“God blessed me with this one. Mr. Sherstead and I made a trade. It was perfect timing, finding out he needed mending done and a part-time farmhand. Mama's patching his clothes, and I'm working for him when he needs me.” They dropped into a rut. They ground their way free and Robert chuckled. “But I'm not convinced it's any faster than walking.” He concentrated on driving, and the interior of the cab fell quiet.
Wiping her side window clear, Laurel gazed at the countryside. The moon, looking like a great round light, cast a glow across an ivory landscape. It illuminated white mountains and lay down shadows at the feet of naked trees. White hillsides stood like frozen sea swells.
The truck bounced over a mound of packed snow, jarring Laurel out of her reverie. The blanket had slipped off her knees and she replaced it.
Robert glanced at her bare legs. Embarrassed, he flashed her a smile before returning his attention to the road. “Your father told me your Guernsey's about ready to calve.”
“Yep. He's spending more time in the barn than the house. She's been acting edgy, and he goes out to check on her every few hours. Good thing we got the barn finished. Otherwise, I'd be worried about the wolves.” She glanced at the tree line. “Have you heard them?”
“Uh-huh. Some nights they sound close.”
“They give me the willies.”
Robert glanced at Laurel. “You don't have to worry about them. Howling is just their way of talking to each other. They're not threatening anyone.”
“Yeah, but what if they're talking about where to find dinner?” They both laughed.
The lights of Palmer appeared out of the darkness. “Here we are,” Robert said as they approached the small town.
A smattering of homes, buildings, cars, and people replaced empty frozen wilderness. Laurel's anticipation grew. She hoped Celeste was here, and she hoped her friend wouldn't mind that Robert was her escort.
Robert parked at the far end of the Grange Hall, then hurried around to Laurel's door. He opened it and offered his arm.
“Looks like a lot of people are here,” Laurel said, taking Robert's arm and placing a foot carefully on icy ground.
As they entered the community building, warmth, music, and chatter greeted them. “I wonder if Celeste is here,” Laurel said.
“She will be. You know how she loves parties.”
Robert helped Laurel with her coat and hung it in an open closet just inside the doorway. Sitting on a bench, Laurel removed her boots. Quickly and as inconspicuously as possible, she ran her hand over her silk stockings, searching for snags. Thankfully there were none. Silk stockings were a luxury and too expensive to replace.
A band of four musicians—two saxophones, a clarinet, and a piano—were playing “Stardust.” Robert and Laurel stood and listened. Robert leaned toward Laurel and asked, “Would you like something to eat or drink?”
“I am thirsty.”
“I'll be right back.” He headed for a nearby table.
“Laurel! Hi!” Celeste called, hurrying toward her friend and hauling along a pimply-faced boy. He was dressed in baggy pants, a sweater vest, bow tie, and saddle shoes. His hair was flattened against his head with hair grease. Celeste gave Laurel a quick hug. “I was afraid you wouldn't be here.” She glanced at the young man. “This is Charles,” she said flatly.
“Hi, Charles,” Laurel said. “I haven't seen you around before. Are you new to the valley?”
“Nah. Just visiting. I came up from college to see my uncle. He's a friend of Mr. Townsend.” Snapping his fingers and bobbing his head, he gazed around. “This place is jumping. You want to dance, Celeste?”
“No. I'm tired. Maybe later.”
“All right.” Charles seemed undaunted and headed for a group of girls standing along the wall.
“Isn't he something?” Celeste said with a giggle. “What a goon. I only went out with him because my father said I had to.” She glanced around. “Did you come with someone?”
“Yes, I came with Robert.”
Celeste's smile faded. “I thought you weren't interested in him.”
“He asked me … just as friends …” Laurel hedged.
“I wish he would have asked me.” She turned on a smile. “Well, can I be a bridesmaid at your wedding?”
“Don't be silly. It's not a date.”
“He's smitten, and I'm telling you he won't settle for just being friends.” She ran her hands through blonde curls. “Here he comes. It looks like he cleared the table of goodies.”
“Hello,” Robert said, balancing two drinks and a plate laden with cookies and cake.
Celeste flashed a smile.
Laurel took one of the drinks and a cookie. “Thank you.”
Celeste turned to watch the musicians and the dancers. “The band's pretty good, don't you think?”
“Not bad,” Robert said.
Charles jitterbugged back to Celeste. “Hey, babe, you ready for a dance now?”
Celeste shrugged and took his hand. “See you,” she said with a resigned smile, allowing him to lead her to the dance floor.
“Who's that?” Robert asked.
“Charles. His father's a friend of Mr. Townsend. Celeste brought him as a favor.”
