A Cleared for Planting Christmas

In my first historical novel, Cleared for Planting, Edgar has been working at his uncle's grist mill, but he's supposed to be home for good by Christmas. Edgar's father goes to the Cagles' cabin to invite them to come to a Christmas party to celebrate Edgar's homecoming. Here's a snippet from the book:

"Edgar is due home sometime Friday," Mr. Moretz said. "The missus wants to give him a welcome-home Christmas party on Saturday, it being Christmas Eve and all. You’re the only others we’re inviting.”

“I don’t know,” Papa said thoughtfully. “Maybe we ought to stay here to protect our place, if the Cherokee are prowling around.”

“The weather’s also too unpredictable this time of year,” Uncle Roy added.

“The women are welcome to go, though,” Papa said.

Was Papa wanting a chance to do some partying of his own? The holidays were always the times he seemed to want his drink in the worst way.

“The girls can go,” Mama said, “but I’d rather stay here.”

Mama must be thinking along the same lines as Emma. Emma wanted to attend the party in the worst way. She should be at Edgar’s welcome-home party, but she’d worry about Mama.

“I can come get them,” Mr. Moretz offered.

“I don’t want you to have to come again so soon, just to turn around and go back,” Emma told him. “I can drive Christie and me in the wagon.”

“I don’t think that would be safe.”

“I’ll bring them up and come back and get them,” Uncle Roy said, and Emma could have hugged his neck. Apparently the un­predictability of the weather had just been an excuse.

 “Unless you have special plans for Christmas, why don’t you let them stay through Christmas, and Edgar or I will bring them back Monday?” Mr. Moretz asked.

“No special plans,” Papa said. “It’s just another day to me.”

Papa almost sounded angry. Emma could see he didn’t like the way things were working out.

“Well, it’s settled then,” Mr. Moretz took control, probably for Emma’s sake. “Roy, you can bring them up anytime Saturday, and we’ll get them home Monday.” He looked at Mama. “You know we’ll take good care of them, so don’t worry.” 

“Thank you,” Emma whispered to him, as she opened the door.

The Moretzes are of German decent, and Emma and Christie see their first Christmas tree. In fact, they get to open presents on Christmas Day for the first time ever. Their father didn't like to celebrate Christmas. 

If you haven't already, you may want to read the book to see how it all turns out. It and the second book, Sown in Dark Soil, also make great Christmas presents. (Remember all my profits go to  a sholarship fund for missionary children.) In any case, have a very merry Christmas and happy reading!

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