the trade. Even though she’d built a good life for herself, she had always encouraged Libby to study hard and take advantage of the education offered through the orphans’ school. Even more than pleasing Mrs. Rowley, Libby wanted to avoid disappointing Maelle.
“All right. I’ll give it a chance.”
“Good.” Maelle smiled, warming Libby with her approval. “And you’ll find out there’s no reason to be afraid.”
Libby lifted her chin. “I’m not afraid.”
Maelle’s smile never dimmed. “I know, Libby.” She slung her arm around Libby’s shoulders. “C’mon, let’s go find the boys so we can say our good-byes. Jackson and I will miss our train if we don’t skedaddle.”
As Libby, Maelle, and Jackson walked across the thick, grassy carpet toward the ornate rock building that housed the dining hall, Libby breathed a sigh of relief that at least she wouldn’t be alone here in Chambers. Her longtime pals Petey Leidig and Bennett Martin were right here on the University of Southern Missouri campus, too. Those familiar faces from the Reginald Standler Home for Orphaned and Destitute Children would help her battle the feelings of homesickness that tied her stomach into knots. Even so, they were boys and their fields of study were different, which meant they all lived in different dormitories. It wouldn’t be the same as it had been at the orphans’ home, where they resided on different floors under one roof.
They neared the dining hall, and Jackson pointed. “Is that Pete on the porch?”
Petey must have spotted them at the same time, because he lifted his hand in a wave and began stumping toward them. The breeze lifted the fresh-cut strands of his thick blond hair. The recent haircut and brand new pin-striped suit made him appear as dignified as Jackson the lawyer. Libby’s heart swelled with pride for her friend. His peg leg—the result of a childhood accident—gave him a permanent limp, but the limp didn’t bother Libby. He didn’t feel sorry for himself, so she’d never felt the need to feel sorry for him. He was just Petey, her best friend and confidant.
When they met in a patch of sunshine in the middle of the yard, Libby asked, “Where’s Bennett?”
“He went on in.” Petey quirked one eyebrow. “You know how he is when it comes to food . . . he said he couldn’t wait.”
Jackson laughed, the corners of his dark eyes crinkling in amusement. “It’s all right. You can tell him good-bye for us.” He snaked out his hand and caught Petey around the neck. The two men hugged and thumped each other on the back. “You take care of yourself, Pete.” Jackson pulled loose and sent a teasing smirk in Libby’s direction. “Keep an eye on our girl, too.”
Libby’s heart swelled at his reference to “our girl.” Oh, if only she were their girl!
“Make sure she stays out of mischief,” Jackson added.
Petey chuckled. “As if I could! Nobody can tame Libby.”
Libby snorted and glowered at the pair. “Honestly! As if anyone needs to tame me.” She shook her head and turned to Maelle. A huge lump filled her throat. She didn’t want Maelle to go. Her lips quivered, but she managed to form a small smile. “You have a safe trip h-home.”
Tears sparkled in Maelle’s eyes, but she blinked them away. “And you study hard. Make us all proud.”
“I will. I promise.”
Maelle hugged Libby fiercely, and this time Libby hugged back.
Maelle’s shoulders shuddered—was she crying? Maelle didn’t cry; she was tough, just like Libby. Then Libby heard a sniffle near her ear. Maelle was crying. Tears burned like fire behind Libby’s nose, and she crunched her eyes tight to hold them at bay. She wouldn’t cry. She wouldn’t!
“Maelle, we need to go,” Jackson’s voice intruded.
Maelle gave Libby one more tight squeeze and then stepped back. Libby hugged herself, blinking rapidly. Maelle opened her mouth, but before she could say good-bye, Libby blurted, “I’ll see you in six weeks for the wedding.” She grabbed Petey’s elbow.
“Let’s go eat. I’m hungry.”
CHAPTER TWO
Pete pressed his elbow against his ribcage, resisting Libby’s tug on his arm. “Hold on. I want to give Jackson and Maelle a decent farewell.”
Libby let out a little huff of displeasure, but Pete ignored it. He was used to Libby’s huffs. It was the only girlish thing she did, and it was harmless. He stood watching until Jackson and Maelle reached the tall rock walls that lined the campus’s entrance. As he had suspected they might, they paused and turned back. Both waved.