Buffalo Valley by Debbie Macomber

in what was familiar. Hassie’s strength was considerable, but her loss had been too great. Losses, Barbara recalled. Jerry had died not long afterward, and Valerie had moved to Hawaii.
    â€œDo you like living in Grand Forks?” Hassie asked, turning away from reminders of grief.
    â€œVery much. My parents leased out the house whenthey moved to Arizona. Rick and I always intended to move here one day, and I’m really happy we did. This will be our first Christmas in North Dakota since Vaughn was five or six.”
    â€œWith family again.”
    â€œActually, there’ll only be Rick, Vaughn and me. All my family has moved away, and Gloria, our daughter, lives in Dallas.”
    â€œHave Christmas here with me,” Hassie urged, and then as if she regretted the impulse, she shook her head. “No, please forget I asked. I’m sorry to impose. It’s just the rambling of an old woman.”
    â€œHassie, if you’re serious, we’d love nothing better than to spend the day with you.”
    Hassie’s eyes shone. “You mean you’d actually consider coming?”
    â€œWe’d be honored. I know Rick would love to see you again. He wanted to join me today, but he was already committed to something else—some volunteer work he’s doing.”
    â€œYou’re sure about Christmas?”
    â€œVery sure,” Barbara insisted. “But I can’t allow you to do all the cooking.”
    â€œOh,” Hassie said, “it’s no problem. I’d enjoy preparing my favorite recipes.”
    â€œWe’ll share the meal preparation, then,” Barbara compromised, and Hassie aggreed.
    â€œWe’ll be having Christmas dinner,” Barbara murmured, “with a dear, dear friend.”
    â€œI can’t think of anything I’d enjoy more.”
    Barbara couldn’t, either.

Chapter 5
    C arrie found Leta tending Knight’s Pharmacy when she arrived after saying goodbye to Vaughn and his mother.
    â€œThanks for filling in for me,” she said, hurrying to the back of the store. She stored her coat and purse and pulled on her white jacket.
    â€œI don’t mind staying,” Leta told her. “In fact, Hassie asked me if I would. She thought you and Vaughn might like a few hours together.” Leta wiped down the counter, and Carrie noticed how the other woman’s eyes managed to evade hers.
    â€œAren’t you two being just a little obvious?” she teased.
    â€œPerhaps,” Leta said, “but we both think it’s high time you got into circulation again.”
    â€œLike a library book?” Carrie said with a grin. “I’ve been on the shelf too long?”
    â€œLaugh if you want, but it’s true. You’ve been avoiding a social life. That’s not good for a woman of your age.”
    Carrie was about to explain that, while she appreciated their efforts, she’d already spent time with Vaughn. Before she could, though, the bell above the door chimed, and Lindsay Sinclair and her two daughters stepped into the warmth of the pharmacy.
    â€œGrandma.” Four-year-old Joy ran toward Leta, who scooped the girl up in her arms for an enthusiastic hug.
    â€œI’ve had the most incredible morning,” Lindsay announced.
    â€œValue-X?” Carrie asked.
    Lindsay nodded. “The spokeswoman actually phoned me back.”
    â€œShe called you?” Leta asked, voice incredulous, as she set Joy back on the floor.
    â€œYes, and for some reason, she seemed to view meas a contact who represented the community. That’s fine, since everyone in town shares my opinion.” Lindsay removed her hat and shook out her hair. “She wanted me to understand that Value-X intends to be a good neighbor, quote, unquote.”
    â€œYeah, right!” Carrie muttered sarcastically.
    â€œI’ll just bet,” Leta added. “They assume we’re nothing but a bunch of dumb