“Oh, I know what you mean,” Patricia said. “We're trying to be careful, too, but our debt is still growing faster than we planned.”
“Daddy will love the marshmallows,” Laurel said, hoping to reassure her mother.
Jean slid the sweet potatoes onto the oven rack beside the meat. Heat and the aroma of roasting moose and rabbit drifted through the room.
“Oh, that smells heavenly,” Jessie said. “My mouth is watering, and my stomach's growling.”
A gust of wind shook the house, moaning as it blew beneath the eaves. “Sounds like it's getting worse,” Patricia said a little nervously. “I heard we're supposed to have a hard winter. Makes me uneasy. I don't know what to expect.” She finished peeling a carrot and set it in a pot.
“Winter can be rough,” Jessie said. “Some years we had snow up to the rooftops. Sometimes we got very little snow, but then ended up with real cold temperatures. I'll take the snow any day.”
Jean sifted flour into a bowl, added baking powder and salt, then mixed in lard, eggs, and milk. “I'm sure we'll be fine. These are good, solid houses. The pantry is full, and so is the root cellar.”
“I'm sure you're right,” Patricia said. “I'm probably worrying over nothing. That's my way.”
After patting out the dough, Jean cut it into hefty biscuits. Setting them on two baking sheets, she opened the oven door and checked the roasting game. “The meat's done. All we have to do now is wait on the sweet potatoes, and cook the carrots and biscuits.”
“Here are the carrots,” said Jessie, handing Jean the pot.
Covering the vegetables with water, Jean placed a lid on the pan and set it on the stove to cook. “Laurel, could you set the table?” She added wood to the fire. “I'll check on those men.”
“Sure, Mama.”
An extra leaf was placed in the table, chairs were brought from the living room, and the food was set out. Will sat at the head of the table. “A real feast,” he said as everyone found a place to sit. He looked at the expectant faces about the table. “We have much to be thankful for. I thought that on this special Thanksgiving we should each share our gratitude.” He squeezed Jean's hand. “Would you like to begin, and I'll finish?”
Jean smiled and nodded. “There's so much.” Her eyes filled with tears. She paused, trying to compose herself. “I thank God for my new home, and for my family. I'm grateful we're all able to be here, all except Justin.” She glanced at Will. “But I praise God for taking such good care of our little boy. I'm sure this is a special Thanksgiving for him too.” Using a corner of her apron, she dabbed at her eyes. “There's no place sweeter than in the arms of Jesus. And I'm sure that's where he is.”
Heads nodded; several shed tears.
Luke was next. “I'm thankful for this terrific place to live. I love it here. And I love to hunt and fish. I'm thankful for that.”
Joanna smiled shyly, then said, “I'm glad we get to live on our new farm and that we're safe.”
Veronica glanced at her mother. “I thank God for giving me a wonderful mother.”
Eyes shimmering, Patricia squeezed her daughter's hand. “I praise God for all my children and for the wonderful comfort they've been to me since their father died and for everything they do for me. I couldn't have made it without all of you. And I thank God for giving Robert a heart so like his father's. He had a vision of what could be, and that's why we're here.”
Jessie looked thin and small beside Patricia. She didn't speak right away but glanced at each person sitting around the table, her face serene as usual. “The Lord knows I've been on my own for many years, and sometimes it's lonely. But he always brings special people into our lives when we need them. Since I met Laurel, I've been given a whole new family, and I'm thankful for her and for all of you.”
Robert was next. He glanced at his sisters and mother, then smiled at Laurel. “I'm grateful for special friends, too, and for a new beginning and the promise that God will see us through, no matter what hardship we face.”
Brian grinned up at Robert, then at his mother. “I guess I'm most grateful for good food and for my daddy who hunts so we can have it and my mama who cooks.” Jean and Will both smiled.
It was Laurel's turn next. She'd been trying to sort out what she should say. She had so much to be thankful for. She cleared her throat. “I thank God that I had a change of heart about Alaska. I'm grateful he gave me what I needed instead of what I wanted. I didn't know when I left Wisconsin that I'd love this place. I fought and kicked, but God kept his hand on me, and now this is home, and I thank him for his wisdom and his steadfastness.”
Will bowed his head, and the others did the same. “I have so much to thank you for, Father—my family, this farm, good friends, a new beginning, and plenty to eat, but most of all, I want to thank you for your promise of a future. You always give us hope. The world says no, but you say yes; the world says quit, but you say carry on; the world says justice, but you say grace. You are our courage and strength. We cannot fail with you at our side.”
He paused. “Lord, you know there are two special people who aren't with us today. Our Justin is with you.” He was silent a moment. “And then there is Adam. He's across the sea in a place where frightening changes are taking place and maybe even war. We ask you to keep your hand on him and bring him back to this valley where he belongs.”
Laurel looked up. Where he belongs? She glanced at her father. His head was bowed, eyes closed.
“And, Father, please continue to hold each of us in your hand; help us to value and respect one another. I think especially about the people in this valley who are filled with fear and hate. Show them a better way, Father. And help each of us to seek you in all we do. Amen.” He looked up and smiled. “It's been a good year. We've worked hard. I'm hungry.” Spearing a piece of meat, he held out his hand for a plate and asked, “Who's first?”
The meal was filled with compliments, good conversation, and laughter. After the feast, the pies were sliced and served. The children quickly devoured dessert. The storm had quieted, so they donned their coats and mittens and ran out into a white world to play.
Will, Robert, and Luke retired to the living room and the radio while the women cleared the table and washed the dishes. Laurel walked into the front room to see if anyone wanted a refill on coffee, but instead she stood in the doorway and listened to the radio. Jack Benny's familiar line, “Now cut that out,” made everyone laugh. Robert looked up and winked at her. Laurel couldn't help but smile. “Anyone want more coffee?” she asked.
“None for me,” Will said. “I couldn't fit in another drop.” He patted his stomach.
“I'd like some.” Robert stood and joined Laurel. “That was a fine meal. Thank you.”
“My mother did most of it. I just helped.”
“Well, thanks anyway.” He held out his cup, and Laurel filled it. “Good coffee too,” he said, taking a sip.
“I did make that. I learned from my father. He never thought Mama made the coffee strong enough, so he started making it when I was just a girl. One day he showed me how, and I've been doing it ever since. Some people think it's too strong.”
“No, I like it. It's just right.”
Replacing the pot on the stove, Laurel glanced at Robert. He was handsome—tall, with dark brown eyes and hair. He had an easy comfortable smile, and although reserved, his quietness never came across as arrogance. She liked him. He'd make a good husband, she told herself.
“Would you like to go for a walk?”
Laurel was wrapped up in her thoughts and didn't hear. “Did you say something?”
Robert smiled. “I thought you looked as if you were off somewhere else.”