When the song “Trade Winds” began, Luke asked, “You want to try again?” Mattie nodded, and they joined the other couples on the dance floor. This time Luke held her in his arms, and they moved easily and comfortably together.
After that, Luke and Mattie danced only with each other, except for a quick turn with his sisters Laurel and Susie, and finally his mother. Jean seemed serene and content, but believing it to be a façade, Luke couldn't keep from asking, “Are you happy, Mom?”
Looking directly into her son's eyes, she answered, “Yes, I am. I have a good life.”
Luke nodded. He'd hoped for a different answer. “Don't you miss Dad?”
“Yes. Of course I do—every day. I'll never stop missing him.”
“How can you be married to someone else then?”
“I'm not sure just how it works, but God makes us able to love lots of people. I still love your father, but I also love Ray. He's a fine man and takes good care of me and the children.”
Luke could only nod.
“I wish you would be happy for me.”
“I understand. I…” He didn't know what to say. Just thinking about his mother being with that man infuriated him. “I just can't. I wish Dad were here.”
“Luke, we can't change how things are. Life is what it is. I'm grateful for all I have.”
The song ended, and Ray recaptured his wife. “Mind if I take back my bride?” He smiled, but Luke glowered as the two danced away.
“What's up? You look awfully glum,” Mattie said as she joined him.
Glaring at Ray, Luke straightened his shoulders. “Him. That's what's wrong.”
“They seem happy.”
“They are,” he said sullenly.
“You should be glad your mother has someone to share her life with.”
“Yeah. I know.” Forcing a smile, Luke asked, “You want to get some air?”
“Sure, but it's pretty cold. Feels like snow.”
“That's all right by me. I could use a little cold after months in Hawaii.”
They walked down the steps, and Luke took Mattie's arm. Their breath hung in the air. Glancing up at the sky, Luke said, “Looks like the clouds are moving out.”
“I love the winter sky.” Mattie tilted her head back and stared at the black ceiling speckled with brilliant stars. “That's one of the things I'm going to miss.”
“Miss?”
“I thought you knew. I'm moving.”
“Where you going?”
“Seattle, at least for now. I figured I could get a job in the shipyards. They're looking for workers.”
“Why Seattle?”
“I don't know. It's a place to live that's not here.” Mattie looped her arm through Luke's. “Let's walk.” They left the sound of revelry behind and moved down the dark, quiet street. “You know, when I was a kid I had the biggest crush on you.” A smile touched her lips. “I thought you were so handsome.”
“You did, huh?” Luke grinned. “And what about now?”
“Well, you're still handsome. I've always been partial to dark hair and blue eyes. 'Course, you're looking very intense these days.” She gently brushed her fingers across his forehead and pushed back a lock of hair.
Luke felt as if he'd been touched by fire. He caught Mattie's hand and stared into her dark eyes. “I used to have a crush on you too,” he said, his voice hushed. “I still do.”
Silently Mattie met his gaze.
“Would you be my girl?”
Mattie stepped back. “You know I care for you, a lot. I might even love you, but I'm just now starting to live my life—away from here, away from my past. I need to make a new start, and I can't wait for you to come home to begin.”
“You don't have to stay here to wait. But I thought you loved Alaska. Why leave?”
“Living here is like carrying around a curse. Everyone knows I'm a native. I just want to be like everyone else, and if I live somewhere else, I can just be a woman with dark hair and eyes, nothing more and nothing less.”
“I don't care where you live if you'll just wait for me.”
Mattie was quiet for a long moment. “I can't. I have to begin fresh—with a clean slate. That means I can't have a past—no history, no attachments.”
“How can you do that?” Luke was afraid. He was about to lose her. “You know I don't care whether you're native or not.”
“That doesn't matter. You're part of my past. If I'm going to be someone new, I can't be who I was.”
