There were five wineglasses, a sugar and creamer, several bud vases, some old medicine bottles, and a little oval tray. Each one seemed more lovely than the last. As she placed the final piece, the bell at the door announced a visitor. Jumping up, she turned to greet Lawton.
He smiled slightly, looking her over quickly. “You’re looking pretty chipper this morning, Missy. No sore muscles?”
“Oh, a few, but nothing I can’t live with.”
“I just wanted to be sure you were okay.” Halting a step in front of her, he extended his hand. She gave a small gasp when she saw what he offered. A pale ivory rose bud, each fragile petal edged with a blush of pink.
“Here, this is for you. Aunt Martha had a rose garden behind the house, out at the ranch. They’ve gone half-wild, but a few still bloom. I don
