“It’s been fun—minus the rabid raccoon and, you know, the grand theft auto.”
He chuckled. “You made even those things worthwhile.”
She fell into those green eyes, her mouth going dry. She couldn’t even think, much less speak.
“I know this might seem sudden, but somehow it isn’t sudden at all.” His smile had fallen away, leaving a warm and wistful look on his face. “I love you, Allie Adams—I don’t think I ever stopped.”
Her heart skipped a beat at his words. He’d echoed her own thoughts so perfectly. How had she gone all these years without him?
“Oh, Luke. I love you too.”
The corners of his eyes relaxed, and his mouth curved as he leaned closer and brushed her lips with his. Soft and firm and gentle. Then he hovered over her for a moment, meeting her gaze, his breath a gentle whisper before he reclaimed her mouth.
He gathered her closer, and Allie wound both arms around him, her fingers finding home in the soft dark hair at his nape. She forgot to dance. Forgot to breathe. Forgot everything but the man in her arms. The man who’d always felt like hers.
When he finally drew away, he captured her face between his hands and gave her an intent look. “Best. Detour. Ever.”
She chuckled, warmth spreading its languid fingers throughout her. She caught her mom’s eyes across the floor where she danced with Allie’s father.
Mom gave her a wink.
“Um, I think they’re on to us,” Allie said.
Luke followed her gaze, then looked back to Allie. “I hope they approve. Because I intend to kiss their daughter a lot more.”
Allie gave him a saucy look. “Is that a fact?”
“Oh, it’s a fact.” He leaned toward her, and her lips tingled in anticipation.
But the chirp of a siren captured her attention. Darn those stupid sirens.
A sheriff’s car rolled to a stop in the drive—and right behind it was her grandparents’ shiny red ’57 Chevy.
“They found the car!” Allie said.
“Your old girl!” Gram said from across the dance floor.
“Your cold pearl?” Gramps said.
“No, your old girl!”
“You told Earl?”
“Look, old man!” Gram pointed to the Chevy.
“My old girl!” Gramps headed toward the car, dragging Gram along behind him.
Allie’s parents followed, as did the rest of the crowd. Allie started to follow, but Luke tugged her hand, pulling her back into his arms.
She looked up at him with questioning eyes.
“You know . . .” His mouth slid into a crooked grin. “As long as they’re occupied . . .”
Allie smiled and leaned in closer, love for him swelling like the grand finale of a concerto. “I like the way you think, Luke Fletcher.”
Epilogue
Allie had no idea where she was going tonight, but she knew what she was wearing. She slipped into her dress, pulled up the zipper, and glanced in the mirror. The dress was a gift from Luke and was a little, well, froufrou for her taste. But the pale pink complemented her skin tone, and let’s face it. She’d wear a burlap sack if he asked her to. She had no idea where he was taking her tonight; he wouldn’t give her even a hint.
She found her heels easily enough as she’d been making an effort to stay organized since her move back to Copper Creek. Long-distance dating had grown old quickly, and when a job had opened up at the local elementary school, Allie decided to move back home.
She’d started in late August and now, almost four months later, she was in love with her job and the little munchkins in her kindergarten class. She’d recently been asked to help the high school theater department with their production of A Christmas Carol. They were gearing up for opening night.
Best of all, working at the school, she got to see her niece and nephew on a daily basis. Olivia, too, as she headed up the PTA and volunteered for every fund-raiser and field trip.
She missed Charlotte, but the two of them had already met up twice, and they texted and called each other frequently. Allie was busy making new friends and reacquainting herself with old ones.
Her parents had really come around in the trust department. For Thanksgiving Allie had been asked to make the turkey. Just kidding. But she had been assigned the sweet potato casserole, which was the second most important dish. Okay, third. Whatever—it was better than napkins. Also, she’d made pumpkin pies with Olivia. Or rather, Olivia had made pies while Allie kept the rugrats occupied.
As she slipped her feet into the heels, Mary, Queen of Scots, slithered along her leg, back arching high. The cat had given her the cold shoulder for a solid four weeks after moving, but they were on good terms once again. Well. On queen-subject terms anyway.
“Well, hello, Your Highness.” Allie stroked Mary’s soft fur. “How do I look, huh? Fit for a six-month anniversary? What do you think?”
Mary turned indifferent eyes toward Allie, blinking slowly.
“If you’re nice, I’ll bring Walter over soon.”
Strangely, the furry beasties got along well. And by “got along well” she meant Walter napped in the corner while Mary pranced around, claiming the rest of her kingdom.
The doorbell rang, and Allie glanced at the clock. She was running a little late. She grabbed her glittery earrings and put them on as she walked to the door.
On the second ring she flung the door open and went mute at the sight of Luke in a navy suit. His dark hair was carefully combed, his jaw freshly shaved, and the look in his eyes made her lean in close. She brushed his lips with hers.
Mine. He’s all mine.
“You look beautiful,” he said against her mouth. Then he drew away, scanning her face as if to appreciate the view a little more.
She fingered the collar of his crisp suit coat. “And look at you. This must be some restaurant you’re taking me to.”
“We’re celebrating, after all.”
She smoothed her hands over her hips. “Thank you for the dress.”
“You look perfect. Are you ready to go?” He waved gallantly toward the parking lot. “Your chariot awaits.”
Her eyes fixed on the car, gleaming in the last light of the day.
Allie sucked in a breath, her gaze darting back to Luke’s. “I can’t believe they trusted us with it again.”
“I promised I’d keep the keys on my person at all times,” he said wryly.
Allie chuckled. “There’s not a storm on the horizon, is there?”
“The weather is clear—I checked.”
“Let’s go, then.” Allie grabbed her purse and wrap off the table. “Be good, Mary,” she called, but the cat was already sauntering away.
Allie locked up and drew her wrap around her against the cool evening air. She followed Luke to the car where he assisted her into the passenger seat.
“I have got to learn to drive a stick shift,” she muttered as he walked around the car.
Once Luke was behind the wheel, he started the engine and off they went. They chatted as he drove, about family and his business and her job. Conversation always flowed easily between them. Soon they were passing through downtown. Evergreen garlands spiraled up light poles, ornate wreaths adorned shop doors, and twinkle lights shimmered against picture windows. Good ol’ Copper Creek.