“Lucy, I’ve been sitting here thinking and I’ve just had this crazy idea,” Jolie said, leaning close to the table in her excitement and taking the heat off of Rowdy. “Would you consider teaching the boys a brief art class? Just a class or maybe two a week for five or six weeks?”
Startled by his sister-in-law’s proposal, Rowdy swung his head to the side and saw that Lucy was just as startled. Then her eyes lit up as if she’d just been plugged into an electric outlet.
“I’d love to do that!” she exclaimed.
He held in a groan and knew right then and there that he was in trouble. “But you have your hands full of projects,” he protested before he could stop himself. Every eye at the table slammed into him and he knew he should have kept his stinkin’ mouth shut.
Test me, oh Lord—there was no denying it. None at all. God obviously got a real kick out of giving exams.
* * *
What had she just done? Lucy toyed with the collar of her shirt. She’d just committed to teaching the boys of Sunrise Ranch art lessons. The very idea sent shock through her, but excitement at the same time. She was going to teach an art class. And she was going to do it for these boys. It hit her suddenly that maybe this was what she was looking for. What she needed right now, a way to make her feel as if she was making a difference—her way of giving something back. Of paying it forward, so to speak.
This was her shot. It would be great!
“Whoa, there, you mean we’re going to have to paint pictures?” The shock on Wes’s face equaled that of being told he was going to participate in a ballet and it brought her excitement up short.
Cowboys obviously didn’t do ballet or painting.
Joseph’s eyes widened with worry, too. And with the two obvious leaders of the group balking at the idea, looks of excitement began giving way to looks of skepticism.
“Some of the greatest artists in the world are men,” Lucy assured them, suddenly really wanting to do this. “Western art is a fantastic art form and I’d love to see if we have any future talent in this room with me.”
Jolie jumped in to help. “Fellas, you’ll have fun with this. Lucy and I will figure out projects you will enjoy. I promise.”
Wes got a twinkle in his eyes. “I think if we have to paint, then Lucy needs to have to help us in the wild-cow-milking competition.”
Excited chatter and agreements erupted about the room. Rowdy joined in the laughter beside her.
Well, she could have a good time, too. “Sure, I’d do that. I can learn to milk a cow.”
Nana had been fairly quiet during the conversation, clearly enjoying listening, but now she chuckled. “Lucy, you’re a good sport and true Sunrise Ranch material. But, to be fair, I think someone needs to explain the whole concept to you before you commit.”
“That might be a good idea,” Morgan agreed from across the table. “Jolie loves this sort of thing, but not all women do.”
Instantly the competitive side of Lucy lit up. She might not be as tall and athletically built as Jolie, but she was certain that she could milk a cow. How hard could it be? “I’m sure it will be fun,” she said.
“It is,” Jolie told her. “Still, Wes, maybe you should explain this since it was your idea.”