The Second Life of Magnolia Mae (14 page)

Having gone outside to see the progress that was being made with replenishing the houses with firewood and to check on families, she breathed in the cold air. Seeing the children look around in wonder at the cold, wet snow around them, Magnolia decided it was time to build a snowman. With the help of the little ones, not only did she build one snowman but a snowman family. The afternoon was spent running around outside enjoying the snow.

That evening after dinner, Magnolia and several of the women who worked in the castle were gathered in the hall, sipping warm cider and working on Christmas gifts. After enlisting the help of Railynn, she’d decided that the thing for the men in her life was something as simple as new quivers. Since she had never made one before, Railynn helped her with the first one. Seeing the men enter the hall, she stashed away the quivers before they could see what she was working on.

“Daciana, are you up for a game?” Alistair asked as he sat next to the chess set.

She joined him at the table with her cup of hot cider in her hand.

Jaceson pulled up a chair to watch the two of them. “I saw you out in the snow today. You seemed to be enjoying yourself.”

“I did. Do you really believe that talking to me while we play will distract me enough that you will win?” A crooked smile lit up her face.

“It was certainly worth the attempt. Why do you think Jaceson no longer jumps at every chance to play with you? He says there is no point when you always beat him, that you must have had plenty of practice as a child.”

For a brief moment, sadness filled her. She blinked her eyes and looked away in hopes that they would not notice. It seemed like a lifetime ago when her brother had said something similar about playing chess with her. With a bit of effort, she forced a smile to her face and turned back to the game. Magnolia longed for her brother, for her home. Dragoste rubbed against her leg as if sensing her distress. Absentmindedly, she kept one hand on him for comfort. He was the only thing that connected her to both of her worlds — to the life she’d left behind and the life she lived now.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

C
HRISTMAS
E
VE
WAS A
busy evening. Women rushed about the kitchen. The place smelled of fresh bread, plum pudding, and pumpkin pie. The main menu for the next day consisted of roast pig and goose. Magnolia had already decided that hot chocolate would be served at dinner. It was a rare treat for the people of Avengar; some of the children had never had it. She discovered that Railynn had never tasted it either. That had made up her mind; it would become tradition here, that on Christmas, hot chocolate would be served. It seemed the least she could do for them, to give them a treat that she had always taken for granted.

In the great hall, Jaceson had hung some mistletoe. It seemed that the young ladies were looking forward to the dancing that would come after dinner. Railynn blushed severely at the mention of the mistletoe while she was helping Magnolia with the pies, maybe because Jaceson had been mentioned in the same sentence as mistletoe. Magnolia thought it was sweet and wondered if Jaceson was oblivious to Railynn’s affection, or if he chose to ignore it because he had known her for so long. Because of him, she had a job and a place to live after her family had died. The more she looked at Jaceson, the more she saw reminders of her brother, and she desperately wanted him to be happy.

“Daciana?” The smooth, low voice brought her out of her own thoughts. Those gorgeous blue eyes were looking deeply into her own green eyes. She felt a blush creep up her neck to her cheeks. “Are you nearly finished in here?”

“All that is left is to clean up the mess we have made. Why?”

“I wanted to give you your gift now.”

“Tonight?” She shook her head, black locks coming down from the upbraid and brushing up against her face. “Why not wait?”

“I know you’re going to be busy, and I want you to be able to enjoy it.” His eyes pleaded with her.

“Go. We can clean without you,” Railynn spoke up, motioning for her to leave. “You can clean up tomorrow” The girl winked at her.

Magnolia laughed at her friend then accepted Alistair’s arm. She walked beside him through the castle.

Her curiosity was getting the best of her. “Where is it?”

“We’re almost there.” He stopped in front of a door.

“Is it in there? I don’t think I have ever been in that room.” She quirked up an eyebrow.

“Your gift
is
that room.” Alistair pushed open the doors and led her inside. Two walls were filled with books, and a fire roared in the fireplace on a far wall. There were two window seats, a settee, and a few upholstered chairs. Her mouth dropped open for just a second. Quickly closing it again, she blinked back tears. A few steps more into the grand library, and she found herself in Jaceson’s arms.

“Do you like it?” he asked as he hugged her close.

“It is beautiful.” Her reply came in a whisper as a few tears slid down her face. “How did you do this?”

Jaceson released her and stepped back. With a little distance between them, she could look at them both.

“We know you enjoy reading, and we wanted to give you something that you could enjoy. Some are books that have been here a long time, but you will also find newer books.”

Silence filled the room as she walked slowly along the bookshelves. Shakespeare, Roger Boyle, John Dryden, and so many more. She pulled down
The Pilgrim’s Progress
and smiled. “This is the greatest gift I have ever received. I don’t think anything could ever be better than this.” She wrapped her arms around Jaceson and Alistair.

Jaceson slipped out of the room, leaving the two of them alone.

Alistair took her hand into his and led her over to the settee. A new blanket was waiting there for her. “Nonna made it for you. I wanted you to see this tonight. I know that you’ll be busy over the next few days. I also wanted to see you alone.”

“I see you alone quite often.” A smile and slight shake of the head accompanied her answer.

His blue eyes were filled with admiration as he looked at her, causing her heart to race. His thumb drew soft circles on the back of her hand, and her skin tingled at his touch.

“I have loved you since I first laid eyes on you. I have never seen anyone as beautiful as you. Your green eyes drew me in, entrancing me even more every time they looked in my direction. You have such a willful determination —almost bordering on complete stubbornness. I adore that about you.” His hand lifted up to her face, brushing aside the strands of dark hair that now framed her face.

Involuntarily her face leaned into his hand, reveling in the feel of him. Though his hands were calloused from hard work, his touch was as gentle as a whispered breeze.

He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I am here tonight, knowing there are many challenges that await us. Difficulties that we can face together if you will allow us to do so. Will you become my wife?”

Her heart raced, trying to rip out of her chest. Her skin suddenly felt flushed, and the room seemed to spin. A slight nod of the head and a timid smile were followed by a whispered “I love you.” Tears filled her eyes again as she told him how she felt. Not being able to hold them back, they flowed freely down her face. Her arms went around his neck, and she clung to him for what seemed like hours. He smelled of hay and spices, and her heart ached. “Yes,” she whispered into his ear, no louder than her declaration of love. Fear of ruining this moment kept her from speaking louder.

That same fear, however, did not have its hold in Alistair. He wrapped his strong arms around her and spun her around. “Really? You will marry me?” His questions seemed to echo through the room, breaking the silence. He lowered her down as she nodded yes. His mouth found hers, his soft lips gently caressing. The kiss deepened only for a second.

Leaning into him, she wanted more. She wanted him to never let her go.

He broke away from Magnolia, then leaned his forehead against hers, his warm breath tickling her nose. “When?” It was a whisper.

A soft giggle escaped her. “Is there a hurry?”

“I nearly lost you twice now.” His voice was grave, his eyes darker than normal. “I do not want to continue on without you by my side forever. I love you.” Several light kisses were trailed across the top of her forehead and down to the tip of her nose. “I would marry you right now, if I could.”

“As soon as you think appropriate.” Magnolia’s heart no longer felt like it was going to leap from her chest, though it still fluttered. Her lips grazed his rough cheek.

She stepped back to look up at him, and a soft smile lit his face. “Now, enjoy your gift.”

She picked up the book that had been placed on the settee.

“Will you read it to me?” he asked as they settled down. Gently, he covered her lap with the blanket.

Nodding, she opened the book and started to read. Having read the book several times before, she was able to allow her mind to wander a little. She was certain that her face glowed and not from the warmth of the fire. Butterflies fluttered about inside her stomach as she glanced over at Alistair. His dark hair shined in the firelight. He was her prince. It all sounded like a fairytale.

He’d listened to her read until she’d grown tired. Instead of insisting that she stop and go to her room, he’d watched as she’d dozed off, book in hand. Now she lay on the settee with the blanket pulled up around her. The page in the book had been marked and set on a table. They would spend many happy winter evenings here in the future, he was certain. Hearing her whisper I love you had been the greatest moment in his life. Firelight cast soft shadows onto her face. Could she look any more like an angel? He would do whatever he had to do to protect her. She was now his first priority. Nobody would take her away from him.

He reached out with his thumb and traced her jawline.

A frown creased her brow. A deep, low growl came from Dragoste, who lay on the floor as close to her as he could get, just as she whimpered in her sleep. What caused such dreams? Did she dream of Gordon and what he had done to her? Anger leaped to life within him. Anger not only at Gordon but at his own mother. The woman who had given him life had tried to take away the one person he would give up everything for.

Alistair pulled her into his arms, and she nestled closer to him. He stood and shifted her closer into his arms before he carried her out of the library to her own bedchamber. Perhaps she would sleep better in her own bed. It certainly had to be more comfortable. He laid her gently on the soft mattress then pulled the blankets up around her. Dragoste carefully climbed onto the bed and curled up at her side, protecting her as always. With a soft kiss on her forehead, Alistair whispered, “Goodnight,” and left the room as if walking on air. He longed for the night when he would be able to hold her in his arms all night. As it was, his heart had stayed behind with her; wherever she was, his heart was sure to be. It only beat for her now.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

T
HE EARLY HOURS OF
the morning had been filled with minor last-minute preparations. The news of the engagement spread so quickly that by the time Magnolia had made it into the kitchen to help with dinner preparations late that morning, everyone knew. She managed to shift the focus off herself and onto Christmas.

As the sun set, everyone gathered into the dining room. Magnolia insisted that they each take a seat, even those who would be helping to serve the meal.

Nonna stood and gave thanks for the meal that they were about to receive.

Alistair, Jaceson, Railynn, and Magnolia went to each person and gave them a gift. Hearing everyone exclaim over the thoughtfulness expressed made the long nights worth it.

After the gifts were handed out, those who had volunteered to help serve dinner stood to go to the kitchen. Magnolia followed them.

“Why are you in here? You should be out there with Prince Alistair,” Railynn whispered loudly. “Do you think that once he marries you he’ll want you socializing with servants? He won’t, especially when you eventually go back to Marcello to rule with him when the time comes.”

Magnolia smiled at her friend. “It does not matter what he thinks. I will not turn my back on my friends. I will help when I can. There is no need for me to be waited on hand and foot.” She picked up a large platter of meat before walking back out to the dining hall.

After all the food was set out on the tables. Magnolia had hot chocolate placed before everyone. The room was filled with the tantalizing aroma of Christmas dinner, the clattering of plates, and the laughter of those enjoying each other’s company.

While she ate, she looked around at the people she had come to know. They were smiling and sharing stories. Gwain sat with his sister and mother. Magnolia had learned that his father had been killed while out hunting a few years back.

“Happy Christmas.” Alistair leaned toward her and smiled. His face was nothing but happiness.

She was very thankful there was no darkness in his eyes like there had been the past few weeks.