Free Summer of the Midnight Sun by Tracie Peterson

then, knowing that he would probably live in nothing more substantial than a tent once they were on shore mapping and taking geological samplings in the Arctic.
    Still, he couldn’t begrudge a worker of God good housing. “I’ll be right there.”
    “Well, hurry it up. We’re already late.”
    Jayce tried not to think about the earlier encounter or of the man from his past. He told himself the sun had caused the man only to look like his old adversary. He wasn’t here. I’m safe .
    He hurried to the Kjellmann’s house and knocked lightly before opening the door. Surely they were expecting him, and he knew that no one stood on ceremony north of the fiftieth parallel.
    The first sight that greeted him took Jayce’s breath away. Leah was standing to the right of the door, her expression one of sheer delight. In her arms she held a baby girl. The child was quite captivated by Leah’s attention, and Jayce couldn’t help but stare. Leah’s face fairly glowed. She seemed so clearly at ease with the baby—so happy.
    “She’ll make a good mama, ja?”
    He looked to find Emma Kjellmann at his side. “I think you’re right,” he said, shaking off the thought. “Sorry I’m late. I had to go back for her present.”
    “Not to worry. We do things as they come,” Emma said. “Although my son Bryce would rather this party come quickly. Are you hungry?”
    “To be sure. Jacob worked me hard today.” He couldn’t help but say this a little louder than need be, as Jacob approached.
    “Oh, quit your complaining. I don’t know how such a cheechako is ever going to make it up north.”
    “Don’t call me a cheechako. I’m hardly a newcomer. I just need a lot of help,” he said, laughing. “That’s why I’m taking you with me. Somebody has to look out for me.”
    Emma chuckled. “Well, there’s none better. Our Jacob might as well be native. But what’s this about you going away?” she asked, turning to Jacob.
    “I’ve been asked to join Jayce’s expedition team to the North.”
    “Why would any sane man want to go farther north?” Emma asked quite seriously. “I may be Swedish, but this is cold enough for me.”
    “Me too,” a man said, thrusting out his hand. “I’m Emma’s husband, Bjorn.”
    “Jayce Kincaid. I’m glad to meet you and equally glad to be invited to the party. Jacob tells me there is actually to be a birthday cake.”
    “Can’t celebrate a boy’s birthday without cake,” Bjorn replied.
    “Can we eat now?” a young boy asked.
    Jayce presumed it was Emma and Bjorn’s son. Jacob had already told him the boy shared Leah’s birthday.
    “Ja. We’ll eat now, but you promised to say the blessing in Swedish,” Emma reminded her son.
    Bryce lit up at this. “I know it all. I can do it.” He fairly danced to the table.
    Jayce smiled in amusement as the boy took his place and called to everyone else. “Come on. We’re going to pray.”
    Leah looked up to find Jayce watching her. She blushed and clutched the baby close as if to shelter the child from harm. Jayce couldn’t help but wonder, however, if Leah meant to protect the baby . . . or herself.
    “On the occasion of Bryce Kjellmann’s fourth birthday,” Emma announced, “he is going to offer a traditional Swedish blessing.”
    They bowed their heads and Bryce began. “ Gud, som haver barnen kaär se till mig som liten är.” He paused for a moment, then added in English, “Bless the food, amen.”
    “Amen,” several people said in unison.
    “What did he say in Swedish?” Jayce asked Emma.
    She grinned. “Bryce will tell you.”
    Bryce nodded and smiled. “God, who loves all the children, look on me so small.”
    “Wonderful job, Bryce.” Leah handed the baby to Emma and went to hug the boy. He eagerly climbed into her arms and hugged her tightly about the neck.
    He whispered loud enough for the entire room to hear, “I’m glad it’s our birthday.”
    “I am too,” Leah replied, giving him a quick kiss on