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Dear Lord, one of these days, I would like to find someone who’ll sweep me off my feet. I haven’t been ready to plunge into the dating world, but with every day that passes by, I think I’m getting closer. Could you please make him tall and handsome and a good dancer? And this time around, could you let my brothers approve of him and not give him a hard time?

Was she ready for God to point someone in her direction? She believed so. It had been so long since she’d had romantic feelings for someone or even gone out on a romantic date. Being burned in the past by love wasn’t a strong enough reason anymore to stay single. And after seeing how thoroughly Joshua had moved on with his own life, she was determined to follow suit.

Thanks to Jasper, her brothers, as well as Declan and Finn, had been apprised of the injunction she had filed against the Ransom brothers. They had invited her to a little celebration at the Moose Café. Although she felt a little bit guilty about celebrating Joshua’s misfortune, Honor was now being hailed as a conquering hero. The niggling sensation in the pit of her stomach sure didn’t feel like victory.

“Let’s raise a mug of hot chocolate to Honor!” Cameron said in a triumphant voice as he raised his drink high in the air.

Everyone joined in, shouting her name and offering her congratulations. She looked around the table. Her nephew, Aidan—Liam and Ruby’s son—had a whipped cream mustache that made her grin. He was sitting next to his best friend, Oliver, Finn’s stepson from his marriage to Maggie Richards. Finn had recently adopted Oliver, so he was now Oliver O’Rourke. Grace was giving baby Eva a bottle as Boone sat beside her, while Liam was sitting back in his chair as Ruby rested her head against his shoulder. Even Jasper and Hazel looked peaceful and content. As much as they fussed and feuded with one another, Honor knew their love story was epic. Cameron’s wife, Paige, was gently blowing on her daughter Emma’s hot cocoa, making sure it wasn’t too hot for the toddler.

Honor felt a sense of pride as she gazed upon the members of her family. Finn and Declan O’Rourke and their wives, Maggie and Annie, were honorary members of the Prescott brood. And Sophie was also, along with her husband, Noah Catalano. This should be enough, she realized. A fantastic family and great friends who showered her with love and affection. She was an auntie several times over. If she never met the man of her dreams, she would still be loved. Always.

Liam began to loudly clink his mug with a spoon. “Attention! Attention!” he called out. “Since we’re all gathered here celebrating Honor’s brilliant move to protect this town, Ruby and I wanted to make an announcement.” There was a feeling of expectation hovering in the air. Everything stilled and hushed.

Ruby smiled at her husband, then swung her gaze around the table. “We’re expecting a baby!” she announced.

A deafening roar erupted at the table. Everyone began hooting and hollering. Jasper was yelling louder than anyone. Grace made a point to cover baby Eva’s ears.

Honor got up from her seat and made her way to her b

rother’s side. She threw her arms around his neck. “Oh, Liam, I’m so happy for all of you. You must be over the moon about it.”

Liam grinned, making him look even more handsome. “I’m thrilled. We’ve been blessed with such abundance. I didn’t dare to hope for more.” He shrugged. “But the good Lord saw fit to add to our family.”

“He sure did,” Honor said. “No two people deserve it more than you and Ruby. You’re wonderful parents.” After everything the couple had endured when Ruby was presumed dead in an avalanche, Honor couldn’t be more overjoyed for their incredible news. It had taken them years to find their way back to one another, but their love had endured adversity.

“I can’t wait till it happens for you,” Liam said, squeezing her hand. “You’re so supportive of everyone else’s happy news.”

“From your lips to God’s ears,” she said in a teasing voice. “I think I’m ready to move forward in that area.”

“Good,” Liam said. “It’s about time.”

Boone stood up and raised his mug. “Now, let’s make a toast to Ruby and Liam. And big-brother-to-be, Aidan. May your new addition be healthy and happy.” Aidan was grinning from ear-to-ear.

The café was filled with joy and euphoria. It had turned into the perfect family night. A cell phone rang out amidst the chaos.

“Sorry, I’m on call at the clinic,” Liam said, holding up his phone and walking away from the table.

“I can’t believe I’m going to be a great-grandfather again,” Jasper said, rubbing his grizzled jaw. “It seems like just yesterday I was sledding with Boone, Liam and Cameron on Cupid’s Hill when they were little tykes.”

“I want to go sledding!” Aidan cried out. “Can you take me, Jasper?”

Hazel shook her head. “Aidan. Jasper might break a hip if he takes you sledding.” She leaned in toward him and said in a loud whisper, “He’s not as young as he thinks he is.”

Jasper shook a finger at Hazel. “I heard that. A person is only as old as they feel.”

“So you’re one hundred and five,” Hazel cracked, throwing her head back in laughter. Jasper frowned at his wife, but his lips twitched with amusement.

Liam rushed back to the table, his expression tense and full of concern.

“Guys, I’ve got to head over to the clinic.” His gaze swung toward Honor. “It seems Joshua Ransom’s daughter took a bad fall. He’s on his way into town with the child right now.”

Honor jumped up from her seat and walked over toward Liam. Her pulse was skittering. She couldn’t imagine how frantic Joshua would be under these circumstances. Violet was his entire world.

“Is it bad?” she asked.

Liam’s expression was grim. “I’m not sure. I need to head over right now. I want to be at the clinic when he arrives.”

“I’m coming with you, Liam,” she said.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
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