New Years Eve 1888

Just slightly over a year later, on an uncommonly warm New Years Eve, life in Silverpine Crossing had flourished, not just at the Lantern Inn, but for nearly everyone in the small town. 

In the beginning of the year, Maisie and Caleb had married in a ceremony and celebration that closely rivaled that of Adelaide and Elias. The Lantern Rest was thriving, final repairs having been made over the summer. There were even some improvements, with a new wing built onto the back, separated in two apartments, one side for Maise and Caleb and the child they were expecting in the month of March 1889. 

The Lantern Rest was aglow with light against a deep, dark winter’s night. It was alive in a way Adelaide had not seen in years. There were still some decorations left over from Christmas, including an eight-foot tree decorated with garlands, and a few leftover strings of popcorn. A large banner stretched from one side of the upstairs hand railing to the other, saying Happy New Year, 1889.

The place was buzzing with life. The townsfolk had gathered there, like they had in the early days when Adelaide’s parents were still alive. She stepped out of the hallway into the lobby and was immediately confronted by well wishes from her neighbors and friends. The baker, the banker, the butcher, and all. Reaching out to shake her hand or pat her on the back, greeting her with wide smiles. 

They were genuine smiles now. Completely genuine. Adelaide could feel their love. 

Wendy’s husband, Liam, had decided to join her in Silverpine Crossing, instantly falling in love with their baby son, who was now a rambunctious one-year-old. Everyone had to look out for the little tyke, as he was allowed to crawl at an incredible speed all around the Inn, pulling himself up on furniture and toddling around until he plopped down on his little bottom. Undeterred, he would get right back up and take off again. 

Adelaide made her way to the other side, closer to the kitchen, to check on the progress of the cookies and cakes coming out, filling the place with so many delicious scents. She glanced to the right and halted in her tracks. Gideon was down on one knee, showing something to a little girl, the daughter of the blacksmith, who was ten. She was smiling wide as he clasped a small bracelet around her wrist. 

Right behind Gideon stood Ruth, beaming from ear to ear. She had her arms crossed over her chest. She wore a bright yellow dress with a green sash and green flat shoes. Her white hair was pulled back and held together with a green band, the rest of her white curls erupting from the hair band. 

They were everyone’s grandparents. They took care of the small children and the young adults like they were all blood relatives, deeply loved by all who met them. Times had certainly changed. 

“All right, everyone!” Maisie interrupted the talking from her place at the front of the room. She clapped her hands together to get the attention of most of the town, who were gathered together in the lobby. She was still smiling and continued clapping. “Friends, friends, let’s have a moment of quiet please.”

Any other year and it would have been Adelaide gathering attention. But this year was special. She and her sister were happily married, Maisie with a baby on the way, Ruth and Gideon had come together. Ned and Vivian went everywhere together, though both denied any romance was growing between them. 

In fact, the two youngsters weren’t at the party yet. Ned had become Elias’ apprentice. Vivian had a big interest in medicine, as well, and had become very fond of Ned at the same time. She liked to clean up at the clinic, which Elias completely encouraged. He was a bit of a mess himself, leaving things unsorted in the office and, Adelaide thought with a silent laugh, at home, too. 

Maisie tried again. “Everyone, please! We must exchange gifts and we’ll never get around to it if we don’t get around to it now!”

Laughter floated through the room as people took chairs or stood quiet, all eyes on Maisie. 

Adelaide wondered how many times she would be impressed with her sister, proud of her. It was happening a lot. 

“Now that we’ve all settled down, I’d like to go ahead and exchange the gifts. Now, you all had one person you were to buy or make a present for. We’re going to start on this side of the room, this table right here.” She touched the table nearest to her, a loving grin on her face when she looked down at Deputy Caleb. They exchanged a look of adoration before Maisie went on. “Some of you may have gotten or made extra gifts for loved ones. You may exchange them now or when you are ready to leave.”

Murmurs ran through the room as the town chatted  for a moment or two before falling quiet again. 

“All right, let’s get on the road here!” Charlie called out. Adelaide remembered just earlier that month how Charlie was disgusted with her after seeing the scars she wore on one shoulder, rising up her neck and touching her chin. Everyone laughed and agreed with Charlie’s call to action loudly. 

Maisie joined the laughter, clapping more with delight. “All right, all right. Caleb, you go first.”

“Oh now we see why you’re starting with that table,” Charlie called out, clearly teasing. 

After the exchange of gifts, which proved to be one of the funniest and most entertaining rituals Adelaide had ever seen in her life, she sat down at a side table, setting her small plate down. The plate held a half-eaten piece of bundt cake with clear glazing cream on the top. 

“Young Ned reach us in time?” Elias asked, leaning over and giving her a kiss on the cheek. He took the seat next to her. 

“Yes, he came in with Vivian about fifteen minutes ago. He’s having a good time, like everyone else.”

“I’m sure he is! Especially since he got a gift from me this year.”

“Oh, is that special for him?” Adelaide teased, knowing Ned held great respect for the doctor and part-time construction man. 

Elias laughed. “Yes. I had a hard time getting him to call me anything other than my full name or ‘boss’, which isn’t too bad but it still made me feel wrong for using the title.”

“Well, you will be his boss when he becomes a doctor or your assistant. Paid, I mean.”

 “Until then, he will call me Elias. Or Jonah, whichever one he remembers.”

They laughed together. 

“I’m having a hard time remembering myself. You do look like a Jonah, you know.”

Elias waved his hand dismissively. “I’ve gotten used to Jonah, so I’ll answer to either.”

Adelaide leaned forward and kissed his cheek. She took his hand and squeezed it. “I think it’s wonderful that you’ve opened a new clinic here, Jonah… See, I did it again.” She shook her head, grinning.

“It’s all right, my dear.” 

 

As midnight approached, Adelaide went to Maisie and took her own six-month-old son from her, resting the boy on her own hip. Everything was so bright and shiny, her son’s eyes were wide open, looking all around him. 

Adelaide hurried over to her husband. Elias put his arm around her. 

“Here we go, folks!” Elias called out loudly. “Ten seconds till the New Year! Ten…”

The crowd joined him. 

“Nine… Eight… Seven… Six… Five… Four… Three… Two… One!”

“Happy New Year!!” 

The guests erupted with celebrations, the sound of clackers, kazoos, rattles, paper horns and whistles bouncing off the walls. Men and women were kissing cheeks, hugging and smiling wide.

“Are you happy, Elias?” Adelaide asked, tilting her head to the side. 

“You know I’m happy,” he responded, a sweet smile on his lips. Adelaide suppressed a sigh of contentment. She felt her body relax. 

“I am, too.” 

“I sure hope so, darlin’. You know that’s all I want.” He turned his attention to Matthew, who was sitting on Adelaide’s lap, quiet and observant of all the things around him. “You know why he doesn’t cry very much?” 

Adelaide lifted her eyebrows. “No, why?”

Elias chuckled, “I was asking you. I don’t know why.”

Adelaide laughed, throwing her head back, enjoying the twinkling candles around her. The front door opened and closed repeatedly as more people came in. The sound of people greeting each other excitedly made Adelaide’s excitement for the next year grow by leaps and bounds. 

“I want this to be the best year we’ve ever had,” she breathed, pulling him into a hug. 

She heard him whisper in her ear, “It will be, my love. I’m going to make sure.”

Suddenly, Elias pulled away. Confused, she stared at him, leaving her arms on his shoulders. She turned to the front of the Inn where the entrance was and saw a man coming through the crowd, straight for the two of them. She knew who he was instantly. 

Elias’ brother. 

They shared so many features, it was impossible not to tell they were kin. 

Elias stood up so abruptly he knocked the chair over with the back of his knees. He hurried around the table, his arms open wide. 

“Brother! Brother of mine!” he called out. Adelaide could hear the tears in his voice. 

To his credit, Elias’ brother’s face turned red and collapsed into an emotional mess. Thomas pounded on Elias’ back. 

“Brother of mine,” he said back, less enthusiastic than Elias had said it. His deep emotions were there instead. He looked like he might cry in the next few seconds. 

Thomas put his hand on the back of his little brother’s head and pulled him until their foreheads were touching. The next moment was filled with a hug and pounding on each other’s back. 

“I have missed you, Elias,” Thomas said softly when they separated. 

The whole scene made tears flow down Adelaide’s cheeks. She took a cloth napkin from next to where the plate had been a few moments ago, dabbing her cheeks with it. 

“You made it through the snow,” Elias stated. “And I have missed you, too. I must meet your wife and children!”

“First let me congratulate you on your marriage.” Thomas leaned over the table, holding out one of his hands. Adelaide took it and was quite impressed with the gentle grip Thomas used. “You must be the beautiful woman my brother chose to make his bride.”

“Did the place at the honor table give that away?” Elias teased. 

Thomas snorted, which made Adelaide laugh out loud. He kissed her hand and let go. “You are a lovely woman, Adelaide. I hope you enjoy life with my brother.”

“So far, I do!” she replied enthusiastically. 

“Let’s step outside and watch the snow fall, Elias,” Thomas said. “We’ve got a lot of catching up to do.”

Adelaide was more content than she’d ever been in her life. Soon their family would grow, the extended family was growing at the same time, and Silverpine Crossing was safe from corruption and evil government. All thanks to her, a debonair doctor, her sister, and the entire town coming together to rid their town of evil criminals – even rich ones. 

 

“Would you care to dance, Addy?” Elias had returned from reuniting with his brother, and bending at the waist, swept his hand through the air like a gentleman. 

“I would love to, husband,” she responded, taking his hand. He swept her out on the dance floor. She loved the way her deep blue dress swirled around when Elias spun her around. When the song was over, Elias pulled her close and kissed her openly. Her heart nearly came out of her chest. 

“My lovely wife. What would I do without you?”

“Be miserable and lonely, of course.”

They laughed just when the music began again and Adelaide found herself back on the dance floor, swinging and swaying in time with the lively piano and stomping feet. Maisie came up next to her, lifting her skirt so she wouldn’t trip and they danced together, their laughter and pleasure spreading to all, ensuring a good night was had by anyone who stepped into Lantern’s Rest in the midnight hour of the new year, 1889, in Silverpine Crossing, Montana.

THE END