A Touch of Autumn(50)

“The most I’ve seen in this part of Georgia. Of course, five inches wouldn’t have seemed like much back in Maine, where I grew up.”

“Do you ever miss it, Mama?”

“Maine? I did at first. But now I can’t imagine living anywhere but Georgia.” She patted Livvy on the leg and smiled. “Of course, being with your father helped me adjust to a new location mighty fast.”

“I can’t imagine leaving Georgia and moving far away from you and Pa.” Livvy glanced at her ma, wondering. She barely remembered the two visits from her grandparents before they both passed away years ago.

“When you fall in love, you’ll go anywhere as long as you can be with him.”

Livvy had always known that her parents loved each other, but she’d never given it much thought.

What if Charles did propose? He was a teacher. What if another teaching position should come up that he wanted to pursue? Would she be willing to go with him?

She needed to think this over carefully. Up to now, she’d only thought of her feelings for him. But there was much more than feelings involved in a relationship. What if she had to choose between Charles and her parents?

Scoffing inwardly at herself, she smiled at her mother and pulled into the Bineses’ barnyard. As Pa often said, she was counting her chickens before they were hatched. Charles had yet to propose.

Livvy was surprised to see several neighbors there. They must have had the same idea she and Mama had. Fresh-baked goods lined the tables. And Ezra Bines had set his iron barbecue pot over a section of the pit. He always did a variety of barbecue types. Pork, beef and even mutton sometimes.

Part of the barn floor had been cleared for the dance, and the sides and corners of the room were lined with booths for the fund-raiser. Excitement ran through Livvy. It was going to be a great festival.

Even Mama seemed excited as they drove home. When they pulled into the barn, Hank was waiting, so Livvy thanked him and went to the house with Mama.

The chicken stew was simmering on the back of the stove.

“Livvy, would you stir the dumplings in, please? I’ll pour the drinks and set the table. Your pa should be in soon. He’s been finishing up his sermon for Sunday morning.”

By the time supper was ready, Pa stepped into the hall from his study.

“Pa, perfect timing.”

Pa rubbed his hands together and smiled. “I smelled the chicken and dumplings. Let me go wash up. Be right back.”

Within a few minutes the three of them sat around the table.

Pa bowed his head and Livvy and her mother followed suit.

“Heavenly Father, we thank You for being with us today and every day. Thank You for our wonderful family. I pray, Lord, You will help us as we go through the rest of this day. Help us with any decisions we need to make. And help us to always be kind to each other. We thank You for this wonderful food, supplied from Your bounty. In Jesus’s name. Amen.”

Livvy stared at her Pa for a moment, wondering if he’d read her mind. Of course not. This sort of thing happened often in their home. God must have whispered a word in Pa’s ear. The Lord knew she needed wisdom about possible decisions.

She glanced around at the cozy family time. Her parents were laughing over something Pa had said. Oh, Lord. Could I leave them if Charles asked me to? A quiet knowing flowed through her. Oh, yes. She would go with Charles to the ends of the earth. That is, if he asked her.





Chapter 19




The tantalizing scent of spiced apple cider drifted through the strong smell of wood smoke and barbecue as Livvy stepped into the Bineses’ barn with Mama and Pa.

“Umm. It smells so good in here.” She gave a sniff of appreciation, then another.

“Yes, it does. I love the smells of fall.” Ma looked so pretty tonight and Pa was holding her hand.

“Yes. And winter.” Although the difference was minuscule.

A squawk and whine came from the stage where the musicians were tuning their instruments. Livvy clapped her hands over her ears.

Eddy Bines stood in front of the enormous iron stove at the rear of the barn, cramming logs in.

Mama frowned. “Oh, dear. I hope Eddy doesn’t overdo it.”

“Me, too. Once the dancing starts, the room will heat up fast.”

Livvy glanced around. The children and staff from Quincy School hadn’t yet arrived. A little quiver of anticipation wiggled through her chest at the thought of Charles. Would this be the night?

“Livvy! You’re here.” Carrie Ann sashayed up and grabbed Livvy’s hand. “Someone wants to talk to you.”

At Mrs. Shepherd’s raised eyebrows, Carrie Ann blushed. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Shepherd, Reverend Shepherd. How are you tonight?”