before five so could easily bring you in on a Thursday."
"Wonderful. That's settled, then. See you in a few days." Pastor Ben smiled and then turned to greet the next parishioner.
"I think that's a great idea for you," Colleen said as they walked out of the church.
"I'm happy that he suggested it. Would you want to join me?"
Colleen laughed at the thought of it. "You'll note that he invited you, not me, to join. There's a reason for that. I can't hit a note on tune if I try. I'm happy to listen to those who can, though, and enjoy it immensely."
Brianna smiled. "Okay, you do have a point there. Plus, my being out will give you and David some private time together." She did worry a bit about being in their way.
"Don't be silly. I'm just so happy that you're here." Colleen pulled her in for a hug and Brianna relaxed. She was happy to be there, too.
----
D inner at the Donovans’ was exactly as the girls had described it in their letters. It was a large, lively group and Brianna enjoyed meeting all of them, even though she knew she would get some of their names mixed up. She'd always been terrible at remembering people's names and there were so many of them.
"It can be a little overwhelming. A cup of tea might help?" Naomi was by her side holding out a cup of hot tea, which Brianna gratefully accepted.
Brianna smiled. "Thank you. It is a little over-whelming, but in a good way. You're all so welcoming. I really appreciate it."
"Well, I know it can't be easy, moving clear across the country. But, it's worked out very well for the other girls." She smiled and then added, "I heard that you met Paul the other day?"
"Yes, he and David came into the pub while we were there having lunch. That was a nice surprise."
Naomi looked at her closely. "A mother is not supposed to have favorites, but if I did, Paul would be at the top of the list. He's a good boy. He's smart, loyal, funny, and very sweet and thoughtful. It's time for him to settle down, and I really hope that he meets the right girl soon. I'd like to see you get to know each other better."
"I'd like that, too," Brianna said. She thought it was cute that Naomi was quite obviously trying to play matchmaker and was flattered that she seemed to think that she might be worthy of her favorite son’s attention. She really wasn't ready to think about any man that way, not yet, but it wouldn't hurt to get to know Paul better and it might be nice to enjoy a little male attention. That she could do.
"Okay, everyone, dinner is served." Naomi gathered them all into the large room and indicated that Brianna sit next to her. Paul was sitting immediately on her left and Naomi was on her right. Brianna couldn't help but smile. Naomi was being a bit obvious but still it was sweet. Paul didn't seem to mind his mother's meddling. Once they were seated, he turned his attention to Brianna. "How are you settling in? What do you think of Bozeman so far?"
"I really like it. Everyone has been so friendly and from what I've seen of the town so far, Bozeman is lovely. It's actually a bit easier being here than I thought it would be."
"It is a growing town," Paul agreed. "There has been an influx of building and people moving to the area. The land is great for farming."
"Colleen said that's what you and David do, and that you work together, pooling your resources?"
"That's right. We keep busy."
"It sounds like you enjoy the work?"
Paul smiled. "I love it. Both David and I do. We grew up farming and it was always understood that we would take on our own farms. We learned everything from my father and we continue to try and improve."
"It is beautiful here. It's very different from Boston."
Paul frowned. "Do you miss it much? Boston, that is."
"I do miss some things about it. I miss my friends that are still there and I miss being able to walk all around the city. I loved to meet my friends at the bank of the Charles River, and watch the boats go by."
"That's definitely something you