Merry Christmas, My Love

“There are some things I think could be changed to make life a little easier at school. But for the most part we have a well-run, efficient school. The students seem to like him, and while he may not always make popular decisions, the teachers respect him.” As she spoke, she realized how true her words were. She respected Max Colbert. Didn’t always agree with him, but he was fair and, even on occasion, compassionate. What had he done to her?

Jesse turned his gaze on Max. “Whoever is selected as Superintendent of Schools will have very little personal time, especially in the beginning. He would need to travel all over the Territory, and be involved in the petition for statehood, which we expect to be granted next year. That, again, will require travel and extensive hours.”

“That isn’t a problem, sir.”

“What about a wife, a family? Don’t you have plans for that? Most young men look forward to having a family one day.”

“No, not me. I prefer to stay single.”

Jesse glanced between Max and Ellie. Then he pushed his chair back. “The Board will have my decision before the end of the year. I’m really glad you joined us tonight.”

Max nodded and stood, then glanced at Ellie. “Can I escort you home?”

“Yes, thank you, it is getting late, and I still have papers to grade.”

Tori took her arm, and they chatted as they strolled to the front closet where Jesse fetched their coats and helped them on. He hugged Ellie and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Don’t be such a stranger.”

“I’ll be back in a few days for Christmas. Think you can wait that long?” She batted her eyelashes at him.

Jesse chuckled, then turned to Max and extended his hand. “Thanks again for coming.”

Max thanked Tori for the wonderful meal, and they left and headed to the motorcar parked in front of the large white porch.

Ellie stared out the window on the ride home. Max remained quiet, thoughtful. She snuck a look at him. His hair had fallen over his forehead again. From when he ran his fingers through it at the table. He really wanted this superintendent job. “Why?”

Pulled from his thoughts, he looked at her. “What?”

“Why? Why do you want the superintendent job so much?”

“It’s part of my plan.”

“Plan?”

Max pulled the automobile over to the side of the road and shut the engine off. Ran his fingers through his hair again. “While still in high school I laid out a plan for my life. What I wanted to accomplish, and at what age I would reach each goal. This is the next step.”

Ellie grinned. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”

He stiffened. “Of course. I want a well-planned, well laid-out life.”

“And so far you’ve followed your plan?”

“Definitely. I don’t like surprises.”

Ellie shook her head. “Poor Max.”

He frowned. “What do you mean by that?”

She leaned back and studied him. “Did you go to St. Louis for the Word’s Fair two years ago by any chance?”

“Of course. The whole theme of the Fair centered on education.”

She shot him a look. “Did you see anything else besides the Palace of Education and Social Economy?”

“Don’t be absurd, Ellie. Naturally I visited all the excellent Palaces. There was a lot of educational information there.”

She flashed a smile. “And how much time did you spend at The Pike?”

“Where?”