“We’re late,” Maggie announced. “And Rogan’s bursting to tell everyone it was my fault, so I’ll say it first. I had work to finish.” She plopped a bowl on the table, then set Liam down to toddle. “I’m starving to death, too.” She snatched one of Brianna’s stuffed mushrooms from a plate and devoured. “Mrs. Brennan, just the woman I’m after.”

All that stiff formality melted out of Alice’s face as she scooted around the table to give Maggie a hard hug. “Lord, you were the same as a child, always noisy as six drums.”

“You’ll be sorry you said so when I give you your present. Come along, Rogan.”

“A man’s got a right to stop and get a beer.” With one in his hand he maneuvered himself and the wrapped package he carried through the door.

The entrance brought fresh greetings and chatter. Seeing it as a perfect escape, Shannon began to edge toward the hall.

“No, you don’t, coward.” Amused, Gray blocked her way. He slung an arm around her in a gesture of affection as firm as shackles.

“Give me a break, Gray.”

“Not a chance.”

Stuck, she watched as Alice carefully removed the brown paper from the painting. As people crowded around, there were sounds of surprise and approval.

“Oh, ’tis him to life,” Alice murmured. “That’s just the way he holds his head, do you see? And how he stands. I’ve never had a finer gift, Maggie, that’s the truth. I can’t thank you enough for giving it to me, or for painting it.”

“You can thank me for giving it. But Shannon painted it.”

Every head in the room shifted direction, and measured.

“It’s a fine talent you have,” Alice said after a moment, and the lilt came back in her voice. “And a heart for seeing your subject clearly. I’m very proud to have this.”

Before Shannon could think of a response, a small, black-haired woman burst in from the hallway. “Ma, you’ll never guess who’s—What’s this?” Spying the painting, she elbowed her way to it. “Why, ’tis Murphy with his horses.”

“Shannon Bodine painted it,” Alice told her.

“Oh?” Eyes bright and curious, the woman turned to scan the room. It took her only seconds to zero in. “Well, I’m Kate, his sister, and I’m pleased to meet you. You’re the first he’s courted ever.”

Shannon sagged a little against Gray’s supporting arm. “It’s not—we’re not—Murphy exaggerated,” she decided as several pair of eyes studied her. “We’re friends.”

“It’s wise to be friends when you’re courting,” Kate agreed. “Do you think sometime you could draw my children? Maggie won’t.”

“I’m a glass artist,” Maggie reminded her and kept filling her plate. “And you’ll have to go through Rogan. He’s managing her.”

“I haven’t signed the contract yet,” Shannon said quickly. “I haven’t even—”

“Maybe you can do it before you sign up with him,” Kate interrupted. “I can gather them up and bring them to you whenever you say.”

“Stop badgering the woman,” Alice said mildly. “And what did you come bursting in here to tell me?”