“Thanks. And in case you didn’t notice... I switched out the napkins after Mom went through the line.”
Allie’s gaze connected with her sister’s. They burst out laughing. A moment of recognition that yes, their mother was ridiculous sometimes. But they were in this together, Olivia and Allie.
Allie’s laughter hadn’t yet died away when she caught sight of Luke by the rose trellis talking to her parents. He was so handsome under the golden glow of twinkle lights. He wore an attentive expression as he listened.
Dad put a hand on Luke’s shoulder as he spoke with him. Her mom chimed in, smiling. And then... a group hug.
Allie looked on, her eyes burning yet again, something like relief filling her. Also maybe a bit of gratification at having prompted this moment. Luke deserved to know he’d always have Bill and Becky. He was family. He was accepted. He was loved. Her heart went squishy at the thought.
And that’s when she knew. Somehow over the past two days she’d managed to fall in love with Luke Fletcher all over again. Her pulse fluttered as she homed in on him.
The hug ended. Her mom spoke to him, gave his hand a squeeze. And then her parents headed toward the dance floor.
Luke turned just then, and his eyes locked on Allie. Something vibrated between them. Heat flushed through her, settling in her cheeks. Even after all these years he still had her, heart and soul.
Olivia nudged her. “When are you going to do something about that?”
Allie blinked at her sister. “About what?”
“Please. I’m not blind. You’ve had a crush on him for years.”
And here Allie had thought she’d hidden it so well.
“Go dance with the man.” Olivia nudged her with a shoulder. “From the look on his face, he’s just as crazy about you.”
Chapter 13
Luke couldn’t take his eyes off Allie as he walked up the deck stairs. She was beautiful, standing under the white lights, her blonde hair ruffling in the breeze, her eyes locked on his. He’d watched her from afar all evening, and he couldn’t keep his distance a moment longer—not when she was looking at him like that.
He joined her at the railing and held out his hand. “Care to dance?”
“Thought you’d never ask.”
Her hand small and soft in his, he led her down the deck and onto the makeshift dance floor. A poignant melody filled the night, the lyrics piercing his heart as he led her into the fray.
“Could I have this dance, for the rest of my life?”
Luke slipped his arm around her waist, his heart giving an extra thump at the slight weight of her hand on his shoulder. Allie’s sweet scent wrapped around him like a sultry breeze, driving him a little wild.
Her fingers moved against his shoulder as she smiled sweetly at him. “Thank you for what you did earlier. It meant a lot that you’d take the blame. I know how you hate to disappoint my parents—as do we all.”
He returned her smile. “And yet you set them straight.”
“It was the responsible thing to do.”
“They were talking to me a minute ago. They said some very nice things.”
She glanced away. “I’m glad.”
“Why do I get the feeling you had something to do with that?”
She blinked, all innocence. “I have no idea.”
That talk had left him feeling light and worry-free. It had left him feeling loved. Maybe it was time to stop clinging to the unrealistic hope that his parents would become what he needed and just be grateful for what he already had.
“You know, I think I’m going to get rid of my landline.”
She gave him a questioning look. “What? Where did that come from?”
