Homespun Bride

Jillian Hart 231time ago and decided to sell only this morning.” Dorian’sdark eyes twinkled. “I thought of you right away.”And of a sure sale, if what he said of the land wastrue, Thad thought. “Which piece is it? Is it close totown?”“It’s the northeast quarter section right at the falls.”His pulse skipped five beats. He almost dropped thecoats. Had he heard that right? “Did you say at the falls,not below it?”“That’s what I said, son. Prime land and it’s at theprice you want.”Noelle. He could see her through the crowded room.His gaze went to her as inexorably as snow to winterand the stars to the night. Emotion closed up his throatso tight, he couldn’t speak for a spell.“I gave you first crack at it.” Dorian hitched up hisfine black suspenders. “Do you need time to think itover?”“No. That’s one piece of land I’ve always wanted toown. Never thought I could.” His heart full, he didn’tlift his gaze from her, from his Noelle.If he could have one dream, why not another?“Then stop by the office first thing tomorrow andwe’ll make it legal. You have yourself a good evening,son.” Dorian, sounding pleased with himself, returnedto the back porch.Thad stood stock-still, unable to move, unable toblink. She was at their small table, interested in somethingMa was saying to her. There were so many thingshe wanted to remember about her on this fateful night.The way lamplight shone like liquid red satin against thehighlights in her hair. The curve of her face was delicateperfection, and the slope of her dainty nose just right.