Once Upon A Texas Christmas. Winnie Griggs

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      Later, when the service had ended, Abigail was pleased to find Mr. Reynolds had waited for her rather than making his exit with her family. She linked her elbow to Constance’s and pulled her from the choir. “Come on, I want to introduce you to Mr. Reynolds.”

      A moment later, they were face-to-face. “Mr. Reynolds, this is Constance Harper, who is also the reverend’s daughter, the town’s pharmacist and my best friend.”

      She turned to her friend. “Constance, this is Mr. Seth Reynolds, the gentleman who’s come to oversee the renovations to the hotel.”

      Mr. Reynolds executed a short bow. “It’s a pleasure to meet a lady who holds so many auspicious titles.”

      Abigail was delighted to hear Mr. Reynolds attempt to be charming, especially when it was aimed at her best friend.

      Constance smiled. “Thank you. And welcome to Turnabout. I hope you’ll enjoy your stay here.”

      “I’m sure I will.”

      They headed toward the front doors.

      “Abigail has been talking of nothing else but the hotel since she received Judge Madison’s letter,” Constance said. “It sounds as if it will be quite grand when the work is complete.”

      “That’s our plan.”

      So, he was back to short answers.

      They had reached the door by this time, so Abigail introduced him to Reverend Harper and then they were out in the sunshine. Constance moved off to join her mother, leaving Abigail alone with Mr. Reynolds.

      “Everett and Daisy have already headed to the restaurant. Shall we head that way or is there anyone here you’d like me to introduce you to?”

      He swept a hand outward. “I’m at your disposal. Please, proceed as you normally would.”

      Since he didn’t seem particularly eager to tarry, she nodded and moved toward the sidewalk. “Then we’ll head on over to the restaurant so I can help Daisy get things ready.”

      He fell into step beside her, and other than pausing for the occasional introduction or to exchange pleasantries, they didn’t speak until they were out of the churchyard.

      “Are these Sunday luncheons always held at your sister-in-law’s restaurant?”

      Surprised by his apparent interest, Abigail nodded. “We used to rotate the hosting duties among the families, but the group has grown so large that Daisy’s restaurant is about the only indoor space large enough to hold everyone.”

      “How many people are in this group?”

      Did she detect a note of wariness? “Not counting you, there are eleven adults and eight children.”

      “That’s quite a crowd.”

      “Which is part of what makes it such fun.” She gave him a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, before long you’ll feel right at home.”

      She still detected a hint of tension in him, so she decided to change the subject. “Did the Crandalls get off okay?”

      He gave a short nod. “They were headed for the train station as I left to join you for church service.”

      “I pray the doctors in Chicago can help Norma. And not just for her sake. She and Edgar are so close. They’re twins, you know, which makes them doubly close.”

      Something flickered in his expression, something involuntary, there and gone before she could identify it.

      They’d arrived at the restaurant, however, so she didn’t have time to dwell on it.

      Abigail made a few introductions, then left him in her brother’s company while she headed to the kitchen. She knew it was foolish to worry about how he’d fit in. Traveling as he did, Mr. Reynolds must be accustomed to finding himself in unfamiliar places with strangers for company.

      Still, she felt responsible for him while he was here.

      * * *

      Seth watched Abigail head to the kitchen and for just a moment felt as if he’d been set adrift. Strange how he’d become accustomed to her presence after such a short acquaintance.

      Which was absurd. He was used to being among strangers—in fact he normally preferred it. Strangers had little power to distract or disappoint you.

      “What do you think of Turnabout?”

      He turned to see it was Everett Fulton who’d addressed him. “From what I’ve seen so far, the place carries a certain small-town charm.”

      Everett smiled. “Quite different from Philadelphia, isn’t it? But it definitely has its fine points.”

      “Your sister indicated all four families here have ties to Judge Madison.”

      “We do. About five or so years ago, Judge Madison was instrumental in convincing the men in this group to move here from Philadelphia.”

      Which was information Miss Fulton had already provided. He’d hoped for a little more, so he tried a little prodding. “I suppose he was working to improve his granddaughter’s hometown even then.”

      Everett looked amused. “You could say that.” The door opened and Everett waved a hand. “Speaking of the judge’s granddaughter, she just walked in with her family. Come on, I’ll introduce you.”

      Regina Barr turned out to be a confident, interesting woman, with eyes that seemed to see more than the physical aspect of the person she was speaking to.

      “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she said as she shook his hand. “My grandfather has told me so much about you.”

      She released his hand and continued. “I’m sorry I didn’t greet you properly yesterday, but I’m glad you could join us today. I trust my grandfather was well the last time you saw him.”

      “Yes, ma’am. And he sends his best to you.”

      “In his letters to me, he speaks very highly of you, and my grandfather isn’t one to praise lightly.”

      Seth gave short bow. “You flatter me, ma’am. I have the utmost respect for your grandfather. He tells me you’re a talented photographer.”

      She nodded, acknowledging his compliment. “It’s something I enjoy.” Then she handed the child she’d been carrying to her husband and accepted the hamper he’d been carrying in return. “If you gentlemen will excuse me, I’m going to see if they need my help in the kitchen.”

      After that, the other members of the group arrived in rapid succession and Seth was introduced to each in turn.

      With practiced ease, the men rearranged the tables to form one long dining surface. After a moment’s hesitation, Seth set aside his cane and pitched in. He was always self-conscious about his ungainly gait when he walked unaided, but that was no excuse for not helping.

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