Page 46 of A Redemption Mountain Christmas

“It would be best if I started at the beginning…” Lucien said. He launched into an account of his relationship to the children, ready to answer their questions and convince them of the truth.

Before they could speak further, the study door opened and Dax Pelletier stepped out to join them. He approached Lucien with an outstretched hand and a smile of recognition.

“Lucien Hunt. I’ll be,” Dax said as they shook hands. “Haven’t seen you for a while. What brings you out this way?”

Lucien returned his smile. “Good to see you, too, Dax. I’m here about my niece and nephew, Tommy and Sherilyn. I just found out they were staying here.” He introduced Booker.

Dax nodded, gesturing for Lucien to follow him. “Let’s talk in my study.” He looked to Booker. “You’re welcome to join us.”

The two men followed Dax into the richly furnished study. As they settled into the leather chairs, Lucien studied the family photograph on the desk.

Dax didn’t speak, letting Lucien tell the story in his own time.

“I didn’t know my brother had passed until I arrived back in Splendor this morning,” Lucien said. “If I’d known, I would have come for the children straightaway.”

Dax leaned forward, steepling his fingers. “I take it you plan to take them with you when you leave?”

Lucien nodded. “I surely do. They’re my blood.” He hesitated. “Assuming they’ll have me. I know it’s been some years since they last saw me.”

“I’m sure they’ll be glad to see their uncle again.”

Lucien shifted in his chair. “There’s more, Dax. I plan on settling down for good. No more wandering. Booker and I arelooking to put down roots.” He met Dax’s gaze. “A fresh start for all of us.”

Dax stood, clasping Lucien on the shoulder. “That’s real good news. Those kids deserve some stability. You have my full support. Now, let’s go find those children.”

They left the study and joined the women in the living room. A magnificent Christmas tree stood in the corner, trimmed with ribbons, candles, and ornate glass balls glimmering in the firelight. Garlands draped the mantle and windowsills, filling the room with the fresh scent of pine. The atmosphere was one of warmth, joy, and celebration, a stark contrast to the bitter cold outside.

“Why don’t I get the children?” Rachel didn’t wait for a response before leaving the room.

A minute later, giggles and small footfalls preceded Tommy and Sherilyn entering the room. Tommy’s eyes went wide when he saw Lucien.

“Uncle Web!” He ran to him with arms outstretched. Lucien swept the boy up in an embrace before setting him down. “Look how you’ve grown.” He chuckled. Seeing Sherilyn hold back, Lucien walked to her, kneeling down. “Do you remember me?”

She shook her head, then nodded. “I don’t know.”

“I’m your Uncle Web, and I remember you, Sherilyn. As I recall, you were three the last time I visited.”

“I’m six now.”

“That’s what I understand.” He rose and held out his hand, waiting until she placed her much smaller hand in his. “How about we sit down?”

She nodded, moving her gaze between Tommy and her uncle.

Lucien sat on the sofa with Tommy and Sherilyn, listening as they talked about everything they’d been up to on the ranch. Neither harbored any resentment about him not being at thestage office to meet them, only delight at being reunited with their uncle.

When Tommy mentioned their parents were gone, Lucien told them a story about him and their father fishing as boys, bringing bittersweet smiles to their faces. Eliza watched the encounter with misty eyes, moved by the obvious tenderness Lucien showed toward his niece and nephew.

Rachel relaxed as she watched Lucien reconnect with Tommy and Sherilyn. When there was a lull in the conversation, she stood and placed a gentle hand on Lucien’s shoulder.

“It’s getting late, and you two must be tired and hungry after your long journey,” she said. “Why don’t you and Booker stay for supper and spend the night? We have plenty of room.”

Lucien met her gaze, surprise and gratitude in his eyes. “We’d be much obliged for the hospitality, ma’am.”

Rachel waved her hand. “Hospitality is what the season is all about. Now come, let’s all gather at the table while we bring out the food.”

Soon, they were all seated around the large dining table as Rachel, Ginny, and Eliza brought out dishes of roast beef, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and a bowl of canned fruit.

As they ate, the conversation and laughter flowed freely. Lucien and Booker found themselves enjoying the stories shared by Dax and Luke.

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