Music in the Night (Logan 4)

"Laura's a good girl," Daddy said, looking at me. "She wouldn't do anything to embarrass this family."

Cary smirked and looked away.

"Of course I won't, Daddy," I said, my eyes fixed on Cary. Mommy returned, her necklace in hand.

"I wanted her to wear this tonight, Jacob," she said, looking to him for his approval. He nodded slightly and she put it on me, fastening it and then running her fingers over the garnets and sparkling diamond. "Doesn't it look nice on her?"

"Be careful with that," Daddy warned.

"I will. Thank you, Mommy."

We heard the doorbell.

"That'll be Robert," I said.

"Oh, she should have a shawl, don't you think, Jacob?" "Sure. It's getting pretty nippy these nights," Daddy said. Mommy went to the closet to get hers for me and I went to the door to let Robert in.

He looked terribly handsome in his jacket and tie, He was carrying a small box in his hands.

"It's a corsage," he declared.

"Oh, that's very thoughtful," Mommy said. Robert signed a hello to May, who beamed beside me. Then he opened the box and took out the corsage of red roses, my favorite. They matched the garnets perfectly.

"You'll have to pin it on," I told him. He looked at Mommy helplessly for a moment and then tried, but his fingers were clumsy with his nervousness.

"I'll do it," Mommy said, coming to our rescue. Robert smiled with relief and stepped back to watch her pin it on me.

"There, that's very pretty," Mommy said.

"Thank you, Mommy."

"We should get moving," Robert said. "Don't want to miss the opening dance."

"Have a wonderful time," Mommy said. Daddy came up behind her and looked at Robert.

"You look fine, boy," he said. "Now

remember," he added with a scowl, "I want her home before midnight."

"Yes, sir," Robert said.

I looked for Cary, but he hadn't come out of the dining room.

"Good night, Cary," I called. There was no response. I flashed a weak smile at Mommy, who nodded, her face full of light, her eyes brighter than ever, and then Robert and I stepped out into the night.

He opened the car door for me and I got in. He hurried around and got behind the wheel.

"Well, I guess I have the prettiest date at the dance tonight," he said and turned to me. "Laura, you look more beautiful than I ever dreamed."

"Thank you, Robert. You're very handsome yourself." "I guess we'll knock 'em dead then," he predicted and started the engine.

As we backed out, I looked toward the front door, half expecting to see Cary, but he wasn't anywhere to be seen.

2

I Could Have Danced

All Night