Luke smiled and glanced over his shoulder at the beautiful piece. “Scott had ordered it for the cottage, but there’s no sense putting it in there.” He continued drying the dishes but seemed out of sorts. However, he seemed to push that aside and gave Gloriana a start with his next comment.

“I’d like to help give you all a happy Christmas. I know it hasn’t been long since our loss, but I’d like to do something for JT’s sake.”

“I’m listening.” She continued washing dishes. She was deeply touched by all that Luke had done for them. She only wished she could figure out how to do for herself in the future.

“I thought maybe when the time comes, we could go cut down a tree and decorate it. Then, Christmas morning, I’ll come and fix you both breakfast and bring gifts.”

“I’m sure JT would enjoy almost anything, but I can’t have you spending a lot of money on him for Christmas. We’ve always kept things very simple. We read the Christmas story and talk about the truth of the celebration. We usually go to church and then come home, and if there are gifts, we share them then.”

A big smile broke across Luke’s face. “It sounds perfect. Do we eat before or after church?”

“After.” She couldn’t help but giggle. She felt like a young, carefree girl. For just a moment.

“Then plan on it.” He took a newly rinsed dish from her hands. “Now I need to figure out some ideas for gifts.”

“Well, I think for now you should probably head home. That’s the last of the dishes, and I have some mending to tend to before I go to bed.”

Luke looked regretful but nodded. He hung the dish towel on the handle of the oven door. “I’ll see you first thing in the morning for church.”

Gloriana shook her head. “No, the weather is too harsh for Sally.”

“Are you sure the weather is the reason? You didn’t go last week either.”

“I’m trying to be mindful of sickness. It killed my mother, brother, and sister. I would think you’d want me to be extremely cautious with your niece.”

“I appreciate that you’re careful with her, but I think you really need to deal with the conflicted feelings you’re having toward God.”

She could hardly believe he’d said that as if it were no more difficult than cleaning a cabbage. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

Luke nodded. “I know. But sooner or later you’re going to have to.”

“I’m all done with my homework,” JT said, yawning as he came into the living room. He stood beside Gloriana, who was mending one of his shirts.