Lone Star Heiress by Winnie Griggs

Author:Winnie Griggs
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2014-11-27T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

The next morning, Mitch stopped by Mrs. Pierce’s home to escort Ivy to church. The widow walked with them at Ivy’s invitation, but when Ivy and Mitch paused to speak to Adam and Reggie, she took her leave and entered the church building alone.

After the greetings were exchanged, Reggie shifted Patricia to her other hip. “Ivy, did Mitch explain about our gathering?”

“He did, and I feel honored to be included, so long as you’re certain the hostess is okay with an extra guest.”

“Oh, don’t worry about that—Eve won’t mind.” Then she glanced past Ivy. “Oh, look, there they are now.”

Reggie waved the new arrivals over and Ivy was quickly introduced to Eve and Chance and their boy, Leo.

Eve Dawson was a petite woman with an infectious smile. “So you’re the young lady who rode into town with Mitch and set everyone’s tongues to wagging.”

“Guilty. And you’re the lady who runs the sweet shop.”

Eve smiled. “Guilty. You’ll have to stop by to sample some of my candies.”

Mitch touched Ivy’s elbow, as if to lend her added support. “Miss Feagan will be joining us for lunch today.”

“Wonderful! It’ll give us a chance to get better acquainted.” Eve gave Ivy a grin. “Not only that, but it means I won’t be the newest arrival at the table any longer.”

“You lost that standing six months ago when Daisy’s Wyatt was born,” Eve’s husband said. Chance Dawson was a boyishly handsome man with a charming smile and a teasing tilt to his lips. But it was obvious he only had eyes for his wife.

Eve tapped his arm with a mock pout. “Must you be so literal?”

Ivy was enjoying the banter and easy camaraderie the group shared, but her smile faltered when she spotted Carter Mosley from the corner of her eye. The man visibly stiffened when he saw her. Averting his eyes, he walked into the church building without a backward glance.

She had grown used to such snubs at home, but somehow, here, it stung much more.

The church bells pealed and the folks still milling about moved toward the entrance.

Once inside, Ivy spotted Mrs. Pierce sitting by herself. Impulsively, she headed directly for that pew and took the seat next to the widow, and Mitch slid in next to her.

Mrs. Pierce turned, and surprise flashed in her eyes. Then her demeanor closed off again and she gave Ivy a cool nod before facing forward again.

When the service started, Ivy discovered Reverend Harper was quite different from Reverend Tomlin—he was a bit older and lacked some of Reverend Tomlin’s stern seriousness. But he seemed equally sincere and concerned for his flock, and she found herself enjoying the service a great deal.

After the service, Mitch introduced her to Reverend Harper as they exited. The man welcomed her with a warm smile and they chatted for a moment about Ivy’s plans and how she was enjoying her stay.

Before Ivy could turn back to Mitch, Mrs. Swenson swooped in on him, her three children following like a covey of quail.

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