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Goosebumps trailed all over her body from head to toe. “You won’t get any complaints out of me.”
He dragged kisses along her jawline, making his way back to her mouth when the front door swung open then slammed shut once more. Luke broke away from her, though he kept one arm around her waist as he turned toward the intrusion.
Molly stood in the doorway, her mouth hanging open much like Luke’s had been a short while earlier. It wasn’t like she hadn’t seen them kiss before, but perhaps she hadn’t seen them so in the throes of a passionate kiss like this one.
Allie blushed.
Luke chuckled. “How’s your horse?”
Molly still gaped, her eyes darting from one to the other. Then her eyes narrowed. Allie wasn’t sure how she saw it, but she did. The young girl’s attention dipped briefly to Allie’s left hand then she gasped. “You asked her?” she demanded of her father.
Luke nodded.
“And?”
Allie laughed. “I said yes. I hope that’s—”
Molly squealed, kicked off her boots and darted through the room. Her arms wrapped around both Allie and Luke.
Allie blinked and met Luke’s eyes with surprise.
He shrugged, whispering, “I told her I wanted to ask you, but I wasn’t sure if you’d say yes.”
Molly tilted her face upward. “My Christmas wish came true.”
This time Luke appeared just as confused. “You mean Snowshoe?”
She shook her head. “No. That wasn’t what I wanted most of all.”
“Well what did you wish for?” Luke shot another puzzled look in Allie’s direction.
Molly glanced from him to Allie and back again. “My wish came true because Allie’s going to be my bonus mom. The wishing well came through after all. I was starting to wonder.”
Understanding filled Luke’s gaze and he nodded. The genuine smile he wore only made Allie’s stomach swirl with pure and utter joy. “Yes, she is and that wishing well is something else for sure,” he murmured. “I guess both of our Christmas wishes came true, Molly.”
Luke pulled his two favorite girls together into a big bear hug. He loved the feel of having a complete family and committing to it at Christmas seemed perfect.
“Can I be your maid of honor?” Molly blurted her question out, clearing thinking of the future.
“Hey now, Molly. That’s kind of rude. Allie gets to choose who she wants in the wedding and ask them. You’re jumping the gun a little.” Luke’s voice was firm but loving.
“I didn’t mean to be rude. I just want to wear a pretty dress and stand with you.”
“You’re not rude, sweetie. I think it would be a great idea for you to be my maid of honor. In fact, I insist on it. We’ll go shopping for dresses soon, okay?” Allie beamed at her soon to be step-daughter who was grinning from ear to ear.
EPILOGUE
The wedding was plannedfor the second week of April which would be the height of the bluebonnet blooming season. There was a concern that the blooming of the Texas state flower might be stunted this year because of the Christmas snowstorm. But the hearty blooms were bolder and more beautiful than Allie had ever seen them. Her heart sang when she saw the meadow on Luke’s property where the bluebonnets grew—the very spot their wedding would be held.
Today Allie was on a mission. She had three very important things to do. Her first stop was at The Local Table. She waved to the front desk hostess and then the bartender as she headed to Pippa’s office.
She knocked on the door briskly then opened it wide. “So you know there’s going to be a wedding in a few months. April 10this the actual day.”
Pippa smiled as she nodded looking up from her computer screen. “Yes, I’ve heard something about that.” Tilting her head slightly she added, “It should be a lovely affair.”
“That’s the plan. And that’s where you come in. We’d like to have the reception here. Would you consider closing for the night and helping me come up with a menu? Something really special and decadent.”
Pippa jumped up from her chair and ran to hug her best friend. “I’d love to do that! You’re going to be my sister so of course I’ll do it!”
