Christmas at Archer Ranch (Wild West Frontier Brides Book 8) Read online

  “I guess I don’t know about that. It was just me and my pa.”

  Maria smiled and rested her forehead on his shoulder. “Tripp, this is different. There is so much love here in this room. Your family wants to share in your joy.”

  Tripp and Maria fell silent as the Archer girls exchanged glances. Slowly, they moved toward the tree, holding hands and glancing at their father.

  Sam, Meg’s husband, whistled a note as he winked at his wife. Mrs. Allen moved toward Beau, linking her arm through his as he glanced down at her, his eyes clouding.

  Rose cleared her throat and said, “Papa, we wanted to sing this carol for you and Sadie.”

  She turned toward Sadie and Suzanne, smiling softly.

  Silent night

  Holy night

  All is calm

  All is bright

  Round yon virgin, mother and child

  Holy infant, so tender and mild

  Sleep in heavenly peace

  Sleep in heavenly peace

  Quiet fell as Suzanne and Lily held Sadie’s infant out toward her. She clasped the child in her arms, tears spilling as she glanced at Tripp.

  All eyes turned to the door as it swung open, Mrs. Allen and Mr. Archer stepping back as Hank strode into the room, a crate clutched to his chest.

  “I found it,” he said as he strode over to the tree, laying the chest on the floor.

  He stood and looked around the room, and Maria reached for her handkerchief, wiping her eyes as the clock ticked loudly.

  “Of course you did,” his wife Clara said as she rushed to his side.

  “Mm-hm. Seems like a lot’s happened since I’ve been gone.” Hank turned toward Tripp, resting his hand on his shoulder. “Congratulations, brother.”

  “Papa, Hank found the nativity scene,” Pepper cried. She threw the top of the crate aside and pulled out the brown paper, lifting the manger carefully out of the box.

  Maria held her breath as Pepper placed the manger on the mantle, carefully arranging the pine boughs around it. She placed all the figurines inside as her family watched, the cinnamon scent of Maria’s cider wafting over the room.

  Maria closed her eyes and held her breath, then looked from Sadie to Tripp, each of them smiling down at the infant in their arms.

  Pepper stood as she cupped her hands before her, smiling at the ceramic baby Jesus. Katie had always been the one to place Jesus in the manger, and in the few years past, Beau had placed it on Christmas Eve.

  Beau patted Mrs. Allen’s hand and stepped forward, taking the figurine from his daughter.

  He glanced around the room and sighed. “Your mother loved this nativity scene. The manger—and her family—meant everything to her,” he said as he turned the figurine in his hand.

  Maria’s hand flew to her chest as Beau turned to her. She’d loved this family for as long as she could remember, and the warmth in the room overwhelmed her.

  “Maria, Katie—and I—have been so grateful for your devotion to our family. And I mean our family—yours and ours. Would you do the honor of placing the baby Jesus in the manger on this most special of nights?”

  Maria’s heart skipped a beat as she looked around the room. Meg, Rose, Saffron, Sage, Tara and Pepper—they all smiled at her as she reached for the figurine and her eyes met Mr. Archer’s.

  She walked slowly toward the manger as all of her family, new and old—Carol, Will, Olivia and Joe included—smiled as she made her way. Yes, all those years ago, she’d pledged herself to this family, but she’d never felt more like family than now.

  Just when she thought her heart would burst, a soft rap sounded at the door. As she laid the figurine in the manger, she brushed a tear from her eye and stood, turning toward the door.

  Mr. Archer sighed, announcing to the room that a guest was expected. He reached for the latch, pulling the door open.

  “Hello. Welcome to Archer Ranch,” he said to the handsome man, dressed in the traditional ranchero clothing from Mexico. He nodded and smiled at Beau as he removed his hat, peering into the room as if searching for someone.

  Maria clutched her chest and stepped back, away from the ghost who stood in the doorway.

  Chapter 14

  Christmas morning dawned crisp and bright at Archer Ranch. Even with all the commotion from the evening before, Maria had been up for hours by the time the sun’s rays dripped through the kitchen window. The girls had helped with most of the work but for the past two decades, she’d always had cinnamon rolls and coffee, along with platters of scrambled eggs and bacon ready for them when they woke up. And with Sadie, Tripp and the newborns here, she certainly wasn’t going to stop today.

  Long gone were the days when the Archer children crept down the hall before sun-up to peek under the tree, so she knew she had a little more time—but likely not much.

  She hadn’t been able to sleep much, anyway. The sight of Diego on the doorstop still had her stomach in knots. She’d packed away the memory of him so tightly that it had taken her several moments to even recognize him. But once he smiled—oh, that smile, his brown eyes crinkling as he looked at her so hopefully—it was as if the years had vanished in an instant. And when he’d held out flowers, and said her name so sweetly, she’d thought she might faint.

  Beau had smiled broadly all through dinner, glancing from Diego to Maria, and she recalled what great friends they’d been before Diego left. Here, in the silence of the dawn, she opened the box of memories in her heart and let them flood back again.

  They’d only had a moment to speak and she wondered what the day would bring. She had responsibilities here at the ranch—no, this is where she wanted to be, especially today. With the Archer family, just as if Katie were there among them. She hoped she’d have an opportunity to speak with him again, but the scent of cinnamon close to burning shook her out of her thoughts. She rushed to the oven and rescued the rolls just in time.

  “A little preoccupied?” Beau Archer said as he entered the kitchen, his smile wide and his eyes gleaming.

  “Wouldn’t you be if a ghost arrived on your doorstep?” she grumbled, not quite prepared for the ribbing that she knew would come. She’d known Beau Archer for a long time, and she knew he wouldn’t let her off the hook without some teasing.

  “Now, Maria, don’t raise your hackles with me. I had absolutely nothing to do with this.” He ran his hands through his black hair.

  Maria folded her arms and turned toward him. He was still quite handsome, although the gray at his temples seemed to increase by the day since his wife had passed.

  “Do you mean to tell me that you coordinated this miniature burro rescue, completely unaware that Diego might be the owner? Knowing full well that it had been his family business, and the reason he’d left in the first place?” She shook her head at him, but couldn’t resist a smile at the expression on his face. He looked like a boy who’d had his hand caught in a cookie jar.

  “Honestly, I couldn’t be sure. You know that. But I was hoping, I’ll have to admit. That’s not why I sent Hank and Tripp, but it sure was a nice benefit, don’t you think?”

  She pushed away from the counter, reaching for another tray of cinnamon rolls and putting them in the oven.

  “I don’t know. We haven’t had an opportunity to talk. I don’t know anything about him anymore. Just that he left.”

  Beau crossed over to Maria and stood behind her as she glanced out at the patio. “That’s not exactly how I remember it.”

  She stiffened and wiped her hands on her apron.

  “We agreed we wouldn’t speak of this. There’s no reason to now.”

  Beau shoved his hands in his pockets and leaned back on the heels of his boots. “There’s plenty of reason and you know it. Maria, you chose to stay here with us to help Katie and me raise this brood. Don’t think I don’t know it. You gave up your chance for a family, for happiness, for me and Katie—and all these kids.”

  She sat at the table and leaned on her elbows, her chin
in her hands. “He was supposed to come back for me.”

  “We knew when he left that his obligation to his family required he be in Sonora. I’m not sure what he’d hoped would change, but your gift in staying here likely cost you that future that you’d hoped for.”

  The ache that had lived in her chest and had taken years to ease was back—had been since the moment she’d seen Diego. She’d chosen to stay and he left, promising to return. She’d held on to that hope for years before quietly putting it away. Now, she didn’t know what to think.

  “With all these children getting married, I was hoping that maybe you’d give it another shot,” Beau said softly as he rested his hand on Maria’s shoulder. “I know Katie would like nothing more than for you to find your happiness, too. You’ve given so much to our family. Maria, it’s your turn.”

  She patted his hand, his friendship and concern comforting.

  “I don’t know what he wants. I don’t know where he’s been,” she whispered, struggling not to let her tears flow.

  Beau sat down beside her and tilted her chin up, his eyes trained on hers. “He wouldn’t be here if he didn’t want to tell you, didn’t want to hear about you. Promise me you’ll give him a chance. Just hear him out.”

  He smiled at her with kindness and concern. The least she could do was talk to the man. After all, just his smile had made her heart sing again, as if all the years in between didn’t exist.

  “I will. I promise. But first, we have Christmas morning, and lots of food to deliver. I have much to do,” she said as she brushed at her cheek and squeezed her friend’s hand.

  “Just don’t run yourself ragged,” he said as he turned toward the door and Tara and Pepper rushed past him.

  “Cinnamon rolls. They smell wonderful, Maria,” Pepper cried as she rushed into Maria’s arms for a big hug. “Merry Christmas.”

  Tara wrapped her arms around her father. “Merry Christmas, Papa,” she said as Beau hugged her tightly, resting his cheek on her head.

  Maria and Beau’s eyes met, and he winked at her. “Merry Christmas, Archer family,” he said before he turned and headed down to the stables.

  Chapter 15

  Maria put away the last of the breakfast dishes, turning her eye to the next event of the day. Goodness, with all of these Archers, along with their friends, it was a wonder she could keep up. She sent a silent prayer to Katie, wishing her friend were with her to do all of this together, remembering how they’d laughed at the joy of it all, collapsing into the wing-backed chairs by the fireplace after everyone had gone to bed on Christmas night.

  “Maria, Papa says he needs you down at the stables. Quick!” Pepper shouted as she swung the kitchen doors open wide.

  “Pepper, fetch Tara and the two of you keep watch over all these tamales and meat pies. They’re almost ready,” Maria said over her shoulder as she reached for her coat, not bothering to take off her apron.

  She clasped her arms tightly around her as she walked down the long drive toward the stables, her breath misting as she tried to avoid the small puddles of mud in her path.

  She’d known Beau Archer long enough to know he’d never call for her in such a hurry unless something was wrong. Or he needed her, and she aimed to help him, whatever the reason. She didn’t even bother to ask anymore. Beau was a good man, and if he needed something, she’d make sure he got it.

  Slowing a moment as she reached the stable, the familiar sound of the burros’ hee-haws tickled her fancy and she laughed at the memory. She’d spent many hours with Diego at his family ranch—before his father had insisted they part—and she glanced at the burros in the arena as she passed, memories flooding her unbidden.

  As she reached the stable doors, she stopped, voices murmuring inside.

  “She should be here any minute,” Beau Archer said as Maria reached for the latch. She pulled back her hand at the sound of the voice.

  “I hope it’s not too much of a shock for her.” Diego’s deep, lyrical voice tingled her senses, even now. She’d put the thought of him out of her mind after last night, expecting to get through Christmas before they spoke again. Clearly, Beau Archer had a different idea about that.

  She breathed deeply, her heart fluttering as she reached again for the latch. After all, she and Diego did have some unfinished business to settle, and now was as good a time as any.

  Both looked up as she pulled up her skirts and swept into the stable, her shoulders squared and head held high. Beau and Diego exchanged glances, and Beau cleared his throat as he reached for his coat.

  “Hello, Maria,” he said as he winked at her. “Thank you for coming so quickly.”

  “Hm,” she said as she squinted at him. “This is your emergency?”

  He laughed and shrugged on his coat and gloves. “Why, yes. You two have waited long enough to speak to each other, and I deemed it an emergency.” He turned to Diego and shook his hand, nodding and turning toward the door.

  “Thank you, Beau,” Diego said as Beau pushed the door open.

  Beau patted Maria on the shoulder as he passed by. “I’ll see you both up at the house later.”

  Diego crossed over toward Maria and gave her a slight bow. “You look beautiful, Maria.”

  She glanced down at her soiled apron and her hands flew to the escaping pins of her hair. Her cheeks heated at his compliment, just as they had when she was a girl.

  “Thank you,” she said proudly. After all, he may have a silver tongue, but he had some explaining to do. She guarded her heart as he extended his elbow toward her.

  “Shall we walk?” he asked as he waited patiently for her to decide.

  She looked up into his deep, brown eyes and her heart warmed as she slipped her arm through his.

  They strolled out from the stable and toward the arena, which was filled with the anxious burros. She laughed again at their comical hee-haws and he laughed with her.

  “Do they bring back memories?” he asked slowly as they leaned against the arena fence.

  “Yes, they do. And not all good ones,” she managed to say as she looked away from him.

  Diego took his hat off and tossed it on the bench beside them. He sat and beckoned for her to join him.

  She sat down slowly beside him, pulling her coat around her. She hadn’t meant her words to bite, but his expression was solemn, and he appeared to be taking his time to decide how to respond.

  “Maria, not a day has gone by that I haven’t thought of you. In all of these years, not one.” He reached into his vest pocket and pulled out a locket, and she drew in a sharp breath. It was the very same locket he’d given her so many years ago, and the one she’d returned to him on that fateful day—the day he left, never to return.

  Her heart had broken when he’d been called back to Mexico by his father, unable to stay in Tombstone where her heart was—with Katie and Beau, by that time. Hank was on the way, and she’d anxiously awaited his return, looking forward to starting her own family, dreams of her children playing with Katie’s dancing in her head.

  Her eyes flashed as she looked at the locket. If he’d been thinking of her, where had he been? Rather than wonder for one more second, she asked.

  “You knew where I was, Diego. Why didn’t you come back for me?”

  He pushed himself to his feet and walked toward the arena. He leaned his arms over the side and dropped his head. “When I returned home, my father was very ill. I’d been working here with Beau, as you know, as my older brother was there and had been running the ranch for Father.”

  “I remember. Juan had been running the burro business for years. And hadn’t he just gotten married when you left?”

  He turned and leaned against the arena fence, rubbing his neck. “Yes, he had. But apparently, his new wife didn’t like rancho life, and she convinced him to go to Mexico City. She wanted to be an actress.”

  Maria frowned, imagining the shock his father must have experienced. The eldest son was responsible for the rancho, respons
ible for his parents as they aged. It would have been horrible for Diego’s brother to turn away from that responsibility. Why, that would leave—

  Diego sat beside her and searched her face, his eyes holding hers. She knew exactly, then, what had happened. Diego would have been bound by honor—honor that apparently his brother didn’t have—to do the right thing. To stay and help.

  “And—” She struggled to get the words out. Had he married? Had a family while she waited for him?

  “At that time, the rancho was struggling. As was common, Mother and Father expected me to marry, a wealthy woman by the name of Guadalupe. Joining our two families allowed us to survive—they had money and we had land and experience.” He hung his head as the words left his lips, and Maria couldn’t imagine him with anyone—loving anyone else.

  Mexican tradition was etched in stone, though, and she knew that once his older brother had left for Mexico City, Diego would have taken his role as eldest son, and done what he had to do.

  But she couldn’t help but ask. “Did you love her?”

  Diego turned away, his eyes on the horizon. “Love? She was kind, and we worked together for the ranch. But no, I never loved her as I loved you. We didn’t have children—it was more of a business arrangement than anything else. In fact, she never moved to the hacienda, but stayed and cared for her parents for many years before she died.”

  “Died?” she whispered.

  He sat beside her and looked into her eyes. “Yes, died. Several years ago, and I’ve thought of nothing but you ever since.”

  She stiffened at the thought of all the wasted years flooded her.

  He pulled her hand toward him. He brushed his lips over it slightly, sending tingles up her arm. “When I had correspondence from Beau, I knew it was time. Time to see you again, and see if I could make things right.”

  “Oh,” she said softly as she drew back her hand. This was folly. The time for love had passed her by, and she was no young fool any longer.