Cheryl St.John - Cowboy Creek Christmas - Mistletoe Reunion

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Mistletoe Reunion

Cheryl St.John

Mistletoe Reunion is lovingly dedicated to my friend and critique partner of over twenty-five years. You may have seen Barb Hunt’s name in book dedications, mine and others. You may have met her. She supported my career in every way possible. We knew each other’s families and shared our faith. She was there when I got the call that I’d sold my first book. We celebrated every victory and supported each other through the rough times. She was a loyal and loving person, and I’m fortunate to have had her as a friend for as long as I did.

Though I miss her all the time, I’m assured she is seated at the right hand of God and having a really good time—likely even a better time than all the Friday nights with the girls put together...and we have laughed a lot! Donna Kaye, Debra Hines, *lizzie starr, Sherri Shackelford and I continue to celebrate Barb’s life and honor her memory. While it’s difficult to think of this natural world without her, she will always have a place in our hearts. She knew how much she was loved—by her family, her friends and her Heavenly Father, and that gives me peace.

All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, because the breath of the Lord blows upon it;

Surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever.

—Isaiah 40:6–8

Contents

Dedication Mistletoe Reunion is lovingly dedicated to my friend and critique partner of over twenty-five years. You may have seen Barb Hunt’s name in book dedications, mine and others. You may have met her. She supported my career in every way possible. We knew each other’s families and shared our faith. She was there when I got the call that I’d sold my first book. We celebrated every victory and supported each other through the rough times. She was a loyal and loving person, and I’m fortunate to have had her as a friend for as long as I did. Though I miss her all the time, I’m assured she is seated at the right hand of God and having a really good time—likely even a better time than all the Friday nights with the girls put together...and we have laughed a lot! Donna Kaye, Debra Hines, *lizzie starr, Sherri Shackelford and I continue to celebrate Barb’s life and honor her memory. While it’s difficult to think of this natural world without her, she will always have a place in our hearts. She knew how much she was loved—by her family, her friends and her Heavenly Father, and that gives me peace.

Bible Verse All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, because the breath of the Lord blows upon it; Surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever. —Isaiah 40:6–8

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Dear Reader

Chapter One

Kansas, late October 1868

The bell over the door rang, and Marlys Boyd glanced up to see her scheduled patient arrive with a bright smile. “Good morning, Doctor Boyd!”

Pippa Kendricks removed her coat and hung it on the rack inside the door. After using the mat Marlys provided to wipe her wet boots, she took a pair of bright pink slippers from her bag and changed footwear.

“Good morning, Pippa. I have the water heated, and I’ll fill the tub.”

Pippa followed her toward one of the bathing rooms on the north side of the roomy office building. “You know I enjoy this room with the windows near the ceiling. It’s bright and cheerful.”

“I had those windows added after I purchased this place,” Marlys told her. The frosted glass had been etched with leaf and berry scrolls, and was one of the ever-practical lady doctor’s few splurges.

Pippa turned her back to Marlys for help with the hooks and buttons on her dress, then stepped behind the painted pine dressing screen. “There are so many exciting things happening of late. I’m actually glad winter came early, so Gideon and I can stay until spring. We would have been gone before all these rousing things happened. Truthfully, I’m going to miss everyone here.”

“We will miss you, as well. I read in an edition of the Philadelphia paper that President Johnson has declared a national day of thanksgiving, so you will be here for that.”

“Yes!” Pippa exclaimed. “In fact I was asked to be on the committee to organize a town celebration. I suppose because I know so many people. You should volunteer for the committee and get to know your neighbors.”

“Oh, I don’t know. I’m not very good at things like that.”

“Nonsense. You’ve done a marvelous job organizing things here for your medical practice. You’d be an excellent addition to the committee.”

“But I’m still so new to town. Surely the committee is meant for more established townspeople.”

Pippa laughed. “Established? In Cowboy Creek? Why, the town is practically brand-new. There are always new townspeople. Like the new newspaper owner. Any day he’ll be putting out his very first edition,” Pippa told her as Marlys filled the tub and added oils and minerals. “I’ve already asked for an interview about the upcoming play at the Opera House. We’re doing The Streets of New York.” The petite redhead came from behind the screen, tying the sash of the flannel robe, and eyed Marlys. “Have you done any acting, Dr. Boyd?”

“No, I haven’t.” At the speculative look on the actress’s face, Marlys added, “And I have no interest in trying. My focus is on building my practice.”

Getting people to take her seriously as a lady doctor was difficult all on its own, but the situation only worsened when people discovered she did not practice traditional medicine, but instead took a homeopathic approach. She had hoped that establishing her practice out West would give her access to patients with the enterprising, pioneer spirit who might appreciate unconventional treatments. She’d been eager to learn more about the people of different cultures and ethnicities who had settled in this Kansas boom town.

Nearly two weeks after Marlys had opened her practice, Pippa had been the first resident of Cowboy Creek to inquire about her medical techniques, in reference to a skin rash. When Marlys suggested they try a few different herbs and oils, the flamboyant ginger-gold redhead had been elated. She’d been in a couple of times a week since, so Marlys had adjusted to the young woman’s dramatic speech and manner.

“So, the newspaper editor will give your play editorial support?”

“Yes, and he seemed quite pleased to have news for his first edition.”

In August Pippa had married Gideon Kendricks, the agent who sold stocks for the railroad. They were planning to travel west after the weather cleared in a few months.