Chapter 2
The bright winter sunshine bathed the kitchen with a warm glow. The heat from the three large ovens kept the room warm and cozy. Cooling cookies and cakes covered the old homemade maple table. A vase of dried flowers sat in the window seal. The sunbeams that were passing through it cast rainbows against the rose-colored walls. An open cupboard was filled with home made jams and jellies.
The farm had been a working one when Laura was growing up and she kept that tradition alive. The only thing missing was the old herb garden next to the kitchen door.
They both had gotten up at dawn to start the baking. They would need more bake goods not just for Christmas day but also for the rest of the meals.
Angel Pierce one of Laura’s neighbors knocked on her door. Tiffany let the elderly lady inside the warm kitchen. “Well girl, you’re a sight for sour eyes. How have you been?”
“Too busy with my firm but that all changed last fall. I’m going into semi-retirement. I don’t need the money and I’ve reached the point where I’m more interested in my life and family than a career.”
Angel smiled at the warm smells in the kitchen, “This room smells so inviting from the onion rolls, fresh soda bread, cakes and cookies that I just want to set down for a spell. Unfortunately I have to go and visit Doc. Greer for my monthly check up.”
Laura laughed, “Let me get you a cup of coffee. Is your grandson taking you?”
“Ted will pick me up here. I needed a nice walk though the snow. I dropped by to buy a jar of your homemade blue berry jam. I also wanted to know if you are interested in buying my place. I need to move down to Morgan’s Hallow so that my youngins can help look after me. I’m afraid that the old place as just gotten too much for me.”
Laura nodded, “I’ll contact my lawyer. I don’t want your place to become a housing development.”
Angel laughed, “I don’t see that happening child. Morgan’s Hollow’s zoning laws make it that one tough row to hoe. I am only asking two hundred fifty thousand dollars. I know that’s below the market value but knowing how much you love this mountain more than makes up for that.”
Tiffany smiled, “Mrs. Pierce that is a generous offer.”
“I know talking to you into taking more will get me nowhere.” Laura laughed.
Angel laughed, “I don’t know who is the most stubborn me or your mom Mary. Will she be coming up for Christmas?”
“She will be here. So come by and say hello.”
Angel finished her coffee just as her grandson drove up. Laura gave her the jam and watched as they left.
Laura picked up the wooden rolling pin and ran it over the thick dough. Tiffany was busy mixing some blue berries into a large bowl of cookie batter. Laura looked out through the window. The bright winter sunshine revealed a fresh layer of snow. Deer tracks dotted the snow-covered ground. A crown of snow topped the haystack by the barn.
She watched the snowbirds has they darted from one spot to next looking for food. Glancing at the old brass weather vane atop the barn Laura could see that it pointed steadily to the northeast. Her eyes wandered to the smokehouse, and she remembered the hog she and Hank Bjorn had slaughter last winter. It was now cured and ready for Christmas dinner.
“How many years had it really been since the family had gathered here on Grey Mountain?” Laura thought.
Laura knew that the farm and the 1000 acres that went with it were prime real estate. Over time, she had steadily added most of Grey Mountain to what she had already owned. The mountain was a natural for a ski resort but she knew that it would have lost more than it would have gained. The local zoning ordinances made it almost impossible to any new development to take place.
In her mind’s eye, she saw herself, Tiffany, Julie and the rest of their female siblings helping their mother’s bake and cook for Christmas dinner. Christmas time for them had been a big celebration. It had required several days of preparation for the family feast. None of them had ever minded the work for it had brought them together and had confirmed their unity. Laura’s dad and uncle would go out and find a big 12-foot Christmas tree while the children would collect holly boughs, mistletoe, and pine boughs to make wreaths. Their brothers would help in the woodshop and mending the farmhouse and the furniture. Their mothers would stay busy in the kitchen and at night do some quilting. At some point, a snowball fight was sure to break out followed by the good-natured scolding from their mothers.
Tiffany looked up from her bowl and laughed, “You had better smooth out that dough or you’ll have a lumpy pie instead of a pumpkin pie.”
“I’m just taking a little break. Tiffy, it looks like we’ve only just gotten a break in the weather. I can feel another old fashion northeaster coming.” Laura replied.
Tiffany nodded, “I know. All the weathermen have said a week of clear weather, but my New England weather sense and my bones know better.”
Laura smiled, “It’s a good thing Hank finished restoring the sleigh. I’m going to need it to go down to Morgan’s Hollow and pick everyone up.”
Tiffany got a mischievous grin on her face, “You know Laurie, if you publish that new novel. Every prank we had ever done will be documented, even those that are unknown.”
Laura just grinned, “Nice try Tiffy, but I’m going to spill my guts.”
“Well, since they were all your ideas. I guess it will be all right.” Tiffany baited.
Laura looked at Tiffany in mock anger, “Excuse Me! You and Julie came up with a few of those. Don’t worry cousin. I’ll see that the proper credit goes to whom it belongs.”
Tiffany threw her hands up in the air, “And that’s just what worries me!”
“There not one lump, now where’s that pie pan.” Laura said triumphantly.
Tiffany walked over to the sink and looked out the window, “It does look inviting out there, let’s take a sleigh ride up to The Fairy’s Meadow later.”
She turned to Laura, “Isn’t Julie running a little late?”
“She called just before you got up. She had a little business to take care of but she said they would be here ready to bake.” Laura said.
“You mean her partner wanted to see her before she left?” Tiffany asked.
Laura shook her head, “No in fact, Julie said that Miss Quilby had threaten to drive her up here if she didn’t wrap it up fast enough.”
Tiffany chuckled, “Not even a herd of wild horses can keep her from coming.”
Laura spread the dough over the pie pan and carefully worked it. She glanced up, “Julie loves this old place as much as the rest of us. I wasn’t about to let some stranger buy it.”
Tiffany looked at her cousin, “Laurie, Faith and Terri only thought about selling it because with everyone scattered here and yonder. They didn’t think we had enough time to restore it. I’m glad Silas Jenkins suggested that they approached you first. Laura, you and Hank have made this place back into what it once was.”
Laura gave Tiffany a hug, “You know sometimes I can still smell Dad’s pipe tobacco and Uncle Mikes’s aftershave. I believe they’re looking after this old place and us too.”
Tiffany nodded, “When I was drifting off to sleep last night I thought I heard them singing down in the family parlor. Which reminds me, Laurie, why haven’t you put a tree in there yet?”
Laura wiped her face and looked at Tiffany, “You never could wait. I’m waiting for Peter and Greg to get here so they can be the ones to go out and find the perfect 12-footer.”
Tiffany doubled over in laugher, “Right after a northeaster to boot! Well, they are the men of the family now.”
Laura placed the pie in one of the big ovens as she chuckled, “The thought of a lawyer and a doctor out there hunting for the right tree does sound very funny, but they learned from the best.”
Tiffany sat on a stool and started cutting her cookies from the dough with an old can. She looked at her cousin, “We need to open up and clean the main parlor.”
Laura was nervous about opening up the empty room. She and Hank had done everything in their power to restore the room. It had taken them three years and on all saints day it was finished. Only the other members of her family could tell them how close they had come to the original.
Laura remembered each bit of frustration, moments of laughter, all the tears shed and all the broken fingernails. They were now part of the memories that she cherished. Though she would never admit it to anyone, she found many of her dad and uncle’s qualities in the big swede. Laura had fallen in love with the huge Swedish handyman.
A jingling sound brought Laura out of her thoughts by.
Tiffany looked up in surprise, “Are those Sleigh bells?”
Laura’s face took on a glow has she smiled, “It’s Hank, he told me he would come by and help with the furniture. I will enjoy having my study back.”
Tiffany gave Laura a funny look then grinned, “Not to mention being able to see the farm house front yard from inside.”
Hank Bjorn was tall and stocky. His huge arms and hands hid the skills of a fine woodworker.
They watched as Hank got out of the sleigh. Though his wasn’t as ornate as theirs was, it was still beautiful. The huge Swede smiled as he looked at the back door. His smile got bigger when he saw Laura looking out the window.
Tiffany could see the glow in her cousin’s eyes. They had obviously gotten closer than Tiffany had suspected. She looked at them both and thought, “It’s about time.”
The Morgan horses snorted and pawed the ground with their hoofs. Hank shook his head and removed some sugar cubes from his pockets. The horses took the sugar from Hank’s gentle hand. One of them looked up and whinnied when he heard the back door of the farm open. Hank chuckled, “Yah Dasher, Just what do you know?” Hank turned and walked toward the door. “Hank, come inside before you catch your death of cold.” Tiffany shouted.
Laura looked up at her cousin mischievously, “Aunt Peg is that you?”
Tiffany looked at Laura with a twinkle in her eyes, “Very funny, cousin.”
Hank stomped the snow off his boots as he came in. He sniffed the air in the kitchen and smiled, “There is nothing like the smell of Christmas cooking. This home will be bless this year.”
Laura looked at Hank, “We’ll be ready in a minute. Have some hot coffee.”
Hank shook his head and sat in one of Laura’s slat chairs, “Thank you, but I am fine. Tiffy, I see that you made it here safe.”
Tiffany sat back down on her stool. She looked at them and chuckle, “Hank, one word of advice. When our moms get here, take the coffee when they offer it.”
Laura’s laughter filled the kitchen, “Yeah, our mom’s have a tough time taking no for an answer.”
Hank’s laughter joined with Tiffany and Laura’s. He nodded joyfully, “I understand and will comply. Do you like what we have done to this place?”
“I think that you two have done an amazing job. I can’t tell what’s original from what’s new. Dang I can’t even tell what has been carved by machine.” Tiffany said.
“I did everything by hand.” Hank said proudly.
Tiffany eyes widen with surprise, “You did all this by hand!”
Laura nodded proudly at Hank, “He found many old timers in Morgan’s Hollow able to advise him. He even bought an old set of tools from an old wood carver. I told him that new ones would work just as well.”
Hank frowned at Laura, “No, when a man uses a tool his skill becomes a part of it. I even have an old set of leather tools that I used to restore the sleigh bells.”
Tiffany gave Hank a strange look, “Do you really believe that a craftsman’s skill gets transmuted to his tools?” she asked.
“A true craftsman gives a little of himself to his tools and his work. The old ones knew that I would use their well-worn tools or they would not have sold them. They knew that I would not put them up on a wall and look at them. When you see the mantle in the large parlor, you will understand.” Hank explained.
“Wow, all those carvings by hand?” Tiffany said in amazement.
“It was worth all the time and hard work. The oak planks knew what they were supposed to be, and I just help them along.” Hank said.
Laura stood up and motioned toward the parlor, “Let’s open up those doors.”
Tiffany followed behind her cousin and the swede. She chucked as she looked at them. Laura turned toward Tiffany in bewilderment and asked, “Ok what is it?”
Tiffany laughter filled the hallway. When she had settled down, she looked at her cousin and Hank, “The two of you are like peas in a pod.”
Laura put her hands on her hips and quipped, “Oh Great, I invite my cousin and get a matchmaker!”
Laura took a brass key from her pocket. Her hand trembled as she unlocked the door. She and Hank had done their best to match the photos from the family albums. It had taken quite a bit of convincing from Hank to get Laura to use a computer to help them. Hank had scanned the photos onto the computer’s hard drive. Using imaging software, he enhanced and enlarged them to bring out the finer details. Laura then placed the new photos into three large binders for reference. Although she couldn’t tell any difference, she still wasn’t sure everything was right. She slowly slid open the doors.
The chill of the room entered the hallway. The panes of the huge picture window had small upside down arches of snow on them. A balcony circled the room above them. The railing of the balcony was undecorated but that wouldn’t last long. Tiffany’s eyes widen as she walked around the room. With tears in her eyes, she threw her arms around her cousin, “Oh Laurie! It’s perfect! Oh Gawd, even right down to The Three Cavaliers’ initials we carved in the fireplace mantle!”
Hank suddenly felt like he was intruding on a special moment. Tiffany let go of Laura and she gave Hank a big hug, “Oh Hank, you are a miracle worker!” She said.
Hank smiled, at Laura, “I think we have passed inspection.” He chuckled.
“Do you really think so?” Laura laughed.
Tiffany walked over the fireplace and ran her hand over the mantle she turned to Laura, “Dad and uncle Tom would be pleased at the job you both have done. This room is just as I remembered it. Now if it was a little warmer in here.”
Hank Chuckled, “I will bring some firewood so we can get the room warm.”
“It must be cold if this big swede wants to build a fire!” Laura laughed.
Hank smiled, “It feels fine to me, so much love in this room gives it natural warmth but Tiffany is shivering.”
They watched as The Swede left. Laura looked at her cousin, “I guess there are some uses for computers after all. Do you really think it’s perfect?”
Tiffany looked at Laura in fain shock, “What you used a computer! I need to mark this day on my calendar.”
They laughed together as they walked up the long staircase and looked down into the room. Tiffany could remember them sliding down the rail on the staircase. She thought about the whole family setting around and making popcorn in an old fashion corn popper. Her eyes tear up again as she could see her dad and uncle playing chess.
“There are so many good memories bound to this place. To have sold it would have been a crime.” Tiffany wept.
She pointed to an old rug rolled up in the corner, “I don’t even want to know how you managed to match that old rug.”
“I didn’t. I restored the original. Most of the fabric was still good and I managed to find some remnants of the same fabric.” Laura said.
“This entire place just needed was a loving touch.” Tiffany agreed.
“Well the love was still here it just needed to be watered by a caring heart to bring it back to life. I remember how Peter and Greg reacted when Faith and Terri suggested it be sold.”
“That was an ugly scene so let’s just bury that memory.” Tiffany said.
Hank entered with an armload of wood and set it down in the floor, He waved at Laura and Tiffany, “You can’t get the Parlor ready from up there.”
Laura chuckled, “When the room warms up a bit we can start.”
Laura was glad that Tiffany had found the room to be as she had remembered it. She walked about the empty room smiling. She looked out the large window and saw the long carving road that led to the farm. In the distance, she could see the little town of Morgan’s Hollow. The view looked like a picture from a calendar.
Most of the furnishings were stored in either the smaller parlor or in the back or her study. Matching the fabrics and styles had been the hardest part of the job even with all of the computer imagining. Thankfully, most of the people in Morgan’s Hollow had been very helpful. They had found the fabric for the sofa for instance tucked way in the corner of a small upholstery shop. Until Laura had shown the owner the photo of the fabric, he had forgotten it. Now bringing all the family together would make everything worth it.
Hank kindled a fire and they started to move the furniture back in. When they had a question about where to put something, they looked at the old photos. Hank chuckled as Laura and Tiffany double check everything. He smiled and headed for the door, “I have one last thing to bring in.” He said.
Hank went out to his Sleigh and took an old brass corn popper from behind a seat. He took out a piece of sugar and gave it to his big black Morgan horse, “If their Mothers are as through as they are then I hope I did my best work, Dasher. Yah I know I must be on my best behavior.” He told the horse.
“Now you behave and don’t worry. I must talk to Laura’s mother and brother as is proper before I asked her.” He continued.
Laura’s eyes brighten when Hank entered with the popper, “Hank Bjorn, I’m going to kill you! I told you to throw that old thing away.”
“Why throw it away when all it needed was a little cleaning to make it good as new.” Hank protested.
“What do you mean it needed just A little cleaning? The top was missing and the hickory handle had rotted away.” Laura said.
Hank chuckled, “Yah, that is what I said, just a little cleaning.”
Tiffany laughed at them, “Don’t you dare complain about that popper cousin. You could have replaced this rug.”
Laura shook her head, “All right, I surrender. It’s beautiful Hank.”
Tiffany looked out the window, “Look Julie’s van is coming up the drive way.”
“I will go and move my sleigh.” Hank said.
“Well, if it passes Julie’s inspection than we’ve done it.” Laura said.
Tiffany smiled then shook her head. She had no doubts that Julie would find the room to be just as perfect as she did. She got up and headed for the kitchen to start the next batch of cookies. “Well are you going to lollygag at that window all day when there’s still plenty of baking still to do?” She asked Laura.
“I’m right behind you Aunt Peg.” Laura quipped.
Hank stopped the sleigh next to the barn and got out as Julie’s van came to a stop. Julie took a deep breath as she surveyed the scene. She was trembling as she looked at her daughters. They had never seen the farm the way she had seen it growing up. Would they think it was corny, or would its magic capture their hearts?
She looked at them, “It just won’t be the same without your Dad, Grandpa and Uncle Mike.”
“Once everyone is here, you’ll feel better.” Barbara said.
Debbie nodded though the mention of her father caused anger to swell up inside her, “Don’t worry Mom, There is something special about this place. Once we have the family here, you’ll see things differently.”
Julie chuckled, “You mean once we start all the cooking and cleaning.”
Debbie noticed Hank and let out a low whistle, “I thought you said Aunt Laurie like it here because of the scenery.”
Barbara saw Hank and giggled, “So far I’d say the scenery is great.”
Julie looked at her daughters and rolled her eyes, “All right you two. Let’s get inside.”
As they approached the swede Julie shouted, “Hank, How have you been doing?”
“I am fine. I think you will love everything we have done.” He answered.
Julie smiled as she looked at Hank, “I’m sure I will. These are my daughters, Barbara and Debbie.”
Hank nodded, “A pleasure to meet you. We have done more since you were here in September.”
Barbara looked at her Mom, “In September?”
Julie smiled innocently, “Why Yes I came up here to see Laurie.”
Debbie looked suspiciously at her mom, “Babs, I smell a rat.”
Barbara nodded, “If Grandma’s stories and the town legends are true then I smell three of them.”
Julie looked at Hank then at the girls, “You both are so suspicious. Come on lets go inside because I’m not taking the blame alone.”
They were greeted by the smell of pies and cookies when they walked in the door. When Laura and Tiffany came through the door they looked right at Julie. Julie looked at them and smiled, “We’ve been caught.”
Debbie and Barbara were enjoying the sheepish looks on the faces of their mom, aunt and cousin.
Debbie chuckled, “Well at least these rats can cook.”
Barbara laughed, “Yeah and clean.”
Tiffany and Laura stared at them, “Julie!” they said together.
Julie waved her hands, “It wasn’t me. It was Hank.”
Debbie laughed and sat on a kitchen stool, “Well, considering some of the stories we’ve heard it could have been a lot worst.”
Barbara nodded her head in agreement, “You could have at least let us help.”
Laura looked sternly at her nieces, “There are only three cavaliers not five.”
Debbie reached over and hugged her aunt, “Don’t worry we won’t tell anyone.”
Laura looked at Hank and put her hands on her hips, “Well Hank, since you spilled the beans, you can bring in their bags and gifts.”
Hank laughter filled the room causing everyone else to join him. He smiled at Laura, “Sometimes I think I say too much.”
Debbie sniffed the air, “Hummmm fresh cookies and pumpkin pie. I guess we get to rest now?” She quipped.
Tiffany and Laura looked at her and shook their heads. Laura smiled at her niece, “Nothing doing, we have one day before we lose control of this kitchen. I have three aprons waiting for you.”
“I call the chocolate chip cookies.” Debbie said.
Soon the smells of spices and baking filled the whole farm. Julie was setting a pecan pie on the cooling table when Tiffany pulled her to the side. Laura looked up and saw them, she suspected that Tiffany was up to something but decided not to say anything. Hank came in and kissed her on the cheek, “I need to go down to Morgan’s Hollow and get some hay for our horses. I will try to get back before the weather turns.”
“Well I know telling you not to try to come back after the storm starts won’t do any good. You’re just too much like my dad. So please be very careful.” Laura said.
“Yah, I will be very careful.” Hank said.
Julie followed Hank outside to his sleigh. “You’re really giving those horses a good workout.” She said.
“They are work horses and know it. See how they have been pawing the ground, they grow impatient.” Hank explained.
Julie looked at him, “Well, big guy you had better be careful with my sister’s heart too.”
Hank was taken back by Julie’s warning, “Julie, hurting Laurie is the last thing I would do. I will be careful and there is something I need to discuss with your mother and brother while they are here.”
Now it was Julie’s turn to be not shocked but embarrassed, “There goes my big mouth again. Hank, I’m sorry I came off like that. Laura, Tiffany and I are very close and when one of us hurts then we all do.”
Hank smiled, “I understand and I don’t blame you being concerned you hardly know me.”
“I can see that now. Ok I had better let you go and get that hay.” Julie said.
When Julie came back inside, she looked at Tiffany. Tiffany came over to her and whispered, “Well?”
Julie looked at Tiffany, “There is something he wants to discuss with mom and Greg. I don’t think it’s remodeling the farm. Any way you’ve got something cooked up and I want a piece of it.”
Tiffany giggled, “Mistletoe, a huge branch of mistletoe.”
“You’re right Tiffy. We need a big Swedish-sized branch of fresh Mistletoe.” Julie agreed.
Tiffany thought for a moment, “We need allies.”
Julie feigned shock, “Not my only daughters.”
Laura looked up and saw her cousin and sister conspiring, “Hey no fair cooking up something without me!”
Tiffany sat down and looked at Laura, “Don’t worry we were only discussing what to make next.”
“Well I think we have enough sweets. We still need to make some popcorn to string.” Laura said.
Laura got up and headed toward the pantry, “I’ll get the bowls and popcorn.”
Tiffany slowly stood up and took a deep breath, “Julie, that pecan pie smells wonderful. Come on gals lets go to the parlor while Laura gets everything.”
Tiffany led them into the large room. The two teens let out a loud wow as they looked around the room. Julie’s eyes moisten as she looked around. She went up stairs and looked down into the room. Barbara and Debbie looking all around the room brought back all her childhood memories. Tiffany joined her, “It’s just as I remember, Tiffany. This Christmas is going to be a magical one for everyone.”
Tiffany hugged Julie and nodded in agreement, “Well Hank used some of our old photos and a computer to match everything as much as possible. He did every thing by hand to boot.”
“He’s in love with Laura. I think I know what he wants to talk to Greg and Mom about.” Julie said.
“You think?” Tiffany laughed.
Julie and Tiffany went back downstairs and they motion the girls to set down.
“Ok Mom what’s the game plan?” Barbara asked.
“Ok later we’re going up to The Fairy’s Meadow. We need you gals to keep your Aunt Laurie busy while we find a Swedish size branch of mistletoe.” Tiffany explained.
Debbie giggled and nodded, “We’ll get her to help us collect some Holly, pine and Mistletoe.”
“You can see it in their eyes when they are in the same room.” Barbara agreed.
Debbie noticed something on the piano and got up and walked over to it, “It Looks like Hank left his pipe on the piano.”
“Hank, doesn’t smoke.” Tiffany said.
“Well it setting right here in this tray filled with ashes.” Barbara said.
Tiffany went over to the Piano and her eyes filled with tears, “This is your grandpa’s favorite pipe and tobacco.”
“Looks like we have a prankster.” Julie said.
Tiffany shook her head, “No. We were all busy and Hank just left. I think Uncle Tom as just given his blessing.”
All of them looked the pipe and tobacco in wonder. A warm feeling filled the room.
“What is everyone looking at?” Laura said as she entered the room.
She walked over to the piano and her eyes widened, “Lands sakes where did that come from?”
Julie wiped some ashes off the piano and smiled, “It looks like Dad still misses the ash tray every now and then.”
A light breeze drifted in from the hallway. It had the spicy smell of bay rum. Tiffany looked around at the others, “Daddy?” She asked weeping.
Laura nodded in agreement, “It looks like Dad and Uncle Mike have arrived.”
Tiffany laughed has she took the popcorn from Laura, “Lets break in that restored Corn popper.
