“Oh, it’s a fact.” He leaned toward her, and her lips tingled in anticipation.
But the chirp of a siren captured her attention. Darn those stupid sirens.
A sheriff’s car rolled to a stop in the drive—and right behind it was her grandparents’ shiny red ’57 Chevy.
“They found the car!” Allie said.
“Your old girl!” Gram said from across the dance floor.
“Your cold pearl?” Gramps said.
“No, yourold girl!”
“You told Earl?”
“Look, old man!” Gram pointed to the Chevy.
“My old girl!” Gramps headed toward the car, dragging Gram along behind him.
Allie’s parents followed, as did the rest of the crowd. Allie started to follow, but Luke tugged her hand, pulling her back into his arms.
She looked up at him with questioning eyes.
“You know...” His mouth slid into a crooked grin. “As long as they’re occupied...”
Allie smiled and leaned in closer, love for him swelling like the grand finale of a concerto. “I like the way you think, Luke Fletcher.”
Epilogue
Allie had no idea where she was going tonight, but she knew what she was wearing. She slipped into her dress, pulled up the zipper, and glanced in the mirror. The dress was a gift from Luke and was a little, well, froufrou for her taste. But the pale pink complemented her skin tone, and let’s face it. She’d wear a burlap sack if he asked her to. She had no idea where he was taking her tonight; he wouldn’t give her even a hint.
She found her heels easily enough as she’d been making an effort to stay organized since her move back to Copper Creek. Long-distance dating had grown old quickly, and when a job had opened up at the local elementary school, Allie decided to move back home.
She’d started in late August and now, almost four months later, she was in love with her job and the little munchkins in her kindergarten class. She’d recently been asked to help the high school theater department with their production ofA Christmas Carol. They were gearing up for opening night.
Best of all, working at the school, she got to see her nieceand nephew on a daily basis. Olivia, too, as she headed up the PTA and volunteered for every fund-raiser and field trip.
She missed Charlotte, but the two of them had already met up twice, and they texted and called each other frequently. Allie was busy making new friends and reacquainting herself with old ones.
Her parents had really come around in the trust department. For Thanksgiving Allie had been asked to make the turkey. Just kidding. But she had been assigned the sweet potato casserole, which was the second most important dish. Okay, third. Whatever—it was better than napkins. Also, she’d made pumpkin pies with Olivia. Or rather, Olivia had made pies while Allie kept the rugrats occupied.
As she slipped her feet into the heels, Mary, Queen of Scots, slithered along her leg, back arching high. The cat had given her the cold shoulder for a solid four weeks after moving, but they were on good terms once again. Well. On queen-subject terms anyway.
“Well, hello, Your Highness.” Allie stroked Mary’s soft fur. “How do I look, huh? Fit for a six-month anniversary? What do you think?”
Mary turned indifferent eyes toward Allie, blinking slowly.
“If you’re nice, I’ll bring Walter over soon.”
Strangely, the furry beasties got along well. And by “got along well” she meant Walter napped in the corner while Mary pranced around, claiming the rest of her kingdom.
The doorbell rang, and Allie glanced at the clock. She was running a little late. She grabbed her glittery earrings and put them on as she walked to the door.
On the second ring she flung the door open and went muteat the sight of Luke in a navy suit. His dark hair was carefully combed, his jaw freshly shaved, and the look in his eyes made her lean in close. She brushed his lips with hers.
Mine. He’s all mine.
“You look beautiful,” he said against her mouth. Then he drew away, scanning her face as if to appreciate the view a little more.
