A memory of Tabby and JT rolling clean stockings and socks together flitted through her memory. Those were the little things that were slipping away, even though it had only been three years. Time was cruel in robbing a soul of those details.

“I’m sure they are all so happy in heaven and want us to be happy here on earth.”

“I think so too, Glory. Luke told me that there’s no more tears in heaven. No sadness or sickness neither.” He shrugged. “Sounds like a really good place to go. I wonder if you still get to fish. Papa and Aaron would be sad if they couldn’t fish, so they must be able to fish in heaven.”

“I don’t know the answer to that question, but I agree with you. Heaven will be a wonderful place where nothing will ever go wrong again.”

The wind picked up, causing the drafty little house to moan. Papa had always commented on how he was going to fix that one day. Now it was a rather endearing sound that reminded Gloriana of the past.

“You know, while we’re here and the baby is sleeping, I think I’ll trim your hair. You want to look your best for the Christmas program.”

JT nodded. “I don’t like haircuts, but I do want to make you proud.”

She touched his cheek. “You make me proud every day. I’m really lucky to have you as my little brother.”

“Well, tomorrow night at the Christmas program, I’ll have a surprise for you. It’s not a present,” he said and frowned. “It’s a good thing, but it’s not a real present.”

“You don’t need to worry about getting me a present. I’ll be just fine without one.”

“Oh, I have a Christmas present for you. Luke took me shopping a while back, and I picked out a doozy.”

She shook her head at the idea of Luke helping JT shop for her. Was there no end to his generosity? “Well, I wasn’t worried about getting a present, but I shall cherish whatever you have arranged.” She got up and went to retrieve the scissors and a comb. “Now hold still, and we’ll have this done in a quick minute.”

Gloriana was grateful that JT was busy the next day with preparations for the school program. It gave her time to visit the stores and figure out a gift that she and JT could give Luke. The idea of a compass was absolutely perfect, but the cost was worrisome. Still, she had the money Luke had given her, and it seemed reasonable that she should spend at least some of it on Luke.

“You might try Mr. Blakely. He does trades and loans all the time on a variety of goods,” one of the store clerks reminded her. “I’ll bet you could get a good deal on a used compass.”