“Yes.”
Anger rising, Laurel stared at the ground directly in front of her. “Do they know we have to pay back everything—our house, the land, the food we eat, everything? It's not free.”
“I don't think you've done anything wrong, Laurel. And I wish my dad and his friends felt differently, but it's going to take time.” She smiled. “I'm glad you're here.”
Chapter Fifteen
THE AROMA OF COFFEE AND BACON PENETRATED LAUREL'S SLEEP. SHE DIDN'T want to wake up; she'd been having a lovely dream. In the setting of a hazy sunset, a man for whom she cared deeply was sitting beside her. She couldn't see his face. Laurel tried to hold on to the delight, but it faded. Then it was gone.
She opened her eyes. White canvas walls stared back at her. Reality hit. She wasn't at home but in a tent in Alaska. Laurel scanned the room, which was crowded with boxes and furniture. Where are we going to put everything? she thought gloomily, wishing she could return to her dream. It had been much nicer.
Melancholy replaced contentment, and Laurel sat up. She tried to shake the gloomy thoughts. This is only temporary, she told herself.
A steady drumming sound resonated from all around. Jean stood at the stove, seemingly unaffected by the droning. She was humming. Jean glanced at Laurel. “Good morning.”
“Morning.” Laurel looked around the tent, trying to distinguish where the noise was coming from. Her mind still felt fogged. She could hear bacon frying, but that wasn't making the drumming. “What's that sound?” she finally asked.
“Sound?” Jean listened. “Oh, you mean the rain. It's been pouring all morning.” She glanced at the tent ceiling. “It's loud on the canvas, but after so many months without rain, I think it's wonderful.”
Just means more mud, Laurel thought dismally.
Her mother smiled. “You hungry?”
“Yes. Breakfast smells good.” Throwing back her blankets, she dropped her legs over the side of the bed. “Where is everyone?”
“They went down to the toilet and bathhouse.”
“I can't believe I slept through my brothers' racket.” Laurel slipped her dress on and pushed her feet into shoes. “What are we going to do today?”
“First thing, your father and I are going to the architect's office and pick out our house. Then you and I can get this place in order. Your father and Luke are going out to the property to begin clearing.” She speared a slice of bacon, turned it, and set it back in sizzling fat. “Your dad's anxious to get his hands into that soil. He says the sooner we get started, the sooner we'll be able to move.” She peeked out the tent window. “This is a beautiful valley. I'll be glad to get out onto our own place with a proper view.”
“It's a valley of mud and mosquitoes,” Laurel said, her tone surly.
Jean looked at her daughter. “You're not usually such a grumbler, Laurel. It's not attractive.” She turned back to her cooking. “I know you didn't want to move, but there's nothing to be done now. Growling about it won't make things better.”
“I know. I'm sorry.” Laurel pushed back wild hair. “I don't know why I'm so out of sorts.”
“You've forgotten to be grateful.” Jean gave Laurel a challenging smile. “There are mosquitoes and mud, but they won't go away because we complain. We have to take the bad with the good.”
Using a fork, Jean lifted strips of crisp bacon out of the pan and set them on a plate, then cracked eggs into the hot grease. Sighing, she said, “I could use a rest. It's been a long trip.”
Laurel studied her mother. Although she wore a smile, shadows smudged the skin under her eyes, and she looked thin. The move had been hard on her. A flush of guilt spread through Laurel. “Maybe you should rest today. I'll set up the house. You can tell me where you want everything.”
Jean walked to Laurel and hugged her. “That's sweet of you, but I'm fine. We'll do it together.”
“All right,” Laurel said, thinking over all the sacrifices she'd seen her mother make through the years. She couldn't remember a day when Jean Hasper hadn't been there to care for her family. It seemed a thankless job, and Laurel wasn't sure she wanted the same kind of life.
That afternoon, Will, Luke, Justin, and Brian set out for their land. They'd begin clearing. Laurel and Jean set about getting their temporary home in order. Jean laid a teary-eyed Susie in her crib, then turned and faced the chaotic room. Hands on hips, her eyes roamed over their belongings. “I'm not sure where to start.”
“I'm sorry I didn't get more done. Susie was so fussy when you and dad were meeting with the architect.”
“I think she's teething.” Jean picked up a box. “Why don't we stack the boxes we don't plan on emptying along the wall there. That'll give us a little more room.”
The two went to work, and a couple hours later Laurel sat in her grandmother's rocker with Susie in her lap. She studied the room. It was crowded but orderly.
Jean sat at the table. “That's better.” She took a deep breath. “We'll do just fine.”
A knock sounded at the door, and a woman called, “Hellooo. Anyone home?”
Jean walked to the door and opened it. Norma Prosser stood on the step. A stocky, cheerful woman, she seemed meant for farm life. “I hope I'm not bothering you.”
“No, of course not. Please come in.”
Norma stepped inside and glanced about the room. “This is real nice. It's a sight better than my mess. I think I brought too much from home.” She folded her arms over her chest. “Drew is always saying I have pack rat in my blood.” She chuckled. “I was just thinking that since our men are all out on our places working it might be a good time for the ladies to get acquainted. I was hoping we could gather at my place for a cup of tea and a visit?”
“I'll stay with Susie, Mama,” Laurel said.
“Oh, don't worry about the baby. Bring her along. I'd guess most of us have children, and we'd be in a mess if we couldn't take them with us when we left home.”
“Well, I'd like to meet my new neighbors,” Jean said. “Laurel?”
Tired, Laurel would rather have stayed home, but she was curious. Susie stood, flashing a nearly toothless smile at Mrs. Prosser. “I guess Susie's decided. I'll go.”
“Wonderful,” Norma said. “I'm just three tents down toward the main road. I'll see you in about fifteen minutes?”
