APRIL 4 , 1861

Grace smiled to Lilly as she walked her over to the mirror. "Now I still have more alterations to do on it. Be honest and let me know if you want me to make any changes."

Lilly looked in the mirror and tears came to her eyes "Oh Grace, it's so beautiful." Lilly looked over the off white long sleeved floor length gown. The sleeves and dress were fringed in lace, and Grace had put a small train on the dress as well.

Grace smiled and looked it over "so do you like it?"

"I love it!" Lilly hugged her, "Thank you, thank you so much."

Grace was looking over Lilly's shoulder when she saw Charlie enter the store followed by Javier. She pushed Lilly behind her, "Go to the back room. Javier can't see you in the dress." She shuffled Lilly into the back room and scolded Charlie and Javier as she did, "You knew she was trying on her dress Javier shame on you! And shame on you, too, Charlie Montgomery." She
tried to frown at them as she walked back out.

Charlie grinned "Shame on me for what? Javier got curious is all."

Javier smiled "Yes, I need to try on my suit anyways."

Grace tried to frown but forced a smile when Charlie winked at her.

Lilly came back out of the room and walked over to Javier. "I thought I told you to wait at the restaurant." She tried to scold him.

The four stood and talked for a bit after Javier had tried on his suit. Lilly brought up the rodeo. Charlie watched as Grace's eyes lit up. "Ike was telling me about that when we rode to town this morning. I think it sounds interesting I can't wait to watch it. I've never been to one before."

Charlie shifted around a bit as he watched Grace talk, "I'm going to participate," he blurted out.

"Really?" Grace smiled to him.

"I'm going to enter in a few events myself." Javier said.

Lilly looked horrified. "Javier, it's too close to the wedding. I don't want you breaking a leg!"

"Relax, Lilly, no one's going to break a leg." Javier smiled. "Besides, it's for a good cause, and if I win an event, that gives us some money to start saving for a place of our own."

"I guess you're right." Lilly sighed.

Lilly and Javier watched as Charlie smiled at Grace and thanked her. Then he left the store.

Charlie took Grace's hand and kissed it, "My dear would you do me the honor of allowing me to escort you to lunch? I prepared one of your favorite dishes."

Grace looked at him curiously, "How do you know what my favorite dishes are?"

"My dear," he offered his arm, "I make it a point to find out all I can about you. And I find myself being even more intrigued by the day."

Grace blushed and took his arm and smiled as he put the �Out to Lunch� sign in the window.