Gladly. Anything to keep thoughts of Houston from flooding her mind. “Because the CWAOF is the recipient of the proceeds from the Christmas Eve Ball this year, I asked if our members could help with the planning and preparations. My offer was readily accepted, so if any of you would like to volunteer, let me know, and I’ll pass on your interest.”
Miss Spanner splayed a hand against her chest. “I’m not one to boast, but I do have an artistic eye and would be delighted to head up the decorating committee.”
Coralee nodded. “Very well. I’ll let them know.”
The next few minutes passed in a blur, with the other members discussing ways they might be able to help. Velma brought the meeting to a close. The ladies thanked Coralee for hosting it, bid her farewell, and headed to the carriage they’d shared.
All but Meribeth, who lingered on the porch. “I’ll be along shortly. I have a private matter to discuss with Coralee.”
Velma smiled. “That’s fine, dear.”
Meribeth waited until the other women were out of earshot before speaking. “You didn’t know he was back, did you? What are you going to do about it?”
“Nothing.”
Her friend’s voice was laced with concern. “Are you going to his party?”
“Certainly not. Why should I?”
“I don’t think it would be wise, actually, but I thought you might be curious to see if he’s changed.”
Was she? Perhaps. But that didn’t mean she would go running to see him at the first opportunity. Their paths would cross at some point, they’d exchange a few polite words, and then they’d go their separate ways. Live their separate lives. “I’m sure Calvin will attend, but I’ll stay here with Daddy. Are you going?”
“I’ll be at home with Michael and my footrest. My poor ankles are more swollen than the Sabinal River after the rains. But if you change your mind, stop by when you’re in town and tell me all about it. How you’re immune to his charms now.” Meribeth narrowed her eyes. “You are, aren’t you?”
“Of course. Houston Hart means nothing to me now.”
And he never would. She’d learned her lesson.
Chapter Three
A quick search for Calvin the following afternoon found Coralee standing outside the pen where he kept his prize bull when it wasn’t out grazing. Her brother slipped through the rails to stand beside her. He removed his Stetson and fanned himself with it. “What’s up, sis?”
She brought up Houston’s return, the welcome-home barbecue they’d been invited to, and her intention to remain at home with their father.
Calvin put his hat back on. “I’m going, and so will you. How would it look if you didn’t show up?”
Like she had no interest in seeing Houston again. Which she didn’t.
“I know things between you two didn’t end well, but the Harts carry a lot of weight around here. So, whether you want to go or not, I’m counting on you to be there.”
She placed her hands on her hips and lifted her chin. “I’m not a child for you to order around, Calvin. I’m a grown woman, in case you hadn’t noticed.”
“I’ve noticed all right. I also know you’re headstrong, but that’s good. You can show Houston you’ve moved on with your life.”
She hadn’t thought about it that way. Her absence might send the message that she was afraid to face him, but if she was there and gave him a wide berth, he’d see that he’d ceased to mean anything to her. “Fine. I’ll go, but I won’t stay any longer than I have to.”
“Good. And if Houston gives you any trouble, let me know. I won’t have him upsetting you again.”
Her brother’s protectiveness warmed her. She could fend for herself, but it was nice to know Calvin cared.
Two hours later Coralee sat at her dressing table. She draped a ringlet over her shoulder just so and studied her reflection in the looking glass. The time Sally had spent with the curling wands had resulted in springy spirals, just the way Coralee liked them. The blue silk she’d chosen complemented her fair complexion and dark hair. “What do you think, Sally? Will I do?”
“You look real fine, Miss C. You can be sure that as purty as you are, Mr. Houston will notice. He’ll like what he sees, too.”
Coralee puffed out a breath. “I did not dress to please him.”
“I should hope not. That boy done burned his bridges years ago.”
He’d done more than that. He’d cut too deeply into her heart, leaving a wound that refused to heal. There was now an impassable chasm where the road to his friends and family once lay. He was on one side, she the other. And that’s how it would remain.
Sally pulled the curling irons from the stove to cool. “It will serve him right to see what he could have had if he’d treated you like the gem you are.”
Although Coralee appreciated the loyal maid’s support, she’d worked hard to forgive Houston. She still had a ways to go, but there was satisfaction in knowing she wasn’t the impressionable young girl he’d left behind, apt to be swept away by a few compliments, should they come her way. “You’re a dear. You know that, right?”
The kindly woman chuckled. “I just says what I think.”