She nodded. “Thankfully, it’s true. Although I did hear of a man who caught the measles more than once. The doctor said he was just prone to it. He never got as sick as you did, though.”

“Well, I’m better now.” He beamed her a smile. “And pretty soon I’ll be well enough that we can have the wedding. Pastor Sedgwick said we could even have it right here.”

Gloriana smiled. “We just might have to.”

Chapter 23

Once JT had completely recovered from the measles, Luke and Gloriana decided it was in their best interests to invite Luke’s father to supper. She made some of her best dishes, hoping to impress him. Before he arrived, she donned one of the gowns Luke had purchased for her at Christmastime. The navy-and-red plaid skirt had threads of gold running through the pattern. The bodice was gold to match those threads and trimmed with navy-blue cording and buttons. Gloriana thought it a very tasteful and modest design.

“You look really pretty, Glory,” JT said, his eyes wide in wonder. “Like an angel.”

“She does, doesn’t she?” Luke had just finished changing the baby’s diaper and carried her to the high chair. Sally squealed at the sight of Gloriana. “I think the baby agrees.”

“You both look smart in your suits, as well. I don’t know what your father will think of any of this, but I think we all clean up quite nice.”

Luke laughed as he secured Sally in her chair. “Father won’t care unless it somehow benefits him.” A knock sounded, and Luke turned to answer the door. “That will be him now.”

Gloriana stiffened and tried to draw in a deep breath. She wanted to relax and put her mind at ease. Luke had assured her that his father could do nothing legally to take Sally, but he had been so angry the last time they’d met that Gloriana feared he might try.

“Father, I’m glad you could make it for supper,” Luke said, greeting the older man.

JT tucked himself against Gloriana. He clearly felt much as she did, and she put her arm around him. “It’ll be all right,” she whispered. It was as much for herself as for JT.

Mr. Carson glanced toward Gloriana and JT. He gave a curt nod. “I must say, the invitation was a surprise. You’ve hardly seen me while I’ve been in town.”