feel very vulnerable, and that vulnerability softened her normally controlled expression.
With a look that resembled a frightened child, Angeline noted that her mother had tears in her eyes. Gently, her father reached upward and caught one as it rolled down her cheek. The look he gave his wife caused Angeline to marvel. They were so in love and so right for one another. Could she ever hope to know that same feeling?
After watching her parents for another moment, Angeline raised her face and locked eyes with Gavin Lucas. He seemed to sense her need, and the look he offered gave Angeline a feeling of comfort and peace. Then, just as quickly as it was given, Gavin resumed his study of the Bible in his hands, and Angeline was again alone.
First he ignores me, Angeline thought to herself, and now he acts as though he’d like nothing better than to put an arm around me. What in the world is Gavin thinking? She continued to contemplate the situation long after Pastor David had directed them to turn to a popular hymn.
❧
Dinner at the Monroe house was quiet and reserved. Angeline hardly felt like eating as she pushed her food around the plate.
“You know what I think,” her father began with a cautious glance to Lillie. “I think we need some diversion from all this sorrow.” Lillie nodded but said nothing, while Angeline gave her father her undivided attention.
“I learned today that Mrs. Widdle plans a train trip to Denver to see her niece. I took the liberty of speaking with her and suggested that you might accompany her.”
Angeline perked up noticeably. “Truly?”
“Yes,” Daniel replied. “She seemed quite happy about the idea, in fact. She said that her niece had more than enough room to house you, and there would be ample time for you to see the town and visit the shops and museums.”
“It sounds wonderful!” Angeline’s mind raced with thoughts of what she’d wear. “When do I go and how long will I be gone?”
“Mrs. Widdle plans to leave next Friday. She intends to stay for two weeks, then return in time to head up the Sunday school class graduation ceremonies.” Daniel paused. “I know it’s not as extensive as you’d like. It certainly isn’t New York or California, but I think you will be pleasantly surprised.”
Angeline gave her father a reassuring smile. “I know it will be grand!”
Lillie smiled at her daughter. “It will be, but you must be cautious. Denver is a very big city and the likes of which you’ve never even known. People can’t be trusted the way they are here.”
“Your mother is right, Angeline. The larger the city, the less personal and more problematic,” her father joined in.
“I will be on my guard,” Angeline offered, completely unconcerned with her parents’ worries. She was going to Denver in less than a week! Denver!
❧
“She’s going to Denver, at least that’s what Dr. Dan said,” Dolan relayed to Gavin.
“How soon?” he asked, trying to sound like it was unimportant. Inside he felt as though someone had dealt his midsection a severe blow.
“I guess she’s leaving Friday,” Dolan answered. “Aunt Lillie thought it’d be fun to have a little party to send Angeline off on her trip. She told me to be sure and have everybody come over Thursday evening for Angeline’s last night in Bandelero. So she must be leaving the next day.”
Gavin took in the news and frowned when his brother wasn’t looking. This wasn’t in his plans, and given his serious manner of planning everything out to the last detail, the news was rather upsetting.
“Did you tell Mom?” Gavin finally spoke.
“Not yet, I was just on my way into the house. Hey, you gonna help me unload this feed or just stand there and look like you’ve lost your last friend?” Gavin gave his younger brother a puzzled look. “Oh, quit trying to play games with me,” Dolan smirked. “I know you’re in love with Angeline.”
“Oh, really?”
Dolan shrugged his shoulders.