Blue Montana Christmas Read online

  “Very true,” Elizabeth smiled and hugged her. “You’ll have to teach Ashley. My poor son takes things to heart so deeply.”

  Chapter Five

  Olivia went outside to find Bronson chopping wood. “I think we’ve got more than enough to last the next couple of days. You’ve been outside in this cold too long.”

  She knew him enough to know there was something on his mind. However, like the rest of the Cole men, it was best to wait and let them talk. Prodding would only lead her husband to prolong the silence.

  Olivia pretended interest in the wood he chopped. “I am so very glad that everything was cleared up with Alexander and Julian. They are family and it’s more than obvious they did not have a plan to return. What do you think will happen to them after the holidays?”

  Bronson swung the ax embedding it into the tree stump. “I don’t know. I reckon they could find work around here.”

  “You heard them dear. Alexander barely knows how to ride a horse and Julian is better with numbers than ranching.”

  “I know.” Bronson’s brow crinkled. “I’ve been giving it some thought and wanted to speak to Grayson about them.”

  Olivia pressed her lips together to keep from smiling at her wonderful husband. There was no doubt in her mind, every one of the Cole men were trying to figure out how to help the brothers. Ashley hadn’t spoken a word, pretending to read, while Grayson paced in the dining room, with the ever-present cup of coffee in his hand. Hank was at the kitchen table whittling a piece of wood, his brows drawn together in thought.

  Currently, Alexander and Julian were at the bunkhouse until suppertime. Hank had asked them to clean it up and chop wood for the hearth there.

  “I think you should speak to your brothers and all of you, along with your parents, make a decision.” She went to him and wrapped her arms around his waist to lay her head on his broad chest.

  He hugged her in return and rested his cheek on her hair. “You’re right. Not sure why it’s bothering me so much. They’re grown men, not boys.”

  “They are out of the element and vulnerable,” Olivia replied and snuggled closer enjoying the short private time without interruptions from either the twins or family. “They are family and you are a wonderful caring man. That’s why.”

  “Hmmm.” Bronson nudged at her face with his until their lips met in a kiss that made her breathing quicken and filled her with anticipation of the night to come.

  “Ashley,” Grace lowered to sit next to him and he put the book he’d been holding down on his leg. She adjusted her skirts and smiled. Her dark eyes searched his face before looking to the children. One of the twins gurgled happily, while the other two babes continued sleeping. “You’re a wonderful uncle to watch the children while their mothers get a much needed break.”

  He couldn’t help but chuckle. They’d not asked him to, but somehow it was where he usually ended up during family get-togethers. The children seemed drawn to his quiet nature, for the most part remained calm when he was with them.

  In truth he enjoyed the role of uncle. However, in that moment he worried Grace was upset or hurt about the fact they’d not yet had children or were expecting.

  “I like being with them. As long as they don’t start making too much of a ruckus.” He reached for Grace’s hand and squeezed it. “What were you and Ma doing?”

  She shrugged. “Talking. About you actually.”

  “Oh?”

  “Your mother was telling me about you as a child.” When her lips curved, his heartbeat sped up. He loved the woman more than life and would die for her.

  “Are you upset I’ve not come to be with child yet?”

  The question surprised him and he couldn’t help but be relieved. “No. I enjoy being with you. Spending time alone. When it happens, I’m sure it will be good timing.”

  Grace’s shoulders fell and she let out a long breath. “I am so glad to hear it. I don’t want you to be worried or upset about anything. It’s Christmas. I want to be thankful for how very blessed we are to have each other.”

  In that moment, warmth filled his chest until he could barely stand it. Not just warmth, but a lightness of spirit he’d not felt in a long time. Grace had that effect on him, the ability to bring him to the light when darkness threatened.

  “Sit next to me,” Ashley tugged her hand. “Come here.” He patted his leg and Grace blushed turning to the doorway.

  “We both don’t fit in that chair.” She stood and moved closer allowing him to draw her into his lap. Immediately she snuggled against his chest. “I love you so much Ashley.”

  “You make me happy,” he replied pressing a kiss to her temple. “Are you making shortbread today?”

  Grace gave him a playful smack on the arm. “Is that what you’re thinking about right now? And here I thought you were being sweet.”

  Of course, it wasn’t what he was thinking about, but it was best not to go down that path at the present. He pressed a second kiss closer to her ear. “What I wish for most right now, is just as sweet, but I certainly don’t think disrobing in front of three innocent children is a good idea.”

  His wife gasped and chuckled. “Ashley Cole, you are most incorrigible.”

  Supper had been quite the event. The house seemed too quiet and empty once everyone dispersed to go home and ensure all was taken care of before returning for Christmas day.

  Julian and Alexander were in the bunkhouse, no doubt exhausted after a day of ranch work that neither was accustomed to. Elizabeth doused the lanterns in the kitchen and walked into the front room to find her husband asleep in the rocker by the fireplace.

  One of his dogs, a black Labrador lifted its large head and studied her for a moment. She made a “Shhh,” sound and the dog lowered his head once again.

  Her mind was awhirl about what to do with the boys in the bunkhouse. A part of her wondered if upon giving them their inheritance, they’d turn around and go back east.

  Montana was harsh, especially in the winter for newcomers. So she expected they’d return east upon receiving their inheritance. But from what she’d gleaned during the last meal, they didn’t have family. Their mother had been ostracized from her family due to having the boys out of wedlock. Her uncle only had one sister, her aunt Betty, who’d lived there in town until her recent death.

  “What’s going round in that pretty head of yours?” Hank’s brilliant blue eyes scanned her face.

  His compliments never grew old. Hank was as handsome as ever. With only a sprinkling of silver on his temples and slight crinkles on the corners of his eyes, her husband remained youthful. However, there were signs she didn’t miss. He sometimes limped when first getting up from a chair and often asked her to heat up water for an extra hot bath.

  If ever there was someone to grow old with, it was the wonderful man who looked at her with so much love. “I am thinking about the boys. What do you think they’ll do with the money?”

  “I suppose they have plans. Probably came up with all kinds of scenarios on their way here. Being young, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s all gone within a few years.”

  Elizabeth sighed. “Perhaps Julian, being that he’s got a head for numbers, will not be so impulsive with money.”

  “I don’t know,” Hank said. “He was the one causing a ruckus in town.”

  “True.”

  Hank stood and stretched. “I know it’s not very late, but I’m plum worn out. Let’s go to bed early tonight.”

  This night was no different that many others. It was how they spent most evenings. She worked on knitting or sewing, while Hank pretended to read. Most of the time he napped.

  There was some knitting to do to finish the last blanket for the babies she made for Christmas. “Go on ahead. I want to finish up this blanket.”

  Hank took her by the arms and lifted her to stand, his mouth covering hers with a kiss so deep, her knees buckled.

  When he led her to the bedroom, Elizabeth didn’t resist.


  The fire crackled in the hearth of the now empty room, the only sound the snoring of an overly fed dog.

  Chapter Six

  Christmas Day...

  It was a beautiful Christmas morning. The sun shone bright, reflecting off the white snow.

  Grumbling in annoyance, Grayson made his way to the family home from the stables. The same calf that'd run off just days before had escaped once again to run around the barn. The troublesome creature was finally penned with its mother who seemed just as annoyed. Grayson was sure that critter would be trouble.

  His father stood outside by the front porch. “Help me bring some of this firewood inside. Lets stack it by the two fireplaces. We already have enough in the kitchen.

  After two trips, Grayson added a log to the fire and lowered to sit next to Nora who held their sleeping son.

  “Anyone seen Olivia?” Bronson walked into the room, carrying his twins, one in each arm. He grimaced as he tilted side to side while they gurgled happily. “I think one of them needs a diaper change.”

  “I’ll change him,” Nora said standing to take the babe.

  "Where’s Ashley?" His mother neared and placed a hand on Grayson’s forearm. “I thought he was in here.”

  Just then Ashley entered, his eyes going from Grayson's son to the babe in Bronson's arms.

  "I'd say he feels the odd man out." Grayson told his mother who smiled and shook her head.

  "My poor son." She smiled and looked to her eldest. "I have a feeling he won't be the odd man out much longer." She slid a look to pale Grace, who turned a strange color of green and dashed from the room.

  Alexander and Julian entered with Hank from the kitchen. They exchanged questioning glances before looking around the room as if in search of an answer.

  Ashley entered as well, his shoulders sprinkled with new fallen snow. “What’s going on?”

  Elizabeth clapped her hands. "Listen up everyone. Come in here. We have some news."

  Like everyone else, Grayson searched his mother’s face for a clue as to what the announcement was.

  The front room became full as everyone crowded in. Grace returned and was immediately pulled in under Ashley’s arm. His brother looked down at her with such warmth in his expression, rarely seen until Ashley married.

  Love had changed his brother and like him and Bronson, love was what had saved them.

  Alexander and Julian stood at the kitchen doorway, not quite comfortable enough to enter the main room.

  Footsteps sounded as Josiah and Laura came down the stairs to stand on the bottom step.

  His parents stood side by side in front of the hearth. Their eyes scanned every face in the room. Grayson’s chest constricted at the love he saw in their eyes when they looked to each of them.

  His father took his wife’s hand and cleared his throat.

  "I believe there is something on all our minds this Christmas.” His blue gaze met his before moving to Bronson and Ashley’s.

  “Your mother and I have decided to invite Alexander and Julian to live here on Cole lands."

  He looked to the two brothers who gaped in return.

  Hank continued. "If you boys decide to stay, we have room here in the house. Later when you choose a piece of land you like, the men here present will help you build homes.”

  The brothers remained silent for a moment. Julian flushed, his Adam’s apple bobbing, and Alexander cleared his throat.

  The brothers looked to each other communicating without words, something Grayson understood as he and Bronson did the same.

  Finally, both walked to the front of the room and faced their parents. It was Alexander who spoke. "We accept sir. Thank you." He turned to the room. “We’ve never been part of a family before. We appreciate you taking us in to join you for the holiday.”

  Julian nodded quickly. “It’s good...feels good. I thank you all as well.” He looked from his parents to the rest of the family. “Thank you.”

  Alexander extended is hand to Hank who ignored it and embraced the young man slapping his back. "Good, I'm glad."

  There were cheers from the women and everyone rushed to hug the two new residents of Alder Gulch.

  When it was Grayson’s turn to hug the brothers, he pretended not to notice the tear that trailed down Julian's face.

  "I have something to ask." Bronson raised his voice, getting everyone’s attention. "Since I'm not the youngest anymore, can you all pick on Julian now?"

  Julian tried unsuccessfully to hide a grin. "I don't mind."

  "Nah, I’ll still bug you," Grayson said bumping his twin's shoulder.

  "Any other statements?" Their father asked. "Because I'm ready to eat some of your Ma's huckleberry pie."

  Everyone laughed and at once the room broke into activity. The family table was set with plates and forks. Pies were brought and placed along the center.

  While everyone settled, Nora came up behind Grayson and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Isn't it amazing? We've gotten some wonderful unexpected gifts this Christmas."

  "We did?" He enjoyed the feel of his wife's body against his back.

  "Yes. You, Bronson and Ashley have new brothers. The babies have more uncles to care for and protect them. Your parents are going to have young men living here. I know they missed having you boys here. God is so good to us."

  Grayson looked across the room. His mother was directing Julian and Alexander as they carried chairs into the room. Both looked to him when he laughed.

  "Welcome to the family boys. Merry Christmas!"

  The End.

  Prologue A Different Shade of Blue

  Shades of Blue, Book 2

  Alder Gulch, Montana 1865

  Grayson's knees sunk into the fresh, damp soil as he fell forward onto his hands with his head hanging between unsteady arms. The skies rained on his back, the soft drizzle mocking his tears. Sobs racked his lungs until he could not catch a breath, each wail followed by another. The pain that cut deep into his chest squeezed so hard he wondered if death would come and claim him, too. It would be a welcome reprieve to the agony of losing his Sophia, to the relentless presence of absolute sorrow that encompassed him for the last three days.

  Sophia was dead, he understood this on some level, but he could not stop the persistent expectation that she'd materialize, walk up to him and be puzzled by his sadness. Any minute, she'd arrive and, in her sweet way, tease him. "Whatever is the matter with you, dear? Look at me, I am fine."

  Impossible. He'd never hear the musical sound of her voice, nor feel her soft touch again. His wife of only two weeks was dead and it could not be changed.

  "Come on, son. Let's go back to the house. Your mother will worry." His father's deep tones penetrated through the fog that circled his head, but Grayson did not budge. Instead, he shrugged out from under the heavy palm on his shoulder.

  "No. Leave me. Please." His voice was hoarse from hours of grief. The fact his sorrow pained his parents did not matter to him in the least. If ever there was a time for him to be selfish, this was it.

  Hank Cole sank onto the dirt next to him and Grayson turned his tear-streaked face away. It proved unfortunate when a small bunch of wilted flowers caught his eye. Blue Astor, Sophia liked them, kept them in a cup on their night table.

  With a loud groan, Grayson threw himself onto the grave and began to pound his fists into the dirt. "No! No! Oh God. Why?"

  He didn't know how much time passed with him lying on the dirt, crying, not accepting the truth, his face caked in mud, a mixture of earth and tears.

  The sun descended and temperatures cooled. Sophia did not care for the dark and now she lay under the mound of dirt in the blackness. Every night she'd be out here alone.

  "I'll stay out here tonight, Pa," Grayson spoke for the first time in hours, his voice more like a croak.

  "No, you will not. Grayson get up. You have to let her rest." The angry edge to his father's voice snapped him out of the haze and he began to shake uncontrollably.
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  "Too soon...I can't leave her out here alone. Don't you understand?"

  "You know I do." His father's quiet reply made him squeeze his swollen eyes shut.

  "I'm sorry, Pa."

  "Don't apologize. My mother was old and it was time for her to pass. I understand. This is different. Young people are not supposed to die. A young bride is not supposed to be snatched from her husband after only two weeks. It's not right."

  Grayson lifted his gaze to his father. "What am I going to do?" Pain tore a fiery path across his lungs and his breathing became labored. Steady, thick arms surrounded him and he allowed himself to collapse against his father's sturdy frame. Not able to stop them, once again the heavy tears poured.

  "Just what you're doing. Son, mourn her loss and cry. A little less every day until you're done."

  The sun sunk below the horizon and his father remained until late into the night, holding Grayson while he attempted to accept that his wife was gone. Torn from him by a careless, faceless death.

  Read it today! http://amzn.to/2jT2Wyh

  About the Author

  Dear Reader,

  If you enjoyed Montana Blue Christmas, start reading the Shades of Blue series by starting with Big Sky Blue, Hank and Elizabeth’s story.

  Here’s the link: http://amzn.to/2ihJIlH

  USA Today Bestselling author Hildie McQueen loves unusual situations and getting into interesting adventures, which is what her characters do as well. She writes romance because she is in love with love! Author of Highlander historical, western historical and contemporary romances, she writes something every reader can enjoy.

  Most days she can be found in her pajamas hiding from deliverymen while drinking tea from her David Gandy coffee mug. In the afternoons she browses the Internet for semi-nude men to post on Facebook.