That evening, her new bed was delivered, and Tara came over to help Merry Anna and Krissy get everything set up.
“I’d almost forgotten about this stained glass panel,” Merry Anna said. “I saw it as I was leaving the store. Isn’t it beautiful?”
“It is,” Tara said. “Where are you going to put it?”
“I thought it would look so pretty hanging right in the center of the window here on the inside, so the colors would stream through in the morning.”
Tara walked over and examined it, lifting it and looking at how it was made. “It’s heavy, but I think I can do something for you.” She really did know as much as any handyman. She cut and shaped wooden pegs with hooks that allowed them to clip the heavy frame in front of the window a few inches, allowing her just enough room to open the window if needed or remove it to clean the glass.
It took Tara less than an hour to have the stained glass panel in place, and during that time, Merry Anna and Krissy had made the bed and hung a couple of pictures.
“It doesn’t even look like the same room,” Krissy remarked.
“It’s gorgeous. Just like I wanted it to look.” Merry Anna plopped onto the bed.
Tara and Krissy joined her, and they all sat on the bed and marveled over the way the light came through the stained glass—and it was almost dusk. The morning was sure to be even more glorious.
“It’s perfect.”
“Heavenly,” said Tara. “I think you’re going to feel so at peace in here.”
“It would have to be better than what it was,” Krissy said. “I feel bad for not thinking to at least glam up the sheets and stuff for you before you moved in.”
“Don’t be silly. I was thankful for the place to stay, and I love this place. I’m not gonna lie. I’m going to really love sleeping in this room now and reading. I think I might order a couple new novels.”
“You need a nice comfy chair. It would fit perfectly right over there,” Krissy said.
“That would be good. I’ll have to go back down and see what else Flossie has. That place is filled with wonderful stuff.”
“That funky rooster out front of her antique shop is misleading,” Tara said.
“Yes, it is a little crazy looking, but the quality of the furniture is amazing. You’ll be able to outfit your whole house.”
Tara looked intrigued. “Let me know when you go back down. I’d love to tag along.”
“I will,” Merry Anna said.
“This room is pretty enough to entertain in, if you know what I mean.” Tara raised her brows, nodding at the two women.
“She talks like this all the time,” Merry Anna said to Krissy.
“Well, she’s not wrong. It will be lovely and very romantic.” Krissy shrugged.
Tara nodded, then interjected, “Speaking of romantic, did you ever get an outfit for the rodeo?”
“I’m just going to wear a pair of jeans and a T-shirt.”
“Aren’t you going with Adam?” Krissy asked.
“Yeah, but just as friends.”
“Right, but he’s kind of a celebrity around the rodeo.” Krissy’s eyes became slits. “Women in three counties have been trying to get his attention. If you show up with him, you need to at least look the part.”
“What part?”
“Interested, maybe?” Krissy said.
“We’re just neighbors,” Merry Anna reminded her.
