Page 56 of The Banker's Bride

“Don’t ye be turnin’ into a scrooge, though.” She shrugged. “But a happy medium would be nice.”

“So, are we ready for this?” Charles asked as he walked into the room.

Megan nervously tucked an auburn tendril behind her ear. “Yes, of course. Everything’s set.”

Dallas smiled, taking in his wife. “Yes, Megan thought of everything.”

As if right on cue, there was a knock at the door. Dallas glanced over at Megan, a smile lighting his lips. “Well, I think your guests are starting to arrive.”

Megan laughed. “You mean,ourguests.”

“Shall we?” Dallas straightened his vest, and then offered her his arm. She took it and he led her to the front door as Charles followed. When he opened it, Sheriff Clark was standing there with his children.

“This is Lillian and Andrew. She's ten years old, and he’s twelve.” Sheriff Clark introduced his children to Megan.

“I made an apple pie.” Lillian held out a covered pie plate.

“My goodness! Thank ye! And I’m sure it’s delicious.” Megan bent down to shake both of their hands. “‘Tis a pleasure to meet ye both.”

Lillian’s eyes widened as she handed Megan the pie. “Where are you from?”

“I’m from a country called Ireland. Do ye know where it ‘tis?”

Lillian nodded. “Mrs. Nash told us about it in school.”

“Really?” Megan’s eyes popped open. “Well, did ye know that Mrs. Nash and her husband are coming today?”

The conversation carried on as Megan led them to the dining room and their father followed. Dallas and Charles stayed at the door to greet their guests.

“This is lovely!” Lillian exclaimed, eyeing the fine porcelain place settings with a little floral pattern setting on the table,covered in a long white tablecloth. Glass candleholders sat in the center, holding long white candles.

“Why, thank ye.” Megan and Lillian talked animatedly as everyone took their seats and got comfortable.

There was some talking at the door and then Colton walked into the dining room, carrying his daughter, followed by Ella, holding their son. “I appreciate you having us over today, Mrs. King.”

“Please, call me Megan. I’m glad ye came today.” Megan nodded toward the chairs. “Make yerself comfortable.”

Ella held out a covered dish. “I hope you don’t mind, but I thought I’d bring some potato salad.”

Megan smiled, taking it from her. “No, not at all! This is wonderful. Potato salad is one of my favorites. Thank you, Ella.” Megan unwrapped it and set it in the center of the table beside Lillian’s pie. “It looks delicious.”

Soon, Madison and Wyatt arrived, followed by Mrs. Jenkins.

“It’s a pleasure to officially meet you!” Mrs. Jenkins chirped happily, giving her a feminine handshake. “I’m sorry I haven’t been over before now.” She leaned in conspiratorially. “I usually help all of the young brides.”

“I’m so glad ye came.” Megan had invited her at the church, along with the others, knowing that Dallas was quite fond of her. “I’ve only seen ye at church and I was lookin’ forward to getting’ to know ye better.”

“She has helped practically everyone in town.” Dallas interjected and then took her arm to lead her to a chair of honor near him. The older woman had always been like a mother to him. “But today, we want you to relax, Mrs. Jenkins, and just enjoy yourself. We're so glad you came today. It just wouldn’t be a holiday without you.”

“Why, thank you, Mr. King. That's very kind.” Mrs. Jenkins smiled, looking up at him fondly.

“Come now. I think we’re all on a first name basis now.” Dallas smiled. “Please, call me Dallas.”

“Only if you call me Abigail,” Mrs. Jenkins added.

“That may be hard for me to do,” he teased. “After all, old habits die hard.”

When everyone was seated, Dallas said a heartfelt blessing over the meal, thanking God for the food, the good company, and for all of them being able to celebrate the holiday together.

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