Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 57502 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 288(@200wpm)___ 230(@250wpm)___ 192(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57502 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 288(@200wpm)___ 230(@250wpm)___ 192(@300wpm)
Uh… “Are you okay with this?” Jane asked Conrad for his ears alone. He didn’t feel the greatest right now.
“They texted me, and I gave permission. Thought we could use a distraction.”
No, he’d thought Jane could use one. And she loved him so hard for it. As she took everything in, she spun the real engagement ring around her finger. Dread, joy, and love overflowed inside her. But she didn’t cry again. Because she refused. Though yes, she sniffled a bit as she made her way over to hug her sister and Tiffany for their efforts.
“It’s good to see you again,” she told June.
“Really? You mean it?” June brightened as if she’d just swallowed the sun. “I’m so glad you said that because I am here to stay! I’m starting over, and I thought, what better place than my sister’s hometown? I’ll help you with the wedding and with the Garden and we’ll get to know each other better and become best friends and life will be great. And I’m happy to be a bridesmaid if you need one. But no pressure! Except pressure! I’d love to be a bridesmaid.”
“Don’t hold your breath, expecting a request,” Tiffany announced. “I’ve nearly passed out every day.”
Jane laughed at the widow’s joke. Who knew Tiff would express a sense of humor? Of course, she wasn’t funny, but that wasn’t the point. That she felt comfortable enough to try, that she’d come here tonight to do something nice for Jane and Conrad, that was all that mattered. Any last remnants of resentment toward her several times removed relative completely faded.
Wait. Back up a bit. June was moving here? As in forever? Jane hadn’t seen her sister in years. Had barely spoken to her on the phone and only recently had they started texting regularly. Not that a couple texts every month equated to regularly.
Conrad closed the distance and wrapped an arm around Jane’s waist. “Hi. I’m the fiancé.”
Oh yes, introductions. “June Moonrose, this is Sheriff Conrad Ryan, my forever. He will be sitting down in just a few moments and not getting up again for hours.”
The two shook hands. When Rolex rubbed against Jane’s leg, she bent down to pick him up and plant kisses all over his beautiful face.
Conrad smiled and said, “I see the re—”
Trick, Isaac, and Wyatt hurried over, basically shoving him out of the way to introduce themselves, too, and June blushed.
“—semblance,” Conrad finished with dry amusement.
Jane examined his features, making sure there was no evidence of strain. His color was improving with every hour, but yeah, she detected signs of fatigue. She rose on her tiptoes and wound her arms around his neck to draw his face closer to hers. With her lips at his ear, she whispered, “Want me to send everyone home?”
He clasped her hips and whispered back, “And skip our engagement party? Never.”
“Save that for the honeymoon, you two,” Fiona said with a laugh. She shooed the boys aside and hugged June as if they were long, lost family. “I’m so pleased to meet you, young lady. I’m Fiona Lawrence, and I love you already. We’re going to be amazing friends, you and I.”
“She makes the best blueberry pancakes in the world. And she’s the only person I want to walk me down the aisle.” Jane blinked, the truth suddenly so clear. Of course she wanted Fiona to escort her. Because this wedding was happening. No curse would ever be as powerful as her love for Conrad.
Actually, the curse wasn’t powerful at all. It was a lie and lies crumbled when under pressure. The curse had just launched its best shot—and it had failed. Fear wasn’t stopping Jane. Her lawman was right. They were stronger together than apart.
Joy spread over Fiona’s lovely face. Jane set a squirming Rolex on the floor. As he raced to Tiffany, Jane and Fiona threw their arms around each other, laughing and crying.
“You’re sure?” Fiona cried, and even Conrad grinned.
“I’ve never been surer.” Fiona had loved and adored Jane from day one, treating her as a treasured gift. Seeing the best in her, never the worst. She’d protected Jane’s heart as if it were her own, being a father, mother and friend as needed.
“Then my answer is yes! Yes, yes, yes!”
Jane laughed again. Now that she understood Fiona’s role, other things fell into place. “Tiffany and June, please be my bridesmaids. Beau, of course, is matron of honor.”
“Obviously,” the war vet replied.
“Maid of honor,” Trick corrected. “Beau isn’t married.”
Laughter rang out, the most beautiful sound.
Bouncing on her feet, June grinned. “I’m in shock you thought of me but honored!”
“Finally!” Tiffany anchored her hands on her hips. “Now I get to share the comprehensive wedding guide I’ve been preparing for you. From the colors that work with your skin tone to everything else, no detail is too small.” She pressed a hand over her heart. “But for now, I have something different in mind. Come and behold the incredible feast I made.” Grinning from ear to ear, she waved everyone into the kitchen.