Christmas in the Air by Irene Brand Page B

now that she’s snowbound. You write down the telephone numbers and names. She’ll notify your kin.”
    Livia got her notebook and wrote down the numbers as each one dictated.
    â€œJust one call will do for the three of us,” Roxanne said. “I’ll give you the name of my sister.”
    The farmer absolutely refused to take the money they offered him for the long distance calls. “Nope. I’d be a miserly creature if I can’t help my fellowmen once in a while without being paid for it.”
    Dunlow tucked the paper in his coat pocket, climbed back into the tractor cab and shouted above the noise of the engine, “Merry Christmas!”
    He waved, and went roaring back the way he’d come. Knowing that their rescue was imminent, the group returned to the church building with a lighter heart.
    Despite the warmer weather, when the sun went down, the building was cold, and they again took shifts keeping their sanctuary warm. A lot had changed since Quinn and Livia had sat together two nights ago. Although Livia was anxious to get home, she had mixed feelings about being rescued because she was enjoying her time with Quinn.
    Although they’d sat silently for a long period, Quinn must have shared her thoughts, because he said, “Sounds as if this time tomorrow night, we’ll be going on to our respective homes,” Quinn said. “Livia, it’s been wonderful running into you again. Will we continue to see each other now?”
    â€œDo you want to see me?” she asked.
    â€œWell, of course,” he said quickly. “I just said I’d enjoyed seeing you again.”
    â€œBut you’re dating someone.”
    â€œYes, but we’re really more like friends keeping each other company for dinners and things.”
    â€œDid you buy the music box for her?”
    His green eyes widened in amazement. “No, I didn’t. I bought her a gift, but it wasn’t the music box.”
    â€œThen who did you buy it for?”
    â€œYou.”
    â€œMe! You didn’t know you’d even see me!”
    â€œNo, I didn’t know it, but God knew we’d be together for Christmas. I saw the music box in a jewelry store display case when I was shopping in the mall. I thought it was a beautiful thing. I bought it on impulse, not having any idea what I’d do with it. When I met you again and was fortunate enough to choose your name, I was sure the gift was meant for you.”
    Shamefaced, Livia said, “I’m sorry I jumped to the wrong conclusion. Thinking you’d bought it for someone else, spoiled the gift for me. I’ll really treasure it now.”
    â€œSince we got started off on the wrong foot once before let’s start over. I won’t ask for any commitments now, but I’d like to see where this leads. God seems to have thrown us back together for a reason. Will you let me come and visit you at Heritage Farm? After that, I’ll have my mother invite you to come to our home. Then if we still enjoy being together, it’s an easy trip for me to drive to OSU every other weekend. Does that sound like a good plan to you?”
    Livia didn’t know why she hesitated. He was offering what she’d wanted for three years. Was she going to be foolish again and drive Quinn away from her forever?
    â€œYes, it does. I’ve always wanted you to see Heritage Farm and meet my family. Let’s exchange phone numbers, and we’ll arrange a weekend visit as soon as possible. I find it hard to forgive myself for the awkwardness of the past and our lost friendship.”
    He took her hand. “Don’t be hard on yourself. I was at fault, too. Let’s forget it.”
    â€œI’m not sure it’s best to forget what happened. We need to learn from our mistakes. I don’t want to go through again what I have for the past three years.”
    â€œThese few days we’ve been together, and they seem like