“Don't know, some don't.” Will looked at Robert. “You said there's something you wanted to talk about?”
“Yes, sir.”
“If you're worried about living in our house, don't. Things are fine with us. We're a bit crowded, but we know you'll get your place built as soon as you can. There's no hurry.”
“I figured as soon as the weather warms up, we can move back into a tent.” Robert studied his sandwich. “But that's not what I wanted to talk about. I …” He looked at Will. “Well actually, sir, I wanted to ask you if I could have your permission to marry Laurel.”
Silence fell between the two. The cushion of snow seemed to intensify the quiet.
Will met Robert's eyes. “What does Laurel say?”
“Well, I haven't … exactly asked her yet. I wanted to find out how you felt first.”
Will watched the bird fly to another tree. “You know how me and Mrs. Hasper feel about you. You're like our own son. We couldn't choose better for Laurel. But …”
Robert steeled himself for the worst.
“There's Adam.”
“I know Laurel had feelings for him, but she said he's gone—for good.”
Will massaged his jaw. “That's right … probably. But even so, it doesn't change how Laurel feels about him. A person can't turn feelings on and off whenever he or she wants.”
Robert brushed snow off the log. “I know Laurel's not in love with me, but she does care for me. She told me so. I'll make a good husband. I'll treat her right, and maybe in time she'll grow to love me.”
“And what if she doesn't? Are you willing to settle for that?”
Robert took a deep breath. “Yes, sir. I figure I've got to have her on whatever terms she's willing to come to me. I can't imagine my life without her.” He wiped away more snow, revealing brown bark. “I figure, if two people care about each other and treat each other right, love will follow.”
Will took two bites out of his sandwich. Chewing, he stared straight ahead. He swallowed, then looked at Robert. “Well, I expect if you know what you're getting into, you have my blessing. Laurel certainly couldn't ask for a better man.”
Robert smiled. “Thank you, sir.” He shook Will's hand. “I figured I'd ask her tomorrow after the movies. She and I are going into Palmer. Just the two of us.”
Will nodded. “I'll be praying for God's will.”
Laurel ran the brush through her hair, then pulled soft curls up into a barrette. She added a hint of rouge to her cheeks, then dabbed on lipstick. She stood back and studied her reflection. Wrinkling up her nose, she smiled.
Feeling a little on edge, she smoothed her skirt. Honestly, why am I so nervous? she wondered. Since her father and Robert had returned, a sense of expectation and disquiet hung in the air. Something was up. But what?
A soft knock sounded at the door, and Robert's mother stuck her head in. “Are you ready?”
“Yes. Almost.”
Stepping in, Patricia stood just inside the door. Wearing a satisfied smile, she folded her arms over her bosom. “I'm s'posed to see if you're ready. My son is chomping at the bit. He's actually pacing.”
“Really? He did seem kind of tense all morning. Do you know why?”
Patricia's eyes sparkled, and her pink cheeks rounded when she smiled. “No, I don't.”
Laurel didn't believe her. “Is something wrong?”
“No. Nothing.” She shrugged. “He's a man. Who can say why a man acts the way he does?” She chuckled. “Well, I told him I'd hurry you along, and I have.” She started to leave, then stopped and added, “Have a wonderful evening.” She shut the door quietly and left.
Laurel sat on the edge of the bed and slipped on her shoes. “What's gotten into everyone?” She tied the laces, and her mind flipped through her last encounters with Robert. He'd been especially considerate and kind. He's always thoughtful, though, she told herself. “Well, whatever's going on, I'll find out sooner or later.”
Robert met her at the bottom of the stairs. “You look nice.”
“So do you.” Laurel had rarely seen Robert dressed up, except for church. However, tonight he wore a blue suit with a gray and blue patterned tie. The suit fit him perfectly, showing off his tall frame and making his wide shoulders look even broader. His shoes were polished to a sheen, and he'd used some kind of grooming cream on his dark hair. He looked tense.
Offering her his arm, he asked, “Shall we go?”
On the way in to town, they talked about inconsequential matters such as the weather and the latest gossip. People bet on when spring break-up would arrive, and Robert and Laurel made their own guesses. A moose grazed on willow limbs alongside the road, and they stopped to watch the animal.
When they arrived at the theater, Robert hurried around and opened the door for Laurel, then escorted her into the small theater. They sat near the back of the packed movie house. Robert's tension seemed to increase after they were seated. He fiddled with his tie, drummed his fingers on the edge of his seat, and bounced his legs up and down.
Finally Laurel asked, “Robert, is something wrong?”
“No. Why?”
“You're acting strangely—jumpy.”
“Oh. I am? I'm sorry.” He stilled his legs and stared at the curtain in the front. “I'm fine.”
Laurel settled her back against the seat, folding her arms over her chest. “You're sure nothing's wrong?”
