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Juniper stepped into him and wrapped her arms around his neck. She held him, and he took comfort in the warmth of her touch. The way her fingers curled into his hair.
“And that’s why you don’t like the summertime much, or your birthday. It reminds you of that time?”
He gave a stiff nod. “Now with Pop gone it’s just another reason to bury my head in business and wait until summer blows over and everyone is back from the barbecues, beach parties and boating for another year. My lack of consideration for my family almost lost us a brother and my parents a son. Now I don’t take that for granted. I’ll do anything to protect them. Some things are more of a hardship than others though.”
Juniper stayed quiet, but he could see her mind turning his words over.
“After that night as I stood over my brother’s hospital bed battered and fighting for his life, I prayed, swore and pleaded that if my brother made it through, I would keep my focus and protect my family no matter what.”
“And you lost interest in dating, I presume?”
“And why my father saw fit to step in. Or at least that’s the only thing I can come up with. I’d sure like a chance to ask him a couple of questions about that, but I’ll just have to make due knowing the family will be okay.”
She stepped out of his arms.
“Did you ever think he had something else in mind completely?”
That made him real around. “Like what?”
She joined him by the rail.
“How close to when he passed away did he change his will?”
“Three weeks from the date the lawyer gave me.”
“I think he knew he didn’t have long.” She softly touched his arm and lowered her voice. Her enticing scent filled him with calmness. She held his gaze and gathered her thoughts.
“Marshall, what if your father’s actions were to help you heal? Help you find peace and happiness? And I think he wanted to give you something to smile about on your birthday. He wanted to give back something to his oldest son the only way he knew how. I’m not saying it was right, or that he knew best, but his heart was in it for you.”
He didn’t know what to say to that. His chest tightened, and it suddenly became very hard to breathe.
“It’s getting dark—we should head back.”
Her words hit a chord he never anticipated.
“I’m sorry, did I say something wrong?” He’d never forgive himself for the pained look in her eyes.
“Not at all, sweetheart. Not at all.” Darkness crept in and they were alone. He led her back down the Wish Alley, unable to appreciate the beauty of the lights that now glittered in the dusk.
Halfway through the alley, he pulled them to a stop.
“Juniper, I wouldn’t change a thing. Meeting you and your family has been the best thing to happen to me in a long time. I want you to know that.”
She didn’t say anything, only reached out and hugged him close.
“It was all worth it if those around us are safe. I understand. And if the magic of this place warmed you to enjoying life a little more, then that’s all I could ever hope for.”
∞∞∞
JUNIPER GRABBED A TISSUE and dabbed at her eyes. After Marshall had dropped her off last night she’d placed the final touches to her dress. It was more than a dream. White silk, delicate lace neckline that dipped to show a sexy hint of cleavage and intricate golden embroidery work around the hem.
Only two days until she slipped into the silky confines of the dress and walked down the aisle.
She’d spoken with her father over the phone and he’d vowed to be the one to walk her down the aisle.
Her phone buzzed from her desk and Jon’s name read across the screen.
“Hey Jon, did all the shipments come in this morning?” From Houston, she had mailed place settings, tablecloths, floral arrangements to be stored in refrigeration, and champagne betting on him saying yes to her request
