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Jacob cleared his throat. “I officially want to welcome the newest member of the O’Connell family. I know there hasn’t been a wedding yet, but I also know there will be one soon. Ember. Welcome to the Three Oaks Ranch.”
“Thank you, Jacob.”
Everyone took a drink and Jake glanced at her. “Actually, we do have a date set.” The boys grinned while Sage sat on the ottoman in front of Jacob’s chair. “February second.”
Jacob laughed. “You never were one to drag your feet.”
Jake nodded. “Don’t see any reason to. If we were in Schaeffer Mills, we’d probably be married already. Or as married as we could be with me not having an identity.”
Genny went to them and hugged them both, then wiped at her eyes. “I’m really happy for you.”
Jake took her hand. “We owe it all to you, Gen.”
She shook her head. “There’s no way you would’ve gone on not remembering. And Embernever would’ve let that one dead-end stop her from finding you. I just made it all happen a little faster.”
Sage stood. “Okay. Time for a couple of songs. She picked up a guitar leaning against the old upright piano and brought it to Jake. He set his eggnog down and took it from her, then she went to sit at the piano. She started playing Joy To The World, and Jake joined in on the guitar.
Ember smiled and joined in as the rest of the family began singing. They all sang except Jake. Sage had a beautiful voice. And Jacob was pretty good, too. She, Sawyer, Genny, and J.T. could carry a tune, but they were definitely out sung by Sage and Jacob.
Sage and Jake played several more songs, then Jake set the guitar aside. “Okay. Time to call it a night.”
Jacob yawned. “Yeah. It’s late and I’ve had a touch too much eggnog.”
Jake smiled. “We all have, Dad. Except for maybe Sage and Ember.”
Sawyer laughed. “Yeah. Lightweights.”
Jake looked at Genny. “Maybe you should stay here tonight.”
“I’m fine, Jake. I only had three glasses over four hours. And my house is three miles down the road.”
“Okay.” He stood, took a moment to steady himself, then went and gave her a hug. “Drive careful.”
“Good thing you’re not driving anywhere.” She kissed the kids and Jacob, then hugged Ember. “Have a good night.”
Sage kissed Jake on the cheek and smiled at Ember. “Goodnight.”
Ember returned her smile. “Goodnight, Sage.”
Sawyer said his good-nights and followed Sage up the stairs.
Jake took Ember’s arm. “Let’s get you home.”
She smiled at him. “By let’s, does that mean you’re coming with me?”
“Yes.”
“I’m driving.”
“That’s fine.”
They went out the front door with J.T., and he headed for his loft as they walked to Ember’s car. Jake got into the passenger seat and grinned at her as she got in behind the wheel.
“That eggnog will sneak up on you.”
“You did have several glasses.”
“I love eggnog.”
