Love Finds You at Home for Christmas Read online

  BY ANNALISA DAUGHETY

  AND GWEN FORD FAULKENBERRY

  Summerside Press, Inc.

  Minneapolis 55378

  SummersidePress.com

  Love Finds You at Home for Christmas: Sweet Southern Christmas

  © 2012 by Annalisa Daughety

  Love Finds You at Home for Christmas: Small-Town Christmas

  © 2012 by Gwen Ford Faulkenberry

  ISBN 978-1-60936-687-2

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without permission of the publisher.

  Scripture references are from the following sources: The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV). The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. The Living Bible (TLB) © 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189.

  This is a work of fiction. Any resemblances to actual people or events are purely coincidental.

  Cover Design by Koechel Peterson & Associates | www.kpadesign.com

  Interior design by Müllerhaus Publishing Group | www.mullerhaus.net

  Summerside Press™ is an inspirational publisher offering fresh, irresistible books to uplift the heart and engage the mind.

  Printed in USA.

  Contents

  Sweet Southern Christmas

  Dedication

  Acknowledgment

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Epilogue

  Ruby’s Chewy Molasses Cookies

  Author’s Note

  About the Author

  Small – Town Christmas

  Dedication

  Acknowledgments

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Sophie’s Pumpkin Cheesecake with Molasses Cookie Crust

  About the Author

  ANNALISA DAUGHETY

  Dedication

  .........

  This book is dedicated with love to my grandmother, Ermyl McFadden Pearle and in memory of my grandfather, H.B. “Pudge” Pearle. Not a day goes by that I don’t thank God for giving me such wonderful grandparents. Grandma, you are an inspiration and a role model. I love you very much.

  Love never fails.

  1 CORINTHIANS 13:8 NIV

  Acknowledgments

  .........

  Vicky Daughety and Jan Reynolds—thanks for reading along and offering valuable insight. I appreciate you so much! Ermyl Pearle—thank you for sharing your story with me and for answering my endless questions about your life as a WOW. Gwen Ford Faulkenberry—thanks for being a part of this with me! I had so much fun working with you! Rachel Meisel—thank you for your help and for your amazing editing skills. You helped make this story as good as it could be, and I am so thankful for the chance to write it! Thanks to my wonderful agent, Sandra Bishop, for the prayers and guidance! Kelly Shifflet, Kristy Coleman, Vickie Fry, and Megan Reynolds—thanks for the encouragement and prayers. It truly takes a village.

  Chapter One

  ...........................

  June 1943

  Ruby McFadden aspired to be a lot of things, but a pig farmer wasn’t one of them.

  “I’m not going.” She heaved her suitcase out of the back end of her brother’s 1939 Ford De Luxe and set it on the ground with a thud. She and Wade had been arguing outside of her dorm at Harding College for the past fifteen minutes, and as far as she could tell, it was a draw.

  Wade sighed. “Come on, R.J., don’t be like this. You know Papa only wants what’s best for you.”

  His use of her despised childhood nickname did little to improve her mood, nor did the mention of their papa, whose master plan for Ruby’s summer included raising pigs.

  “In three months I’ll start my last year of college. Everyone in the world seems to realize that I’m an adult—except for my family,” Ruby said. “Y’all act like I’m still a little girl.”

  Wade leaned against the De Luxe and crossed his arms. “It isn’t like that. We’re just worried about you and want you home with us for the summer.”

  “Girls my age are married with babies of their own. Look at cousin Lucille. And I don’t even have to tell you how many boys from my class are overseas right now.” With the country at war, Ruby sometimes felt like she attended an all-girls college.

  “But the ordnance plant is no place for a girl like you. It will be hard work—dangerous even. I know a fellow from Beedeville who worked at one of the plants down South, and he said the hours were long and the work was tedious.” Wade frowned. “Why would you want to put yourself through that when you could just come home?”

  The Arkansas Ordnance Plant in Jacksonville wasn’t too far from the Christian college Ruby attended in Searcy. “I can’t fight,” she countered back, “but this is something I can do. After everything that’s happened over the past year, I have to do something besides just ration my sugar and nylons.”

  “Plant a victory garden?” Wade asked hopefully.

  She shook her head. “That isn’t enough.”

  “Are you sure this is really what you want? Have you thought it through?” With his chiseled jaw and blue eyes, Wade looked more and more like their father every day. The oldest of the McFadden siblings, he’d always been able to reason with Ruby, the strong-willed baby of the family. At least until today.

  Ruby nodded. A few weeks before, she’d seen a poster in the student center depicting a young woman in work clothes. Emblazoned underneath were the words: “THE GIRL HE LEFT BEHIND” IS STILL BEHIND HIM. SHE’S A WOW. From that day forward, Ruby had been determined to do her part to serve her country. “I want to be a Woman Ordnance Worker. It’s the least I can do. Think of all those boys giving their lives for our country. Think about Raymond and Jack. They’re doing their part. I want to do mine too.”

  At the mention of their brothers, Wade’s face softened. “But where will you live? And are you certain you’re qualified?” He sighed. “I don’t like the thought of you being on your own so far from home.”

  Despite her irritation, Ruby was touched by his concern. “There’s a women’s dorm on-site, and Hazel says more women than men work there—if they’re qualified, I’m sure I am too. I’m a quick learner. Besides, Hazel lives near the plant with her parents, and they’ll be around if I need anything.” Her friend an
d former suitemate, Hazel Collins, made the work sound so exciting. “The pay is good too.” Ruby softened her voice. “Jacksonville isn’t too far from here by bus. I won’t be much farther from home than I am during the school year.”

  Wade raised an eyebrow. “But won’t you miss Lucille? And Mama has been so looking forward to having you home between semesters.”

  For a moment, Ruby faltered. She missed her mama something fierce; that was for sure. And Lucille was her favorite cousin. They were three months apart and had been the best of friends since they were just babies. But Ruby couldn’t help but feel that Lucille, who had a husband off at war and a baby to raise, lived in a different world.

  “I know how busy Mama is during the summertime with the garden and all. And little Annie Sue is probably keeping Lucille busy from dusk till dawn.” She managed a smile. “Tell them I love them, and I’ll write as soon as I get settled.”

  “You sure are stubborn.” Wade shook his head. “Maybe President Roosevelt should send you in to negotiate the end of the war and bring the boys home. You don’t back down easy.” He grinned and reached for her suitcase. “But I guess I know when I’m beat. Now where should I put this? Back inside?”

  She returned his smile. “Just put it down. Hazel and her cousin are coming to pick me up. They’ll be here any minute.”

  Wade scooped her up in a hug. “Don’t you forget where you come from, Ruby Jean,” he whispered against her hair. “Not everyone has the same values as you.” He pulled back and looked her in the eye. “Promise me you’ll call me if you need me, okay?”

  Tears stung her eyes. She might complain about her brothers being overprotective, but they always wanted what was best for her. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. This is what I want.”

  Wade nodded. He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “I have something for you.” He grinned and pulled a burlap sack from the front seat. “I guess out of all of us, Mama knows you best. She was so sure you’d go through with your new summer job, she sent you a care package to take with you.”

  Ruby eagerly grabbed the sack from his hands. “Pecans and sorghum molasses!” She rifled through the bag, already imagining a batch of her famous chewy molasses cookies, which she’d whip up once she had access to a stove. “And letters from Mama and Lucille!” She knew Mama would be disappointed she wasn’t coming home this summer, but this was her way of letting Ruby know it was okay. “Thanks for bringing this.” She hugged Wade one more time then watched him get in the car.

  “Bye, R.J. See you soon.” He pulled the car away from the dorm. “And be careful,” he called with a wave out the open window.

  Ruby stood on the sidewalk and watched until she could no longer see the taillights. Despite the butterflies in her stomach, she felt proud of herself for sticking to her guns and taking a job in the city. She’d come to college without knowing anyone, and that had turned out okay. And starting her new job at the plant would be even easier, because she already knew Hazel, and they were going to try to get on the same shift.

  She glanced down at her stuffed suitcase, thankful she’d had enough room inside to include her prized possession. She’d saved up all last year to buy her own radio. The other girls in her suite used to come to Ruby’s room to hang out just so they could hear Frank Sinatra croon one of his hits.

  An older model sedan pulled up alongside her.

  “Excuse me, miss.” The driver stuck his head out the window, and Ruby found herself staring into the crystal-blue eyes of the most handsome man she’d ever seen in real life.

  “Yes?” she asked, smoothing the skirt of her dress. At least she’d put on some lipstick before she left the dorm.

  “Can you tell me where the women’s dorm is? I’ve never been to campus before.” He grinned.

  Ruby chuckled. “Well, you did a pretty good job for someone who’s never been here. You’re right in front of it.” She gestured at the large brick building behind her.

  The man put the car in park and climbed out. He had an athletic build, and his blond hair had a slight wave to it. Not curly, just wavy. She thought she saw the slightest hint of a dimple in his chin. He caught Ruby’s gaze, and his blue eyes twinkled. “Is everything okay?”

  She realized she must’ve been gawking and felt the heat rise up her face. “I’m fine. Just waiting on my friend and her cousin. They’re giving me a ride to Jacksonville. I’m starting a new job there.” She didn’t know why she felt the need to offer an explanation.

  His grin grew wider. “You must be Ruby McFadden. Hazel told me all about you.” He stuck out a hand. “I’m her cousin, Cliff Hamilton.”

  Ruby took the hand he offered. “Where’s Hazel?” She noticed he had strong hands. They were calloused from working, just like Papa’s. Papa had always said you could tell a lot about a man by his hands.

  Cliff reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. “Here you go. This should explain.”

  “Ruby!” Betty Jo Simmons called from the dorm entrance. “Can you come here for just a second?”

  Ruby flashed a smile at Cliff. “Excuse me for a minute. That sounds important.” She hurried toward the dorm, resisting the urge to look over her shoulder to make sure Cliff wasn’t some kind of mirage. A very handsome mirage.

  Betty Jo grabbed Ruby by the arm and pulled her through the door. “Who is that?” she asked, her round face glowing.

  Ruby giggled. Of all of her friends, Betty Jo was the most boy crazy. Of course she’d want the details of the handsome man outside.

  Ruby quickly unfolded the note he’d handed her and skimmed Hazel’s neat script. “Apparently he’s Hazel’s cousin. Hazel says she couldn’t make it, that she has big news and will see me in Jacksonville.” Ruby furrowed her brow and looked back up at Betty Jo. “But I can’t ride with him all the way to Jacksonville. He’s a stranger.”

  Betty Jo gripped Ruby’s arm tighter as she looked out the dorm window. “A stranger who is putting your suitcase in his car,” she squealed. “Of course you can go with him. He’s Hazel’s cousin. It’s only a couple of hours. Besides, he’s absolutely drooly!”

  “I’ll ask him to take me to the bus station. I’m sure he has better things to do than play chauffeur to his cousin’s friend.”

  “I don’t think so.” Betty Jo grinned, her brown eyes gleaming with mischief. “Any guy would love to play chauffeur to a pretty girl like you. Has anyone ever told you pink is one of your best colors?”

  Ruby glanced down at her red-and-white gingham dress. “I’m not wearing pink.”

  “I’m talking about that blush on your cheeks.” Betty Jo giggled. “Admit it, you think he’s dreamy.”

  Ruby crossed her arms. “I don’t know him. And you know good and well that I don’t date anymore.” It was a long-standing argument between them. Betty Jo just couldn’t understand Ruby’s resolve to stay single.

  Betty Jo made a face. “But it’s so romantic. He’s come to pick you up and will probably fall in love with you on the way to the ordnance plant.” She clasped her hands under her chin and batted her eyelashes. “It’s just like in the movies.”

  “This movie is going to end at the bus station.” Ruby shook her head. “Now I’d better go.” She patted her friend on the arm. “See you in the fall. Try and stay out of trouble this summer.”

  Betty Jo frowned. “I’ll be stuck here in classes and you’ll be off in the city, falling in love with a man who looks just like that picture of John Wayne hanging on my bulletin board.” She’d torn the cover off of an issue of Look magazine last year and had been mooning over it ever since. Betty Jo sighed dramatically. “Some girls have all the luck.”

  Ruby giggled and looked out the window. He was ruggedly handsome; even she could admit that much. But since she wasn’t in the market for a beau, it didn’t matter.

  Not even a little bit.

  * * * * *

  Cliff Hamilton paced the sidewalk in front of the girls’ dorm. It had been a few
years since he’d been on a college campus—not since he was the star football player at Arkansas A&M. Just the memory of the time he’d spent there was enough to make him long for the past.

  Thinking of football made him think of high school, when he and his little brother, Charlie, had been the big guys on campus. The quarterback and running back for the Ozark High School Hillbillies, they’d been inseparable.

  When Charlie had been drafted, Cliff had left college and joined up immediately. No way was his baby brother going off to fight in a war without him.

  Cliff stopped pacing and put the memory of Charlie’s freckled face out of his mind. This was not the time for a trip down memory lane.

  “Cliff?” Ruby asked softly. “You look like you’re a million miles away.”

  She wasn’t far from the truth. He forced a smile. “Ready?” He jerked his head toward the car. “I’ve already put your suitcase in the car.” He chuckled. “Your heavy suitcase. What do you have in there? A boulder?”

  Instead of laughing like he’d expected, she frowned. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for you to pick it up at all. I could’ve gotten it myself.”

  He opened the passenger door and motioned for her to get in. “I was only kidding about the boulder.” He grinned. “Maybe just a rock collection?”

  Finally a grin. “It’s my radio. I couldn’t bear to leave it behind.” She absently raked a hand through coal-black curls. “I know there’s a possibility the roommate I’m assigned to will have one, but I don’t want to take the chance. I sure don’t want to be without music all summer.”

  “A girl after my own heart. I’m partial to Glenn Miller myself. How about you?”

  She nodded. “He’s one of my favorites too.”

  Cliff motioned toward the car again. “Are you going to get in? We won’t get very far standing out here on the sidewalk.”

  Ruby leveled her green eyes on him. “I suppose you’re right. But don’t worry about taking me all the way to Jacksonville. You can just drop me off at the bus station.” She primly climbed in the car and looked up at him. “If you don’t mind, that is.”

  Cliff closed the door and walked around to the driver’s side. Leave it to Hazel to send him on a wild goose chase after some girl who didn’t want his help in the first place. He started the car and looked over at Ruby. “I do mind.”