Chapter 12

Dirk

Over the next few weeks, Dirk and Gabriella fell into a rhythm in his cabin. Dirk was proud of how quickly Gabriella had learned how to cook and clean. While he worked with Kyle on the ranch, tending the cattle and livestock, Gabriella spent her day cleaning, cooking, and embroidering a sampler that she would promptly hide when Dirk walked in.

Dirk smiled to himself at the thought as he scooped sweet feed into Angel's feeding trough, and then fed Winter and the other horses.

"What are you smiling about?" Kyle asked as he pushed a wheelbarrow past, filled with horse manure. Kyle Shea was seventeen and had been helping Dirk while the men were away visiting their families. He had just graduated and was eager to prove himself.

Dirk shrugged. "Nothing. Just thinking."

"You've been doing a lot of that lately." Kyle chuckled, giving him a knowing smile.

Dirk laughed. "What? Thinking?"

Kyle shrugged as he walked on.

"Kyle, after you dump that load, I'd like to speak with you for a minute," Dirk called after him.

Kyle nodded and then headed out the back to dump the wheelbarrow's contents.

Dirk finished feeding the other horses and then slid the feed can into the wooden barrel where the sweet feed was kept.

Kyle walked back in and put away the wheelbarrow, and then approached, brushing off his leather gloves, one across the other. "What's up, boss?"

Dirk laughed. "Stop calling me that."

"Well, you are, aren't ya?" Kyle smirked.

"That's what I'd like to talk to you about," Dirk replied, enjoying Kyle's spunk. "Over the past few weeks since my men have been away, I've really appreciated your help. You've come a long way and really proved yourself."

Kyle smiled. "Thanks, boss."

Dirk ignored the jab. "Kyle, I was wondering if you would like to stay on here at my ranch. You still have a lot to learn, especially at branding time and the like, but I know you can handle it."

Kyle's eyes lit up. "Yes, I would. I was going to ask you for a permanent job just before your men came back."

A crease formed between Dirk's eyes. "Are you sure you wouldn't rather go to college? You're smart enough to go to any college you want."

Kyle shook his head as a smile spread across his lips. "No, college ain't for me. I'd rather make some money."

Dirk laughed. "‘Isn't for me,' not ‘ain't.' Sounds like you could use some more education."

Kyle burst out laughing, shaking his head. "No, Mrs. Nash is a very good teacher, but now that I graduated, I'm ready to make some money."

"As good a worker as you are, I'm surprised that you haven't found a job yet."

Kyle lifted one shoulder. "I was hoping that you'd offer me one."

They talked about pay and made plans for the ranch as they walked through the snow toward the house. It was still snowing out, but at least it wasn't blinding, as it had been before.

"Would you like to come in for a cup of coffee and warm up? Dirk asked, smiling. "You've earned it."

Kyle shook his head. "No, I need to get home. Ma's expecting me for dinner and if I'm late, my pa will have my hide."

Dirk chuckled. He already thought of Kyle as a man in so many ways, but then was reminded of his youth at other times. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Bright and early!" Kyle headed off toward the barn for his horse.

When Dirk walked into the house, Gabriella and Mrs. Jenkins were in the kitchen, laughing like old friends.

"Perfect timing!" Mrs. Jenkins happily announced when Dirk walked in. "We were just setting dinner on the table."

"Go wash up and it'll be ready when you come out," Gabriella asserted.

"Yes, ma'am." Dirk smiled, enjoying Gabriella begin to take charge in his house. Over the few weeks that she had been there, she had made his house into a home. As he walked into the bedroom, he couldn't imagine what it would be like without her once she left for home. He quickly pushed the thought aside, for she was there now, and he wanted to enjoy every moment.

After cleaning up in the wash basin, he changed into a clean white shirt and blue jeans, then walked out into the kitchen. Mrs. Jenkins was slipping into her coat.

"Leaving so soon, Mrs. Jenkins?" Dirk's eyebrows pulled together in concern. "Aren't you staying for dinner? It's still light out."

Mrs. Jenkins shook her head. "No, I really must get home. The girls are expecting me." She owned the local boardinghouse for the local young women who came into town and thought of them as "her girls." She was a mother hen with them, in fact.

"Surely they can survive without you for one evening," Gabriella coaxed.

True to his word, Daxton had told Mrs. Jenkins about Gabriella and the older woman had happily made it her mission to teach Gabriella what she knew while she was there. To Dirk's enjoyment, she and Gabriella got along famously. And under Mrs. Jenkin's guidance, Gabriella seemed much happier and much more confident in her abilities. Now, she got up early before Dirk and had coffee brewing every morning.

Mrs. Jenkins smiled as she shook her head. "Thank you, but no."

"Would you like me to take you home?" Dirk asked. "It won't take a moment to hitch up the sleigh—"

"As much as I'd like a ride in your sleigh, Mr. Price, I believe I just heard my man George pull up out front." Right on cue, a horse whinnied outside, as if calling to Mrs. Jenkins.

Dirk smiled. "Some other time, then."

"Yes, indeed!" Mrs. Jenkins replied. "Believe me. I won't let you forget!"

Dirk laughed. "I know you won't."

Gabriella took the older woman's hand into hers. "Thank you so much for everything, Mrs. Jenkins. Will you come by tomorrow?"

She shook her head. "No, I'm going to see Mrs. Hill tomorrow." A crease formed between her eyes. "She's not doing well with this pregnancy."

Gabriella frowned. "I'm so sorry to hear that. Please give her my best."

Mrs. Jenkins gave Gabriella's hand a gentle pat. "I will, dear." She glanced over at Dirk and frowned. "Gabriella, I have a room available if you'd like to come stay."

To Dirk's relief, Gabriella shook her head. "No, thank you. I assure you, Mr. Price has been a gentleman. I feel quite safe here."

Mrs. Jenkins smiled. "Well, if you change your mind, you'll always be welcome at my boardinghouse." She looked over at Dirk. "Take good care of her."

Dirk smiled, pleased that Mrs. Jenkins already thought so highly of Gabriella. "I will, indeed."

"Well, I'm off!" Mrs. Jenkins happily announced.

"I'll see you out." Dirk stepped onto the porch behind her and waved at George, who was climbing down from atop Mrs. Jenkins's carriage, pulled by two horses. Dirk helped Mrs. Jenkins down the steps. George opened the carriage door and helped her in. "Take good care of her, George," Dirk instructed, his voice low so Mrs. Jenkins wouldn't hear.

"Always." George smiled as he climbed back on top of the carriage.

Dirk placed his hands on the carriage window and looked inside. "Thank you for everything, Mrs. Jenkins. If there is anything we can ever do for you, just let us know."

She smiled as she gave his hand a gentle pat. "I will." Then, she nodded toward Gabriella, standing on the porch without a coat and her arms folded. "Just take care of her."

Dirk smiled as he pulled back. "I will."

He and Gabriella both watched as George drove Mrs. Jenkins toward the boardinghouse.

As they were walking inside, an idea came to him. "Gabriella, Christmas is right around the corner. After dinner, why don't we go find a Christmas tree?"

She smiled. "There's a man who sells trees here?"

He laughed so hard that tears came to his eyes. "No, we're going to pick one out in the forest."

She scrunched up her nose. "You mean, we'll cut it down ourselves?"

Dirk nodded as a broad grin spread across his face. "How else would we get one?"

"Well, back home my cousin and I would go with the head butler to see Monsignor Jean Claude at the church," she reminisced. "He always had the best trees in town. Then we would pick one out and he would have one of his men deliver it to the—" She stopped. "He would deliver it to our home."

"Sounds wonderful." He led her back into the house and shut and locked the door behind them. Usually, he never locked the door, but with the Dougherty Boys possibly about, they couldn't be too safe. Dirk thought that they had probably given up and were long gone by now, but he didn't want to take the chance. Not with Gabriella.

He held the chair for her as she sat down and then sat kitty corner from her at the head of the table, at what had become their places. On the table sat fried chicken, mashed potatoes, candied carrots, fresh bread, and more. "It looks wonderful, Gabriella."

Gabriella blushed. "I can't take all the credit. Mrs. Jenkins showed me a lot."

Dirk smiled. "She's a good teacher."

"As are you." Gabriella returned the smile as she shook out a napkin and laid it across her lap. "Would you like to say the blessing?"

Dirk nodded and said a beautiful, heartfelt blessing over the meal, thanking God for the meal, the hands that cooked it, and for the wonderful company.

"Do you think it'll still be light enough outside to get a Christmas tree after dinner? We can always wait until tomorrow." Gabriella handed him a bowl of mashed potatoes.

Dirk shook his head, spooning the mashed potatoes onto his plate. "No, it'll be fine. It's still early enough." He glanced over the table, and everything smelled delicious, causing his stomach to grumble.

"I think someone's hungry," Gabriella teased as she slid a chicken breast onto her plate.

Dirk nodded as he handed the mashed potatoes back to her. "We worked up an appetite today. Kyle is working out very well."

Gabriella spooned mashed potatoes onto her plate. "He's a fine young man. Very polite."

"And a hard worker, too." Dirk took a bite of a chicken leg. "I offered him a job today. He's going to stay on after the holidays."

Gabriella nodded her agreement. "Good! I'm glad it worked out with him and that you have reliable help."

The conversation turned light. Although it was in the air, neither said anything about the fact that she would be leaving after the holidays. For now, Dirk was content to pretend that she wasn't leaving. After all, she was there now, and he intended to make the most of the time they had together… no matter how short that time may be.

When they were through eating, Dirk sat back, sated. "That was a wonderful meal. How did you learn to cook like that in such a short time?"

Gabriella shrugged as a beautiful rose color filled her cheeks. "Mrs. Jenkins is a good teacher—"

"And you're a quick learner," Dirk cut her off. "Come on, let's clean up and go hunt for a tree."

"What if I stay here and clean up and you go?" Gabriella suggested as she began stacking the dishes.

Dirk laughed as he carried dishes into the kitchen. "No, you're coming with me. We're doing this together." He almost added "as a family" but didn't finish it, not wanting to scare her off. He turned and put the water on to boil, and she stacked the dishes. They were quickly falling into a routine. "Where are you from?"

"The French Riviera." She slipped the cups and plates into the basin.

"I know, but which part? Which country?" he asked as he dried a cup and put it away.

She let out a deep breath. "I'm from Monaco. Have you been there before?" she asked, trying to sound casual.

Dirk shook his head. "No, but I've read about it in books."

She nodded. "If you don't mind me asking, how is it that you are so well… educated?"

He smiled. "As I said, I'm from New York. I have a degree from the University of the City of New York."

Gabriella's mouth flew open, and her eyes bulged so wide that it was almost an insult. "You're joking."

Dirk smiled, pretending that he hadn't been insulted. "No, I'm not. It's on Washington Square East. My father was a prominent lawyer in New York and he had hoped that I would follow in his footsteps. Needless to say, I didn't." He thought for a moment, and then asked, "Did you go to college? I mean, where did you learn English? You're so fluent."

She rinsed the bowl she was holding and handed it to Dirk. "I was educated at home. I had the best education, of course, but I never actually went to school. The teachers came to me."

He nodded, understanding, knowing that she had to have had a good education because her English was perfect. "How many languages do you speak?"

She bit her lower lip. "Latin and Greek, English, French, German, and Italian."

"Six languages?" he asked, amazed, wondering who she really was.

"Yes," she replied, and then quickly added, "but I'm the most fluent in English and French, of course."

Dirk smiled. "Don't do that."

"What?" she asked, surprised.

"Apologize for your education and your background."

Gabriella sighed as a smile lit her lips. "In my country, women aren't educated like they are here. But my uncle insisted that everyone in his household have a good education." She turned away.

Dirk took a cup gently from her, forcing her to look at him. "Then your uncle is a wise man."

"Yes, he is," she replied, as a faraway look came into her eyes.

"Well…." He dried and polished the last cup and put it away in the cupboard. "For where we're going, you'll need to change your clothes."

"Oh no!" She wrung out the dishrag and laid it on the edge of the sink to dry. "I'm sure you can get a wonderful tree without my help."

"Oh no, you don't!" He scooped her up, and threw her easily over his broad, muscular shoulder.

"Put me down!" She giggled.

He carried her into the spare bedroom and plopped her on the bed. "I'll see you in a few minutes." Something stirred in his heart when he saw her on the bed, shrieking with laughter, and he had to force himself to walk out.

Buster greeted him in the doorway, wagging his tail, as if wondering what had happened.

Dirk bent down and patted his head. "She's okay, Buster. We were just playing."

At that, he gave Dirk's hand a gentle lick. It amazed him that even Buster was looking out for her.

"Are you getting ready?" he asked her from the living room.

"I'm debating."

"Do I have to come back in there?"

"You wouldn't dare!"

"Or would I?"

"All right," she snickered, the bed creaking as she must have climbed off the bed.

Dirk put on his coat as Buster waited at his feet. "You want to go for a walk?"

Buster got up and walked to the door, wagging his tail vigorously, and then turned back as if to ask if he was coming.

Dirk laughed as he slipped back into his coat. "We need to wait for Gabriella. Come on. Let's go get the saw."

At that, Buster wagged his tail and headed over to the back door.

Dirk chuckled, opening the back door to let Buster out. "My sentiments exactly. We men spend most of our lives waiting for women, don't we?" They walked into the barn and Dirk picked out a sturdy saw.

Then they headed back into the house just as Gabriella came out of the bedroom, dressed in a work dress and an old coat. He had burned the one she had worn when she first arrived, knowing she probably wouldn't mind. Her hair was pulled back away from her face, and her blue eyes sparkled as she tied a scarf under her chin. Despite her drab dress, her beauty tugged at his heart. He looked away before she could see it in his eyes.

"Ready?" Dirk asked, offering her his arm.

"Are you sure we can do this today?" Gabriella asked, her eyebrows pulling together in concern. "I mean, look outside! The snow's still coming down. I never knew it could snow so much!"

She was putting off the inevitable, and he knew it. One corner of his mouth curled into a smile, enjoying her spunk. The feisty kitten, unable to do any real harm, throwing a hissy fit again. "The snow's slowed down a little. It's just flurrying now, but the pass is still closed." He thought for a moment and continued, "Hey! Later, we can go back into town, if you like."

Gabriella tilted her head to the side. "Are you sure we'll be able to make it?"

Dirk smiled, nodding. "Sure, we can. I know the woods like the back of my hand. Besides, I need to set everything up with Gavin Cole to help Billy out at the stables until after Christmas."

"Who's he?" Gabriella asked as she finished tying her shoes up over her ankles. She seemed to enjoy hearing about and meeting people from the town.

"He's the church organist, but he takes odd jobs on the side." Dirk picked up the saw, ready.

Gabriella nodded, taking in the saw.

Buster started whimpering at the door, ready to go.

Dirk smiled. "Well, I guess the boss has spoken."

Gabriella took Dirk's arm, her eyes wide. "Dirk, what happens if the snow is too deep, and we sink?"

Dirk laughed. "Anything to keep from going Christmas tree hunting, eh?"

She shrugged as she lifted her chin. "No, I just don't want to sink into a snowdrift."

"Don't worry." He opened the door for her as cold air rushed in. "I'll dig you out if you sink."

"Great," she murmured under her breath, her voice filled with sarcasm as he laughed.

They headed out onto the porch, and Dirk pulled his collar up over his neck, adjusting the saw in his hand. It was still snowing out, but not blinding like it had been. "Good. It's not that bad out. Earlier, it was really coming down."

Gabriella scoffed. "You call this ‘not bad?'"

Dirk laughed. "We can see where we're going, at least."

"Yes, that's a help," she said sarcastically as she stepped down from the porch and almost fell face-first in the snow as she had predicted, but Dirk caught her with his free arm.

Dirk held her for a moment, looking in her eyes as he steadied her, his heart pounding. "Are you okay?"

She nodded, looking up at him with doe eyes, making no effort to pull away. "I'm fine."

Dirk took a deliberate step back, holding her at arm's length, his heart swelling. "Well, let's go." He held his hand out to her.

She took it without hesitation.

Buster ran ahead in the snow, bounding over the snowbanks, and then looked at them as if wondering what was taking them so long.

Although it was freezing cold out, warmth spread through Dirk's body, as if an electric current were coming straight from her hand. When they were on flat ground, he could have let her hand go, but he didn't. He was enjoying the feel of her hand in his, and she didn't pull away.

Dirk gave her a smile. "Let's see if we can find a tree."

Gabriella returned the smile, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. "The prettiest one."

He laughed. "Look, there're many here to choose from. You can have any tree you like." He grinned as he led the way through the trees, until there was no sign of the cabin.

Gabriella looked around, and then stepped closer and held tightly to Dirk's arm.

"Is something wrong?" he asked as his eyebrows pulled together in concern.

She shook her head.

He patted her hand as he looked down at her. "You know, you don't have anything to worry about when you're with me."

"It's not you—"

"No," he amended. "You misunderstood. I meant that you don't have to worry about anyone hurting you around me. Besides, those… men… are probably long gone by now." He pulled her to a stop. "I'll protect you."

She nodded. "Thank you." The expression on her face told him that she was about to say more, but she stopped herself.

"Don't be afraid to talk to me. You can trust me." Dirk pulled her to him, giving her the opportunity to open up to him.

"I know," she replied, taking a step back. "I appreciate that." Then she turned and walked away, looking around. "Now, where are the trees you've been talking about?"

Dirk pointed the opposite way. "This way."

Gabriella smiled as she walked with him but made no attempt to hold his hand. Soon, pine trees started dotting the landscape, springing up from the pristine white snow. "This is beautiful."

The farther they walked into the woods, the denser the trees became. Soon, the trees were very close together. It was the same part of the forest that she had ran through before, when she was running from her kidnappers. But in the daylight with Dirk, when she wasn't running for her life, it was a lot less terrifying.

"Très magnifique." Her eyes widened as she looked around.

Dirk smiled, pleased with her reaction.

"It seems a shame to cut them down," she mused, lost in thought as she looked over the trees.

Dirk hung back, enjoying watching her looking at the forest and the trees anew through her eyes. He had lived there for so long that he had become accustomed to its beauty. But now, everything seemed fresh and new, making him feel alive again. "Look at it this way. If we don't thin out the forest, it'll grow too dense, and they won't have enough room to grow properly."

A broad grin spread across her face. "All right then. Which one do you want?" she asked, clapping with glee.

Dirk laughed. "I don't know. Which do you like?"

She looked around, excited as she began walking through the trees, examining each as she went. Finally, she stopped at one. It was about six-feet tall—not overly huge—but beautiful. "What do you think of this one?"

Dirk smiled as he walked around it. There wasn't a bad side to it. "Are you certain you wouldn't rather have a taller one?" After all, the ceilings in his cabin were high enough to have a taller tree.

She shook her head as a broad grin spread across her face. "No. This is perfect. Don't you agree?"

Dirk pretended to look it over again, enjoying her anticipation, and then smiled. "I think it's perfect."

Gabriella walked among the other trees.

"If you find another one, we're not taking it home!" he teased as he began sawing down the tree. It felt nice to include her in the word "home." In some ways, it seemed as if they had always been together. In a way, it was hard for him to remember a time without her, even though they hadn't known each other long.

She laughed a few yards away. "Well, we can always put it in my room!"

Dirk chuckled, liking the fact that she had referred to the spare room as hers. And a part of him hoped that she always would.

After Dirk finished cutting down the tree, Dirk handed Gabriella the saw. "Here, carry this and I'll carry the tree."

"Okay." Gabriella took the saw with two fingers, and then wrapped her hand around it.

Dirk laughed, raising an eyebrow. "Or would you rather carry the tree?"

She quickly shook her head. "No, no. That's okay." Gabriella walked ahead a bit, holding the saw away from her. Then she turned toward him. "I'll take the saw."

Dirk chuckled as he picked up the tree and followed Gabriella back to the house.

On the way, she fell back a bit and walked by his side. "So, you do this every year?"

Dirk shook his head. "No, I haven't put up a tree for a few years now."

Gabriella's eyebrows pulled together in concern. "Why not?"

He shrugged as one corner of his lips curled into a smile. "I didn't have anyone to celebrate with."

Gabriella looked down, appearing to be lost in thought.

They walked in silence back to the cabin. For the first time in a while, Dirk looked around, enjoying the pristine snow covering the ground, sparkling where the golden sunshine touched it. Dirk had hope that maybe it would stop snowing, and that he wouldn't be alone on Christmas.

It looked as if he just might get his wish.

When they reached the cabin, Gabriella lay the saw on the porch. "Wait. Let me open the door." Gabriella walked up the stairs, onto the porch, and opened the front door.

"Thank you, but I need to fix the tree up first." Dirk propped it against the side of the house. "I'll be right back." Dirk walked out to the barn, got a washtub, two small boards and a saw, and walked back to the porch.

Gabriella was still standing on the porch, rubbing her hands together, waiting. "What are you doing?"

Dirk lay the tree down on its side and cut one of the boards in half. "This is so the tree won't fall over." He nailed the boards to the bottom of the tree, forming a cross. When he sat it upright, it stood by itself. Next, he carried the washtub into the living room, placed it along the wall, away from the fire, and set the tree in it. It stood upright on its own.

"Why are you doing that?" Gabriella asked, clearly intrigued. "And why did you set it in the washtub?"

Dirk walked into the kitchen, picked up a metal bucket, and filled it with water. "So the tree won't dry out before we take it down." Then he carried the bucket into the living room and poured it into the bottom of the washtub. Next, he went into the bedroom, and rummaged through the closet. He found a Christmas quilt—adorned with embroidered holly leaves and berries and trimmed in green—and wrapped it around the bottom of the tree, covering the washtub. Dirk stood back and brushed off his hands. "Now, we'll add water to it every day until we take it down and it'll last longer." He looked over at Gabriella. "Would you like to decorate the tree?"

Her eyebrows rose almost into her hairline. "Us?"

Dirk laughed. "Sure! Why not?"

Gabriella looked at him in disbelief, her eyes wide. "But… I don't know how."

"Come here." Dirk motioned with his head toward the kitchen. "I'll show you. It's easy."

A smile lit Gabriella's lips. "I'll hang up my coat and I'll be right back." She disappeared into her bedroom and shut the door behind her.

Dirk smiled, enjoying having a woman in the house—for however long it may last. He walked into the kitchen, pulled out a deep tin pan, and placed it on the stove. After he stoked the fire beneath, he looked through the cabinets, and found a covered jar filled with corn. He poured some into the pan, along with lard, and placed a lid on top. Then he picked up two potholders, held the handles of the pan, and began shaking it back and forth on the stove.

"What are you doing?" Gabriella asked, appearing like an angel in the doorway.

Dirk smiled, turning his attention back to the stove. "Popping corn."

"Why?" Gabriella walked up beside him and peered over his shoulder, close enough for her to smell her floral scent.

He chuckled. "Why, for the popcorn garland, of course."

"What?" Gabriella looked at him in disbelief.

As Dirk shook the pan, the corn began popping inside, hitting against the tin lid, causing Gabriella to jump, and then she laughed. Dirk chuckled at her reaction, seeing everything new through her eyes. "Would you reach under the cabinet and get me a bowl? As big as you can find."

Gabriella smiled, enjoying this little adventure. "Yes, of course." She bent down and pulled out a medium-sized bowl.

Dirk shook his head. "Try again. There should be a big tin bowl under there."

Gabriella looked again and found the huge tin bowl, looking at Dirk expectantly. "This one?"

"Yes, that's it. Set it over there on the counter."

Gabriella did as he asked, while Dirk turned his attention back to the kernels popping frantically against the tin lid.

Gabriella took a step back, her eyes wide with wonder.

"You haven't cooked popcorn before?" Dirk asked as the noise grew louder.

Gabriella shook her head.

Soon, the popping slowed and became muffled. When it had nearly stopped, Dirk pulled it off the stove, took off the lid, and poured the contents of yellow and white popcorn into the huge bowl. A few more kernels popped out, causing Gabriella to take another step back.

"Don't worry. It's finished," Dirk coaxed, picking up the bowl. "Why don't you go get a needle and some thread? There's a sewing kit in your room." Dirk cringed internally at having called it her room, wondering how she was going to react, afraid it would scare her off. But she seemed unfazed.

"I'll be right back." Gabriella disappeared into the bedroom. When she came out, she was carrying dark green, black, and white thread, along with a few needles. "What are we going to do with them?"

Dirk smiled at the innocent look on her face. "String popcorn, of course. Didn't you ever do this back home?"

Gabriella shook her head but didn't say anything more.

Dirk took the popcorn into the living room and sat down on the sofa and Gabriella sat down beside him. "First, you measure off some thread. We'll use the dark green, so it blends in with the tree." Dirk reached for the thread, measured some off, and threaded it through one of the needles.

Gabriella's eyes widened in disbelief. "You know how to thread a needle?"

Dirk chuckled. "If I didn't learn, no one would do it for me."

Gabriella's smile faded for a moment, but all was forgotten when she became engrossed in watching Dirk.

"Now, you tie a knot at the bottom, and carefully thread the popcorn onto the string." He pushed the needle through a puff of popcorn and slid it down the thread.

Gabriella's eyes widened in surprise. "What are you going to do with it when it's finished?"

Dirk smiled at her innocent look. "We'll drape it along the branches of the Christmas tree. I have some ornaments, but we can make more, if you like."

"Yes, please." Gabriella reached for the threaded popcorn string that Dirk was holding. "May I try?"

A smile spread across his lips. "Here you go." He handed her the string and watched. Her eyes widened when she pushed the popcorn through, but it broke. "Here. Like this." He reached for a piece of popcorn and gently pushed the needle through it. "You have to push it gently through the center." He held it out for her and watched as she gently pushed the needle through another piece, their heads close together. This time, it didn't break.

Gabriella giggled. When she looked up into Dirk's eyes, their faces were only an inch apart.

Dirk cleared his throat as he sat back, trying to be a gentleman. "Why don't you work on that one and I'll start another?"

Gabriella sat back, the spell of the moment broken. "Yes, of course." Dirk watched her eyes fill with wonder when she strung another puff onto the string.

Dirk threaded another needle with the dark green thread and began another string of popcorn garland. But while he was working, he found himself watching Gabriella more than what he was doing and accidentally stabbed himself. "Ow!"

Gabriella immediately put down her popcorn string. "Here. Let me look at it." She took his hand into hers and inspected it. "I'll be right back." In one fluid motion, she gracefully rose from her seat and hurried to the kitchen.

"It's all right," Dirk called after her, feeling foolish. "No need to make a fuss."

"Nonsense!" she replied as she walked back into the room, carrying a clean dish towel. "Let me see it."

Feeling like a child, he held out his big hand and she inspected it. Then she dabbed at it with the towel and then held it on the wound for a bit to stop the bleeding. It no longer hurt, but he enjoyed watching her make a bit of a fuss over him. It had been a while since a woman had cared for him.

"There." Gabriella pulled away, smiling. The bleeding had stopped. "Better?"

He smiled, tilting his head to the side. "Thank you."

She shrugged as she folded the dish towel and placed it on the armrest of the sofa. "I think you might live."

Dirk chuckled. "I don't know…," he teased as Gabriella smiled. He looked down at the popcorn garland laying on the small table in front of the sofa. "Well, these popcorn strings won't finish themselves."

"Unless a Christmas fairy comes in and does it for us, I believe you're right." Gabriella picked up her garland and set to work.

"Christmas fairy?" Dirk mused, threading another piece of popcorn onto the garland.

Gabriella shrugged. "Or Pere Noel's elves. But I think they may be a bit too busy now to bother with our tree."

Dirk laughed. "I think you may be right," he replied, knowing that Pere Noel was another name for Santa Claus. As he watched her, it felt good to have a lady in the house again. Without realizing it, she had brought a bit of Christmas magic with her.

Soon, the strands of popcorn garland were finished. Dirk loved watching her eyes sparkle as they laid the garland across the tree branches.

"Now, let's make some ornaments," Dirk announced as the last of the popcorn garland was laid on the tree. "And I have a box of ornaments somewhere…."

"There's some ribbon in the sewing box." Gabriella jumped excitedly from the sofa and ran into the bedroom.

Dirk headed into the utility room and pulled down a string from the ceiling. A set of wooden stairs came down, leading to the attic as cold air rushed into the house. He hurried up the stairs and looked around. In the corner was a box of ornaments, some from his childhood, and some from when he and Sarah were together.

He picked up the box just as Gabriella reappeared standing at the bottom. "May I help?"

"I have it, thank you." Holding the box in one arm, he climbed down the wooden stairs.

"Here. I'll take them." Gabriella took the box, and Dirk pushed the wooden stairs back up until it collapsed back into the ceiling.

Then Dirk took the box and carried it into the living room where he set it on the small table and sat on the sofa.

Gabriella sat down beside him. "What's this?"

Dirk sighed as memories flooded his mind. He pulled the wooden box onto his lap and removed the lid. Inside, wrapped in cloth, were little bundles. Carefully, he reached in and unwrapped one, revealing a miniature manger with the baby Jesus.

Gabriella gasped. "It's lovely."

Dirk smiled. "It belonged to my mother." He took the string holding it and it dangled in the air. "My mother hung this on the tree every Christmas. It holds many memories for me."

"What happened to her? To your father?"

Dirk sighed. "They both passed away before I moved here."

"How?" Gabriella's voice was merely a whisper.

Dirk took a deep breath. "My mother died first, basically of old age. Then a year later, my father followed. He was so in love with my mother that he died of a broken heart, I guess." Dirk looked into Gabriella's eyes. "He just couldn't bring himself to go on without her."

Gabriella touched his arm. "I'm so sorry."

A small smile appeared on his lips. "It was a long time ago." He looked at the ornament dangling before him. "I remember my mother hanging this on the tree when I was a child, and then she looked down at me and smiled." He smiled as he watched the simple ornament. "After her death, I pushed many of the memories out of my mind…." He looked in Gabriella's eyes. "Until now."

Gabriella smiled. "It's okay to remember. To remember our loved ones. But it's also okay to go on." Gabriella paused for a moment, as if trying to find the right words. "I know now that the people we love become a part of us… a part of who we are." Gabriella nodded, as if understanding. "We can't run from them because they're a part of us, always with us. We can't run from the memories, nor should we try. They help to shape us, to make us who we are." A faraway look came into her eyes. "Although we can make our own destiny, we can't run from who we are or from whence we came. They, our past, the memories and our loved ones, combine with our own choices, and mold us into the people we become. We can learn from our pasts and embrace the memories, for they teach us what to do or what not to do. Then our unique experiences and choices help to shape our view of the world, making us who we are."

Dirk smiled as a tear ran down his cheek. "Yes, you're right." For the first time in a long time, he understood. "I guess I've been running from the memories, placing them on a shelf within my mind, but somehow, you've brought them out of me." He bit his lower lip, not wanting to say more, to scare her off. But if he could, he was about to say that knowing her in this short time has changed his life, and that the memories of her, of their short time together, would help to shape him, too. She was quickly becoming a part of him.

She reached up and wiped the tear away from his cheek. Dirk caught her hand and held it, looking deeply into her eyes, wondering why he had met her now. He let her hand go, the spell of the moment broken.

"Well now, let's hang the rest of these ornaments." Dirk stood and hung the ornament on the tree.

And as he and Gabriella decorated their Christmas tree together, he let the memories come.

The next day, Dirk and Gabriella made more decorations out of things that she had found around the house. Together, they were quickly making the cabin a home.

"So, what would you like to do for Christmas?" Dirk asked over breakfast the morning of December 23rd.

Gabriella shrugged. "What would you like to do?" She smiled as she squeezed his hand.

He was getting used to her little touches, as well as the smiles she bestowed upon him. Since she had been there, she seemed calmer, less nervous, and much more relaxed. He didn't dare ask her more about from where she came or her family. Just having her there was enough… for now. He would press her harder after Christmas. But now, he just wanted to enjoy the time they had together.

"Well, we could go to church," Dirk mused, holding her hand. "Reverend Henley always has a lovely service on Christmas Eve."

Gabriella smiled.

"And then we could come home and read the story of Jesus's birth and ‘A Visit from St. Nicolas.'"

A crease formed between her eyes. "‘A Visit from St. Nicholas?'"

Dirk smiled. "Yes. It's a poem written here in America about Santa Claus." He shrugged. "But many Americans call it ‘'Twas the Night Before Christmas' from the first line of the poem."

Gabriella giggled. "I can't wait to hear it."

He smiled. Dirk knew he was taking a big chance, but he was enjoying the time he had with Gabriella, for as long as that might be.

"Then we can drink hot cocoa by the fire," she added, smiling.

"Sounds like a plan." Dirk rose from the kitchen table and placed his dishes in the sink. He and Gabriella had developed a routine. She made coffee every morning, and they cooked breakfast together. Then, she did the dishes while Dirk tended to the cattle and horses. "Are you ready to go?"

"Are you sure you want to go into town today?" she asked as she placed her dishes in the sink beside him.

He turned around with his back to the counter as a thrill ran through him. "Sure. Like I said, I know these woods like the back of my hand."

Gabriella smiled. "Well, then, good! I'd like to see Millie again."

He lifted an eyebrow, pleased at her reaction. He looked outside at the bright snow covering the ground. "Since the snow stopped falling for the moment, I thought this was as good a time as any to go into town and check on things." Also, he wanted to speak with the sheriff to see if there was any more word about the Dougherty Boys. Even though he was sure they were long gone and they probably wouldn't have any more trouble from them, he didn't want to take the chance. Not with Gabriella.

She patted his hand. "I'll have a cup of coffee with Millie while I wait."

"Well," Dirk persisted, "I thought you might want to get some more things from the general store to make more decorations for the tree."

Gabriella let out a deep breath.

"And your money is no good," Dirk added. "This is my treat. I thought you might like to pick out a few things for our Christmas celebration."

She smiled in answer. "If you insist—"

"I do," he cut her off, pleased that she wanted to go.

She smiled. "Why don't you go out and take care of the ranch while I do the dishes and clean the kitchen?"

Dirk chuckled. "Are you trying to get rid of me?"

"Yes!" she teased, brushing him away with a dishtowel. "And you're in my way."

"Yes, ma'am." He slid into his coat and put on his hat, enjoying watching her take charge.

She had come a long way in the short time that she had been there. As he walked outside into the cold to take care of the horses. Dirk's head was filled with thoughts of Gabriella. He was looking forward to Christmas… for the first time in a very long while.