Love Finds You at Home for Christmas

by Annalisa Daughety

  “As he should be.” Cliff grinned.

  “Plus, I think they feel better about my being here since they know I have a good friend like you.” She’d never admit it to him, but she was pretty sure he was a big part of the reason Mama had been on her side when she’d found out Ruby wanted to stay.

  Cliff raised his eyebrows. “Your parents know about me?” His pleased expression made her laugh. “Well, no wonder they let you stay here.”

  She slapped him playfully on the arm. “And they also understand how much I want to contribute to the war effort.”

  “Well, I for one am glad you’re here, regardless of the reason.” His eyes twinkled. “I mean, think about how sad your life would be if you’d never met me.”

  She threw back her head and laughed. “That’s right. I’d probably just be sitting in my dorm room, refusing to go outside except for classes or meetings.” When he didn’t say anything, she looked over at him. His normally sunny expression was serious. “Everything okay?” She nudged him with her shoulder.

  “Maybe it’s none of my business, but I’m kind of curious about something.”

  “What’s that? You know you can ask me anything.”

  Cliff nodded. “I know that. But there’s something we’ve never talked about before. I’ve been too chicken to ask.”

  Ruby’s heart dropped. She wasn’t ready to have this discussion. She only knew that she enjoyed spending time with him. But she couldn’t give him more than that. “What?”

  “Do you have a boyfriend back at college? I mean, is there a steady guy who’ll be waiting for you when you go back in January?”

  Relief washed over her as she realized he wasn’t going to press her to talk about her feelings for him. “No. Nothing like that.”

  “But you must have fellows clamoring for your attention and asking you out for dates all the time.”

  She grinned. “I usually say no. Some girls always have a boyfriend. I’ve never been one of those girls.” She sighed. “I’ve only had one steady guy, but it was a while ago.”

  “What happened?”

  Ruby knew she’d avoided telling Cliff because she didn’t want to remind him of his own loss. But there was no point in keeping it from him any longer. “Joseph and I met when we were freshmen and went steady for almost exactly a year. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he joined the army. Said it was his duty as an American.” She plucked a clover from the ground and twirled it between her fingers. “He didn’t make it back.” She tossed the clover to the ground. “He was killed at Guadalcanal.” She shook her head. “Since then, I’ve kept to myself.”

  Cliff’s jaw tightened. “Ruby, I’m so sorry. This war has brought so much grief. I hate to hear that you’ve suffered a loss too.” He reached over and patted her on the back. “Was it very serious between the two of you?”

  “Just before he left, he asked me to marry him. I said yes.” Admitting it to Cliff was easier than she’d expected. “It was the last conversation we ever had.”

  Cliff let out a low whistle. “Wow, I’m so sorry to hear about this. That must have been a horrible thing to go through.”

  Ruby nodded. “It sure put things into perspective. I know lots of girls are happily engaged or married, but I can’t imagine risking my heart like that again.” She pushed a wayward strand of hair from her face and glanced over at him. “I just want to enjoy my independence.”

  Cliff nodded. “After what you’ve been through, that’s only natural.”

  Ruby appreciated his understanding. “It seems like a lifetime ago—almost like something that happened to someone else.”

  He wrinkled his forehead. “What do you mean?”

  “I was only nineteen when we met,” she explained. “We celebrated my twentieth birthday together. It was one of our first dates. And in just a couple of months, I’ll turn twenty-three. I know it seems like not much time has passed, but it has. When I met him, I was just a girl straight off the farm. But now…I’m grown up, living away from my family and working.”

  “So you’re not the same person now that you were then?”

  She sighed. “Yes, I think that’s it exactly. I’m a different person now. I’ve watched my friends and my brothers go off to war. I’ve seen the world change around me.” She shrugged. “I wonder sometimes if Joseph would even recognize me now.”

  Cliff reached over and squeezed her shoulder. “I’m sure he would. And he’d probably be proud of the woman you’ve become.”

  She blinked back tears. Was Cliff right? She’d often wondered what Joseph would think of her decision to work at the ordnance plant. Would he be proud of her service, or would he be more like Wade and think she was better off at home? She’d never know. “He was a good person. Sweet and kind.”

  What she didn’t tell Cliff was how much turmoil accepting Joseph’s proposal had created for her. She’d wondered if he’d only asked for her hand because he was headed to war. And likewise, she wondered if her acceptance had been for the same reason.

  She’d loved him. But had she loved him in a happily-ever-after, soul mate kind of way? She wasn’t sure.

  But she knew that as long as she didn’t give her heart away to anyone else, she would be safe from being hurt. She’d never have the kind of hard farm life that she’d seen Mama and Lucille have. She’d be her own boss and make her own rules.

  The problem was that she couldn’t quite figure out where Cliff fit into that plan.

  Chapter Ten

  .................................

  Cliff tossed his screwdriver on the work bench with a clatter. “Jeepers. This radio is driving me crazy.” Even though he was off today, he’d decided to come to the shop and spend some time working on Ruby’s radio.

  “That thing still on the blink?” Harold asked. He grinned. “I would offer to help, but I’m still a little sore that I’m not going to the football game today.”

  Cliff chuckled. “Sorry about that. Maybe next time.” He rubbed his chin. “Must be a short in this thing or something.” He sighed. “And I’m getting a bum rap. Ruby’s starting to think I’m just hanging on to the radio so we’ll have music in the shop.” She’d teased him yesterday, accusing him of pretending he was Ol’ Blue Eyes and singing along while he did his work.

  “Don’t tell me you’re throwing in the towel. What will Ruby think?”

  Cliff shrugged. “I just don’t know what else to try. It seems like every other day I have it working, but then the next day it stops.” He glanced up at Harold’s freckled face. “You have any suggestion?”

  “Maybe you have to hold your mouth just right.” Harold snickered.

  Cliff looked at the mischievous grin on Harold’s face and realization dawned. “Have you been monkeying with the radio?”

  Harold doubled over with laughter. “Me and Andrew have been taking turns disconnecting the wire after you’re through fixing it.” He wiped his eyes. “It’s been the funniest thing to watch you toiling over that thing, not being able to figure it out.”

  Cliff shook his head. “You got me pretty good.” He should’ve suspected something. Come to think of it, Andrew had been there the day Cliff brought it in. He grinned. “But the joke’s over. And I owe you one.”

  “I look forward to your retaliation. It has been well worth it.” Harold chuckled again.

  Cliff unplugged the radio, grinning. At least he’d finally be able to give the radio back to Ruby. She’d be thrilled.

  He tucked the radio under his arm, told Harold good-bye, and hurried toward his car. The whole day with Ruby stretched out before him, and he had to admit, he was really looking forward to it.

  She had told him she wasn’t ready to risk her heart again, probably because she needed to heal. He understood that. So he would give her time and be a great friend to her. But when the time was right, he couldn’t wait to sweep her off her feet.

  * * * * *

  Ruby glanced in the mirror one final time. She’d chosen a red sweat
er today to match the team colors for the Arkansas Razorbacks. Cliff had assured her that many of the fans would wear team colors, and she wanted to fit in. Besides, every time she wore red, he told her how pretty she looked.

  She dabbed on some red lipstick and slipped the tube into her purse.

  “I’m so jealous that y’all are going to the game.” Lola looked up from her bed where she was flipping through an old issue of Modern Screen that had Clark Gable on the cover. “Harold was going to get tickets, but he wasn’t able to get off from his shift.”

  Ruby grinned. “I’ll cheer loud enough for you.”

  “Thanks. I’m touched.” Lola made a face. “It’s okay, though, because Harold is supposed to make it up to me tonight. We’re going to the dance, and he’s promised me a jitterbug.”

  “That’ll be fun.” Ruby started toward the door but then stopped. “If you want to wear my green dress, it’s hanging in the closet.”

  Lola jumped up from the bed and pulled Ruby into a hug. “Do you mean it? I know that’s your favorite. But it sure is pretty, and Harold’s already seen me in everything I own.” She widened her eyes. “Are you sure you mean it?”

  “I mean it. You’ll look beautiful, and I know Harold will love it.”

  Lola snatched the dress from the closet and danced around the room. “Thanks. You’re the best.”

  Ruby laughed. “You’re welcome. I’ll see you later.” She closed the door on the image of Lola still waltzing the green dress around the room.

  “Are you excited to go to your first Razorback game?” Cliff asked once she made it to the lobby.

  She nodded. “I sure am. I thought Lola was going to steal my ticket and go with you until I loaned her one of my dresses to wear out tonight.” She giggled and filled him in on Lola practicing her dance moves in the dorm room.

  He chuckled as they walked out to the car. “I think those two might be a perfect match. Harold’s been smitten with her ever since they met.”

  “I still think it’s funny that they wanted to introduce us to each other.” She grinned.

  Cliff looked down at her. “Well, maybe that means we’re a perfect match too.”

  Ruby never knew how to respond when Cliff joked about such things. “Maybe.”

  Cliff stopped at the car and pointed toward the backseat. “Guess what’s waiting there for you to take to your room tonight?”

  Ruby peered through the glass. “My radio!” She turned to face him. “You fixed it?”

  He nodded. “I sure did.”

  She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. “You’re my hero. Thank you so much.” His arms went around her and he embraced her back. He was so close she could smell his soap. Ruby let go and willed the heat to leave her face. She and Cliff were great friends, but she’d never hugged him before. It was kind of nice. Very nice. Something she wouldn’t mind trying again.

  Ruby climbed into the car, her heart still beating faster than normal. Maybe that hug hadn’t been such a good idea. She glanced over at Cliff once he slid behind the wheel. “So tell me about today. What will we see?”

  “We’re in luck. The Razorbacks play only one game in Little Rock this year. Usually they play their home games in Fayetteville next to the university.”

  “Did I tell you that’s where Lola is from?”

  Cliff shook his head. “No, but Harold did.” He grinned. “I’m telling you, he can’t stop talking about her.”

  “That’s sweet.” Ruby was truly happy for her friend.

  “The Razorbacks are playing Texas Christian University today. And just to warn you, they’re supposed to be pretty good. I think they’ve got a pretty good defense.” He frowned. “So we might be in for a fight.”

  Ruby laughed. “Oh dear. I had forgotten that you were some kind of football star. I hope you don’t get annoyed when you have to explain the game to me. I may know how to play baseball, but I don’t know anything about football.”

  “I’m sorry. I’m having a hard time believing what I’m hearing. Did you just admit to not knowing something?” Cliff chuckled.

  She reached over and swatted him. “Are you calling me a know-it-all?”

  “Now don’t put words in my mouth.” He grinned. “But maybe.”

  Ruby crossed her arms. “Cliff Hamilton. You take that back.” She fought to keep her face stern, but a grin broke through. “Besides, you might be the same way.”

  He nodded. “You’re right. We just might be two of a kind.”

  * * * * *

  Cliff reached down and took Ruby’s hand as they left the game. “Well? What’d you think?”

  She smiled broadly. “That was so much fun. Thank you so much for taking me to my first college football game.”

  “You’re welcome.” He squeezed her hand. “Do you need to rush back to the dorm? It’s such a pretty day I thought you might want to go for a walk or something.”

  She turned her face toward the sunshine. “It is a perfect fall day, isn’t it?” She looked over at him and grinned. “A walk sounds wonderful.”

  They reached his car, and he opened the door for her. “Are you hungry? Do you want to go eat first?”

  She shook her head. “Let’s walk first and then decide.”

  Cliff started the car and headed toward Jacksonville. “We can always eat with Aunt Ida and Uncle Fred. If you want to, I mean.”

  “Oh, I hate to impose.”

  He chuckled. “I seriously doubt they’d see it as an imposition. They like you a lot. Uncle Fred is still talking about that pie you made a few weeks ago.”

  “I’m already looking forward to Thanksgiving with them. And Hazel.” She grinned.

  Cliff glanced over at her. “What about me?”

  She laughed. “Well of course. That goes without saying.”

  He shook his head. “Nope. Too late now. I see what your priorities are.”

  Ten minutes later he turned the car onto the dirt road that led to the farm house. “If we’re lucky, maybe we’ll see a turkey or two. You know, I’m pretty good at giving out a turkey call.”

  Ruby raised her eyebrows. “Seeing a turkey would be neat, but listening to you practice your turkey call definitely sounds more entertaining.”

  They got out of the car and walked to the porch.

  “Where’s Old Blue?” Ruby asked.

  Cliff grinned. “He’s taken up residence in the backyard since last week. A towel blew off the clothesline, and he took it upon himself to claim it as a bed. He dragged it to the back steps and has been sleeping on it there the past few days.”

  She laughed. “Is your aunt going to let him keep it?”

  “There was talk the other morning of swiping it from him, but that hasn’t happened yet. Aunt Ida wouldn’t want anyone to know, but I think she feels the same way about Old Blue that you do about Spotty the cow.”

  “I knew I liked her for some reason.”

  Cliff opened the front door and led her into the house. She’d been there a lot over the past few months. Just as she always did, she stopped at the collection of family photos that sat on the bookcase.

  “I love this picture of you and Charlie and your parents.” She picked up the photo for a closer look. “Y’all were so happy together.” She caught his eye. “Have you talked to your parents lately?”

  He bristled. Ever since he told her about Charlie’s death and his guilt over what had happened, she’d been asking him that question. And the answer was always the same. “No.” He shrugged. “They send letters, though. I think they’re trying to give me some space, but they’ve made sure to tell me they love me and are praying for me.”

  She gently put the photo back in the right spot. “How about for Christmas? Will you at least go home and see them then?” Ruby had been encouraging him to go back to River Bend for a visit, but he wasn’t ready to do it.

  “I’ve been thinking a lot about that lately, and I don’t think going home is the right thing to do. But I don’t know
that I want to stay here either. I love my aunt and uncle dearly, but sometimes I feel like they try too hard to make me feel better about Charlie and all.” He shrugged. “There’s a fellow from my regiment who told me I could visit him over the holidays. He was the one who helped carry me out when I was wounded, even though he was injured too. He sent a telegram not too long ago inviting me for a visit. I guess some of his family members are still serving, so he’s afraid it might be too quiet this year.”

  Ruby nodded. “I know what he means. I’m looking forward to going home, but with Raymond and Jack still overseas, it just won’t be the same.” She frowned. “And my cousin Lucille’s husband, Donald, has practically been a member of the family since we were kids. He’s overseas too. I’m looking forward to seeing my parents, but sometimes I think we should just skip Christmas this year. I’m not sure how festive it can possibly be.”

  “You never know,” he said softly. “Maybe the season will have a little magic in it, despite the turmoil our country is in.”

  She smiled. “I’m impressed by your optimism. And I hope you’re right.”

  “You ready to go?”

  She nodded. “I’m ready.”

  Cliff opened the door, and they stepped out into the backyard. He pointed toward a yellowed bath towel. “See that? There’s Old Blue’s new bed.”

  Ruby giggled. “He just wanted to be comfortable.”

  “I suppose so.” Cliff reached over and took her hand again. When they were leaving the ballgame, he’d been prepared to claim he was holding her hand because he didn’t want them to get separated. But now he’d have to own up to just wanting to hold her hand. Her skin was so soft.

  “You didn’t want to go hunting today?” she asked after a moment’s silence.

  Cliff groaned. “Not even a little bit. Besides, I was afraid that if I mentioned it, you’d want to have some kind of target shooting competition.”

  She burst out laughing. “You might know me a little too well.”

  Cliff led her to the same log they’d sat on all those weeks ago. “I do know you well. And you know me well too. Better than anyone else does.”