She didn’t get after him for his tone, since this was the twelfth time she’d asked the same question. “Sorry. I’m nervous.”
Laney spun in circles, making her dress flow out around her. “Surprise. Surprise. Surprise. Surprise,” she chanted.
“Shh.” Miles scowled. “You’re going to ruin it.”
Wynn grabbed Laney mid-spin and covered her face with kisses. “You can’t ruin this. I promise. Come on, we don’t want Thanksgiving dinner to get cold.”
Wynn checked her chocolate-brown dress in the mirror one more time. She’d ordered the retro pencil beauty a week ago and prayed that two-day shipping actually came through for her. It had, and she felt amazing. She’d left her hair down and applied extra-thick liner for a sultry look she only attempted on special occasions. It was Thanksgiving, after all, and she had so much to be thankful for.
Especially Judd. He’d been true to his word and not mentioned marriage since Halloween. His silence on the topic gave her time to think things through, and she’d realized something. Judd was a giver.
Thatcher had not been. His family catered to him and made him the center of their worlds. As they should—she couldn’t fault them for cherishing the short time they had together. If it had been her child with the disease, she would have done the same thing. Thankfully, it wasn’t genetic, and her children were in the clear. That didn’t mean she hadn’t learned how to be in the moment with them—that was a gift she’d gotten from Thatcher, and she’d always be grateful he’d taught her to love like that, because her own parents had failed in that regard.
Because they’d all focused on Thatcher, it made each of them unselfish by nature. Judd didn’t ask permission to practically move in here and take care of her and the kids; he just did what needed to be done and served them. There was no way to count the times he’d saved her in some way, and he’d never asked for anything in return.
Until he’d asked for her love.
And, like a big old selfish jerk, she’d been more concerned about herself than him. When she started to think about him, and what it would be like to be married to a man with a heart as big as the pumpkins he grew, her worries melted away. She wouldn’t lose herself in Judd, because he was strong on his own and loved her just as she was, with some room to grow in whatever direction she stretched.
Noting the color on her cheeks—already flush from excitement—she ushered the kids along.
Judd came out of his house at the same time they did, his tie flapping in the breeze. The air had a nip in it that meant snow was on the way. They might even see flurries before the pie was served.
The kids ran down the street toward the B&B while she waited for Judd to catch up.
“You look incredible.” He stopped tying his tie and kissed her slow. She loved it when he took his time. It melted her insides and created sinewy heat. Who cared if it snowed? She had a furnace right here.
She was on the edge of forgetting her name when she pulled back. “Come on—they won’t hold dinner for us.” Karen probably would make the family wait until they were all there, but Wynn didn’t want to make her.
These last few weeks had been bliss, the best she’d ever had. Judd’s family had accepted their new relationship with grace. Even Birdie had gotten used to the idea of them kissing fairly quickly. She managed to cover the kids’ eyes now and again and knocked before coming in the house.
They got a few looks at church the first Sunday they walked in holding hands—but most people said, “It’s about time,” and moved on to other topics of conversation. Wyatt’s eyebrows had shot up, but he gave Judd a solid nod of approval.
The general acceptance left her wondering what had taken her so long to figure out she and Judd were meant to be together.
They joined the family in the formal dining room. Scott stood at the head of the table. He needed space and leverage to carve the giant bird in front of him. The table was piled high with stuffing, salads, deviled eggs, homemade rolls, and so much more. Brodie’s spot was empty, and Wynn was a little disappointed he hadn’t come today. She’d stopped in to talk to him about her plans. He wished her well but said that the day would be brighter if he didn’t cast a shadow over dinner. One day, the prodigal son would come home. It might take a miracle, but she believed miracles happened, so there was always hope.
“Who wants to start the thanks?” asked Scott. Family tradition dictated they each list something they were thankful for while Dad carved the turkey. They had to keep listing until he finished.
“I will!” Laney bounced in her seat.
Wynn wanted to squeeze her eyes shut and smile so hard her face hurt. This was the big moment.
“Go right ahead, sweetheart,” Karen encouraged.
Laney stood up, which wasn’t necessary, and cleared her throat. “I’m thankful for Judd because he tells the best stories and he makes my mommy happy.”
A chorus ofawwsechoed her pronouncement.
Miles stood up too. “I’m thankful that my mom wants to marry Judd.”
The room went silent. Wynn’s heart beat so loud, she couldn’t clear her thoughts. It was her turn, and her tongue was tied in a knot. She stood up and took Judd’s hand. “I’m thankful for Judd’s patience as I freaked out about everything and came to my senses. I love him with all my heart.”
Judd quirked a grin at her. He leaned back in his chair with the air of a man who had snagged the biggest fish in the lake.
Wynn wanted to smack his arm and tell him to knock it off and kiss the smugness right off his mouth, but her heart beat so fast, she could barely breathe. “Judd Westbrook, now would be the perfect time to ask me to marry you.”
He glanced around the room. “Wellll …”
