Avery was healing, too. The child was coming out of her shell, talking much more, smiling much more, and there were times when the conversation at breakfast or dinner was lively. When that happened, she could see Devlin’s satisfied reaction. His daughter was becoming what he called his chatterbox once again.
Tresia picked up the cake platter from the table, her contribution to today’s luncheon, and walked into the parlor. She called upstairs. “Are you ready, Avery?”
The chatterbox ran down the stairs, the curls surrounding her head bouncing, the bow of the pink ribbon Tresia had tied in her hair that morning slightly askew. Cecily, wearing a matching ribbon, was in her arms. “Yes, ma’am.”
“There’re going to be a lot of people there today.”
Avery listened, but there was no fear in her eyes, no anxiety showing in her smile. She took Avery’s hand and they left the house.
Carriages and buggies were lined up along the street in front of Lucy’s house, which wasn’t unusual. The bi-monthly meeting of the Serenity Ladies’ Society was a raucous affair and those asked to join the ‘Ladies’ seldom missed a meeting. They did a lot for the people of the town as well as for the ranchers and farmers who lived on the outskirts. Started by Lucy, her aunt, Everleigh Miller Hannigan, andSeñoraMarisol Zepeda just two years ago, the society now had fifteen members. These women, from so many diverse backgrounds, were the heart and soul of the town.
As Avery and she stepped up to the porch, the sound of women and children chatting and laughing sounded from the open windows. She glanced at Avery, hoping the sounds didn’t frighten her and undo all the progress they’d made. “Ready?”
Avery nodded and clutched Cecily a little tighter, but that was all.
Tresia reached up and grabbed the brass knocker, gave three quick raps and let herself into the house.
Everleigh Hannigan—TiaEvie to anyone who was close to Lucy—opened her arms and embraced her as soon as she stepped through the door. “Tresia, so lovely to see you!”
It was an awkward hug since she was carrying a cake, but they managed. She’d never forgo a hug from this woman, no matter how full her hands were. “You as well.”
TiaEvie released her from the hug and took a step back, her gaze sweeping over Avery. “Is this who I think it is?”
“It is.” Tresia placed her hand on the girl’s shoulder. “This is Avery Goodrich, the marshal’s daughter.” She squeezed a little in a reassuring way. “Avery, meet Mrs. Hannigan.”
Tia Evie bent down and cupped the girl’s chin. Avery didn’t flinch, nor did she pull away, perhaps recognizing the goodness in the woman, which was evident to everyone, even strangers. “You can call meTiaEvie. It’s so very nice to meet you.”
Avery gave her a perfect curtsy.
TiaEvie rose as a group of children ran past her then she addressed Avery directly. “I heard you’ve met Savannah, my grandniece.”
Avery’s eyes widened and a big smile lit her face. “Savannah is here?”
“She is. She’s in the backyard with the other children. They’re going to play a game of Blind Man’s Bluff before lunch is served.” She smiled in that reassuring way she had, the one that seemed to put everyone at ease. “Why don’t you join them?”
Avery looked up at her, anticipation making her eyes sparkle. “Can I, Miss Tresia?”
Tresia laughed. “Of course.”
Avery needed no further urging as she ran after the other children, clutching Cecily tightly in her arms. The kitchen screen door slammed a moment later.
“She seems like a lovely little girl,”TiaEvie said as Tresia followed her into the dining room.
“She is.” Tresia placed the cake on the sideboard, adding to the other desserts and hors d’oeuvres already there.
“And the marshal?”TiaEvie smiled at her, knowing all too well Lucy’s penchant for matching people. It was she, after all, who put into motion the odd but amusing circumstances that led her to meet the man she’d married, her mail-ordered husband, and it wouldn’t surprise her a bit ifTiaEvie wasn’t all in on matching her with the marshal. After all, she’d done it before, helping her nephews to find their perfect wives.
“He’s a very nice man,” Tresia said.
TiaEvie chuckled. “And handsome. I’ve met him. He came out to the ranch with Rafael Zepeda to introduce himself.”
“Yes, he is.” Tresia admitted, but that wasn’t the reason she liked him. “He’s also kind and loves his daughter. That’s what makes him attractive.”
“And?”
“And nothing,TiaEvie. No romance there. We are becoming friends.” She repeated what she’d told Lucy just a few days ago.
Lucy rose from her chair and clapped her hands. “All right, ladies, let’s bring this meeting to order.”
