by Jean Oram
He glanced up at her, unable to find his voice. “You… you’re giving this to me?”
“I know you’ve been saving for a ring. Use the money for the honeymoon or put it toward that dance academy.”
“I… I don’t know what to say. You’ve already gifted us the house.”
“I’d give the world for Maggie. She’s like a daughter to me, and you’re quickly growing on me, as well. If you like it, I want you both to have it. I’ll give you the matching wedding band on the wedding day.”
Canyon picked up the ring and held it between his first finger and his thumb. “What’s not to like? It’s beautiful, and more importantly, I know Maggie will love it.”
“She was often entranced by it as a small child when she would visit us.” A sadness crossed Lucille’s face and she looked lost in thought. “Well, enough of that. Let’s go downstairs. When do you think you’ll give it to her?”
“Right away. She’s engaged and should have a ring to show off.”
“At least take her somewhere special. Go to the water or somewhere else you two enjoy.”
“Thank you, Aunt Lucille.” He wrapped his arms around her.
“My pleasure.” She returned the embrace, then they headed back downstairs.
Canyon tucked the ring safely in a pocket before reaching the first level.
“I have somewhere to be now,” Lucille announced. “You two have a good rest of the night.”
“Thanks, Auntie.” Maggie kissed her on the cheek.
Canyon gave her a little nod, his pulse racing at the thought of giving the ring to Maggie. Should he propose again or simply surprise her with it?
Lucille headed back upstairs, her little white dog following at her heels.
He turned to Maggie. “Would you like to go to the beach? Maybe to our secret spot?”
She held his hand. “I’d like that.”
Canyon nodded, then they walked toward the back door for easier access to the beach. His pulse drummed faster. He was more nervous about this than he had been proposing—that’d been spur of the moment.
Halfway to the beach, she turned to him. “Are you okay? You’re awfully quiet.”
He smiled. “Just enjoying your company.”
Maggie squeezed his hand but didn’t look like she believed him.
Once they reached their spot, she leaned against him and wrapped her arms around him. “This is nice, and you know what’s even better?”
“What’s that?”
She looked up at him, beaming. “We don’t have to hide our love from anyone.”
“About that…” He stepped back and dug into his pocket.
Maggie tilted her head and scrunched her brow.
His pulse was out of control. It was so loud, he couldn’t hear any other noise at the beach. He fumbled with the ring in his pocket, then took a deep breath before pulling it out.
Her eyes widened and she covered her mouth.
Canyon knelt on one knee. “I love you more than life itself, Maggie, and I’m the luckiest man alive because I get to marry you. You deserve nothing other than the best, and now you can at least have a ring that comes close to matching your beauty.”
Tears shone in her eyes.
He took her hand and slid on the ring. By some miracle, it was a perfect fit.
Maggie held it up, studying it. “It’s so gorgeous, I just can’t believe…” Her voice trailed off and her eyes widened. “Is that Aunt Lucille’s?”
Canyon rose and kissed her. “It was, but now it’s yours. She wants us to have it.”
“I never thought she’d part with it. She’s never even entertained the idea of remarrying that I’m aware of, so I never thought she’d let go of this ring.”
“She seemed really happy to pass it along to you.”
Maggie threw her arms around him and held him tightly. “She must really believe in us. You’ve done well at winning her over.”
“More importantly, I’ve won you over.”
She grinned and gave him another kiss.
He was definitely the luckiest guy in the world.
Epilogue
Maggie smiled as they pulled up to their little home. Canyon turned to her, squeezed her hand, and kissed it. Then he climbed out and opened the door for her.
She stretched her legs and took in the sight. It was nice to be home.
Canyon opened the back passenger door. Little Lucy scrambled out and called for the cat. Canyon went over to the other side and pulled out the baby car seat.
Maggie went over and kissed him, then their newborn boy. She reached for the car seat handle, but Canyon shook his head.
“You aren’t supposed to carry it yet.”
She was about to protest when Lucy called out, “Mama! Daddy! Come look at this!”
Maggie closed the car door.
They found their daughter jumping up and down near a bush. “Look! Emma had her kitties! Just like you, Mama.”
Maggie ruffled the three-year-old’s hair. “Luckily, I just had one.”
“We have kitties and a baby!”
Canyon laughed. “I think you’re more excited about the kittens than your baby brother.”
“Oh, Daddy. You’re just silly.” She threw him an exasperated glance. “Are we going to bring them inside?”
“We probably should, but first, the baby.”
After Lucy had given her new brother a tour of the house, she and Canyon brought the kittens and their mama inside. Lucy bounced around, so excited she could hardly contain herself.
Maggie watched Lucy, her heart filled to overflowing. It was hard to believe there had been a time she’d thought a family would be out of her future. Now she had not one, but two wonderful children and a husband who adored both of them and her.
Little Nolan finally woke, and Maggie pulled her son from the car seat. Lucy ran over, her long hair flying behind her, and chatted a mile-a-minute to her brother, telling him all about the kittens.
Nolan stared at her as though taking in every word, then let out a cry.
Lucy’s eyes widened. “Did I break him?”
Maggie kissed her cheek. “I think he’s hungry. I’ll feed him, then you can finish your story.”
“Okay.” Lucy skipped away.
Maggie made herself comfortable, then nursed the baby.
Canyon plopped next to her. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think Aunt Lucille gave Lucy several cups of coffee before we picked her up.”
Maggie grinned. “She’s just excited. Kittens and a new baby all in one day.”
He yawned. “At least she should sleep well tonight. She’ll probably be the only one.”
Ding-dong!
Maggie and Canyon exchanged a glance.
“Are we expecting anyone?” she asked.
“Not that I’m aware.” He patted her knee. “I’ll get it.”
“Oh, hi!” Canyon said. “What’s this?”
Maggie craned her neck but couldn’t see the door from where she sat.
“Dolly Mayes is here.” Canyon poked his head around the corner. “Is it okay if she comes in?”
“Of course.” Maggie covered the nursing baby. “Come on, Dolly!”
The tall redhead came over, carrying a large brown box. “This is from all the families at the dance studio, darlin’. Enough food to feed your family for a week!”
“You’re so sweet.” Maggie beamed. “Thank you.”
“Everyone wanted to come and see you and Nolan, but that can wait until you settle in. Mind if I get these meals in the fridge?”
“Go right ahead.”
Dolly rushed into the kitchen. “Shall I warm one of these up now?”
“That’d be great,” Maggie called. “I’m famished. Hospital food leaves a lot to be desired.”
Dolly laughed. “Isn’t that the truth?”
Canyon came over and gave Maggie a quick kiss. “Wasn’t that nice of them?”
“It sure was. I’m too tired to even thin
k about cooking.”
He put his arm around her. “And you know I won’t let you cook while you’re busy taking care of a newborn.”
Dolly appeared. “All set! The timer should go off in about forty minutes. It’s my special pot roast and grits recipe. Enjoy!”
“Thank you, Dolly.”
“Don’t mention it. Congrats, you two!” She blew Maggie a kiss before heading out the door.
Canyon drew in a deep breath. “I’m exhausted. I can’t imagine how you feel.”
“I’m on cloud nine.” She gave him a quick kiss.
Knock, knock!
They exchanged a glance.
“Who now?” Canyon asked.
Maggie handed the baby to him. “I’ll get it this time.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I know I don’t have to. I want to.” She plodded over to the front door and opened it.
Her brother-in-law and father-in-law stood on the door, both holding presents wrapped in baby-blue paper.
She grinned. “Canyon didn’t tell me you two were coming to town!”
“He didn’t know. I heard my grandson is home and I dropped everything.” Felton Leblanc wrapped his arms around Maggie. “Is the boy ready to meet his grandpa and uncle?”
Maggie squeezed him back, then gave Dayton a warm hug and waved them in.
They both greeted Canyon warmly, then fawned over Nolan. Lucy heard the commotion and ran into the room and nearly knocked over Dayton with a hug.
Their home was filled with laughter and family. Maggie’s heart was fuller than she ever imagined it could be.
Canyon put his arm around Maggie. “This is the life, isn’t it? A gorgeous wife, two beautiful kids, extended family, and even clients who love us like family. What more could we ask for?”
She kissed him, scratching her cheek on the scruff on his face. “Nothing. Nothing at all.”
More from Stacy Claflin & Indigo Bay
Want more from Stacy Claflin and Indigo Bay?
Indulge!
Sweet Dreams
Sweet Complications
Other Books by Stacy Claflin
More Clean Romances
The Hunters Sweet Romance series
When Tomorrow Starts Without Me
The Only Things You Can Take
Stacy’s Other Genres
Alex Mercer Thrillers
The Gone Saga
Curse of the Moon series
Valhalla’s Curse
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Author’s Note
Thanks so much for reading Sweet Reunion. I hope you enjoyed reading Maggie and Canyon’s story as much as I enjoyed writing it!
It was fun to write about Miss Lucille trying to push Maggie on Jace in Sweet Dreams last year. It was even more fun when I brought up the idea of other authors in the Indigo Bay series using the same storyline - and they loved the idea! Once it grew into a “thing” in the series, I knew I had to give poor Maggie her own happily ever after… and now she has it!
If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a review wherever you purchased it. Your review will help other readers find my work. Reviews can be short—just share your honest thoughts. That’s it.
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Thank you for your support!
~Stacy
Sweet Holiday Surprise
Sweet Holiday Surprise
Melissa McClone
Lizzy Hamilton wants to skip Christmas this year. Working as a nurse and trying to save her failing marriage—to no avail—has drained her energy and joy. She’s a pro at caring for others, but she needs someone to look out for her, too. However, when her soon-to-be ex-husband asks if she’ll spend the holidays with him so he won’t be alone, she can’t say no. Other than his Army Ranger platoon, she’s the only family he has.
Staff Sergeant Mitch Hamilton wants only one Christmas gift—his wife. Frequent deployments and training exercises kept him away from home, and he had no idea how taken for granted Lizzy felt until she asked him for a divorce. Now he must show his wife he’ll do anything to save their marriage, starting with a romantic holiday vacation to Indigo Bay.
The stakes—losing Lizzy forever—are higher than any Mitch has ever faced. This is one mission he can’t…won’t…fail.
For Kay Correll, Jean Oram, Danielle Stewart,
and the other Indigo Bay series authors!
Chapter 1
December 22nd
“You cannot kidnap Lizzy, dude. That would be a huge mistake. Not to mention illegal.”
“What are you talking about, Dare?” U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Mitchell, aka Mitch, Hamilton sat in his car across the street from an apartment building. He appreciated his team leader Sergeant Darragh O’Rourke’s early morning phone call, but the guy had it all wrong.
“I’m surprising my wife with a trip to Indigo Bay for Christmas,” Mitch explained. “That’s not kidnapping.”
“It is if she doesn’t want to go.”
“She’ll want to go.” The words, however, rang hollow.
Once upon a time, Mitch would have been certain Lizzy would say yes to a surprise getaway on the South Carolina coast. Now, not so much. He hated how the truth gnawed at him.
Rangers lead the way!
Mitch hoped he got the chance.
“What’s your plan B if she says no?” Dare asked.
Plan B? Mitch had spent weeks figuring out how to get his wife back after she left him in October. She’d said she needed someone to take care of her for once. He thought he was doing that already.
He dragged a hand over his tired face. “Uh…”
“This is too important. You need a backup plan.” The words flew from Dare’s mouth like artillery fire. “I had one when I wanted Jenny to give me another chance. Didn’t need it, but it was worth renting that Bigfoot costume just in case.”
Dare and Jenny Hanford, a bestselling thriller author, had become an official couple in September while Dare was recovering from serious injuries after a helicopter crash. The two hadn’t been together long, but they seemed perfect for each other.
Mitch had thought the same thing about him and Lizzy when he married her three years ago.
“I don’t need a backup plan.” He glanced at Lizzy’s empty parking space. Her overnight shift as a registered nurse had ended nearly an hour ago. Where was she? “Lizzy has wanted to go to Indigo Bay since we met. She won’t say no.”
“If you say so.” Dare’s uncertain tone matched the way Mitch felt.
“I do. My bag is in the truck. The gas tank’s full.” Mitch wanted to sound confident. His guys counted on him to lead. He needed to appear strong and capable.
And he was those things when it came to him being a Ranger.
He’d faced terrorists and insurgents while deployed with his platoon from Fort Benning. He’d been ambushed, caught in firefights, and battled for his life. But waiting for his wife was taking his nerves to an all-time high.
He missed Lizzy.
He wanted her back in their house and in their bed.
“You’ve got this.” Dare’s serious tone suggested the younger sergeant understood what was at stake. “Remember, this vacation is about Lizzy. Show her how much she means to you. Make sure she doesn’t feel taken for granted.”
Lizzy had told Mitch she’d felt like nothing more than the person who took care of the house and his sexual needs. He didn’t understand because he thought their marriage was perfect. “I’ll do whatever it takes.”
Failure wasn’t an option.
He’d escaped from impossible situations before. Reconciling with Lizzy should be easier than getting himself and his guys home in one piece. She was his family. The most important person in his life. Maybe he shouldn’t have walked out of that stupid marriage counselor’s office
in June, but what else could he do when Lizzy was blaming him for nonexistent problems? He hadn’t done anything wrong.
“Have fun wooing your wife. She won’t know what hit her.” Sincerity filled Dare’s voice. “Call if you need me. I’ve got your six.”
“Right back at you. Enjoy the holidays.”
“The gifts are packed, and the engagement ring is in my pocket.” Dare sounded like he was smiling. Given he was spending the holidays in Berry Lake, Washington with Jenny and a recently adopted kitten, he was probably grinning from ear to ear. “Have a Merry Christmas.”
Mitch tucked his phone into his back pocket. The silence in the truck’s cab pressed down on him.
A marriage takes two people to succeed. I can’t keep holding everything together any longer. I want a divorce.
Remembering Lizzy’s words made his shoulders sag as if he were wearing body armor and a seventy-pound pack.
Divorce wasn’t the solution. Mitch loved Lizzy. He needed her. No one had ever loved him like she did. As soon as they arrived in Indigo Bay, he would show her their marriage was fine and they belonged together.
Chapter 2
Stifling a yawn, Lizzy drove into her apartment building’s lot. “Up on the Housetop” played on the radio, but she didn’t sing along. Her ho-ho-ho had gone up and went. She didn’t have it in her to act jolly or full of holiday spirit. She parked in her spot and got out of the car.
After working fourteen hours at the hospital, all she wanted was a shower, breakfast, and seven hours of uninterrupted sleep. Lizzy entered her studio apartment and kicked off her shoes.