remembered a group of faces around green baize. “Maybe…” She blinked, then glanced at Bashful. “The Gruff brothers likely aren’t suitable, although I only met two of them.”
The other woman waved dismissively, her bangles clashing. “They need a lot of help before they’re suitable. Who else have you met?”
Andrew Prince, her heart whispered.
But she couldn’t say his name. And—she told herself sternly—it wasn’t because she wanted him for herself or anything. It was just that Sibyl was only nineteen…
Christa gasped and lunged for a file she’d seen in passing. Max’s brother was married to Sibyl’s sister, so surely they knew one another already?
A little triumphant noise escaped her lips as she wrenched Max DeVille’s file free from the rest of the pile.
Bashful smiled when she read the name. “A good choice.”
But Christa had already flung it open, flipping through what they knew about him. “It doesn’t mention his smile, or kindness, or how he can make people feel—”
When she didn’t finish, Bashful asked quietly, “How?”
Feeling like she’d just laid down a straight flush, Christa smiled up at her new friend. “I saw him when I first arrived in Everland. He seemed like a nice young man, but more than that, he appeared to make people around him feel good too. He was friendly and made them laugh. All valuable traits in a husband, I’d think.”
Bashful grinned as she surged to her feet. “I know Doc’s been holding him in reserve for someone special. It might just be Sibyl Miller!” She held out her hand to help Christa to her feet. “And tomorrow’s church—only a few more sermons before Christmas! It’ll be the perfect opportunity to meet him and get to know him even more!”
Now that winter had set in with a vengeance, the town’s endearing tradition of a Sunday afternoon picnic outside the church had been set aside. Andrew remembered how disappointing it had been to learn that his first year in Everland, but he was blessed with a family who always welcomed him for a visit.
Later this afternoon, he was the one hosting Micah and Penelope, as well as Rojita and Hank and the children, in his home. He’d had it built by the local pair, King and Cole, when it became obvious he’d be spending more time in Everland. He still took most of his meals at MacKinnon’s Restaurant, and Gordy and Briar MacKinnon already had his order for this afternoon’s large meal.
But for now, Andrew was content to join a portion of the town’s population in their winter social activity of “hanging around inside the warm church, chatting.”
He’d already given his compliments to Reverend Woods, and congratulations to his lovely wife, Snow, who’d only recently announced what everyone else suspected: she was with child. Andrew was pleased for the couple, knowing how badly young Snow deserved some happiness.
And now he was stuck in the corner, listening to Roy DeVille brag about his son. Not Max, oh no—although the young man stood with his arms folded in his best jacket, a bored look on his face,—but the older one, Roy Jr.
Andrew hid his distaste as well.
There were few people in Everland he didn’t care for, but Roy and Roy Jr. were at the top of the short list. They were wealthy ranchers who pretended to be wealthier than they really were and lorded it over the rest of the townspeople as often as possible.
As far as he was concerned, that just made them bullies and braggarts, and he didn’t have time for either.
He caught Max’s dull-eyed gaze, and the other man blinked, then one side of his lips slowly curled upward into a smirk, as if he knew how uncomfortable Andrew was. Andrew returned the little smirk with a nod, agreeing they needed to find a way out of this conversation.
Surely there was someone—anyone—still hanging around the church, who would come over and rescue them?
He found himself nodding politely in response to whatever Roy was saying—not that the other man needed encouragement—and scanning the building hopefully. When he saw a group of women coming toward him, he sucked in a breath.
Max must’ve heard him, because the younger man shifted and dropped his arms to be more welcoming. Then, as his father paused to take a breath, Max interrupted.
“Good morning, ladies. A fine sermon this morning, wasn’t it?”
Andrew offered a little welcoming bow, since he was holding his hat and couldn’t doff it, but Roy, to his surprise, let out a startled yelp when he turned and saw the