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Sarah’s yard and griping the whole time. I’ve learned to turn a deaf ear to it.”
    His eyes took on a gleam. “Then I’ll have to do that, too.” Peter peered toward the stage. “Oh, good. Brandon is another teen I want to bid on.”
    By the end of the event Peter had purchased the services of three boys and hurried up to the front of the auditorium to pay. Laura hung back as the group of FFA members came down off the stage and began to mingle with the crowd. Sean glanced around, found her and headed straight toward her. The look in his eyes made her stiffen as he stopped in front of her.
    “Mom, how could you let him buy me?”
    His raised voice drew several people’s attention. She pulled him to the side, away from the others. “First, I told you I only had twenty-five dollars. Second, I can’t control what Mr. Stone decides to do. It’s only for eight hours.”
    “An eternity if you ask me.”
    Peter weaved his way through the crowd, coming straight for her and Sean. “You’ll do it and you’ll do a good job.”
    “Hi, Sean. I just spoke to Brandon. I’d like you all to work the Saturday after spring break. Okay?”
    Her son glared at her, refusing to look toward Peter. “Yeah, fine.”
    His tone indicated there was nothing fine about the situation. Laura cringed, balling her hands at her side. “Sean, why don’t you go on out to the car? I’ll be along in a minute.” Thankfully he didn’t make a comment as he hurried away. “I’m sorry about that. As you can tell, he isn’t too happy. I probably should come with him to make sure he does what he needs to.”
    Peter shook his head. “That would only make matters worse. We’ll do okay. If I’m going to help him, I have to establish a relationship with him.”
    “I see it’s been another successful auction.” A man almost as large as Peter paused next to him. He smiled at Laura, his chocolate-brown eyes full of humor. “And I see you have captured the attention of the prettiest woman here tonight. I’m Jacob Hartman.” He held out his hand.
    Laura shook it. “I’m Laura Williams. It’s nice to meet you.”
    The ponytailed man who had also bid on Sean approached and slapped Peter on the back. “Hi, Peter.”
    “Noah Maxwell, this is Laura Williams.” Peter nodded toward her. “These two are the friends I told you about. I’m trying to persuade them to help with Stone’s Refuge.”
    Noah winked. “We’re just letting him think he has to talk us into it. We were sold the first time he mentioned it to us. Is he roping you into helping, too?”
    “I’d like to. It’s certainly needed.” Maybe Peter can reach my son since I’ve tried everything I can think of. Laura might want to do things on her own, but when it came to her children’s well-being, she would do anything she had to.
    “That’s great.” Noah flashed her a smile. “I was afraid all we would have to look at is his ugly mug.”
    Peter chuckled. “Ignore him, Laura. Noah prides himself on playing the field.”
    “There’s nothing wrong with being a confirmed bachelor.” Noah scanned the crowd. “Which reminds me. I need to find my date.”
    Jacob shook his head, disbelief in his expression. “You brought a date to the FFA auction, Big Spender! Are your restaurants going under?”
    “Funny.” Noah looked at Laura. “I own a chain of restaurants that make the best pizza in the state—actually, let’s make that the Southwest, and—” he slid his gaze back to Jacob “—I don’t take kindly to the fact you think I’m cheap. I have a date with Nancy, an English teacher at the high school who needed to come here first because she promised some of her students.”
    The laughter in the man’s eyes belied his words of accusation. The camaraderie among the three was evident in their casual air and teasing tones. Laura missed her friends in St. Louis, especially Cara Winters. She felt so alone in the midst of the crowd.
    “Why did you decide to come?”