“That sounds inviting, but I can’t stay long. I still have a lot of work. Since I was headed over to the Clark House, I thought it would be easy enough to stop here first.”

Gloriana pretended to be busy at the stove. She checked the stew again. “What about coffee? Would you like me to make some?”

“No. I’ll wait and have it with supper.”

He said nothing more, and Gloriana fought to keep her emotions under control. She didn’t want to break down in front of him.

“Gloriana, what’s wrong?”

She heard the softness of his tone. She hadn’t been able to hide her sorrow from him. For a moment she wondered what she could say. He had to know she was still grieving.

“It’s just . . .” She paused to choose her words carefully. “It’s just a hard day. The storm and all.” There. She’d managed to say it without sobbing.

“I’m so sorry. I hadn’t even thought about the storm stirring up your sorrow. Forgive me.”

She nodded but refused to look at him. “Nothing to forgive. I’ll be just fine. JT and I have a plan for scouting out all the drafts in the house. We’re going to use newspaper and braided rags to seal off the windows. We can’t have Sally getting chilled.

“Oh, speaking of houses, JT tells me you’re building one. Does this mean Mr. Cooke wants you to stay on in the area after the train line is complete in the summer?”

“Gloriana, stop.” Luke had moved across the room to stand directly behind her. He reached out and turned her to face him. “You don’t have to hide your feelings from me.”

She glanced up and saw the kindness in his expression. It was her undoing, and tears flooded her eyes. “I’m sorry. I just don’t want to upset JT.”

Luke pulled her into his arms, and Gloriana allowed herself to stay there for a moment. How wonderful to be held by someone who cared. Just to feel the warmth of another human being—to know she wasn’t alone. He held her close while she cried, never attempting to hush her or tell her to be strong. He seemed to understand that she had no strength to give. What a tenderhearted man.

“I should have realized you would be thinking of your father since you lost him during a storm.”

“It’s not just him,” she murmured. “It’s everyone. They’re all gone, and I am so alone.”

“You aren’t alone. Not as long as I’m here.”

She was grateful he hadn’t said anything about JT or Sally. She knew they were still there and dependent upon her, but she was void of people she could count on for counsel and strength. She couldn’t even turn to God, and that was the biggest void of all.