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A twinge of guilt seemed to slip through the cracks and penetrate his heart, but he reminded himself he was allowed to find love again. Shellie would always be a part of him, but she would have wanted him to be happy.
There was a knock at the door and Pippa’s head whipped around in that direction. “Have you told Brent yet? Jackie?”
“No. I should probably do so, though, right?”
The door opened and he could hear his brother’s voice welcoming Allie into their home.
Pippa’s pinched expression told all. “It might be too late for that. I’d just make sure to pull him aside and tell him not to be dumb.”
Luke shook his head. “I think if I say that, he’s going to do everything in his power to be just that. You know what he was like when I brought Shellie home.”
“But this is Allie,” Pippa insisted. “He should be cool.”
Luke didn’t have much faith in Brent. He was still his brother and as such, felt entitled to provide just enough embarrassment to keep Luke humble. He moved out of the dining room and headed toward the front of the house, coming across Allie all by herself. He glanced over her shoulder, expecting Brent to be close behind but saw no one. “They’re just letting you wander the premises unchaperoned, are they?”
She grinned at him but before she could utter a word, he tugged her into the hall closet. Luke pulled her close, kissing her and melting from her touch. His whole body reacted to her nearness, to her scent.
“I’ve missed you,” he murmured against her neck.
Allie exhaled, her face lifting upward. “I saw you yesterday.”
“I know, and it’s been too long.” He pulled back and gazed at her. “You’re so beautiful.” Luke brushed a strand of hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear.
She tilted her head, her eyes shining. The way she looked at him made his heart do several flips in succession. It had been far too long since he’d felt this way.
“You don’t have any idea what you do to me.”
Her smile widened and she placed her hand against his cheek. “I think I do a little bit.”
Luke leaned into her palm then turned his face to kiss it in the center. “I told Pippa about us,” he whispered. Allie didn’t react quite like he was expecting her to. There wasn’t even a degree of shock in her eyes. He lifted his brows. “That doesn’t seem to surprise you.”
“I can’t expect you to keep your relationships secret from your family.”
“And I didn’t expect you to keep it from your friend, but I’ve never seen Pippa so excited about something. Clearly you hadn’t told her yet.” Luke chuckled. “I figured it was time to let them all know.”
That was the one thing that did stir up some astonishment. Allie pulled back and even in the dim lighting he could see she was unsure about something. “You’re going to tell Molly?”
“I don’t see why not. She’s old enough. And she’s already attached to you. I don’t think we’d be doing any additional damage, do you?”
She shook her head slowly. “I guess you’re right.” Her eyes drifted away from his face and he had to take ahold of her chin to get her to look at him directly.
“Is everything okay?”
Allie’s smile materialized once more at her lips. “Of course. Everything is wonderful. This is just the next step.”
“Yeah,” he murmured. “And I’m glad I’m taking it with you.” He brushed a kiss to her temple, pulling her in for one more hug. “We should probably get out there. Pippa’s gonna want to see you, I’m certain of it.”
“You mean we can’t hide in this closet forever?”
He chuckled. “If only.”
Luke pushed the door open all the way, the crack of light growing wider. They slipped out into the hallway, fortunately not getting caught by anyone. Allie headed for the kitchen, and he released her hand as he made his way toward the living room where a game of football was blaring on the television.
Before he even entered the room, he heard his sister’s squeals in the kitchen. Luke shook his head even as the joy filled his entire body. Allie belonged with his family. That much was certain. Something told him she’d always belonged here and he had simply been wasting his time until he’d realized it.
Brent shot up from where he was seated on the couch and let out a groan. “Come on, coach! Take Carter out!” He raked his hands through his hair then threw them in the air with another groan.
“Not playing so hot today?” Luke muttered as he moved farther into the living room.
