Free WestwardWindsV2Arebooks by Linda Bridey Page B

into her suitcase and pulled out another package.
    Jack pounced on it and ripped it open. He stopped when he saw the little tin train and train tracks. His mouth hung open and everyone laughed.
    Dean said, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen him speechless except when he’s sleeping.”
    “Thanks, Tessa. It’s great,” Jack said finally. He promptly began playing with it on the kitchen floor.
    Lydia was shocked when Tessa handed her a present. “For me? Why?”
    “Because I know that you are family and I was not about to leave you out. Besides, as one woman to another, you can never have too much of this,” Tessa answered.
    Lydia opened the package and gasped. It was a fine French perfume. Delicately, she sniffed at the bottle and closed her eyes. It was glorious. “You didn’t have to, but I’m sure glad you did. You’re right. I haven’t ever smelled anything like it. Thank you.”
    “You’re welcome. Marcus. You’re next.”
    “Me?” Marcus’ eyebrows rose in surprise.
    “Yes, you. Here.”
    He took the gift, which turned out to be a set of leather bound journals. He gave her a questioning glance. “They’re beautiful.”
    “Oh, shoot. That’s the wrong one. I mean, it is and it isn’t,” Tessa was slightly flustered and pulled out another one. “This is the real gift.”
    The second one revealed an autographed copy of Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities. He looked at Tessa sharply. “How? Why?” he stammered.
    “I was privileged several years ago to be able to meet him and have him sign this book. I’ve gotten much joy from it and would like to pass it on to you because, as another avid reader, I knew that you would draw as much enjoyment from it as I,” Tessa explained. Before Marcus objected, she said, “I shall be extremely offended if you do not accept it.”
    Dean was enjoying watching her get the best of his little brother. Usually, it was Marcus getting his own way about something. It was nice to see the tables turned.
    Marcus smiled, realizing she’d beaten him. “Very well, milady. As you wish.”
    Tessa clapped and then handed Seth a package. Seth frowned a little but took it when she raised her eyebrows at him. He opened it and found a fine dress shirt and silk tie.
    She laughed at his confused look. “As I understand it, you are a bit of a scoundrel. No lady will be able to resist you in those. Trust me.”
    Seth laughed. “I’m not sure what to think of you.”
    “Good. I enjoy keeping people guessing,” Tessa responded. Then she turned to Dean. “And for you.”
    Dean looked uncomfortable but took the gift she offered recognizing that he couldn’t refuse any more than his brothers had been able. He unwrapped a fine pair of work gloves that were soft yet highly durable. He looked at Tessa in surprise. How had she known he had needed a pair? In fact, all of her gifts were very thoughtful and appropriate to each person.
    “Thank you, Tessa,” he said. “These will be useful, that’s for sure.”
    “I’m glad.”
    “I’m sorry, but I don’t have anything for you. We weren’t expecting gifts,” Dean said.
    Tessa sought to soothe his pride. “Yes, you have. You’ve opened up your home to me and allowed me to meet your family. Not only that, but I want you to teach me some things. So although the presents may not be purchased, think of them as education. Lydia, will you please show me how to make chicken like that and give me some cooking instruction in general?”
    “Yes, of course.”
    “Marcus, I’d be very grateful if you were to show me how to whittle something?”
    “Sure,” he said with a smile.
    “Seth, I would enjoy it if you were to tell me what a real cattle drive is like so I can write about it.”
    “Ok, but that doesn’t seem like much of a present,” Seth replied.
    “To someone like me it is,” Tessa assured him.
    “And Dean, please show me how to cut a calf from the herd?” Tessa leaned toward him, her eyes pleading with him. “You said