“And hungry, from the sounds of it.”

“I’ll fetch them some breakfast from the boardinghouse while you tend to them.”

Eliza smiled gratefully. “Thank you, Spencer.” Still adjusting to frontier life, she appreciated his thoughtful assistance. She pinned up her dark hair and went to greet the children.

Tommy and Sherilyn were sitting up on the examination bed, faces alight with anticipation. At nine and six, brother and sister still had an air of innocence despite their recent tragedy. Eliza’s heart ached for their circumstances.

“Good morning.” She smiled. “Did you sleep well?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Tommy replied.

“I’m hungry,” Sherilyn said, placing a hand on her stomach. “Can we have breakfast now?”

Eliza smoothed the girl’s tousled hair. “Mr. Haglund is getting your breakfast now. He’ll be back soon.”

Sherilyn’s lip quivered. “But I want pancakes. Mama always made us pancakes.”

At the mention of their late mother, Eliza paused, unsure how to broach the delicate subject. She leaned against the edge of the bed.

“I know you miss your parents,” she said gently. “What is your last name?”

“Weber,” Tommy answered. “We were supposed to meet Uncle Web,” Tommy said, glancing around the room for what must be the hundredth time as his sister sniffled.

Eliza assumed Web was a shortened version of Weber. Her heart constricted. She settled an arm around Sherilyn, who leaned into her embrace. At least here, they could provide some small comfort until more permanent arrangements were made.

Spencer entered with their breakfasts. “Anyone hungry?”

“Me!” Sherilyn called out.

He opened the wrapped food. “We have hotcakes and bacon.” The children’s faces lit up at the sight.

Eliza nibbled on a piece of bacon as the children ate. She looked at Spencer, lowering her voice to explain her conversation with Tommy, and learning their last name. “We need to learn more about their Uncle Web. Perhaps someone in town knows him.”

The clinic door swung open, and Dr. Clay McCord strode inside.

“Good morning, all. I see everyone is enjoying breakfast.”

“Hotcakes!” Tommy piped up through a mouthful.

Clay chuckled. “Nothing better on a cold morning.” He turned his attention to Eliza. “Shall we discuss the day ahead?”

As the children ate eagerly, Clay, Eliza, and Spencer discussed the mystery surrounding the two young charges.

“Have you learned anything more about the children’s situation?” Clay asked.

Eliza’s expression grew somber. “Their parents recently passed, and they were sent here by the family’s attorney to live with an uncle. We don’t know who this uncle is or if he’s even in Splendor.”

Clay frowned, troubled by this news. “Then I suppose we must try to learn more, see if anyone in town knows of their family.” He sighed.

“I agree,” she said. “Even if we are unable to locate their uncle, they’re resilient children. With time and affection, I believe they’ll recover.”

“Do we know the children’s surname?” Clay asked. “It may provide a lead on any relations in town.”

Eliza glanced at the boy and girl before sharing her conversation with Tommy. “I believe it’s Weber, though we know little else. Tommy said his Uncle Web was supposed to meet them when the stage arrived.”

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