“We’ll have to get it framed,” Luke declared.

“I’m so very proud of you, JT. I have no words. You are the best little brother that ever was or will be.” Gloriana hugged him close, and Sally immediately thrust her hands into his hair.

“Ow, Sally. That hurts,” JT complained, but he didn’t try to force her to let go.

Luke took care of freeing him. “I am very proud of you, JT. You never said a word about it, so I’m equally surprised.”

JT looked up once the baby had been loosed from his hair. “I wanted to do it for Papa. Do you think he knows? Do you think he’s proud?”

Luke squatted down. “I think he’s very proud.”

“He told me I needed to fix the desk I ruined and also fix the others. I was really mad at him for that punishment. It seemed like he just wanted to be mean to me. But then I got to thinking about how it was the last thing I could do to honor him.”

Luke shook his head. “No. It’s not the last. Growing up to be a trustworthy and honest man will be a lasting memorial of honor to your father. You bear his name—Womack. Wear it proudly and do it no harm. That will make him very, very proud.”

JT nodded, his expression solemn. “I want him to be proud of me.”

“Oh, JT. He always was.” Gloriana bent to kiss his head. “He always was.”

“I’ll be over here bright and early tomorrow to accompany you to church,” Luke said.

“It’s terribly cold,” Gloriana began.

He shook his head. “I will not take no for an answer. It’s Christmas and we will be in church. Then we will come home, and I will cook for you and amaze you with my skills.”

“And there will be presents?” JT asked.

“Absolutely. I give you my word there will be presents.”

JT clapped. “Then I’m going to bed right now.” He jumped up on his stool in order to reach Gloriana’s face. He gave her a quick kiss, then hopped down and gave Luke a hug. “I’m so excited. I hope I can sleep fast.”

“I’ll be there to tuck you in shortly,” Gloriana said. When JT was gone, she looked at Luke and shook her head. “Just look what you’ve done now. He probably won’t sleep a wink.”

“He will, don’t worry.” He surprised her by taking her hand. “And you will too, Gloriana.”

She felt her hand tremble and wondered if he knew the effect he had on her. When he closed his other hand over hers, she knew he must.