That’s not the way you do it, Max,” Winifred said, shaking her head. “You have to put the bow at the top of the swag.” She pointed to the Christmas garland. “Right there.”
Max had been teasing Evie’s little sister and pretending not to understand her instructions. “I see. I do apologize, Miss Winifred. You want it right here, is that correct?” He positioned the bow in its appropriate place.
“Yes! That’s it. Finally.” She glanced up as Evie joined them. “He’s not very good at decorating. You’re going to have a lot of trouble putting your house in order.”
“Well, Winnie, this is the first time he’s ever gotten to decorate for Christmas,” Evie said looking at Max with an expression of pity.
Winifred’s eyes widened. “You’ve never helped decorate for Christmas?”
Max shook his head. “I was always away at boarding school when the house was decorated. Besides, we didn’t have nearly the fun your family does. Even when I was home from school.”
“We shall have to teach Max a great many things, Winifred. I may well need your help.”
“That’s so sad. I’m sorry that I was impatient with you, Max.”
He smiled and gave the young girl a bow. “Apology accepted. I shall look forward to learning all about proper decorating for the holidays.”
“Run along now, Winifred. Max must be leaving soon, and I want to speak to him first.”
Winifred nodded and skipped off to join some of the others in the front sitting room where a large tree was being installed.
“Are you ready for meeting with your father?” Evie asked.
“Yes,” Max said, rechecking to make certain the bow was secure. “Your brother said all the papers were ready for signing. I shall soon be owner of Garrison Logging Company and Lumber Mills.”
“I hope it goes without any difficulties.”
Max rejoined her and looked back at the swagged garland along the stairway banister. “Since Father and the Duchess have decided to return to New York, he won’t have any desire to cause difficulties. What do you think of the garland?”
“It’s perfect.” Evie smiled, which always left Max with the sense that all was well with the world.
“How are the wedding plans coming along?”
“Small and simple. Just as we discussed. We’ll marry here in the house in the larger dining room. We’ll have everything taken out and some chairs brought in for our few guests. The reverend will marry us, and then in the smaller dining room, a buffet of refreshments will be offered. Guests can mill about or leave.” She laughed. “I personally hope they’ll just go home so that you and I may slip back to our house and be left alone.”
“And you’re certain you don’t mind not taking a wedding trip right away?”
“Goodness, no. I liked your suggestion that we go in the spring or early summer.”
“It was your brother’s suggestion that we go abroad all together. I rather like the idea.”
“I do too. But either way, I’ll be content so long as we’re together.”
Max heard the chime of the grandfather clock and gave a nod. “Well, I shall be on my way.”
“See you for supper. I’ll want to hear a full report.”
They walked to the front door, where Max gave her a brief kiss and grabbed his hat and coat from Mrs. Arbarca.
Max’s one-horse buggy was awaiting him at the bottom of the steps. The groomsman held fast to the horse’s bridle as a light snow started to fall. Max made short order of taking up the lines, tipped his hat, and gave the man a nod to release the horse.
As he drove down the street, Max smiled at the way things were turning out. His spiritual faith had grown by leaps and bounds, and ever since speaking to Mr. Stubbs and Dr. Turner about the fire, Max had managed to find peace regarding the day he’d nearly died.
As he moved onto the bridge and crossed the Mississippi River, he cast a glance northward toward Boom Island. No matter what the truth was regarding the fire, he would rest in the Lord. If retribution was needed, then God Himself would handle the matter.
God had also answered Max’s prayers regarding a position teaching. He would be taking over some classes for one of the local schools after the winter break. Max had Evie’s father to thank for this. The position came up in a discussion with the mayor and a few other friends, and Dr. Turner had immediately recommended Max. They quickly agreed to interview him.
God, You’ve truly blessed me beyond anything that Icould have imagined.Max glanced skyward. “Thank You!”
