Dancing on Dew by Leah Atwood

Author:Leah Atwood [Atwood, Leah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Falling Leaf Press
Published: 2016-03-06T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

“Is it time yet, Papa?” Gloria hopped up and down in front of him.

Joseph placed palms on his daughter to still her. “Almost, darling.”

“What do we do again at a ‘dependence day celebration?”

“We celebrate America’s birthday with a big fair.” He tugged one of her pigtails and smiled. “There will be games, contests, even a parade.”

A dainty knock on the door interrupted the conversation.

Joseph peeked through the window and saw his sister-in-law. He opened the door to her. “Good morning.”

Gloria pushed ahead before Tallie could respond. “Can I ride to town with you, Aunt Tallie?”

“If it’s all right with your papa.” Tallie sought his gaze for permission and he nodded.

“Yippee!” Curious hands got the better of Gloria and she touched the basket in Tallie’s hand. “What’s in here?”

“Dinner for the basket social.”

“Why’s it decorated?” The questions from his daughter never ceased.

“See what you have to look forward to soon,” he teased Tallie.

“I grew up in an orphanage—I’m used to it.” She released a light chuckle then addressed Gloria’s question. “A basket social is a fun event in which all the women decorate a basket filled with food, then the men bid on the baskets. The exciting part is that none of the men are supposed to know which basket their wife brought, so they have to be very observant if they want to share their dinner with their sweetheart.”

Gloria frowned. “What if someone doesn’t have a sweetheart?”

“Then they’ll share their lunch with a friend.” Crouching down, Tallie gave her a brief hug. “No frowns allowed today. It will be a great day for everyone.” When she stood, she handed the basket to him. “Would you mind turning this in for me? I don’t want Jeremiah to know which is mine.”

“As if he doesn’t already?” Joseph arched his brow.

With a wink and a shrug, Tallie grinned. “I’ll never tell.”

He shook his head. “Where do I take it once in town?”

“Leave it in the wagon, and I’ll come grab it.”

The tantalizing scent of spiced peaches drifted to his nose. “I might have to bid on yours myself.”

She pretended to scowl and huff. “You better not.”

“I can’t make promises.” He enjoyed teasing Tallie, appreciated the sibling bond by which he felt connected to her.

A soft hand touched his forearm. “You know that you and Gloria are welcome to eat with us. I packed enough for all of us to enjoy a picnic.”

“Thank you.”

“I best get back to Hope and Jeremiah. Is Gloria ready to go now?”

“Yes.” He crouched to speak with his daughter. “You behave and obey Aunt Tallie and Uncle Jeremiah. Stay close to them and don’t wander off.”

“I’ll be good, Papa. Promise.”

He embraced her, and when he let go, watched her and Tallie walk to the other cabin. Loneliness caught him from nowhere. He’d done so well lately, but a voice in his head taunted him to stay home and forget the festivities altogether.

An alluring thought if not for Gloria. She’d looked forward to the celebrations for weeks and he couldn’t disappoint her.

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