“Yes. December fifteenth. I wrote you.”
“Yeah, I remember.” Adam's voice took on a hard edge.
“We'd like you to come.”
“I think I'm going to be busy that day,” Adam said dryly.
“Oh.” Laurel had known he wouldn't be there. “Our house is nearly finished. Robert's done a fine job. Would you like to see it after lunch?”
“Actually, I've got work to do.” Adam stepped further into the bush, stretching to reach a bunch hanging from an upper branch. “Remember, I'm here to finish my story.” He looked at Laurel. “Do you know how many families have left?”
“No. You'd have to ask Daddy. I know there've been a lot. But other families have come and taken over some of the places.”
“Really? Looks like your farm's doing well.”
“It is, but that doesn't mean much money is coming in. Markets are lean.”
“Sorry to hear that.” Adam stared into his nearly empty bucket. “Are you going to the fair?”
“Yes. We're excited about it. My father entered some of our produce. The Matanuska Valley grows the biggest cabbages and turnips you've ever seen.”
“I'll be there taking pictures, and I'll make sure to get one of you and your turnips.” He grinned in that charming boyish way of his, and again Laurel wished he hadn't come.
Laurel sat in the rocker. She'd been dressed and ready to go for an hour, but Robert hadn't shown up. Her family had left for the fair early that morning, but she'd decided to wait for Robert.
“Where is he?” Laurel fumed, pushing herself out of the chair. She walked to the window and stared at the Lundeen tent. A trail of smoke rose from the stovepipe.
She marched to the back porch, grabbed her coat from its peg, pushed open the door, and stepped outside. Angry, she walked fast. Robert knew she'd wanted to leave early. It wasn't like him to be late. Laurel picked up her pace. Maybe something was wrong.
She stepped up to the door of the tent and called, “Hello.” There was no answer. “Hello,” she called again. Still no answer. She peeked inside. The tent was empty.
She searched the barn and scanned the fields but couldn't find Robert. He wouldn't have gone without me. Uncertain whether to be angry or worried, Laurel headed down the road toward the fairgrounds.
A pickup approached, stirring up dust. Laurel stepped to the side of the road and waited for it to pass.
It slowed and stopped. Adam rested his arm on the open window. “Hi. I was coming to get you.”
“How'd you know I needed a ride?”
“Robert's sister remembered she was supposed to tell you that Robert went into Anchorage yesterday. He planned on being back in time, but he didn't make it.” He grinned. “I figured you could use a chauffeur, so I volunteered. Hop in.” He reached across the seat and opened the door.
Laurel climbed in. “Why did Robert go to Anchorage?”
“Something about selling vegetables.”
“He said he'd be back this morning?”
“That's my understanding.”
“I hope he's all right.”
“You know how bad that road gets. He'll be along soon.”
“You didn't have to pick me up. I could have walked.”
“Yeah, but then I would have missed your company.” Adam grinned, naughtiness touching his eyes. He turned the truck around, and they headed for the fairgrounds.
Sitting beside Adam was unnerving. He affected her in a way no one else could. Laurel hugged the door, keeping plenty of space between herself and Adam. “Have you already been to the fair?” she asked. Of course he has. He just told me he talked to Robert's sister, Laurel thought, feeling dimwitted.
“I just came from there.”
“What do you think? Is it a good one?”
“Well, it's no Chicago Expo, but it's not bad. Reminds me of the ones I went to when I was a boy. Lots of simple down-home fun and good food. I was thinking I might take a shot at the greased pig race.” He grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “You think I can win?”
“You just might.”
Adam pulled into a grassy area congested with cars, trucks, and wagons. He parked, then reached across Laurel and opened her door. “Do you mind if I tag along with you for a while?”
“No, I'm on my own,” Laurel said, knowing she should have refused and spent the day with her family. What's the harm? I'll never see him again, she reasoned.
They walked through a bright display of flowers, then moved on to tables laden with vegetables. Adam was stunned at the size of the cabbages and turnips. They continued on to an exhibit of local crafts.
Jessie sat amidst a display of her paintings. She was working on one, but stopped when Adam and Laurel walked up to her. “Hello, there.” She stood, gave Laurel a hug, and then shook Adam's hand. “It's good to see you, young man. I was hoping you'd return to us.”
“I'm not staying. I've got to get back to London. I'm working as an overseas correspondent these days,” he added, unable to keep the pride out of his voice.
