Winter Chill by Joanne Fluke Page B

of January, cut off a little piece during recess. Edith and I know. Mrs. Barnes’s fruitcakes actually make teaching bearable.”
    “Oh, Marian?” Sally looked perturbed as she turned to Marian. “I’m afraid I have to renege on the party tonight. Jenny was supposed to spend the night with Ginger, but that fell through and I can’t get a baby-sitter. It looks like I’ll have to stay home.”
    “How about Ronnie?” Edith suggested. “Put him to work as a baby-sitter.”
    “Ronnie’s tied up in a poker game with Dan.” Sally rolled her eyes. “By the time he gets home, the party will be over. But you shouldn’t miss the party, Marian. Why don’t you go without me?”
    “You can go with us,” Midge offered. “Edith and I are going to stay until it gets rowdy.”
    “I’ll let you know.” Marian glanced at the clock and gathered up her things. “I’ve got to run now. Dan’s last class is out in ten minutes.”
    Marian walked out to the deserted parking lot and started the heater in the van. The elementary-school teachers were already gone, and high-school classes were in session for another five minutes. Marian had developed the habit of leaving a little early and warming the van before Dan came out. Cliff Heller always brought him to the parking lot and helped to get the wheelchair in the van. With the hydraulic lift Jim had installed, it was a simple matter to disembark at home.
    Crowds of happy students streamed out of the school, throwing snowballs and shouting. School was out for two weeks. No homework and no studying. Christmas vacation was here.
    Marian had a bad feeling about this particular Christmas vacation. It seemed Sally’s news was an omen of disappointments to come. She had been looking forward to the teachers’ party, the laughter and the noise, the good-natured ribbing and fellowship. She supposed she could go with Edith and Midge, but it wouldn’t be the same without Sally. They had been together at every teachers’ Christmas party for the past nine years.
    He was coming now. Marian backed the van out a little so Cliff would have a nice flat place to wheel Dan. Connie Bergstrom was with him, and she waved at Marian. Connie was a sweet girl, the best teacher’s aide Marian had ever had. They were a good-looking couple, Cliff and Connie. Laura loved to have them for baby-sitters. Marian wondered if she and Dan had ever looked that young and that in love.
    Dan looked tired as he waved at her. He must have had a hard day. Perhaps he’d want to take a nap until Ronnie and the guys arrived.
    Of course, she wouldn’t be able to relax until later. Marian’s shoulders slumped slightly in resignation. She had to clean up the house and buy some snacks for the poker party tonight. That meant dropping off Dan at home and going to the crowded supermarket for cheese and pretzels. They’d want pizza, too. She’d have to remember that.
    Marian yawned. Now that she thought about it, she was tired, too. It had been a hectic day. Her class had been rambunctious, but that was normal for a party day. Actually, the Christmas party had gone very well. Three mothers had shown up as chaperones, and they had all brought refreshments. Everyone had had a good time except Marian.
    She had managed to hide her sadness when they opened their presents. She had smiled and taken part in the games. But throughout the party, she had thought of Laura. Laura loved Christmas. Parties were no fun without her baby.
     
     
    The guys arrived at seven. Ronnie carried in two cases of beer and found room for them in the refrigerator.
    Gus Olson was already shuffling the cards when she went into the den. He had on a green eyeshade, and one of Ronnie’s awful cigars was clamped in his mouth.
    “Shall we deal you in, Marian? Dan says you’re a mean poker player.”
    Marian grinned. “Thanks, but I’ll pass. Edith just called. She wants me to come to the teachers’ party.”
    “It’ll do you good to go out.” Ronnie