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Chapter Six
A Rocky Mountain Christmas
1836, Southwest of Three Forks, in what would later become the State of Montana.
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall
be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty
God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
~ Isaiah 9:6 ~
 mma
stirred in Josiah's arms, tired from the concerns of the previous day, but dimly
aware that it was probably morning. Her eyes fluttered open, and she found Cora sitting
on her buffalo robe, while Grandpap and Mary continued their slumber.
Trying to loosen Josiah's embrace, Emma struggled against the sleeping man until
he finally awakened enough to let her go. "Sometimes, Mr. Brown, I don't think
you know your own strength!"
Yawning, Josiah only grinned and closed his eyes to get more sleep.
The sound of Emma's voice stirred Grandpap, and he pulled his stiff frame off the
ground to go outside and find a tree to relieve himself. Mary whimpered at the cold
draft Grandpap had left by tossing aside their blankets, and Cora quickly replaced
the covers.
"Should I make breakfast?" Emma asked Cora in a low hush, so she wouldn't
disturb Mary. "There's still some pemmican left."
Cora nodded. Her face suddenly became concerned, and Emma turned to see what Cora
was looking at. There, on the buffalo robes, Josiah was slowly and painfully climbing
to his feet. He winced as the flesh on his back pulled tight, but Josiah didn't stop
until he was standing.
"Lie back down! You should be resting!" scolded Emma.
Barechested, Josiah passed the women on his way to the door. "I need to make
a puddle," he said urgently. He had no shirt or coat, but seemed to not care
as he quickly disappeared outside.
Dismayed, Emma grabbed a blanket and rushed after Josiah. He was standing at the
recently dug latrine, (a hole in the ground), when Emma caught up to him and quickly
covered his shoulders with the blanket. Modestly averting her eyes from Josiah's
yellow stream, Emma ran back to the cabin with the sound of his laughter in her ears.
Trying to ignore Josiah's howls, Emma stoked the morning fire while Cora's inquisitive
eyes prodded her for an explanation.
"He's just teasing," said Emma.
Just then, Grandpap trudged in from outside, planting himself near the fire to enjoy
some food and smoke his tobacco pipe.
Soon after, Josiah returned to his bed. He looked frozen, but warmer than he would
have been, had Emma not brought the blanket. His eyes twinkled with amusement as
Emma gave him his food, but he said nothing and ate his breakfast without teasing
her any further.
Now awake, Mary munched on her pemmican, while her dark eyes quietly observed the
large man on the buffalo robes.
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