Desert Fire by Marcia Lynn McClure

Author:Marcia Lynn McClure [McClure, Marcia Lynn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christian Fiction, Colorado, Ranchers, General, Romance, Amnesia, Young Women, Fiction, Love Stories
Publisher: Granite Pub & Distribution
Published: 2003-06-29T23:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Malaina felt as if she’d swallowed a cavern full of bats as they drove to the dance through the cool October evening. It was so delighful, though. Like a dream! Every time they passed a neighboring farm, the family would fall in line behind the others and everyone joined in singing songs together all the way to town. It was a safe, friendly feeling and Malaina reveled in it. Matthew had taken a separate cart, because he was escorting Mary and her parents. But Malaina road in the back of the buggy with Baker, while Jackson and Maggie were in front.

The barn on the Smithe ranch was decorated with shining Jack-O-Lanterns, scarecrows and other harvest type things. Several men were standing on a bunch of wooden crates that had been pushed together playing fiddles and other instruments. One man was even blowing on a jug. Malaina thought it very odd.

People were already dancing and Baker led Malaina to the floor. She was overcome with nerves for a moment until she realized that everyone was simply having a good time. Most of the men looked like monkeys jumping around or were as awkward as Ol’ Root would be dancing. Baker, however, was a very proficient dance partner and made her feel more relaxed. Soon she was laughing and feeling as if she never wanted to leave.

The punch and refreshments were delicious and Malaina found many familiar faces to chat with. The only things that dampened her spirits were the moments when she would see Jackson smiling charmingly down into the face of an adoring, lovely girl. Once he caught her staring at him and winked at her. She turned away quickly, mortified. She caught bits and pieces of conversation among the women and girls and the subject always seemed to be the McCall boys, especially Jackson.

One older woman was flirting shamelessly with Jackson and Malaina summized that this must be the Widow Thompson. He was as polite and charming with her as he was with the others. He hadn’t once asked Malaina to dance after an hour and she felt as if she’d been slapped in the face. She was sure that she was the only one he hadn’t danced with.

Malaina had just finished a cup of punch and was setting it down when Jackson came to stand beside her. He pulled his pocket watch from its home in his pocket and eyed it closely. “Hhmmm. I believe...yes...this is my dance with you, Malaina. Would you mind?” He had the familiar mischievous look about him.

“Very well,” she said, cautiously placing her hand in his.

Just then the fiddler shouted. “All right folks. Quiet down...quiet down now. It’s that time of the year again.

We’re all celebrating a good and prosperous crop this year! Some folks do this as a tradition to bringin’ in the New Year! But we do it at the Harvest Dance!” Whoops and cheers went up from the crowd. “That’s right! It’s turn down the lamps time. The Kissin’ Waltz for lovers!” And the crowd continued to whoop and holler as the lights dimmed.

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