Free Brides of Alaska by Tracie Peterson Page B

your words, Nurse Julie. These are for you. They are payment for George. I know your Christmas is coming soon, and maybe you will need things for your father and brother. I have made two pairs of sealskin mukluks. They have fox fur inside to make them extra warm.”
    â€œThank you, Tanana. I’ll give them to my father and brother for Christmas and tell them that you made them.”
    The woman smiled broadly and backed up a step. “You are welcome here anytime. We’ll look forward to seeing you after your celebration.”
    Julie nodded and rallied her team. “Hike!” she called out and held onto the sled handle as the dogs, eager to be on the trail, moved out.

    Nome looked the same as when Julie had left. She knew she ought to go directly to Dr. Welch’s office at the Merchants and Miners Bank of Alaska, but keeping in mind that it was Christmas Eve, she took time, instead, to do a bit of shopping.
    She searched through several shops, looking for just the right gifts for Vern and August. She finally settled on some tools for her father and a guitar for August. She smiled as she brought the items out to her sled. August had always wanted to learn to play the guitar, and now Julie would hound him until he could play her a tune.
    Julie wrapped the gifts safely inside a large fur pelt and loaded them onto the sled. She started to walk down the street to the hospital when something in the store window caught her attention. A handsome, ivory-handled knife was prominently displayed.
    Julie went inside and asked to see it in order to better study the detail of the carving. A talented craftsman had skillfully transformed the ivory into an intricate piece of art. The outline of a dog driver with his sled team was highlighted on the handle of the knife.
    Impulsively, Julie purchased the knife for Sam. She hadn’t seen him in seven weeks, but the urge to buy him a Christmas gift overruled her better judgment.
    Adding the knife to the other gifts on the sled, Julie went in search of Dr. Welch.

Chapter 8
    J ulie found Dr. Welch, and after quickly exchanging her paperwork and personal assessments of the villages she’d visited, she bid him a Merry Christmas and received permission to go home for the holidays.
    â€œYou know,” Dr. Welch said as he followed Julie outside, “we’re having a bit of a Christmas Eve party, and I know Lula would love for you to join us.”
    â€œI’ve never been one for parties,” Julie answered honestly. “I’m just a home girl. I want to be with my family.”
    â€œI understand,” Dr. Welch said with a smile. “You have a well-deserved rest, and I’ll see you the day after New Year’s.”
    â€œI’ll be here,” Julie replied with a wave.
    Making her way to the dogs, Julie started thinking of Sam. Would he make an appearance on Christmas, and if he did, would she be happy to see him? She tried to forget about him and concentrate on getting home, but nothing could get him out of her thoughts.
    Julie looked over each of her dogs, checking their paws and bellies for signs of freezing. They were tired and deserved a good rest, but Julie had no alternative but to drive them home.
    â€œYour team looks a bit spent.”
    Julie smiled before straightening up to meet Sam’s bearded face. “I’ll give you that much,” she said, pushing her parka hood back. Her black hair had been neatly braided when she’d started out that morning, but now wisps of it blew around her face.
    â€œIs that all?” Sam said with a grin. “I haven’t seen you in nearly two months. I was beginning to think I’d scared you off. Thought I might have to come find you.”
    Julie put her hands on her hips. “Same old Sam.”
    Sam laughed and watched Julie as she finished with her dogs. “I’ve been thinking about you,” he said. “Now that I know what it is to have you in my arms, I