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  “Why, no.” Gladdie rubbed the spot where Archie’s fist had made contact. “This is all her idea. She didn’t say nothin’ to me about it.” The look Gladdie cast Drusie revealed that his feelings were hurt a mite.

  “I’m sorry,” Drusie apologized. “I didn’t mean to keep secrets. I didn’t wanna say nothin’ because I didn’t know for sure your cousin would like my singin’. Especially not so much that he’d make such big suggestions.”

  Archie chuckled. “I didn’t think you were smart enough to put her up to anything.”

  “Hey, now!” Gladdie protested.

  “I was just funning you, Gladdie. You’ve got one sharp dame here, and I think she’ll go places if you don’t hold her back. Man alive, by the time I’m finished with her, you won’t just own a two-bit store out here in the middle of nowhere. You might just own a chain of stores!”

  Uncertainty covered Gladdie’s expression. “I just wanted her to impress you with her singin’. I had no idea things would go this far.”

  Archie cleared his throat. “I think it’s time for me to let the two of you go it alone for a while.” He rose from his seat. “Aunt Penny, have you got a glass of city juice—I mean, water?”

  “Sure. And if you ask real nice, I might be able to come up with something better than that for supper. I bought two bottles of sodie pop from Mr. Goode’s store, just for you. You still like sodie pop, don’t ya?”

  “I certainly do. Sounds good, Aunt Penny.” Archie winked at Drusie. “Now you and Gladdie talk. I’ll be inside if you need me.”

  As soon as Archie had cleared the door, Drusie took Gladdie by the hand. “I cain’t believe it! I cain’t believe Archie likes my singin’ this much!”

  “I–I’m happy and all, but I didn’t think he’d make an offer to take you off to record your music. I might have known he’d only come all this way if he thought he could do some business.”

  “Oh, don’t be so hard on your cousin. He’s a busy man.”

  “Yeah.” Gladdie didn’t sound happy.

  Drusie wished he were in a better mood, but she knew she had to speak up now if she had a chance of making a record. “I know it’s hard, but don’t you see? If I sing for this record, I might make enough money for us to get married and buy the store.”

  “I know. You planned this, didn’t you?” His voice held no reprimand or accusation.

  “I reckon I have to admit I did, after I realized he was visitin’. I thought, why not take a chance? I knew if the Lord didn’t want this to happen for me, it wouldn’t. But Archie hadn’t been here five minutes before he asked me to sing. That’s got to be a sign, doesn’t it?”

  “I don’t know. I admit, I bragged on you mightily. Should have known better than to brag to a record producer.”

  “That’s just it. Archie is the only person who can help us get the store. I don’t want to be no big celebrity like the women in the Carter family. I just want to sing long enough for us to save up and buy the store.”

  “Really?”

  “You know me. Archie’s talk about riches don’t matter to me none. Once we buy that store, all I want is to entertain my family and be Mrs. Gladdie Gordon.”

  “And you will be. I promise. I’m more proud of you than ever. And that you would do this for me, for us. . . I—I don’t know what to say.”

  “Don’t say nothin’. Just let me go.”

  “So your ma and pa don’t mind?”

  “Ma and Pa?” Her chest tightened. She hadn’t thought they might disapprove, but they might. They never had much use for any type of show business. “I’m an adult and I can do what I want.”

  “Maybe in the legal sense, but not in your heart. And as long as we’re not married yet, I want you to get their permission.”

  Drusie wanted to argue, but when Gladdie got that determined set of his jaw, there was no way he’d change his mind. They’d have to ask her parents. She could only hope they wouldn’t put up too much of a fuss. If they did, Drusie saw no way for Gladdie’s dream to come true.

  Three

  Drusie wanted some time to discuss her future with Gladdie, but Archie didn’t leave them on the Gordons’ porch long. When he returned, he had taken off his suit coat yet still maintained his swagger and confidence. “So have you two decided to take the road to fame and fortune and let Drusie come along with me?”

  “Not yet,” Gladdie said. “But I have to admit, I’m warmin’ up to the idea of Drusie singin’ for the public. Her talent shouldn’t be kept a secret forever.”

  “That’s the spirit.” Archie looked at Drusie coolly. “So when are we leaving? Tomorrow?”

  “Not so fast,” Gladdie said. “We have to be sure this plan is okay with Drusie’s ma and pa.”

  “Is she that young?” Archie studied Drusie, wide-eyed.

  “No,” Gladdie insisted. “Have you been away from home that long? People around here still respect their parents.”

  “Yeah.” Sadness penetrated Archie’s handsome face. Drusie remembered that Archie had lost his parents young, thanks to the influenza epidemic.

  “I’m sorry,” Gladdie blurted, obviously remembering Archie’s loss. “I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories. I know you’d respect your ma and pa if they was still around.”

  “Yeah.” Archie cleared his throat. “Your ma said I could stay here as long as I want. Might as well. But I’ve got to have an answer early tomorrow.”

  “Will do. Maybe even sooner than that.” Gladdie’s cheerful assurance lifted the pall in the air.

  “I think I’ll go get me some more of that city juice.” Archie disappeared into the house.

  As soon as his cousin was out of sight, Gladdie took Drusie’s hand. “Are you ready to ask your pa?”

  “I don’t know. I hadn’t given it much thought before you mentioned he might not approve. Truth be told, I reckon I hadn’t given any thought to what would happen if Archie actually liked my singin’. I warn’t at all sure he’d want to cut a record with me. It was a dream. . .until now.”

  Gladdie squeezed her hand. “And you’re scared.”

  “A little.”

  “I am, too, but not about you bein’ famous or travelin’ with Archie. I just hate that you won’t be around no more.”

  “Oh, Gladdie, I’ll come back sooner than you can say ‘boo.’ And I wouldn’t go with Archie, ’ceptin’ he’s your cousin and all.”

  “That’s right. Your pa don’t got nothin’ to worry about, and neither do you. If you go with Archie, everything will be right and proper. You can trust Archie on that. I’ve talked to him a lot about his business, and I know he keeps his singers protected. And if anything was to happen to you, well, he’ll answer to me.” Gladdie puffed out his chest, and Drusie knew he meant his threat.

  His bravado shored up Drusie’s private concern. “All righty, then. Let’s go ask Pa what he thinks.”

  Gladdie turned to the front door and shouted to Mrs. Gordon inside that they were leaving. Her muffled response assured them she understood.

  Since their houses were within walking distance of one another, Gladdie didn’t bother to fire up the Model T. Instead, they ambled along a dusty cow path that meandered along the hillside from homestead to homestead. Since they didn’t speak, only an occasional rustle of leaves from a little animal or the chirping of a bird made them aware they weren’t alone.

  Drusie took in the stillness. All too soon, she’d be in the city, far away from her beloved mountains. A city park wouldn’t have such dramatic woods as those in a hollow that dropped off to one side of the path. In the deepest, shadiest parts of the forest, she could happily get lost in God’s creation.

  “What are you thinkin’?” Gladdie’s gentle voice broke the silence.

  “Not much. Just thinkin’ about the forest. And fairy tales.”

  He chuckled. “Fairy tales? Are you already imaginin’ you’re Cinderella and your dreams will all come true?”

  “I was thinkin’ about Little R
ed Ridin’ Hood and the forest. I’m already Cinderella, because I’ve met my Prince Charmin’.”

  Gladdie stopped and turned so they faced one another. He took both of her hands in his. They were hot, but she didn’t mind. She just wanted to look into his deep brown eyes.

  “I know you’re my princess,” he told her. “Always have been. Just wish I had a castle instead of a little home in the mountains to offer you.”

  “A little home in the mountains is all I want, as long as you’re there.”

  “I cain’t wait to marry you.” He gave her a gentle kiss on the lips that grew in passion, expressing his love for her. Strong arms held her closely.

  Returning his embrace, she marveled at how soft his lips felt, yet so manly. Tingles went through her body, and she pulled back from his embrace. “Come on. Let’s go.”

  “You seem mighty anxious to talk to your pa all of a sudden.” His voice sounded husky.

  “Anxious, yes. But not to talk to Pa.” She broke away from his spell and took a fast pace toward home.

  Soon they were in sight of the house Pa and his brothers had built back at the turn of the century. The log house had aged well. Drusie imagined the homestead being there long after she had passed on to glory.

  She almost wished Pa wouldn’t be home, but no doubt he would just be finishing up lunch.

  As soon as they stepped into the kitchen, Pa eyed her from his position at the head of the table, where he sat in the only chair that had arms. “Where you been, girl?”

  Drusie eyed Ma, who was stoking the fire. The tantalizing scents of vegetable stew and biscuit dough filled the kitchen. Maybe such good food would help ease Pa’s reaction to their news.

  Ma eyed Pa. “Don’tcha remember, Zeke? Gladdie’s cousin came in today. Drusie went to his house to visit and play the banjo.”

  “Where’s your banjo?” Pa asked.

  “Still at Gladdie’s house. I plan to go back and fetch it later.”

  “I see.” Pa looked at Gladdie, his rugged face expressing warmth for his future son-in-law. “How is Archie, anyhow?”

  “He’s doin’ better’n ever. Wearin’ a fancy city-slicker suit and everything,” Gladdie answered.

  “I see.” The older man crossed arms that were muscular from years of work. “Now if I recollect right, ain’t he the one that run off to Raleigh to be in the music business?”

  “Sure is,” Gladdie confirmed. “Owns his own record company and everything.”

  Pa let out a whistle. “Well, that’s mighty fine. So are you stayin’ a spell, or are you back off to do some more visitin’?”

  “I cain’t stay too long. I have to help Pa with the animals pretty soon.” Gladdie’s flat tone indicated this was far from his favorite chore.

  “That’s right. We shouldn’t tarry long.” Drusie wanted to sit, but she noticed that Ma was tidying up the kitchen and decided to help. Besides, wiping down the table would help her work off some nervous energy.

  Gladdie took in a breath and looked Pa in the eye. “Drusie and I have some news.”

  “Is that so?” Pa smiled. “You two gettin’ hitched?”

  Gladdie leaned back with such force that Drusie thought he might knock over his seat. “Oh, it’s not that, sir. But I want to get married as soon as we can. Real bad.”

  Drusie quickly agreed. “And so do I.”

  “But Drusie has somethin’ else to do first,” Gladdie elaborated.

  “Somethin’ else to do?” Ma intervened. “What in the world would she have to do other than be a wife and maybe a mother one day, Lord willin’?”

  Gladdie cleared his throat again.

  “Boy, you sure are coughin’ an awful lot. You don’t got one of them summer colds comin’ on, do ya?” Pa asked.

  “No, sir.”

  Seeing Gladdie so uncharacteristically nervous, Drusie decided to intervene. “Oh, Pa, we’ve got the most wonderful news. Archie wants me to go to Raleigh and make a record!”

  Pa’s eyebrows shot up. “A record?”

  Ma almost dropped her spoon. “Well, that’s somethin’!”

  Drusie nodded. “Isn’t it excitin’?”

  Gladdie seemed to get caught up in the moment. A torrent of words rushed from him. “Archie heard Drusie play and sing today, and he wants to take her to Raleigh so she can cut a record. After that, they’ll tour with a band and be known all over the country. Maybe even all over the world. Everyone will know Drusie’s name and buy her records and pay money to see her play.”

  Ma gasped. “Imagine! Strangers payin’ Drusie money for what we get to hear around these parts for free.”

  “Well, if that don’t beat all.” Pa tugged on his graying beard.

  “Archie mentioned that I might make enough money to buy fine things, so he must be thinkin’ my singin’ is worth right much money,” Drusie said. “But I don’t want to live like one of them silent film stars. What I really want is for Gladdie to buy Mr. Goode’s store. All I want to do is sell a few records, make enough money to help Gladdie buy the store, and then come back here and live.”

  Her parents knew about Gladdie’s dream, so Drusie’s announcement about the store was no revelation. Her new plans for a brief musical career were another matter. She could see by the quizzical looks on their faces that they were trying to sort out what her news meant for the family.

  Ma recovered first. “You gotta leave home?”

  “I don’t want to leave,” Drusie assured her. “I need to. I have to go with Archie to Raleigh. But I won’t need to stay long. Hardly no time at all.”

  Pa remained unmoved. “Now hold on. He wants to take her to Raleigh?”

  “He sure does,” Gladdie confirmed.

  Pa looked at Drusie. “What do you think of all this?”

  Drusie folded the damp cloth. “I want to go with Archie Gordon to Raleigh.”

  “Now wait a minute. I don’t think it’s wise for you to go alone with a man to Raleigh—or anywhere else—when the two of you ain’t married. Remember, the Bible says to avoid all appearance of evil.” Pa studied Gladdie. “Cain’t Drusie stay here at home where she belongs? The mountains are good enough for us. They should be good enough for her. I don’t think she should go.”

  Ma spoke as she tended the fire. “But Zeke, I don’t see why she cain’t give it a try. Just because you didn’t have a chance like this don’t mean we should keep our daughter from tryin’, does it? Besides, I don’t know of no other way Gladdie can buy the store. Do you?”

  Pa set his elbows on the table. “I won’t argue that. And Gladdie, you know I think you’re a mighty fine feller, and I don’t want to stand in the way of you and Drusie havin’ a good life. And ownin’ that store would mean a good life for the two of you. I’m just saying it don’t look right for a young lady to go travelin’ on the road with a man.”

  “It will only be until we get to Raleigh,” Drusie said. “If we leave well before sunup, we can get there without havin’ to stop on the road for the night.”

  “Archie has a lot of female singers he manages. I know he makes arrangements for them to stay places that are safe for women,” Gladdie said. “Then they’ll be travelin’ with the band.”

  “A bunch of men?” Pa scoffed. “I think she’d be much safer here with us. Don’t you, Gladdie?”

  Gladdie didn’t answer right away, a sure sign he wanted to weigh his words. “I understand how you feel, but she’ll be safe. I know there will be female performers other than Drusie goin’ along. Like I said, sir, Archie has lots of girl singers he manages. He usually takes more than one band on tour at a time.”

  “He does, does he?” Suspicion hung in Pa’s voice.

  “It’s all professional.”

  “Oh, Zeke,” Ma interrupted. “If you would trust Gladdie to marry our Drusie, cain’t you trust him to give advice on Drusie’s future?”

  He crossed his arms, but his cocked head showed he was still listening. “Well, you have a point, wife.”


  “Of course I have a point. Now this sounds like a good opportunity for Drusie. You know she cain’t do nothin’ around these parts but be a schoolteacher, and it don’t look like Miss Hawthorne plans to marry anytime soon and give up her job. And besides,” Ma continued, “you know I always wished I coulda made a dollar or two playin’ music.”

  Drusie’s mouth dropped open. “You did? Ma, I never knew.”

  “Child, you look like you’re about to swallow a fly.” Ma swatted her hand in Drusie’s direction. “Now my little attempts at music warn’t nothin’.”

  “Nothin’?” Pa protested. “Why, you was the best girl singer in the holler back in our day.”

  Ma looked over the fire. “That was a long time ago, Zeke.”

  “Oh, Ma, I’ve heard you sing. You can outdo me any day of the week.”

  “So what kept you from goin’ on about makin’ your dream come true, Mrs. Fields?” Gladdie wanted to know.

  “You’re about to marry one of the reasons,” she responded. “I wanted to have children. And I wouldn’t trade a one of my girls for all the money or fame in the world.”

  “Oh, Ma!” Drusie cried.

  “Now, now, don’t you say nothin’. I wanted to marry your pa more than anything, and I gave up my dream to do it. Not that it really was much of a dream. Back then, I didn’t have no chance to make good in the city, and even if I had, I’m not sure I could have left home. I would have been too unhappy. And your pa wanted to work in the loggin’ business, just like his pa before him. He didn’t have no idea to own a store. And back then, makin’ records warn’t nothin’ as easy as it is now, and show folk traveled by train.” She smiled at Gladdie. “I don’t see no reason why Drusie should give up her chance, especially to make such a big dream like yours come true, too, Gladdie. I think you’d make a fine storekeeper. You already make a fine clerk.” She looked at her husband. “Ain’t that right, Zeke?”

  “Cain’t deny it.”

  Ma looked at Drusie without flinching. “Gladdie seems to think it’s a mighty fine thing for you to work with Archie, and if that’s what he thinks, and since he’s your intended, I think you ought to obey him. Preacher Lawson says we ought to obey our husbands. Remember when he said that?”