Page 109 of The Rogue's Runaway Bride
“Finnegan was enchanted by trains at the toy store. We shall have to pay another visit.” Amelia brushed a wayward ginger-gold curl behind her ear.
“Carrie cannot wait to return,” Belle said. “She had her eye on a stuffed rabbit in a beautiful paisley print.”
“That was quite an appealing creation,” Amelia said, brushing her fingers through her baby’s strawberry blonde curls. The girl bore a striking resemblance to her mother, while little Finnegan was the very image of his father, with deep brown hair and eyes as dark as midnight.
Mrs. Gilroy strolled in from the kitchen, bearing a tray of scones and a fresh pot of tea, then joined them in the sitting room. In the months since she’d arrived in New York, she’d grown very close to Belle. The woman had become a friend, a sage advisor, and, most of all, a part of their family.
Mrs. Gilroy poured herself a cup of tea and took a bite of scone. “Have ye had a chance to take a look at the ornaments on the Christmas tree, Mrs. MacLain?” She went to the decorated spruce and retrieved one of the salt and flour ornaments that dotted the branches. “The wee lass has been busy,” she said with a touch of pride.
Amelia examined the ornament cut in the shape of a candy cane. “Carrie made this?”
“It’s become a holiday tradition,” Belle said. “Carrie enjoys making them as gifts for birthdays as well.”
“She made me a lovely one for my special day last month.” Belle’s grandmother walked slowly into the room, lightly tapping her elegantly carved walking stick against the floor. She beamed as her doting gaze settled on Carrie. “I have it hanging over the dresser in my bedchamber.”
“Grammy Pru, would you like to see my new tabby?” Carrie hurried to greet Belle’s grandmother. With a grin, she displayedthe stuffed animal Belle had purchased for her at the toy store. “Isn’t she pretty?”
“That she is, dear,” Grammy Pru gave her a hug. “What is her name?”
“Pru... Prudence,” the girl said. “I named her after you.”
“Did you now?” A twinkle lit Grammy Pru’s eyes. “What a special honor.” Her attention returned to the table where Carrie had been having her little pretend party. Little Finnegan gazed up at her, his mouth dusted with sugar from the cookie he’d been enjoying. “Have you forgotten you have a guest, dear?”
“Oh, my,” Carrie said in a rather dramatic fashion. “I must be a good hostess, mustn’t I?”
“Most definitely,” Grammy agreed. As Carrie returned to join Finnegan, Grammy made her way to the settee. “Oh, Belle, I’m so delighted to see children playing in this house.” She clasped Belle’s hand within hers. “I’m over the moon to spend this Christmas with you.” She glanced toward Mrs. Gilroy and Amelia. “And your dear friends.”
“It’s my pleasure to be here with you,” Amelia said. “I understand we will be able to a Christmas pageant together later this week.”
“I do think you will enjoy it. It’s a marvelous production,” Grammy replied.
Her grandmother’s attention turned to the tree. “I must say, Belle, you’ve decorated the tree quite beautifully.”
“I’d say we’ve all had a part in it,” Belle said, joining Grammy on the small sofa. “Some might think it’s a bit, well, a bit much, with the eclectic array of ornaments, but they’re all quite special to me.”
Grammy clasped Belle’s fingers in hers. “Carrie’s handcrafted pieces are a wonderful touch.” She smiled warmly. “I’ve brought something for you, dear. I have kept this for a very long time. But now, I want you to have it.”
Her grandmother presented her with a small box. Belle slowly lifted the lid, revealing a snowflake ornament made of lacy yarn.
“Grandmama, I don’t quite understand.”
“Don’t you remember, my sweet girl?” Her grandmother’s eyes brightened. “You made this for me a very long time ago.” The most adoring of smiles curved her mouth. “You were about Carrie’s age at the time.”
“You... you’ve kept this?” Emotion swelled in Belle’s heart. “All this time?”
Her grandmother nodded. “All this time.” Her tone was filled with love. “I did not merelykeepit. I treasured it. And many years from now, you will look back upon the handmade ornaments on that tree, and you will cherish them more than the most elegant spun glass bauble.”
“I know,” she said. “Just as I treasure these memories we’re making now.”
“You are a dear girl, Belle. You and your mother and your brother are the greatest gifts of my life. And now,” she said, looking at Carrie. “Now, you’ve given me another to treasure. A great-granddaughter—how very wonderful.”
Tears filled Belle’s eyes as she hugged her grandmother. She would not have traded these precious days for the wealth of a queen.
As she sniffled against her handkerchief, the sound of Logan MacLain’s hearty baritone pulled her attention to the doorway. Moments later, Logan made his entrance. Dressed in a black wool coat, hat, and scarf, he cut quite a dashing figure. His attention went straight to his wife. They exchanged a long glance, and then he offered greetings.
“Might I ask where my husband is?” Belle asked, sensing some plot or other was afoot. Judging from the hearty smile onLogan’s face, she had reason to believe she would be pleased by the surprise.
“He’s on his way. He had one last stop to make.”
