Reverend Joshua paused to lean toward Torin. “Glad you’re here. You, Jewel, and Ivy follow right behind Delia and me.”
Torin glanced at Ivy, cocking an eyebrow for confirmation.
With a lift of her chin in the direction of the aisle, Ivy indicated she’d heard the minister’s instructions.
He took Jewel’s hand. “Come with me, Sweetheart. Ivy and the others will stay with us.” He stood and guided her behind the younger Nortons.
Ivy rose and followed them into the aisle. From the corner of his eye, he noticed Dr. Angus and Constance sitting in the row behind them.
The two gave him welcoming smiles and nods.
Our friends surrounded us.And it seemed, from the way they all quickly followed before anyone on the other side of the aisle could squeeze in, that their protectiveness would continue. He couldn’t help feeling touched by their caring.
Swept along by the tide of friendship, he and Jewel left the building. The elder Nortons took the left side to exchange a few words with the people as they left. Reverend Joshua and his wife went to the other side.
Torin trailed after them.
Joshua clasped his hand warmly and smiled down at his beautiful helpmate. “My wife, Delia.”
Despite her expensive gown in a sunset orange and heavy gold jewelry, Delia Bellaire Norton’s hazel eyes were warm, her tone gracious when she greeted him.
Joshua gestured behind Torin and Ivy. “My father-in-law, Andre Bellaire, and his wife and Cora’s aunt, Rose.” He dropped a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “My son, Micah.”
Torin turned to greet them. In Rose, he could see the resemblance to Cora—same intelligent gray eyes, although Rose had wore spectacles.
White-haired Mr. Bellaire had an air of Southern gentility. He bent close to Jewel. “And who is this sweet girl?” he asked in a charming Southern accent.
“I’mm Jew-ell.”
“Hello, Jewel Honey.” He reached into his pocket, pulled out a peppermint stick, and handed her the candy. “A sweet for the sweet.”
Torin wasn’t sure Jewel understood the man’s reference, but his daughter sure understood peppermint sticks.
Ivy leaned close. “What do you say, Jewel?” she prompted, ever the governess.
“Than ew.”
Mr. Bellaire’s eyes, the same hazel as his daughter’s, twinkled. “You’re very welcome.” He pulled out another peppermint stick and handed it to Micah. “Come make a new friend.”
“Hello, I’m Micah.” The boy bore a strong resemblance to his father. But he sported a cheeky grin and a liveliness unlike his more staid father.
Jewel gazed at Micah as though mesmerized, mouth open wider than usual, tongue poking out.
Torin chuckled, surprised to feel entertained. “Micah, Jewel has never seen a boy before. I don’t think she knows what to make of you.”
“Never?” His mouth dropped open.
“Never,” Torin confirmed. “Only grown men.”
“Well, Jewel.” Micah touched his peppermint stick to hers. “I suggest youmake of meas your friend.”
Torin met Joshua’s gaze, seeing his amusement mirrored in Joshua’s expression.I never thought I’d feel this way when Jewel met her first boy. I never thought she’d meet a boy at all.”
“Papa,” Delia scolded, sliding her hand around Mr. Bellaire’s arm and giving a tiny tug toward her. “Micah.” She draped her other arm around the boy’s shoulders. “Remember, they’re supposed to escape.”
Mr. Bellaire chuckled. “I know, Darlin’. I couldn’t resist.”
“We’re supposed to escape?” Torin queried, attempting to get his bearings in what was proving to be a topsy-turvy day. “To where?”
