“It's a cold one tonight. Looks like another storm, which is the last thing I wanted.” Adam hung his parka beside Laurel's. “This time of year I'd like to be done with winter.”
William disappeared into the front room, and a few moments later his steps were heard climbing the stairs.
“He always goes straight for Brian's room,” Laurel said. “He just loves his uncle.”
Susie leaned on the table and smiled at Adam. Sounding very much like her mother, she said, “You don't have to feel bad about February weather. It means spring is just around the corner. I figure by the time February gets here, we're nearly there.”
“True, but we can still expect some powerful storms to blow through,” Mattie said, stepping in from the front room. She hugged Laurel.
“You look wonderful,” Laurel said. “Marriage agrees with you. Obviously my brother is taking good care of you.”
“Very good.” Mattie's eyes sparkled, and she whispered, “I love him more and more every day.”
Luke sauntered into the kitchen, draped his arms around Mattie's shoulders, and kissed her neck. “Now that's what I like to hear.”
Searching for a way to become part of the banter, Adam asked, “So, Luke, you been keeping busy?”
“Sure. 'Course with Mattie I don't have to work so hard. She does a lot. I've been thinking, though, that I ought to teach her checkers. I need a partner to keep me sharp.” He grinned. “Up until just a minute ago, my little brother was beating the pants off me.”
Jean handed Adam a cup of coffee. “Luke, what a thing to say.”
Adam breathed in the aroma of the hot drink and sipped. “Good as always.” He glanced about. “Where's Ray?”
“Should be here any time. He's just gotten himself a team of dogs.”
“Really? He gonna race them?”
“Of course.” Jean folded her arms over her chest.
The sound of a truck accompanied by the ruckus of barking dogs carried in from outside.
“That must be him,” Brian said, hurrying to the back door. “We're gonna have our own sled team!” He grabbed a coat and hurried to meet Ray.
The entire family trudged outside to get a look at the team. The dogs were appraised, Ray was complimented on his choice of animals, then everyone moved back indoors.
Once seated at the table, Adam asked, “So, you going to race them in the Iditarod?”
“Oh, no. I'm not ready for anything like that, but I figure I'll enter some of the smaller races. I've got to get used to the dogs, and they have to get used to me. They look good, though, don't you think?”
“Well, I don't know much about sled dogs, but they seem strong and healthy.”
“Yeah, I can hardly wait to take them out. I've got a good sled too.”
“Ray told me I can work with him,” Brian said, looking puffed up over the idea.
“Sounds like fun,” Laurel said. “Adam, have you ever thought about doing something like that?”
He leaned back in his chair. “No. It's not for me. Don't you remember the last time I tried that? Luke and I were lucky to be alive after that ride.”
After the meal, Ray pushed back from the table. “That was delicious. Thank you, Jean.” He stood and strolled into the front room. Adam followed. Luke had to be shooed out while the women cleared the table and washed up the dishes.
Pipe smoke drifted into the kitchen. Laurel set the last plate in the dish drainer. “Men. Why is it that they have to have a smoke after a meal? It stinks up the place.”
“I like the smell,” Mattie said. “My father used to smoke a pipe. It reminds me of him. I kind of wish Luke would smoke one.”
Laurel wrinkled up her nose. “Well, I think it's one of those male things. It can't possibly taste good.”
Adam appeared in the doorway. “Have you ever tried it?” he asked, wearing a half smile. “It's not bad. I once knew a woman who smoked cigars.”
“Really?” Jean said. “I don't understand that kind of thing.” She removed her apron and hung it up, then lay a hand gently on Adam's cheek. “And how are you doing? You seem a little quiet tonight.”
“I'm fine,” he lied, knowing she could see the truth. “All right. I'm kind of all right.”
“Things take time to work themselves out. I'm sure the world will look brighter to you soon.” She shook her head. “I can't begin to understand what you went through over there. All those poor people. I thank my Lord that we're here safe and sound.”
A blast of wind whistled around the house and puffed snow underneath the kitchen window. Jean hurried to it and pushed down hard to close it. “This thing is always getting stuck.” With an extra hard shove, it finally thudded closed. “I'll have to have Ray fix it.”
“Mama, do you want to serve dessert now?” Laurel asked.
“Yes.” She crossed to the oven and lifted two pies from the warming shelf. “I made a blackberry and an apple.”
After everyone had their dessert and drinks in hand, the family gathered in the front room to listen to Burns and Allen on the radio. Mattie and Luke sat close together on the sofa with Susie beside them. Ray lounged in an overstuffed chair, his legs thrust out in front of him. He concentrated on his pie. Greedily consuming two pieces, Brian seemed comfortable enough on the floor. Sitting beside him, William raced to eat as much dessert as he could before his mother put a stop to his gluttony. Adam sat on a straight-backed chair, looking slightly detached. Laurel was beside him, on the floor.
Jean walked to the radio and turned up the sound. “It always seems to fade this time of night,” she said, returning to sit on the arm of Ray's chair.
Gracie gave a dim-witted reply to George Burns, and everyone laughed.
