Page 25 of A Texas Christmas Carol

Charity waved aside her mother’s concern. “Too important.” She grabbed Felicity’s upper arms and looked her straight in the eyes. “He paid Darby’s fine.”

Mrs. Bell gave a cry of distress and slumped into the nearest chair. “See?” She pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve and held it to her face. “He’s lost his mind.”

“The news is all over town,” Charity continued. “Darby’s been released. He and your Mr. Beazer were seen shaking hands.”

Now Felicity was the one reaching for a chair, fearing her knees would buckle from too much amazing news.

“Where is he now?” she asked. She needed to see him. Talk to him.

Energy sizzled through her. Felicity pushed away from the chair and made for the back door, exhaustion, breakfast, even the Christmas baskets forgotten.

“The blacksmith.”

To pick up Timothy’s miniature cane. Of course!

Heedless of coat or bonnet, Felicity ran from the house. Cold nipped her fingers and nose, but she didn’t care. On she ran. But when she reached the smithy, there was no sign of Evan.

A grizzled fellow warming himself by the forge stepped up and tipped his hat, a wide grin stretching his face. “Yer Eb’s gal, ain’t ya?”

Eb? Who was Eb? Felicity shook her head. “No, I’m looking for Mr. Beazer. He was here just a minute ago. Tall, white hair, bowler hat, carries a cane.”

The old cowboy whistled. “That’s Eb, all right. Got hisself two canes now, though one’s a mite on the short side. He looked mighty pleased when he picked it up, though. Odd fellow, that Eb.”

Eb wasn’t the only odd fellow. Felicity glanced past the stranger to the street, “Did you see which way he went?”

“He wuz headin’ to the cemetery. Needed to bury somethin’.”

Bury something? What on earth? The old man must be senile. Maybe her father had seen something. She’d try his shop.

“Felicity Jade Wiggins.” The old man waved a finger at her.

Her attention immediately riveted upon him. How did he know her name? Her full name. And was his face . . . glowing? She took a step back.

“Don’t you be discounting the words of your elders, now. Go to the cemetery. You’ll find what you seek there.”

Truth resonated in his voice, and certainty filled her soul. She couldn’t explain it, but she couldn’t ignore it either. She’d go to the cemetery.

“Th-thank you.”

He tipped his hat, smiled, then shooed her on her way. She didn’t look back.

By the time she reached the churchyard cemetery, the cold north wind had chilled her through. The moment her eyes landed on Evan, however, the cold ceased to penetrate. He knelt next to an unfamiliar headstone away from the main group, a small spade in his hand. As she drew close, she could make out a shallow hole to the left of the grave. Curiosity stirred, but not enough to distract her from her main purpose.

“Evan?”

He twisted at the sound of his name, then scrambled to his feet, a smile the likes of which she’d never seen erupting across his face. It was as if he were lit from within.

“Felicity!” He hurried to her, his countenance awash with such joy, she had to blink back tears of astonishment. He clasped her hands, and his brows immediately lowered in concern. “You’re frozen. Here.” He shrugged out of his overcoat and wrapped it around her, the heat it carried soothing her instantly. He rubbed her arms until she could believe she’d never be cold again.

Frowning, he unwound the scarf from around his neck and draped it over her head.

She laughed. “I’m warm now, Evan. I promise.” She removed the scarf from her head and placed it back around his neck. “You need to keep something for yourself.” She fiddled with the knitted wool, arranging it just so, then let her hands slide down to his chest. “Is it true?” she asked, looking up into his face. “Did you pay Darby’s fine?”

His hand came up to press hers more firmly against his lapel. “I did.” He squeezed her hand, his lips curving upward just enough to evidence a peace within. “I have so much to tell you. But first, before I take another breath, I have to voice how deeply and completely I love you, Felicity Wiggins.”

Her breath caught. Her fingers trembled. And her heart pumped twice its normal speed.

“Heaven knows I don’t deserve you.” He reached for her face and cupped her cheek in his hand.