Love Finds You at Home for Christmas
holds.”
    Ruby dusted off a smudge of dirt from the knee of her dungarees. “You’re right. You never know.” She grinned. “A year ago if you’d told me I’d be staying here for the fall, working instead of going back to school, I never would’ve believed it. But the decision just felt right.”
    â€œWhat did your parents say?” The concern in his blue eyes was evident. He knew how worried she’d been about broaching the subject with her family.
    â€œIt wasn’t the easiest conversation. But they finally agreed.” She shrugged. “Even though Papa made it clear he’d rather I return to school, he left the final decision up to me.” She smiled. “I could tell he was proud of my promotion to line inspector.”
    â€œAs he should be.” Cliff grinned.
    â€œPlus, I think they feel better about my being here since they know I have a good friend like you.” She’d never admit it to him, but she was pretty sure he was a big part of the reason Mama had been on her side when she’d found out Ruby wanted to stay.
    Cliff raised his eyebrows. “Your parents know about me?” His pleased expression made her laugh. “Well, no wonder they let you stay here.”
    She slapped him playfully on the arm. “And they also understand how much I want to contribute to the war effort.”
    â€œWell, I for one am glad you’re here, regardless of the reason.” His eyes twinkled. “I mean, think about how sad your life would be if you’d never met me.”
    She threw back her head and laughed. “That’s right. I’d probably just be sitting in my dorm room, refusing to go outside except for classes or meetings.” When he didn’t say anything, she looked over at him. His normally sunny expression was serious. “Everything okay?” She nudged him with her shoulder.
    â€œMaybe it’s none of my business, but I’m kind of curious about something.”
    â€œWhat’s that? You know you can ask me anything.”
    Cliff nodded. “I know that. But there’s something we’ve never talked about before. I’ve been too chicken to ask.”
    Ruby’s heart dropped. She wasn’t ready to have this discussion. She only knew that she enjoyed spending time with him. But she couldn’t give him more than that. “What?”
    â€œDo you have a boyfriend back at college? I mean, is there a steady guy who’ll be waiting for you when you go back in January?”
    Relief washed over her as she realized he wasn’t going to press her to talk about her feelings for him. “No. Nothing like that.”
    â€œBut you must have fellows clamoring for your attention and asking you out for dates all the time.”
    She grinned. “I usually say no. Some girls always have a boyfriend. I’ve never been one of those girls.” She sighed. “I’ve only had one steady guy, but it was a while ago.”
    â€œWhat happened?”
    Ruby knew she’d avoided telling Cliff because she didn’t want to remind him of his own loss. But there was no point in keeping it from him any longer. “Joseph and I met when we were freshmen and went steady for almost exactly a year. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he joined the army. Said it was his duty as an American.” She plucked a clover from the ground and twirled it between her fingers. “He didn’t make it back.” She tossed the clover to the ground. “He was killed at Guadalcanal.” She shook her head. “Since then, I’ve kept to myself.”
    Cliff’s jaw tightened. “Ruby, I’m so sorry. This war has brought so much grief. I hate to hear that you’ve suffered a loss too.” He reached over and patted her on the back. “Was it very serious between the two of you?”
    â€œJust before he left, he asked me to marry him. I said yes.” Admitting it to

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