“He’s building a rental house.” Rita Sue pulled platters and bowls from the cupboard. “Mercer works in the bank all week, so he likes to work with his hands when he can. We have plenty of space out back, and there’s a serious housing shortage in town.”

“That’s nice of you.”

“The house is turning out cute—one bedroom, a kitchen and bath, perfect for . . .” A smile spread across her face, and she planted a hand on her hip. “Perfect for you.”

“Me?”

“You can’t stay in the boardinghouse much longer.”

Leah gave her a warning look. Rita Sue had promised not to tell even her family about the pregnancy. “In a few months I’ll ask Mrs. Perry for a private room.”

“Trust me.” Rita Sue lowered her voice. “You’ll want space and privacy.”

Leah carried the pan of peas to the sink, tipped the lid just inside the rim, and drained pale green water. She’d never had privacy in her life.

“It’s perfect. It’ll be ready in a month or two, and we’ll only ask seven dollars a week.”

Seven. Leah poured the peas into a serving bowl. After the baby was born, Clay’s allotment would rise, but she’d lose her library earnings. “I . . . I’ll ask Clay.”

Rita Sue piled fried chicken on a platter. “Wouldn’t it be fun to be neighbors?”

“It would.” But Leah wanted to find a cheaper option.

Mercer walked into the kitchen. “Where’s this fine chicken dinner you promised?”

Rita Sue passed him with the platter and smacked a kiss on his lips. “Coming right up. Children! Dinner’s ready!”

Leah took off her apron, brought out the peas, and sat across from Rita Sue.

At the head of the table, Mercer said grace, then loaded plates. “So, you kids go back to school on Tuesday.”

“Hurray!” Joey said. “Mrs. Carruthers lets the kids act out the Battle of Chattanooga.”

Luella made a face. “I don’t want to go back.”

Sally pulled on Leah’s sleeve. “I get to start first gwade.”

“How exciting,” Leah said.

“What are you going to do with all your free time, darlin’?” Mercer winked at his wife.

She laughed. “Finally clean the last of the mud pie off my kitchen floor.”

The girls giggled.

“And may I have the truck on Tuesday, Mercer?” Rita Sue passed a plate to Luella.

“Sure. Picking up more books?”

“Books?” Leah asked.

“For the Victory Book Campaign.” Rita Sue laid her napkin in her lap. “The Red Cross collects the books in bins around town and brings them to the library. They sort them and send them to Nashville. Then the VBC sends the books to our servicemen in training camps and overseas.”

It was such an important program. “May I help? I’m free in the morning.”

Rita Sue’s face brightened. “I’d love that. Why, we’ll make a volunteer of you yet.”