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“Yeah, I can see that.” Rhy stepped closer. “Sounds like the two of you are perfect for each other.”
Joe eyed him warily. “Does that mean you’re giving us your blessing?”
“Yeah, it does. Elly deserves a guy like you, Kingsley.” Rhy lightly punched him in the arm. “Like I said before, though, don’t hurt her.”
“Never,” he promised.
Rhy nodded and turned away, heading into the building for real this time.
“Ignore him,” Elly said, then grinned. “Except for the part where we’re perfect for each other.”
That made him laugh. “I can appreciate how Rhy and your other siblings care about you, Elly.” He gazed into her eyes. “But I love you for the woman you are. Strong, brave, smart, and courageous.” He paused, then added, “Let’s not forget stubborn. Very, very stubborn.”
“I love you too, Joe.” She hugged him. “It takes a strong man to take on the Finnegan family.”
“The Finnegans don’t scare me,” he murmured, then lowered his mouth to capture hers in a deep kiss.
For long moments, he cradled her close, basking in the glow of Elly’s love. He broke off the kiss when she shivered in the chilly breeze.
“Let’s get you back inside,” he said. “It’s cold out here.”
“Okay, but you haven’t answered my question.” She kept her arm around his waist as they headed inside.
“What question?” Kissing her had robbed him of all thought. Especially when all he wanted was to kiss her again.
“Will you please come to our Christmas family reunion this upcoming Saturday?” She tightened her arm around his waist. “I love you, Joe. And I want you to be there as we celebrate the birth of Jesus with the entire extended family.”
“Yes, Elly, I’d be honored.” He’d do anything for her, even facing the entire Finnegan and Callahan family in one fell swoop.
Anything, for love.
EPILOGUE
Christmas Day...
Elly glanced around the Finnegan homestead one last time, satisfied with the Christmas decorations. The entire Finnegan family was there, and the Callahans would be arriving at any moment.
“What else do you need?” Joe asked, coming over to stand beside her. He’d been overly protective all morning as she’d made preparations for the reunion, barely letting her lift a plate or cup. He also stole a kiss or two under the mistletoe.
She wasn’t complaining. She’d seen him often this past week and loved him more every day.
“How are things outside?” Elly asked.
“Tent is in place, tables are set up, and warmers are on. It’s not bad out there,” Joe admitted. “Thankfully, the weather today is milder than usual.”
“Great. The food is all set in the kitchen.” She wanted the entire family to gather in the main living area at first but knew they wouldn’t be able to sit inside comfortably for long. The house wasn’t that big.
The doorbell rang. Elly grinned at Joe before hurrying over to answer it.
“Hi, Marc, oh, you must be Kari,” Elly greeted the oldest Callahan sibling and his wife. “And Max and Maggie,” she added, smiling at the shy five-year-old boy and the three-year-old girl.
“Elly, it’s wonderful of you to have us over.” Kari placed a hand on her round, pregnant belly. “We’ve been looking forward to this reunion for months.”
“Me too.” Elly gestured for them to come inside. “Please, make yourselves at home. Oh, and this is Joe Kingsley.” She hesitated, then added self-consciously, “My boyfriend.”
Joe led them to the rest of the family members, where more introductions were made. Most of the siblings knew the Callahans from the way they’d helped out over the past year, but their spouses and children were new to the group.
Matthew and Lacy were the next to arrive, with their son Rory and a brand-new baby girl named Olivia. Matt’s K-9 Duchess trotted straight to Caleb, pressing her nose against the little boy she’d help find months ago.
