Grandma smiled. “You’re one in a million, my dear. Stalwart and true.”
A clip smacked Alice in the head. “Ouch!” She laughed and rubbed the spot. “That was a one-in-a-million cast.”
They chuckled together. Grandma’s laughter died out, and she grew contemplative. “I don’t know if you know, but your grandpa and I put aside a plot for you.”
“A what?” Alice whipped her head around to grab for the clip that sailed over the partition.
“A plot. Land to build a home on one day.”
“But …” Alice’s thoughts scrambled as she gave the child a spider ring. “I thought those were gone?”
Grandma flopped her hand. “Your dad wanted his land, right after high school. But we didn’t feel right about giving it to him. We wanted our family close, and he wanted to sell it.” She dropped her gaze to her hands resting in her lap. “It caused a divide between us. Your grandpa made me promise before he passed that you kids would get your inheritance . Anyway, we divided the plot into three lots and put your name on one. Your brother, if he ever comes home, will have one, and Stacy too.”
Alice threw her arms around her grandma. “I can’t believe you did that.” Year after year, she thought they’d been excluded from the family because they didn’t have a place. And it had been waiting for them all this time.
“Of course—we love you.”
“I wish I could hug Grandpa too.” She drew in a deep breath to hold back the emotions swirling inside of her.
“He’s here, sweetie,” Grandma whispered. She kissed Alice’s head and patted her knee. “I’ll be back with a drink, soda okay?”
Alice nodded.
“Make sure you have a little fun tonight.” She looked around. “Is your gentleman friend here?”
Biting her lip, Alice shook her head.
“You two are so cute together. Maybe I should count the land as a wedding gift?” Grandma winked.
Alice coughed. “We’re not exactly...”
“Well, what’s it going to take to get to exactly?”
“A miracle.”
“You love him, don’t you?”
Alice sighed again. “I’m afraid I do.” Her feelings were strong and binding, the kind that didn’t evaporate in the heat of anger. Knowing that he might never return her love stung like the swift flick of a rubber band—times a thousand.
She was holding true to her resolve and refused to call him or doll herself up in an effort to catch his eye. When Stacy had offered to do her hair today, Alice had declined, content to wear her big curls loose and just be herself.
Grandma’s lips pinched—as if she had a whole lot more to say on the subject but held back. “Well, don’t leave without a caramel apple. They’re trying a new flavor this year.” Her eyes sparkled. “Bacon!”
Alice scrunched up her nose. “Is it any good?”
“I’ve already had two.” She held up two fingers. “My doctor will have a fit, but at my age, it’s the simple things in life.”
“At any age. I’ll be sure and try one of those bacon caramel apples.”
“You do that—and put on that tiara. You’re a queen in my book.” She winked and disappeared.
Alice was left alone with her box of prizes and a nagging conscience.Stalwart and true?Not so much. Even though she wasn’t Russ’s wife or girlfriend, she should have at least been his friend. Gabriella was ruining his life, and Alice stepped aside and let it happen. A friend would have issued a warning. Instead, she’d allowed her wounded paw to turn her into a roaring lion and told him to get lost. She couldn’t help but think her rash behavior had ruined any chance she had of saving the friendship—let alone loving him freely.
“Hey,” Karleigh popped back in. “Can you cover for me at the ticket booth? I just got asked to dance, and Mom says I can’t go unless someone mans the ticket booth for me.”
“Sure.”Someone may as well have a romantic evening.
Karleigh squealed. “Thank you!” She rushed out, the curtain flapping behind her.
