They were headed to church, to be followed by a church picnic. He’d gone to a number of these when he’d been a child, and when he lived with his brother’s family for the past two years. This would be the first time he attended services and a picnic in Calliope’s church. He pushed away from the wagon and smiled as his wife hurried out the door. She wore a pink and white gingham dress, with a while shawl, and something fancy on her head that he was sure she called a hat. Pulling on white gloves as she neared him, she said, “We need to hurry. Service starts in a little more than a half hour.” “You look pretty.” She came to an abrupt halt and stared at him. “Oh. Thank you.” Then a slow flush crawled up her face from her neck. Unable to help himself, he drew her into his arms and gave her a kiss. Nothing like the kiss he’d given her three days ago when she’d been feeling the results of the whiskey. But, all the same, it was a definite joining of lips. He attempted to have her open for him, but she pulled back.
