Wild Montana Sky (The Montana Sky Series) by Holland Debra

Author:Holland, Debra [Holland, Debra]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2011-04-28T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

The last note of the hymn trailed away, and Mr. Norton intoned the final blessing that concluded the church service. Through lowered eyelashes, Elizabeth glanced sideways at Mr. Livingston, sitting in the same pew as last Sunday.

She'd been disappointed when, in spite of his invitation to drive her to the ranch, Mr. Livingston had not taken a seat next to her. Then she'd realized changing his place might be making a declaration of his intentions. She wasn't sure either of them felt ready for that kind of public scrutiny. Perhaps in a few weeks....

This Sunday, Elizabeth was more relaxed. Once outside the church, she greeted and exchanged a few words with the people she knew. Anticipation over Mr. Livingston still bubbled within her, but she'd gotten over the shock of his appearance and felt more secure about his courtship of her.

A tug on her pink silk dress caused her to look down to see Sara and Lizzy, in identical blue flower-sprigged calico dresses, vying for her attention. Lizzy clutched a fold of Elizabeth's skirt in her hand.

"Aunt Elizabeth, will you sit between us on the way home?" Sara asked, giving Elizabeth the gap-toothed grin that tugged at her heart.

Elizabeth dropped a kiss on Sara's forehead and stooped to give Lizzy a hug. "Oh, my dears, I'd love to. However, Mr. Livingston is coming to dinner. I'm riding home with him."

Both girls stuck out their lower lips in disappointment. "I can tell you're sisters," she said, touching Lizzy's mouth. "You even pout the same." She reached over to pull gently on Sara's braid. Elizabeth's necklace swung out almost hitting Sara in the nose. The child's gaze fastened on the locket.

"Here." Impulsively, Elizabeth raised the necklace over her head and dropped the chain around Sara's neck. "You can wear this home. That way, it's almost like I'm with you."

Sara's eyes widened. She reverently cupped the locket in her palm.

As if she'd never seen the necklace before, Lizzy stood on tiptoe to examine it.

"Let your sister wear it halfway home."

"Yes, Aunt Elizabeth."

Elizabeth patted Lizzy's head. "After we eat, we'll have some music. I'll let you choose the first two songs. One for each of you."

Their faces brightened.

Sara grinned. "I'm going to pick a not Sunday song."

"Little imp." Elizabeth gave Sara's braid another tug. "Good thing Reverend Norton won't be there." She smoothed brown wispy bangs back from Lizzy's delicate face. "What about you, little bird? Do you have a song you want me to play?"

The child nodded.

A male voice behind her said, "I hope I get to pick a song, too."

At the sound of Mr. Livingston's voice, Elizabeth straightened, feeling a flush rising in her cheeks. "Of course, Mr. Livingston," she said. "However, I've promised the girls the first two choices, so you'll have to go third."

"I'd be happy to allow two such lovely little ladies to precede me." He gave them a playful bow.

Sara giggled and clapped a hand over her mouth. Pulling Lizzy like a caboose behind her, she skipped over toward her parents.

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