Will clapped Tom on the back. “We've got a party to go to.” He headed for the steps. Will met Laurel midway. Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, he asked, “You up for a party, sugar?”
“You bet.”
People chatted and laughed. Streamers hung from the ceiling, a Christmas tree stood in one corner with mounds of gifts piled under it, a table crowded with Christmas goodies stood along one wall, and a real live Santa sat in the far corner. A line of children waited to visit him.
Looking around the hall, Laurel felt the warmth of friendship. Only a few months ago, these people met for the first time; yet a bond had already developed between them. Thinking over the last few weeks, Laurel realized she'd allowed the lack of daylight and the conflict between the colonists and homesteaders to steal her joy. Enough is enough, she decided. From now on, I'm going to look at the bright side of things.
She unbuttoned her coat. Robert quickly stepped up and helped her with it, then hung it on a hanger in the closet. “Thank you,” Laurel said, wishing he wouldn't be quite so attentive.
Will scanned the room. “It's a shame so many families gave up and left. Good days are ahead for this colony.”
“Yes, but we'll have some rough ones too,” Drew Prosser said. “We've lost some calves. It'll make for a rough year. I'd counted on selling them to help make ends meet.”
“The Lord will provide,” Will said with confidence.
Drew nodded. “I know, but I'll be interested to see how he does it.”
“How's that new calf of yours coming along?” Robert asked Will.
“Good. She's strong and hungry. In fact, if she doesn't slow down, we won't have enough milk for the family. I have to milk early to get our share,” he added with a grin.
“When do you think Santa is going to hand out the gifts?” Brian asked.
“Soon,” Jean said. “Brian, remember Christmas is more than just gifts.”
Will rested a hand on Jean's arm. “For little boys, Christmas is about presents and good things to eat. I remember well.” He kneeled in front of Brian. “Christmas is a time for gifts and goodies, but first it's a time to celebrate Jesus' birthday.”
“I know. I didn't forget.”
“Good.” Will patted the youngster on the back.
People started singing, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” and Will hefted Brian onto his shoulders and joined in with the carolers.
His cheeks bright, Brian sang out, his falsetto voice carrying over the people.
Laurel's voice blended with those around her. A man standing beside her sang loudly, and she turned to see who it was. Adam smiled at her.
“Adam!” she yelled. Without thinking, she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him.
Adam held her tightly. “I missed you. I couldn't stay away.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
ROBERT'S TRUCK BUMPED THROUGH AN ICY POTHOLE. “THIS IS NEARLY AS rough as my plane trip here,” Adam said with a laugh. “I think you might call it a white knuckle special.”
“Was it scary on the plane?” Brian asked.
“Yeah, a little.”
Brian looked up at Adam. “I'm glad you're here. You can sleep in my bed. I don't mind.”
“No,” Adam said, glancing at Laurel. “I didn't come here to force anyone out of his bed. I can sleep on the sofa or the floor. It wouldn't be the first time.”
“Mama's already decided. Brian's sleeping with me,” Luke said with disdain. He gave Brian a derisive look. “How long since you took a bath?”
“Saturday night like always.”
“I don't want stinky feet in bed with me.”
“My feet don't stink,” Brian said defensively.
“Luke,” Will cautioned.
Luke turned to Adam. “Say, would you like to go with me and Alex tomorrow? We're practicing for the dogsled races they're having after Christmas.”
“Sounds like fun. I've never done any mushing.”
“Great. We'll leave at first light.”
“We were going to cut the tree tomorrow,” Will said.
“I know, but I figured you and Brian could do it. This is important. Alex and I got to practice if we're going to win.”
“All right.” Will smiled at Brian. “It'll just be you and me then.”
Brian climbed across the pickup bed to his father. He grinned up at him, clearly pleased.
Laurel searched for something to say. She'd figured that if she ever saw Adam again her mind would overflow with questions, but now that he sat across from her, she couldn't think of a single one.
