Once Upon a Montana Christmas

Epilogue

T here had not been enough time to make a new dress for the most important day of a young woman’s life. Aunt Carol had had one of the old trunks that had belonged to Hunt’s mother brought down from the attic, and the two ladies had spent the better part of an afternoon rummaging through the elegant, albeit outdated, clothing.

Eva knew the moment Aunt Carol lifted the exquisite robe and petticoat of blue silver lamé from the tissue that she had found the perfect dress. The silk rosettes along the edge of the skirt reminded her of England in the springtime, a time of renewal. Her life in Montana had become her springtime.

The following morning, Aunt Carol left Eva in the capable hands of Mrs. Walker, stating that there was still too much to be done. She wanted everything to be perfect. Everyone knew that when Aunt Carol was in this sort of mood, it was best to stay clear and let her have her way.

Several hours later, Eva eyed her reflection in the mirror, pleased with what she saw. A soft knock sounded, followed by Aunt Carol’s head peeking around the door.

“Oh, my dearie, you are a fine vision on this Christmas Day.” Her praise warmed Eva’s heart. Sniffling back her tears, she continued, “My dear sister-in-law would have been most pleased to see you in her dress.”

“Do you think Hunt will like it?”

Aunt Carol nodded her head. Eva saw the tears welling up in the old woman’s eyes. “He is the luckiest man in Montana.”

Eva walked over and embraced the woman who would soon be family. Family. That thought made her giddy with delight. In less than an hour, she would no longer be alone in this world. She would be a wife, a niece…a mother.

Colorful blown-glass ornaments illuminated by candlelight graced the mantle, creating an aura throughout the room. The Christmas tree held a place of honor between two windows that overlooked the vast expanse of the ranch. Aunt Carol had prepared another batch of Lebkuchen , the smell of spiced cookies wafting throughout the house.

Only a handful of guests that had made it through the snow were in attendance. Which suited Hunt just fine. He had not seen Eva since yesterday morning and was eager to have his bride all to himself. Lily crawled on the floor, oblivious to all activity happening around her, much too enthralled with the unopened presents scattered about. Nero followed the baby, never letting her stray far from his watchful gaze.

Aunt Carol appeared from the hall and, with a bright smile, announced, “It’s time.”

Hunt waited in excited anticipation. When Eva walked into the room, she stole his breath away. She wore a pale blue dress that accentuated her womanly curves. Long blonde tendrils cascaded down her back. Her brown eyes were soft with love and desire. The blush on her cheek told him that she, too, was thinking of the passion that awaited them. Years from now, he knew he would never be able to describe what she wore, but the look on her face would be imprinted in his memory for all eternity.

Mayor Tuck began the ceremony. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together on this fine Christmas day to join…” All words faded into oblivion as Hunt watched Eva. Her soft smile and loving gaze filled his heart as never before. It was as if the world existed only for the two of them.

When the mayor asked for the ring, Hunt drew out a carved agate rose cameo ring from his inner pocket and placed it on her slender finger.

With a brilliant smile on her face and tears in her eyes, Eva said, “It’s beautiful.”

“So are you, my English rose.” Without waiting for further instruction, Hunt kissed his bride with all the love he felt in his soul.

No matter what the future held, he knew as long as they were together, their love would triumph.