“You can take that up with my sister,” he pointed out. “Not that it will do you much good. She’s very stubborn.”

She laughed. “I noticed.” She paused. “What is it?”

“You’ll have to wait and see.”

Sara pulled up into the driveway and got out of her car. She popped the truck and dragged out several big shopping bags. She handed some to Gabriel and one to Michelle. She was grinning from ear to ear.

“What in the world...?” Michelle exclaimed.

“Just a few little odds and ends that you’re going to need to start college. Come on inside and I’ll show you. Gabriel, get your nose out of that bag, it’s private!”

He laughed and led the way into the house.

Michelle was speechless. Sara had exquisite taste in clothing, and it showed in the items she’d purchased for their houseguest. There was everything from jeans and sweats to dresses and handbags and underwear, gossamer gowns and an evening gown that brought tears to Michelle’s eyes because it was the loveliest thing she’d ever seen.

“You like them?” Sara asked, a little worried.

“I’ve never had things like this,” she stammered. “Daddy was so sick that he never thought of shopping with me. And when Roberta took me, it was just for bras and panties, never for nice clothes.” She hugged Sara impulsively. “Thank you. Thank you so much!”

“You might try on that gown. I wasn’t sure about the size, but we can exchange it if it doesn’t fit. I’ll go have coffee with Gabriel while you check the fit.” She smiled, and left Michelle with the bags.

They were sipping coffee in the kitchen when Michelle came nervously to the doorway. She’d fixed her hair, put on shoes and she was wearing the long, creamy evening gown with its tight fit and cap sleeves, revealing soft cleavage. There was faint embroidery on the bodice and around the hem. The off-white brought out the highlights in Michelle’s long, pale blond hair, and accentuated her peaches-and-cream complexion. In her softly powdered face, her gray eyes were exquisite.

Gabriel turned his head when he caught movement in his peripheral vision. He sat like a stone statue, just staring. Sara followed his gaze, and her face brightened.

“It’s perfect!” she exclaimed, rising. “Michelle, it’s absolutely perfect! Now you have something to wear to a really formal occasion.”

“Thanks,” she replied. “It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever owned.” She glanced at Gabriel, who hadn’t spoken. His coffee cup was suspended in his hand in midair, as if he’d forgotten it. “Does it...look okay?” she asked him, wanting reassurance.

He forced his eyes away. “It looks fine.” He put the mug down and got to his feet. “I need to check the livestock.” He went out the back door without a glance behind him.