Chapter Four
Leann stayed busy all day Thursday. She helped her mother can twenty jars of tomatoes and five jars of green beans. She cooked lunch while her mother and sisters washed clothes, and then Leann cleaned the bottom story of the house, taking particular pains with the parlor. Everything needed to be spotless when Ralph came to call. The day passed quickly. After the supper dishes were washed and put up, Leann went upstairs and changed her dress.
She had not told her parents Ralph was coming, but she could wait no longer. They shouldn't be surprised, especially her father. She hurried downstairs and out to the porch, where the family sat talking and laughing.
Leann took a seat on the steps beside Mary Jane. She sat for awhile, watching the late afternoon sun begin it’s descent to the horizon and rehearsed words to tell the family of Ralph’s visit.
A nice breeze blew across her face and pushed a loose strand of hair into one eye. She reached up to brush it away and finally turned to her father. "Pa, Ralph said he was coming to call this evening. I expect him any minute."
Her father didn’t answer. She waited, anticipating his anger. Finally, he spoke, leaning forward in his chair, "Okay, Leann, if that’s what you want. But you and Ralph are not to be thinking of getting serious. Do you understand me?"
"Yes, I do. We’ll just be friends." She felt only relief when Pa didn’t scold more, but knew her relationship with Ralph went beyond mere friendship.
Leann chatted with the family. She laughed at silly jokes and listened to old stories. The sun scooted below the horizon. Red, pink and purple hues washed in wide brush strokes across the sky. The sunset looked especially lovely this evening or maybe her excitement over Ralph’s visited amplified its beauty. Her heart sang with anticipation.