The River Girl's Christmas (Texas Women of Spirit Book 4) by Angela Castillo

given them a packet of powder, “to dull the pain a bit. But you might just want a bottle of whiskey.”
    Wylder came around the wagon. “I’ll take the baby.” He pulled Margo from Lone Warrior’s arms. “Might as well come meet Grandma.” His voice was gruff. 
    What’s his problem? Can’t he just be happy everyone is safe? Zillia rolled her eyes and helped Orrie and Patsy out of the wagon. 
    After a morning of travel and uncertainty, the warmth of the house felt like arms embracing them. Soonie introduced Lone Warrior to Grandma Louise, Henry and Will.
    Grandma Louise wiped her tears and took a few deep breaths. She bustled around, lighting the candles on the Christmas tree and slipping warm cookies and hot drinks into cold hands while everyone told stories of the day.
    Finally, she perched on the edge of her seat like a nervous little bird. “I’m thankful to have you home.” She folded her hands over her apron, embroidered with traditional red and pink Swedish flowers. “Lone Warrior, you are welcome in this family.”
    “Thank you.” Lone Warrior’s eyes traveled around the room. “It’s good to be warm and dry.
    Soonie gave an account of their adventures. Everyone gasped when she told of the evil men who had shot Lone Warrior.
    Grandpa Walt pressed his fingers against his cheeks. “It’s a sad story, but it happens more than you think. The sheriff’s told me of black folks he’s found strung up in trees, and no one knows who put ‘em there. Mexican people beaten for thievery with no proof, and people don’t do anything about it. Even if we found those men, Soonie, and you identified them, they have a fish feather story that would hold up in a court of law. Just ‘cause it’s the way of things.”
    Soonie sighed. “I know, Grandpa. It’s the world we live in. I think it must make God sad, since He made all of us.”
    “We’ve all had our troubles.” Grandma Louise traced the embroidery on her apron with a wrinkled finger. “When Walt and I came to this country, we couldn’t say more than ‘hello’ in English. We had some money, but were scared to death to spend anything for fear of being robbed. I’ll never forget how it felt, standing on the shores of New York with a wagon’s worth of belongings and no idea how we’d get to Texas. We might have had white skin, but we had strange clothes and customs, and people treated us like cockroaches.”
    Zillia sat still, listening to the stories. And all this time I felt sorry for myself for being poor. I never had anyone throw me out of a place because of poverty. Those men--We could have been planning a funeral, if it wasn’t for Soonie’s friend who taught her what to do and God’s good mercy. She glanced over at Wylder. He stared into the fire, his face drawn into a scowl. I wonder if he realizes how ridiculous he’s being. She put her face in her hands. He’s been patient with me when I made mistakes. I’ll just have to wait for him to come around. Hopefully it will be soon.
    Wylder stood and stretched, still not making eye contact with anyone in the room. “It’s time we get these children home. What do you think, Zillia?”
    Zillia glanced out the window. The sun was getting low in the horizon. She squeezed Soonie’s hand. “I can hardly bear to leave you, but we’ll be back tomorrow.”
    Soonie nodded. Her eyelids fluttered and she smiled a sleepy smile.
    “You must be exhausted,” said Zillia. “We’ll come in the afternoon. I’m sure Grandma Louise will let you sleep in tomorrow. And what’s the day after that?” she asked Orrie, who was curled up next to her feet.
    “Christmas!” he shouted.
    Christmas in two days. Zillia surveyed the room. And now everything will be perfect.
     
    ###
     
    Christmas Eve was spent in a whirlwind of preparation. Patsy helped Zillia in the kitchen and with Margo. Wylder and Orrie brought in load after load of firewood to keep the old stove hot and ready to bake.
    “Henry said