masculine men. They might give you a scare at first sight, seeing as
how they're both so ruggedlooking, but if you'll look in their eyes,
you'll see the kindness there and you'll get over your shivers then.
Both of those boys have real pretty blue eyes.' Jessica forced a smile
in an attempt to hide her nervousness. 'Why would I want to notice how
fine looking they are? ' Exasperated, Tilly put her hands on her hips
and made a tisking sound.
'Because now you have that little bit of a boy to see raised and it
wouldn't hurt you to have a strong man helping.' Jessica folded the
damp cloth and put it down on the countertop. 'I know you mean well,
but I don't. need a man to help me raise Caleb. We're doing just fine
the way we are.'
'Hogwash, ' Tilly said. 'I know you've got the spirit and the heart to
do right by that baby, but a man could ease the burden. That's all I'm
saying. If I were forty years younger, I'd go after one of them
myself.
I'd have a devil of a time deciding which one I wanted to put his shoes
under my bed, though. All I'm suggesting is that you notice, Jessica,
and I want you to notice too, Grace, because a good man would be the
answer to your family's prayers. Jessica, take that ribbon out of your
hair. It's lopsided.'
'Yes, ma'am, ' Jessica replied. She pulled the ribbon out and quickly
threaded her fingers through her curly brown tresses. She wasn't
trying to make herself attractive. She was simply placating Tilly.
'You've got such pretty hair, Jessica. You should show it off, and it
wouldn't kill you to do a little flirting while you're talking to
them.
I bet you don't even know how. You ought to try, though. Oh, I know
it's a serious matter they're here to discuss, but they're men first
and always, and they'll notice both of you. Grace, while you're
waiting your turn, you can take all those pins out of your hair and
give it a good brushing. Men like women to wear their hair down, not
pinned up like an old schoolmarm.' Jessica and Grace had learned that
it was pointless to argue. Tilly was in one of her stubborn,
I-know-what's-best moods.
Grace was smiling at Tilly, but Jessica noticed her cheeks were flushed
with embarrassment.
'I guess I should go on out, ' Jessica said.
'I guess you'd better, ' Tilly agreed. 'I'll take the baby upstairs as
