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Annie was entertaining the chubby little guy—the spitting image of Bobby at that age—with baby toys, while Charlie made silly faces and sounds to make him laugh.
“You’ll be a wonderful mom for them, Jolie. They love you already.” He lifted an eyebrow. “And maybe someday...”
The sparkle in his eyes filled her heart with joy.
They’d talked about hoping to add a baby or two to their family—something she’d always dreamed of but had never thought possible.
Who knew that at the age of thirty-three, she’d finally meet her perfect match?
Matt walked over to greet his brother, so Jolie went to join Mandy and the children.
“I’m so happy,” Mandy exclaimed. “Now Connor, Annie and Charlie will be cousins. Real family, like I always wanted.”
“And what you have always deserved, sweetheart. Now you can build a good life for you and Connor.”
Mandy and Bobby’s eyes met. Held.
They were both almost twenty now, and had told everyone that they were taking everything slow.
But Jolie had seen the love in their eyes and had glimpsed a pretty gold promise ring on a chain around Mandy’s neck.
She suspected that a wedding might eventually be in their future.
Jolie smiled down at him. “How is college going? I haven’t seen you since you came home from school to be here today.”
“Great.” Bobby grinned. “I figured I’d be partying all the time, but I actually like my classes a lot, and—” his gaze drifted over to Megan. “I’m studying all the time, instead. My Ag Business degree should help when Thea and I take over management of the ranch.”
So Bobby had finally started growing up...an answer to her heartfelt prayers. He was certainly devoted to his little boy.
“I’m really proud of you.” She ruffled his dark hair. “It takes a real man to be a great dad, and I know you will be.”
She turned to Mandy. “How do you like your new apartment?”
“My first week there has been a dream come true.” Her eyes shone with tears. “I can never express how grateful I am for staying with you all that time. But having a place of my own isamazing!Everything is so fresh and new. And that alcove is perfect for studying when the baby is sleeping.”
She was receiving ample child support, so she could focus on Connor and her initial nursing school classes online. A happy ending after such a hard life. Though her dad, clearly facing multiple charges, had taken off and hadn’t been seen since early summer.
“I’m glad you have a good place to study, because my practice is growing. When you receive a degree you’ll always have a job with me, if you want it.”
Matt reappeared at Jolie’s side. “Your dad just arrived, so we can get started.”
Jolie stared across the meadow as Robert stepped out of his old Cadillac and rounded the front bumper to open the passenger side door for Beth.
When she looped her arm through his, Jolie’s mouth dropped open. “What is this?” she whispered.
“Progress.” Thea appeared at Jolie’s side and rolled her eyes. “I thought it would never happen.”
“But—”
Thea laughed. “Beth turned in her notice last week. She said she was moving to California, and our dad apparently realized how much he depends on her. More than that—how much he actually cares about her, but would never admit to himself.”
Jolie turned to stare at her sister.“Finally.But what does this mean?”
“Not anything rash, I’m sure. But I think they’ve both had feelings they’ve never addressed. Maybe this will give them time to figure things out. Who knows?” Thea’s grin widened. “Maybe we’ll end up with a new stepmother someday.”
Jolie gave her a quick hug, then took Matt’s hand and tipped her head toward the pastor of the Community Church and the small gathering at the edge of the meadow. “Ready?”
“I’ve been ready since the day we met. I love you, Jolie. More than you will ever know.”
She rested a hand against his beloved face and nearly melted at the love in his eyes. She drew him into a long sweet kiss. “And I love you even more.”
And then they walked together toward the waiting crowd.
