In Search of a Dream by Pamela Griffin

Author:Pamela Griffin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2012-08-14T00:00:00+00:00

Ten

Joel’s bright smile and persistent hold on her arm gave Clemmie a much-needed boost of confidence. She hadn’t been jealous, not really, but the curious yet clearly interested looks from young women walking in the opposite direction made her recall the old days, when Joel had only to give one of his engaging boyish grins for the ladies to take notice and nearly swoon where they stood.

For herself, she didn’t read more into his action to keep her close than what she assumed it meant. His pride wouldn’t allow him to admit he needed help, and clearly he felt nervous without her holding his arm as they strolled over the unfamiliar ground and through the crowds. For him, she would be whatever he needed, though she wished to be so much more.

Relieved the atmosphere had eased between them again, she surveyed her surroundings. Though the fair wasn’t much different than the annual one near home, the day seemed brighter, the crowds friendlier, the amusements more interesting, and she felt sure it was because she walked with Joel.

Tents and booths stood scattered in no real order, as if a giant hand had tossed them to land where they may. A fringe of trees provided a backdrop against a sky so blue it almost hurt to look at it. The nearby woods shielded the morning sun, which peeked in scattered rays between thick foliage. Everywhere, she saw smiles and heard laughter, and she silently thanked God again that she’d been able to convince Joel to come, certain such a fun climate would be good medicine for his wounded soul.

She described everything she saw, remembering to be his eyes, and warned him of anything his cane might miss in an offhand manner, so he wouldn’t accuse her of coddling him.

Some passersby did openly stare as he searched the ground with his cane for obstacles that might trip him. But she ignored their curiosity, happy that Joel was finally away from his stifling shed and out among the populace again.

“Do I smell hot dogs?”

Clemmie laughed at his sudden boyish enthusiasm and scouted the myriad booths and tents ahead. Far in the distance she spotted a hot dog vendor.

“Can I have a hot dog, Daddy?” Bethany wanted to know.

“We just got here, cupcake!”

“Aw, let the kid have a hot dog if she wants one.”

“You’re just saying that because you want one,” Herbert accused Joel.

“What can I say? Blame my stomach.”

“You mean that bottomless pit below your chest?”

“Funny man. I seem to remember you couldn’t get enough pies in your day. A habit you never outgrew. Tell me that you don’t plan on visiting the pie-eating booth for a contest.”

“How’d you know about that, Uncle Joel, if you’ve never been to a fair?” Bethany interrupted the men’s banter. “I don’t see any booths with pies.”

“I know because your daddy told me there’d be one. Don’t worry. If it’s there, he’ll find it. He has a nose for such things. And a mouth.”

The adults chuckled and moved toward the booth.

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