Archie roared with laughter, causing most of the other customers to glance their way. Luke just shrugged and returned his attention to the pie. There was no sense delaying his enjoyment by having to explain.

Chapter 6

The next afternoon the storm had moved out, leaving behind gusty winds that were far more manageable. Gloriana felt her hope renewed as some of the ships returned to Duluth. They looked worse for the wear, clearly having endured damage, but they were otherwise whole, and that gave her a sense of relief.

“See there, I’m sure Scott and Papa will be here before we know it,” she told Sally.

“I’m going to head home and make sure everything is ready for Scott.” Sally heaved a sigh. “I’m so happy to see the storm has finally passed.” She kissed Gloriana’s cheek and hurried as best she could for the door. “Thank you for everything.”

“Of course. We’re family.”

Gloriana closed the door behind Sally. The Carsons really had become like family. The men were often doing various house projects together, and Sally and Gloriana constantly shared recipes and sewing tips. Truth be told, Gloriana was looking forward to the baby’s birth as much as Sally. She was anxious to play auntie to the little one, since she doubted she’d ever have children of her own.

Gloriana went to tidy up her father’s room, where Sally had been staying. She replaced the sheets and took the blanket outside to hang on the line for a while. Papa would find everything fresh and clean when he returned home.

With most of her chores done already, thanks to Sally’s help, Gloriana went ahead and washed out the sheet and pillowcase and got them on the line as well. She could iron them later that night when Papa had gone to bed. He always went to bed early after enduring a storm, and she couldn’t blame him. He’d no doubt been constantly at full attention for the last forty-eight hours. He’d be exhausted.

She glanced at the clock. It was nearly two. It wouldn’t be long before JT was home, and there was no telling about Papa. She pulled out a drawer in the pantry and placed six potatoes in her apron. Thinking about Scott and Sally, she added two more. The men would also be hungrier than usual. No one got to eat much during stormy seas.

After depositing the potatoes on the table, Gloriana went for her paring knife and a bowl. She had already decided to make fish stew. It would be hearty and filling, and she had made fresh bread earlier that morning. She’d figure out something for Papa’s sweet tooth as she worked on the stew.

A knock on the door startled her. She wiped off her hands and undid her apron strings. Her mother had taught her never to answer the door wearing an apron.