“Oh, you mean Angel’s mama?”
“Yes, that’s who I mean. May I come in?”
“Papa, can the man who came to see Angel’s mama come in?” John shouted from the door.
Nate strode to the door, holding a little girl in his arms.
“Yes, John, please let him in.”
Shifting the baby to his other arm, Nate shook hands with the older man. “Sorry about that. I’m afraid our doorman is somewhat cautious.” He chuckled.
“That’s all right. It’s good to be cautious.”
Nate gestured toward the parlor. “Please, have a seat, Mr. Benson. I’ll have Angel see if Sylvia is ready.”
“No Mr. Benson, please. That was my father. Call me Eli.” He settled in a comfortable, if somewhat worn, chair in front of the fireplace.
His gaze roamed the room. This house had been prepared for a Christmas with children. An evergreen tree sat in a corner, decorated with paper angels and snowmen. A small wooden nativity set held the place of honor on the mantle over the fireplace, where five stockings hung. The excited chatter of children resonated from the back of the house, where it seemed they were enjoying a snack before bed.
“Are you Angel’s mama’s boss?” A small boy, who looked exactly like the one who answered the door, but dressed differently, stood alongside his brother.
“Yes, I am.”
“She
likes working.” Serious eyes met his, as the boys joined hands.
Eli smiled. “I’m very glad to hear that. I’m Mr. Benson. Who are you?”
“I’m Luke Hale.” The child held out his hand.
Eli’s smile grew wider as he placed his large hand over the small one. “I’m very glad to meet you, Luke. I’ll bet this is your twin brother.”
The boy’s eyes grew wide. “Yes, how do you know that?”
Angel came into the room, extending her hand to Eli. “It’s good to see you again, Mr. Benson.” She turned to the boys. “Go wash and get into your nightclothes. Your papa’s about to read A Visit From St. Nicholas.”
The boys walked backward as they left the room, staring at Eli the whole time. Eli chuckled, and wondered about life in a house as undersized as this with all these children. He shook his head in amazement. Nate and Angel certainly had their hands full.
His gaze shifted again to the mantle. “That’s a lovely nativity scene you have there. Did Nate carve it?”
Angel shook her head. “No, actually that belonged to my father. I couldn’t bear to leave it, when I left New York. His father, a carpenter, whittled it. It’s over fifty years old.” She reached for one miniscule piece and smiled. Then she turned to him. “I’ll see if Sylvia is about ready.”
After Angel left the room, he settled back in the chair, attempting to calm his thumping heart.
Several minutes later, Sylvia entered the parlor, and Eli’s insides twisted. Her red satin dress fit her like a glove. The low neckline revealed two perfect, creamy white mounds, enough to tantalize without being scandalous. The fitted bodice ended at her small waist, flaring out enough to suggest the soft swell of her hips. Eli remembered Sylvia had mentioned she’d sold all her jewelry to pay for a ticket to come to Oregon. If things proceeded the way he hoped, he would enjoy draping her in diamonds and gold.
He rose and, going to her, took her hand and kissed it softly. “You are absolutely beautiful, Sylvia.”
She flushed at his words, and gave a slight curtsy. “Thank you, kind sir.”
Angel stood behind Sylvia, carrying her coat. Eli took it from her, and helped Sylvia into it, resting his hands on her shoulders while she fastened it. Angel smiled at the both of them, and then glanced at Nate who stood in the doorway, a twinkle in his eye.
“I certainly hope we’ll see you both tonight.” Eli took Sylvia’s arm and tucked it into his.
“We’ll be there,” Angel said. “I love the idea of a Christmas party. We have to get all the children into bed first. Mrs. Darby will be over to stay with them.”
“Well, then, we’ll see you later.” He nodded and opened the door for Sylvia.