“Let’s step outside for some fresh air,” Amy suggested, her tone light despite the weight of embarrassment settled on her shoulders. They slipped out the church door and into the heat of the Texas sun.
“Church is a place of peace, Bea,” Amy said. “We need to show respect, even when we’re feeling cross.”
Beatrice scuffed her shoe against the dirt, her defiance wilting under Amy’s kind gaze. “I know, I just...I don’t like it here without Ma,” she whispered, her voice quivering like leaves in a breeze. “Pa has been letting me stay home for months, but when I saw you’d laid out a dress for me, I knew I had to come.”
Amy rested her hands gently on the girl’s shoulders. “I understand. Truly I do,” she said with a warmth that reached straight into Beatrice’s stormy heart. “But I’m here for you, and I promise, together we’ll find a way through this.”
Amy fiddled with the brim of her bonnet, watching as the last of the congregation filed out of the church. She caught sight of Susan Dailey. Taking in a deep breath, Amy approached her.
“Mrs. Dailey?” Amy’s voice was hesitant yet hopeful.
Susan turned, her smile as welcoming as the warm bread she often baked. “Yes, Amy. How are you settling in?”
“Quite well, thank you,” Amy replied. “But I—I wonder if I might ask for some advice.”
“Of course, dear.” Susan’s eyebrows lifted in a gesture of attentive concern.
“It’s about Beatrice. She...She seems to be profoundly sad, and I’m having a hard time getting through to her.” Amy’s fingers twisted the fabric of her skirt. “I thought maybe, since you’ve been a stepmother...” Amy shook her head. “It’s so hard to know what the right thing is to do.”
“Ah.” Understanding dawned on Susan’s face. “These things take time. And love, plenty of love. Why don’t you and Tim come over for supper tonight? We can talk more then.”
“Really?” A budding hope took root in Amy’s chest.
“Really. It’s nothing fancy, but we Daileys believe there’s no trouble too big that it can’t be soothed by good company and a hearty meal.”
“Thank you.” Amy’s gratitude was clear. “We’ll be there.”
“Good, it’s settled then!” Susan declared before waving off to another parishioner.
Amy felt a touch lighter as she walked back to where Tim was hitching up the wagon, ready to navigate the bumpy roads—and relationships—of their newfound life together.
