It was alreadydark when they approached Crawford Square where the warm glow of the Garden of Lights waited to guide everyone through the winter trail.Hunter had taken her hand as he’d helped her from his truck, and he kept her close to him.
He hadn’t kissed her when he’d picked her up.She did get a big smile, though, and it was probably for the best.It was debatable whether she would’ve survived another smooching session with Hunter Grant.Her body had been humming since this morning.
Her heart aching, Willow swallowed against the lump in her throat.Crying would have to wait until she was the plane on Sunday.Tonight, she was still engaged to a handsome, sexy cowboy who made her feel like the prettiest girl in town.
“Wow, this is impressive,” Hunter said as they wandered through the multicolored display of lights.
“We can’t complete with a big city like Denver, but I like it.”
“I haven’t been home for Christmas in a long time, but the Zoo in Denver is usually lit up over Christmas and has been for the last thirty years.Denver Botanical Garden also has what they call the Blossoms of Lights.You can walk along a mile-long path through luminous displays that highlight plant collections.There are several other lights displays around the city this time of year.”
“You miss Colorado?”
He nodded.“I do.I grew up there, my family is there.”
“Family is important.”
As they continued their walk, her tummy growled.
Laughing, Hunter stopped.“Is that a cry for food?”
Smiling, she put a hand on her abdomen.“It is.I worked all day, I haven’t eaten.”
Frowning, he put an arm around her.“You can’t just work and not eat, you know that?”
“I know.It’s just when inspiration strikes like it did today, I forget about everything else around me.”
“I thought you’d finished.May I see it?”
“Nope,” she said as she spotted her mother with her brothers and their wives.“Let’s say hi to the family before we leave for dinner.”
As they approached the small group of people, her mother noticed them.
“Willow, Hunter,” her mom called out, “I’m so happy to see you here!I thought you couldn’t make it.”
“I persuaded her to come,” said Hunter.“She’s been working all day.”
Her sisters-in-law and Cooper greeted both Willow and Hunter, but Becket and Hayden just grunted.
“I thought you’d finished?”her mom asked.
“This one isn’t for the exhibition.Oh, this is so pretty,” she said, pointing toward the lights, hoping to change the subject and lighten the atmosphere.“Hunter has just been telling me about Denver’s festivities over Christmas.”
Fortunately, her mom was distracted and had questions for Hunter.
Willow pulled her hand from Hunter’s and moved closer to Hayden and Becket.“Seriously, you two, this isn’t funny anymore,” she said under her breath.“Stop being so rude to Hunter.He hasn’t done anything wrong.”
Turning to her sisters-in-law, she smiled.“Anyway, we’re leaving.We’re having dinner at the Graff.You’re welcome to join us if you can get your husbands to behave.”And smiling brightly at everyone, she grabbed Hunter’s arm and pulled him away.
“Sorry about that,” she said as they walked to his truck.
“I get it.They’re worried about you.”
“I’m a big girl; I can look after myself.”
“You’re a perfect girl.”He helped her inside.His smile slipped.“Damn, Willow…” Leaning forward he kissed her.Deeply, thoroughly, desperately.By the time he lifted his head, they were both out of breath.
Her tummy grumbled.
