With pale cheeks, Judith glanced at the others and indicated a wall that still had some room on it. Luke turned around without a glance back and strode over there. As he hammered a nail into the wall, he wondered when she’d decided they wouldn’t suit. Not that it mattered. He’d never force a woman to do anything she didn’t want to, especially marry him.
When Luke had finished and made sure the watercolors were even, he went in search of other work to do. With so many of his men participating, he couldn’t leave.
More people had arrived and were setting up their displays on the tables. It was a good thing the Reverend had suggested they cut out wooden rounds that could be set on the old logs they’d used for seating in the church before they’d purchased pews last fall. It appeared the ladies of the improvement society had gathered tablecloths to spread over them. It looked quite nice. Nowhere in the room could he find Judith.
It didn’t matter that it was even colder outside with twilight approaching. Luke needed a walk.
* * *
Judith scurriedaround the room answering questions and taking care of minor emergencies, aware of the growing number of curious glances. What must Luke’s declaration have looked like to everyone? She cringed every time his words came to her mind, which was often. It was the most embarrassing—and charming—thing a man had ever done for her.
Luke had said he loved her. He wanted to marry her. She mustn’t let it distract her. Judith pulled out her list. She must keep busy.
The sheriff and Charles had taken responsibility for running the turkey shoot. From all accounts, the event had gone well. One of the older cowhands had suggested they bring in some turkeys to shoot, of all things. The ladies of the society had made it clear they didn’t want dead birds as part of their Christmas Fair. Instead, the men had agreed to shoot at turkey-shaped targets instead, with one live bird the grand prize. The winner would eat well for Christmas dinner.
She wondered if they would ever help these people understand appropriate behavior. Like making very public declarations of love and marriage proposals. If he had done such a thing back in New York, members of high society would have punished them for the display of affection the same way they had a crime. He—and she—would have been socially ostracized.
For the first time, since Teddy had cast her aside and walked away, Judith found she didn’t care what any of the people in New York thought. Her spirits lifted.
The first of the musical numbers would begin soon, and the room was filling up with people looking forward to entertainment and warmth. At the suggestion of Edith, families wishing to sell small items had been given booths near the door. Judith was sure many of the items on display would also be sold.
A permanent art center in Lilac City would be a lovely legacy. It wouldn’t have to be large, but the broad selection of items today was evidence of the many talented people who resided here.
She scanned the room, struck by the power of it. It was as though the Lord had opened her eyes, and a sense of humility settled on her. These people workedhard, giving most of their energy and strength to survival, yet through it all they’d still created this beauty. Pride at what they’d accomplished swelled in her chest, and a lump formed in her throat. Mr. Pulsifer’s words echoed in her mind. Dirty cowboy? What stuff and nonsense.
Judith wanted to share what she’d come to understand with Luke. She glanced around the room. Had he left after hanging the pictures?
Then she recalled the expression on his face. He’d declared his love for her, and she’d been so consumed by her own imperfections she hadn’t even considered how her hesitation might make him feel.
Had Luke taken her response as rejection? When he’d pressed her for an answer, Judith’s doubts had overwhelmed her. She hadn’t been able to think. Then those people had appeared, and she hadn’t been able to speak. His words echoed in her mind. Where was he?
“What are you frowning at?” Marshall asked from behind.
Startled, Judith clutched her hands to her chest and spun to face him.
“Is it because Luke proposed to you?”
“How can you know that?”
Her brother shot her a disbelieving look. “You had witnesses, dear sister. And stories always grow the more they’re passed around. If I thought he’d really tried to force himself on you, I’d kill him.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Judith said, irritated at the gossipmongers. “You know perfectly well Luke would never do that.”
“Yes, I do. I’ve already given my blessing. If Luke proposed today, why are people not congratulating you?” Marshall glared at her. “Please don’t tell me you agreed to the courtship but then turned him down.”
“Of course, I didn’t turn him down,” Judith said, putting on a hard smile. “EvenIwouldn’t give a man false expectations.”
“What does that mean?” Her brother studied her, his eyes narrowed.
“Iamthe daughter of Martin Breckinridge, aren’t I?” Fighting against the stinging in the back of her eyes, Judith lifted her chin. The too-familiar manner she’d developed for protection back in New York slipped into place.
“Oh, Juicy,” Marshall said, using his childhood nickname for her and putting a hand on her cheek, “please don’t look like that again. What are you afraid of?”
Judith told him all she’d said to Luke. “He doesn’t need a high society lady who’s had servants to do everything for her and a nanny to care for the chil— dren.” Judith’s voice broke on the last word.
“Ahh.” Marshall nodded. “You’ve been a mess ever since you visited Mary Teague the day she had her baby. You don’t have anything to worry about. You already know how to be a good mother. Our own showed you how to love and protect. If you marry Luke, you won’t have anything to worry about.”
“But how does one care for so many children?” Judith rubbed her temples, a headache building there.
