It was the only thing that made sense, so she let herself be drawn into the room.
A lamp sat in the middle of one of the smaller tables, casting a golden glow over the white cloth. Two chairs were pushed up to the table. Shouldn’t there be three?
A movement near the door caught her attention. Ryder? What was he doing here? Dressed in white shirt and black vest…his Sunday best.
Shivers raced up and down her arms. She pulled back but Hilda and Laura pushed her ahead and left the room. She turned, intending to follow them. None of this felt right. Or did it feel exactly right, but impossible?
“Wait,” Ryder said. “They did this for us. It was Laura’s idea.”
“Laura?” When had it ever been so difficult to speak her name? Laura didn’t like men, so why would she do this to Delcie?
“She thought we needed some help in our courtship.”
“Courtship?” The word had a definite squeak to it. “I think they’re playing a trick on us.” A very cruel trick.
“No, they aren’t. They know how I feel about you.”
Her tongue turned to wood. Her brain to fluff. There were no words for how she felt.
He handed her a bouquet of flowers.
She buried her nose in them, inhaling the scent. “What are these for?”
“For you. A very small token of what I think you deserve.”
She sought in vain for an explanation of what he meant and came up with nothing but dandelion fluff.
“The ladies have prepared a meal for us.” He drew her to the table and held a chair for her.
“We’re ready,” he called, and Laura and Hilda came in with plates of food and set them down. Laura must have expected the flowers, for she brought a vase of water, took the bouquet from Delcie, and set the stems into the container.
“Enjoy,” she said, and she and Hilda left, closing the door after them.
“I’ll ask the blessing,” Ryder said.
She bowed her head.
“Thank you, God for this food. For rest and home. And all things good. For wind and rain and sun above.” His voice grew husky. “But most of all, for those we love. Amen.”
Delcie kept her head bowed a moment. What did he mean, those we love? He’d never prayed that before. Was it because he’d found the photo of Mirabelle and remembered how much he loved her? She picked up her fork and began to eat though the food had no taste. She’d have to mention that to Hilda. Strange that none of the customers had complained about it.
After half a dozen bites, she put her fork down, unable to continue. “Ryder, what is this all about? This dinner, the flowers. I don’t understand.”
He put his fork down too. “Delcie, I wanted to court you properly, win your heart, but it seems we’ve been at cross purposes.”
Court her? Why? “I saw the picture on your table.” Never mind why she’d gone over there.
“I know, and I fear you misunderstood. I wanted to show the picture to you and explain about Mirabelle. I told you, we grew up together. We were always friends, so it seemed natural for us to marry. But ours was more of a…I don’t know how to put this. I loved her. She will always have a place in my heart’s memories. Perhaps not unlike you with Sophie.”
Delcie nodded. She had thought the same thing. “I understand. Some loves are forever.”
He reached for her hand. “But that doesn’t mean they exclude a new, overwhelming love.”
She sat up straighter, but when she tried to pull her hand back, he held it firm.
“Delcie, I love you with a love that fills my every thought and my dreams. Mirabelle is part of my past. As is Myra. I will never forget them, but they aren’t my present and my future. You are. You and the children.” He came around the table and knelt at her side. “Delcie, I love you and want to make you my wife. If you love me back, please say yes.”
Joy bubbled in her heart and pulled at her lips. “You must feel certain of my love to ask.”
“Laura and Hilda said they were. That’s almost enough for me.”
“Almost?”
“I need to hear it from you.”
Her smile widened. “Ryder Remington, I love you and I will gladly marry you.”
He drew her to her feet, wrapped his arms around her, and looked into her face. “Thank you,” he whispered. “Now may I kiss you?”
Her arms went around him, her palms pressed to his back,