“Mama would’ve liked the angel on the tree,” Roy said and his tone said that his mama wasn’t around anymore.

“You and Raylen keepin’ company?” the third fellow asked.

Liz nodded.

“We heard that, didn’t we, Buddy? Raylen needs a good woman. You be good to him,” Roy said.

Buddy, a tall, lanky cowboy in bib overalls, nodded. “This is a fine put-on for a town like Ringgold. Must’ve took you a spell to put it all together. I got a feeling that you are happy here in Ringgold.”

“Yes, it did take a lot of work, but I had a lot of good friends that helped me. And I enjoyed it all. And I am very happy here. I plan to stay forever. Y’all know Haskell? He’s my uncle,” she said.

“Yes, ma’am, we surely do. Our wives and Miz Sara was good friends in the day. He made all them pretty things, didn’t he?” Buddy asked.

Liz nodded.

“Well, guess we’ll be on our way. We might come back another day,” Roy said.

“It’ll be open all month,” she said.

Raylen smiled when she sat back down on the porch with him. “I was busy. Was that Roy and Buddy?”

“I guess so. But I’m going to remember them as the three wise men. Look up there.” She pointed.

A star was shining brighter than all the others and it hung right above her barn.

***

Sunday dinner was at the O’Donnells’ place and Liz could tell that Blaze still wasn’t completely comfortable. He kept touching Colleen’s hand, her hair, and her cheek for assurance.

Liz had loved that first-rush phase of excitement with Raylen, but she loved the place they were in now even more. She liked knowing that he would be at her house as soon as he finished work, that if she had a nightmare she could back up into his embrace and it would disappear. Most of all, she loved the confidence in knowing not one ounce of the sizzle was going to fade each time they closed the bedroom door.

Everyone was talking all around her and Raylen, but suddenly she felt as if they really were an island unto themselves. His fingertips gently massaging her neck muscles sent her thoughts to an imaginary clear river where they were skinny-dipping and making love in the water. The vision disappeared when everyone gathered around in the kitchen so Grandpa could say grace.

“What are you thinking about? I think Blaze is doing pretty good, don’t you?” Raylen whispered.

“I was thinking how wonderful family and friends are, and yes, Blaze is doing fine,” she whispered.

He kissed her softly on the lips.

Grandpa’s voice brought the last few whispers to a halt. “Our Father in heaven.”

Liz bowed her head, but she didn’t hear the prayer. She was too busy thinking about the surprise that was in store for Colleen, and hoping that she and Blaze had a wonderful vacation.

“Liz?” Raylen said.

She opened her eyes and raised her head. Prayer was over and everyone was lining up around the food tables.