Finally, Haley said, “Don’t know how but that dress is more than a wedding gown.”
“It’s represents the Gospel,” JoJo said.
Then this afternoon, B. A. Carpenter rang again.
“Can I ask you to meet me at the Kingston place again?”
Andthat’show she ended up here, flying down River Road with the top dropped on the BMW, the temperature in Hearts Bend finally more like fall than summer.
She had no idea what Carpenter wanted but frankly she didn’t care. She found joy. Peace. Gratitude.
Keith Niven sent a link to a really cute little cottage out by the old, abandoned railway caboose that was for sale. She was going to check it out Saturday morning.
As much as she loved the farm, saying goodbye actually broke her last ties to Vegas. In her short hindsight, Gemma concluded it was a good thing.
Then again, if it wasn’t for the farm and the newborn puppies, she’d have never become friends with the prince. She’d have never danced at a royal ball or been filled with the light of the Heart of God.
Maybe she’d have never met Adelaide, the princess angel. No use denying it. God was up to something. All she had to do was say yes.
Arriving at the farm, Gemma slowed and turned down the driveway. B. A. Carpenter was already there, walking the grounds with his hat pushed back on his head. When he saw her, he came her way with a nod and sheepish expression.
“Howdy, Miss Gemma. Sorry to have you come out here again so soon but—”
“What do you need? Is something wrong?” She glanced around. “Everything looks like I left it.”
“Well, there’s something in the barn that isn’t quite right, and I wondered if you could help me explain to the Kingstons…”
“Sure, if I can. There was a lot not right with the barn when I bought the place—” Gemma hesitated at the barn door. Did she smell pizza?
She looked back at B. A. Carpenter. “Is someone else here?”
“The new owner. He wants to meet you.”
“The new owner…a Kingston?” Gemma made a face. “Why?”
“Sometimes why is not the right question to ask, Miss Gemma.”
* * *
John
Once upon a time Prince John believed in fairy tales. And after this summer, he still did. He’d also discovered the author of his love story had a divine sense of the happily ever after. He was finally launched out of a horrible Act One and into a promising Act Two.
Crown Prince John was no longer bound by grief. He was free to love.
And, after three weeks of intense communication, working late into the night, he was about to execute his romantic plan. At least he hoped it was romantic. In hindsight, it might have been wise to communicate with his intended a time or two before springing the whole palaver on her.
Best of luck to you, mate.
He jerked to attention when he heard footsteps and reached for the light switch. He’d been so focused on details he’d not prepared for nerves. He was sweating now that he stood in the barn, the puppy stall wrapped in a thousand twinkle lights, soft music queued to play from a portable speaker, the round table in the corner draped in blue linen cloth, holding a bucket of champagne and a hot pizza from Angelo’s. Would Gemma remember their first meal together was pizza?
He should’ve called her. Texted. Kept up the appearance of being friends. But once he decided, he put all his efforts into making his second proposal one she could not refuse.
Also, he feared if he talked to her, even texted her, his mounting love would just spill out. And he needed to tell her in person. Let her see in his eyes, hear in his voice, her past did not matter to him.
Mac and Mauve, their haul of friends, Imani, Justin, and Penny, were his boots on the ground. To his surprise, they kept his secret well. Then five days ago, he’d arrived at Buck and JoJo’s to hide out until he could conclude business with the Kingstons through B. A. Carpenter.
Which brought him to this moment. Gemma arriving at the barn. He’d flip on the lights—which he hoped reflected those from the Heart of God.
