“Whatcha got those for, Peg? You can’t wear ’em with only one good foot,” Boss pointed out.

Peg’s face turned pink, but it didn’t appear to be from what Boss mentioned. After giving the shoes a meaningful look, he lowered his head until the mess of brown hair flopped into his eyes. “I remember the day Pa brought them home to Mama. She stopped washing dishes, sat right on the kitchen floor, and put them on. Then Pa danced her around the living room.” Peg offered a sad smile, pinning his watery gaze on the shoes once again. “It was a happy day.”

I swallowed the knot of sentiments building in my throat. “I remember. It was a very happy day. Thank you for letting me borrow the shoes. I’ll return them as soon as I get home tonight.”

Peg took one from my grasp and used his shirttail to wipe away the dust. He handed it back and did the same with the other shoe. Sniffing, he shook his head. “Keep them. . . . Just promise me you’ll make a happy memory while wearing them tonight. I . . .” He stopped, batted a tear away, and coughed. “I think Mama would really like if you did that.”

I placed the shoes gently on the floor and wrapped my arms around him, holding on tight. The others joined in, creating a big circle of shared embraces and sniffles. We remained that way until a flatulent noise broke us apart.

“Eww . . . ,” Charlotte screeched. “You boys are so gross!”

“I couldn’t help it. Y’all squeezed too hard!” Raleigh whined, sending a sputtering of laughter to follow the crowd out of my sister’s room.

By the time we made it downstairs, Foxy and Jinx were at the door. I motioned them in and turned to gather Mama’s white shawl and the bag holding gifts for Vance’s parents.

“Foxy, you sure you don’t mind watching the twins?”

“I don’t mind a bit since Peg and Raleigh will be the ones actually watching them,” Foxy answered in her dry tone and the wink that always followed it. “Boss and Jinx will help too.” She and Jinx were taking the boys —and the Silver Bullet —to their house for the evening. Vance would drop me off there and I’d bring them all home later. Charlotte had been invited to spend the night at Miss Wise’s house. Even though everyone was squared away for the evening, I was still hesitant.

“I should be home by eleven,” I reassured Foxy while shrugging the shawl over my shoulders.

Foxy helped straighten the shawl. “If you’re home before midnight, I’ll be mighty disappointed in you.”

I whirled around. “Midnight?”

“Yes. Make the most of your New Year’s Day. It won’t hurt you to act your age for once.”