“That’s what I’d like to have here,” Mike said. “The old barn would be a great spot for a sporting goods store.”
“Coupled with an excursion company, that would be amazing.” John touched Mike’s arm as he expanded on the other man’s point.
“Great ideas,” Wade said in an exhale. “Hope we can talk tomorrow. I’d like to hear more about your ideas. Aunt Betty, you’re a good one for bringing people together. John, Mike, good to meet. Stick with my aunt; she’ll see you happy.” He stepped to Mrs. D and kissed her cheek. She patted his. He glanced down at Irene, who touched the necklace he’d given her, as if it were an extension of him. “I think I need some moments alone with Irene, if you’ll excuse us.”
Mrs. D raised her brows, but only nodded, while John and Mike echoed Wade’s words, smiles restored. Wade grasped her hand. She didn’t need a proxy for him—he was right here, and they could be together. The room bustled now, anticipation high as they waited for the ceremony to start in what used to be the big parlor near the dining room.
“I could use some air.” Wade’s breath was warm on her ear. She zinged with his closeness. “Will you join me?”
“Happy to.” And she was.
They walked to the porch, wending their way through the crowd of other guests. People started to move toward the parlor, so she and Wade didn’t have much time.
The white expanse before them, and the warmth on the porch, with its heat lamps and rocking chairs, and bright hardy flowers, drew her gaze until Wade touched her cheek. They faced each other, standing on one end of the house, the chamber music providing a romantic soundtrack to this unexpected moment.
She looked at him, and he met her gaze, creating a stronger connection.
“I’m sorry,” Wade said. “It’s been an emotional time, coming home, reconciling with Aunt Betty, meeting you.”
She grinned, a lopsided effort, and he held her hands. “It’s been a time for me as well, the surprise of meeting you, and getting to witness your reunion with Mrs. D. She’s dear to me.”
“As she is to me. And so are you. You’re a beautiful, wonderful woman, Irene Molloy. You help me to be a better man, and I want to be with you, for real.”
She stepped closer, their bodies inches apart. “You make me smile, and feel connected to you and this community in a vital way I’ve been missing. I want to be with you too. How can we manage it? I love it here.” She waved a hand toward the land, the place she’d grown to love as if it were a person, one important to her happiness.
“I meant what I said in there to Minnie. I’ve been thinking of selling my store for a while. I can go forward with that, move here, and figure out my next step. With you. Together. Maybe you’d take me on as an investor in your store. John’s and Mike’s ideas interest me too. Not as much as a life with you, but...” He drew her closer, and they stepped together, their bodies pressed into each other.
“We can have both.” She smoothed her hands up his chest, around his neck.
His smile was the sparkler to the fireworks that burst when their lips met. One long, firm press led into caresses along the length of each other’s mouths, showering sparkles and warmth and light with each tilt and touch. They held each other close, their breathing synchronizing, scents melding to create a new life, their life together.
That life, only a tender sprout now, grew strong with every breath and smile and word, and would surely grow and bloom in the well-tended ground of both their happy lives, in the sunshine of their shared community, and the water of troubles they’d weather.
“We can have it all.” Wade cupped her cheeks in his broad hands. “I’m getting to love you, Irene.”
“Let’s travel there together.” She kissed him again and they embraced, the music swelling. “We better get in. Sounds like the ceremony is starting.”
“Here I thought it was for us.”
She laughed and turned toward the house. This man, and the connection they already shared, filled her to overflowing. “Could be a fun adventure to take.” Glancing back, she held out her hand.
He clasped her hand and kissed it. “My thoughts exactly.”
Side by side, they walked into the house. Maura, gorgeous and glowing, glided down the stairs, waving to the stragglers like Irene and Wade as she went. Wade pulled Irene into his side, and she leaned into him, happiness waving through her, a continuing show that lit her up. Maura’s cream-colored vintage lace maxi dress with bell sleeves and a fitted top suited her, and so did the floral wreath she wore in her hair. Irene waited until Maura had gone into the other room before she hooked her arm through Wade’s so they could find their seats with the few other latecomers.
Minnie and her crew were already set up at long tables in the dining room, ready for the dinner that would begin soon after the ceremony. Though life would intrude its challenges and tragedies, this moment made the season all the more precious. Irene settled into more happiness than she had imagined, Wade the icing on her cake. Minnie waved and Irene blew her a kiss.
Together, she and Wade sat toward the back, on the aisle. Nathan was handsome in his suit, a dark red tie matching some of the flowers Maura wore and held. The room seemed as full of love and delight as Irene’s body swam in, an overflow of goodness. The preacher spoke, vows exchanged, while Irene leaned her head on Wade’s strong shoulder. He cupped his arm around her shoulder, keeping her close. This was where she wanted to be.
Once the ceremony completed, the bride and groom kissed, and the guests stood, clapping them into this new beginning. Irene smiled as Wade enfolded her in his arms, and she didn’t lose the expression as they moved, hand in hand, with the others into the dining room.
“This has been one sweet winter love-fest,” Irene said as they looked for their seats.
“Let’s keep the festivities going all year.” Wade kissed her temple.
She slipped around and into his arms as they stood by the table. Irene didn’t care who saw or what gossip might occur. “Whatever bumps come up from now on, I’m going to remember that bumping into you was one of the best things to happen to me.”
“And I’m going to remember to listen to Tim, who told me to get coffee at the bakery and check out your shop on my way...” He looked to Tim, approaching the table with Mrs. D, his head bent as he carefully listened to the older woman. “No...”
Irene laughed as Wade’s eyes widened. “Seems like they set us up after all. Sneaky.”
Wade smiled, shaking his head. “Whatever, whoever, brought us together, I’m grateful. Happy Valentine’s Day, love.” He caressed the outline of her face, her lips, with his strong hands. They kissed, and she smiled.
“I’m all for the two of you, but let’s eat,” Mrs. D said as Tim held her chair for her.
“Glad you’re on our side,” Wade said in a good-natured tone. He glanced at Irene, their arms intertwined. “And you’re by my side.”
“I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”
Even apart, they’d be together. That was sweeter than any candy, and would outlast every season.
Epilogue
Six Weeks Later
Wade stood outside of Irene’s shop, a tray of coffees and pastries in hand. She’d spent the morning checking in with Autumn and Minnie about business, and Autumn moving into the apartment upstairs. Over the last weeks, he and Irene had grabbed every possible moment together, soon realizing they didn’t want to be apart.
The window display had shifted from Valentine’s Day to spring and Easter, hand-carved bunnies and chicks, pastel knitwear, beehive candles, and more creating a colorful display. Minnie spotted him from the door and waved him in. “Hi again, Uncle Wade.” She kissed his cheek.
He warmed. Who would’ve thought he’d become an uncle at forty-six? He was sure glad. “Your meeting over?”
“Yes, and I’ve got to go. Adam and I have some last-minute tasks out at the ranch. See you for the rehearsal dinner in a few days?”
“Wouldn’t miss it.” He’d
gained more family, a widening that made him realize how alone he’d been.
Minnie waved and hopped into her car. He walked into the shop, breathing in his wife’s fragrance of orange blossoms. He greeted Autumn and she took her coffee.
Irene appeared and smiled. He couldn’t get enough of her smile. They kissed and walked to the back, settling into the same chairs they had the day they’d met.
After thanking him for getting them coffee and morning buns, Irene asked about his day so far.
“The sale of my store is still going smoothly, and my meeting with Mike went well. The process will be slow, but that gives John time to finish his degree and move up. And, I spoke to Kim again, and the house will be ready for move-in a few days.”
“It’s amazing how things have fallen into place.”
“Meant to be.” He leaned over and kissed his wife. His body pumped with what he now knew was happiness, something that had been at low levels in him all his life, but now, with Irene and this new life, he’d leveled up.
“I love you,” Irene said, fingertips on his jaw. “Can’t wait for you to show me your family home.”
“Our home.” He and Irene would live in the old family home, which Kim owned, where they’d create memories to add to all the happy ones he already had of the house and Loving. Between marriage and a new business, he had adventure on tap.
The back door opened. He steeled himself, in case Lucinda Riggs put in another appearance, but it was Aunt Betty and Mrs. G this time, both hurrying in and narrowing stares on him and Irene.
“If I’d known you’d be here, I would’ve brought you coffees and pastries.” He rose, setting down his cup.
“Who can talk about coffee at a time like this!” Aunt Betty crossed her arms after gesticulating to him and Irene. “Is it true, that you and Irene eloped over the weekend? Heard it from Dianne, who says you owe her and Tim.”
He sure did owe his two friends. Now that he was here, there’d be time for payback, both genuine and playful. Irene was at his side. Mrs. G hugged his wife.
“Now, Betty,” Mrs. G said, stepping back and touching her friend’s arm.
“Yes, we got married in Reno and had a lovely stay in a cabin.” Irene leaned into him and they circled each other’s waists. “Promised to love and support each other now and forever.”
Aunt Betty started crying, tears tracking down her thin cheeks. He and Irene moved together to embrace her, ending in a group hug.
He kissed the top of his aunt’s head. “I’m sorry, Aunt Betty, we didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“Hurt!” She swatted his chest, breaking the hug. “I’m so dang happy.” She brushed away her tears. “Now if we could just get Kim here...”
“You’re something else,” Wade said. His sister was immune to Aunt Betty’s meddling, so there was nothing to be concerned about there.
“I think we should focus on throwing these two a party,” Mrs. G said.
“Now you’re talking.” Aunt Betty hooted.
“Uh-oh.” Wade glanced at Irene.
“Let them have their fun. As long as it doesn’t interfere with Minnie and Adam’s wedding.”
“Interfere? Would we interfere?” Aunt Betty splayed her hands on her hips.
He and Irene glanced at each other and then at the older women. He was pretty sure he and his wife were of one mind about the answer.
Mrs. G laughed. “Don’t answer that. We’d love to celebrate, as would most of the town, your marriage. You’re important to us, and you have a lot of friends in Loving.”
Irene looked to him. He nodded and hugged her to him.
“We won’t say no to a celebration. When are you thinking?”
“Tomorrow, because we’re coming close to Min and Adam’s big day.”
“Why don’t we go across to the bakery and we can talk about it?” Wade asked. He could make all three women happy with that suggestion, and that made him grin. He loved these three. They were his family, and he was home.
“He takes after me with those fine ideas,” Aunt Betty said, patting his arm. “Where are you going to live?”
“Didn’t Kim tell you? She’s renting us the old place.”
“Kim’s going to hear from me,” Aunt Betty said in an ominous tone.
“Go easy.” He held the door for them.
They all stepped out into the chilly late morning. He escorted them across to Las Tres Hermanas, where they found a table on the patio near a heat lamp. Wade went inside to order for Mrs. G and Aunt Betty, while Irene set up their existing snacks on the table.
Arms laden, he soon joined the three. They all smiled at him and his chest expanded. This was living. Leaning over, he kissed Irene then sat next to her.
They held hands and listened to Aunt Betty and Mrs. G’s plans. He and Irene had everything to celebrate, and they’d do it together. Some might say he and Irene had taken too big a risk, but to him, their love was a sure thing.
Acknowledgements
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this book, please help by leaving a review and recommending it to others. You are appreciated!
Special thanks to: Marilyn, Jessica, and Marik for Montana tips; Erin at Salt and Sage Books for the excellent feedback; Cheryl for the continued encouragement and reads; my readers, for their support and for continuing to read; and Lori for the fantastic name suggestions.
About the Author
Reina M. Williams writes sweet, feel-good fiction. When she's not writing, editing, or spending time with her sons, you're most likely to find her watching a movie or mystery, walking in a park or library, baking, or reading with a cup of tea nearby. A California native, she lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Read the rest of the Montana Matchmakers series, ten books spanning every season and leaving you with a smile!
Other sweet contemporary romance:
Lovestruck Billionaires series
California Fairy Tales series
Sweet Historical Romance:
A Gentleman’s Daughter trilogy
Love at Pemberley (four novellas of Pride and Prejudice)
Reina loves to hear from readers! Connect with her:
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Also by Reina M. Williams
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A Gentleman's Daughter: Her Love
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Italian Honeymoon
Jane Austen in California
Petals, Pride, and Persuasion: A Jane Austen in California Collection
Love at Pemberley
Most Truly: A Pride and Prejudice Novella
Miss Darcy Decides: A Pride and Prejudice Novella
Miss Bennet Blooms: A Pride and Prejudice Novella
Misunderstood: A Pride and Prejudice Novella
Love at Pemberley
Montana Matchmakers
Sweet Christmas
Sweet Valentine
Sweet Spring
Sweet Summer
Hello Dolly
Sweet Fall
One Moment
Sweet Winter
Sweet Easter
Sweet May
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Valentine Kisses
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Autumn Kisses
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Christmas Kisses (Coming Soon)
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Reina M. Williams, Sweet Winter
Sweet Winter Page 5