A Grand Teton Sleigh Ride: Four Generations of Wyoming Ranchers Celebrate Love at Christmas Read Online Free PDF Page B

losing Melanie and Ham. Nothing had turned out as she’d expected when moving to Jackson.
    This morning she felt flickers of hope, even without her possessing any sense of anticipation for Christmas this year. The sensation of loss felt like a scab that had been freshly ripped open. For the first Christmas ever, Belle would be alone.
    The morning’s activities involved a few of the women fashioning handcrafted gifts for Christmas.
    Scanning the room, she regarded each of her friends. They had families, warm places to be, and hearts to hold dear.
    “We ought to discuss our plans for a Christmas program,” Mary said. “For some it might be an ordinary day. But for many of us, we still want to celebrate the Savior’s birth.”
    “If we had enough young children, we could do a pageant and costumes,” Rosemary said. “I don’t mind performing a song, if no one objects.”
    Belle had to agree Rosemary’s idea had merit. “Perhaps some of the adults could read parts from the Christmas story, for an adult pageant. That is, if any of them agree.”
    “Or we could read from the Bible, and sing songs for Christmas.” Ivana paused. “Although, my English is not so good. I don’t know all the words. But I could sing in Swedish.”
    The ladies murmured their agreement.
    “Maybe we could find a small tree, and decorate it, with candies?” Belle asked. “I’m not sure what traditions are like here, but I’ve always missed seeing a lovely tree and gifts in the branches.”
    “You must have celebrated quite grandly back East.” Eunice Woods looked over the top of her mending.
    “When I worked for the Skinners, they always hung greenery throughout the main living quarters, the parlor, and the music room. It was lovely and smelled just like a forest.” Belle smiled at the happy memory of Christmases in the grand house. The family had bestowed kind gifts to her and the rest of the staff. However, a letter from her sister, on the heels of being lied to by a beau, had driven Belle west. No, her sister’s words had beckoned her.
    “I’m not sure we’d have trees and greenery as you’re accustomed to.” Mary looked at her slyly. “I imagine, though, if you send Zebulon Covington out to search for a good Christmas tree, he would look high and low.”
    “Ah, yes, Mr. Covington would cross the pass to find a Christmas tree if you asked him to.” Ivana’s expression matched Mary’s.
    “Whatever do you mean?” Belle tried not to fidget as if she were a child.
    “It’s quite clear that he’s taken a shine to you.” Mary nodded.
    “He … he promised my brother-in-law he’d watch out for me, if anything ever happened to him.” She tried not to look in Rosemary’s direction but did so anyway.
    “But you—but you—“ Rosemary sputtered. “I was the one …” Her cheeks flamed red.
    “I—I— Oh, Rosemary, it’s not like that.” Belle wanted to deny her own interest in Zebulon Covington, but doing so would be a lie. Yes, he fascinated her. The morning he’d helped her with the livestock, she’d seen how gentle he was. And he’d never hinted at anything improper. He made her laugh. And more often than not, she found herself wondering what he looked like without the beard.
    “You know I like him. And now I hear you’ve been encouraging his attentions.” Rosemary stood, her needlework tumbling from her lap.
    “No, not encouraging.” Belle took in the other women’s expressions. “Rosemary …”
    “My dear daughter,” Mary said, shaking her head.
    “Oh, Mother.” Rosemary strode from the parlor and entered her room, closing the door behind her.
    “I apologize for my daughter.” Mary sighed. “I’m not sure what’s come over her.”
    “That might be partly my fault, Mrs. Smythe.” Belle frowned. “Yes, I’ve been tutoring her. But she also asked me to school her in how to carry herself as a lady, to, ah, gain the attention of a suitable man for a husband.”
    “Well there’s certainly