her for me.” Honoria grinned.
Adele made a face. “Fine, send me into the lion’s den.”
“I do have a baby here,” Honoria said. “It would be a shame to have to get up.”
“Ugh.” Adele went upstairs and found Sadie tidying up the children’s room. “Auntie?”
“I see you and Liam have been hard at work.” Sadie nodded at the window.
“Yes, we might get several banners done today. But I need some help.” Adele quickly explained the situation.
Sadie sighed. “I can watch the children, but only for a little while. I have to start supper soon.”
Adele kissed her on the cheek. “Thanks, Auntie.”
By the time she got downstairs and out the door, Liam had already started on a second banner. She watched him and tried to guess what he was writing. “Dance ’Til You … what?”
He smiled and nodded at the paint. “You’ll see. Better get to work on that other banner.”
Soon both of them were painting. “I hope my mother doesn’t get mad at what you put on yours.”
Liam looked at the banner he was working on. “What’s wrong with it? I think it says it all.”
“‘Dance ’Til Your Boots Fall Off’?”
Liam laughed. “Well, we can only hope.”
She shook her head and put the finishing touches on her banner. She thought the sprigs of flowers she’d painted in the corners were a nice touch. Besides, she had to do something while the letters were drying. She made sure she left room for the loopholes she and Honoria would make.
After another hour and two more banners, they decided to call it a day. “I’ll have to come back tomorrow to fetch these so we can hang them up,” Liam said. “The paint on this last one isn’t dry yet.”
Adele checked it with her finger. It was tacky. “You’re right. We could pin it on the clothesline.”
“Good idea. If we make more, we should hang them as soon as we’re done painting. They’ll dry faster.”
“I agree.” She looked at him and their eyes locked for a second or two before he turned away. Her heart skipped a beat. Strange. “It’s getting kind of late. Would you like to stay for supper?”
He took off his hat and slapped it against his leg a few times. “I’m much obliged, but I should be getting home.”
Honoria put the needles and thread she and Adele had been using back into her sewing kit. “Everyone’s eating at Sadie and Harrison’s house tonight, and I know it’s almost ready. You might as well have a bite before you ride home.”
“You sure I’m not imposing?”
Adele made a face. “Around here, with as many people as there are? Never. Besides, Grandpa Jefferson will want to talk your ear off.”
“That’s right,” Honoria said. “He knows he’s worn us out with his stories, but you’re a new pair of ears. He’ll love that.”
“Yes, but will I?” Liam asked.
“Come inside and find out,” Adele said. She and Honoria headed for the main farmhouse as her parents did the same, but with bowls in their hands.
Inside, everyone took a seat at the huge kitchen table. It wasn’t long before Adele’s brothers Thackary and Sam joined them. They took one look at Liam and Adele and started to snort with laughter.
“Boys, mind your manners,” Mother scolded. “What’s so funny, anyway?”
Sam pulled out a chair and sat. “Nothing.”
Thackary followed suit. “We’re just surprised they aren’t covered with paint.”
Father sat next to Mother and scooted his chair in. “The reason Mr. White has been invited to take part in this delicate task is because you two would be covered with paint. Along with your poor sister.”
Adele smiled at Liam. “It’s true.”
“I’ve saved you from your brothers,” he said, sounding like a hero in a melodrama.
Adele’s voice went up an octave. “Yes, Mr. White, you’ve saved me from those desperadoes!”
Sam and Thackary made gagging sounds, which sent Duncan and Maida across the table into hysterics.
“Thackary, Sam, stop that,” Honoria ordered. “Sometimes I wonder if I want my children growing up around you.”
“What do you mean?” Sam said. “We’re a good influence. You couldn’t ask for better.”
Thackary leaned toward Duncan and crossed his eyes. “Yes, fine examples.”
Liam smiled and leaned toward Adele. “Are they like this all the time?”
She looked at him and their gazes locked again. “I’m afraid so. And I have to live with them.”
“And we have to live with her,” Sam mimicked, putting his hands over his heart. “Please, Mr. White,” he squealed. “Save us!”
“I say,” Father said to Mother. “But have you seen our sons?”
Mother glared at