Page 28 of Sweet Surprise

“I guess ridiculous does pretty much cover it.” Carson moved to her side, lightly touching her hand. “Whatever happens, we’ll make sure Mason’s happy. That’s what matters most to both of us.”

She nodded, their eyes meeting briefly before they both turned back to watch Mason, who had found a stick and was throwing it for Brady to fetch. Another trick the dog let him believe he’d only just learned. Then, to Carson’s surprise, Brady dropped the stick in front of Samson and slowly the stressed dog sniffed the stick, looked at Brady, and Carson would have sworn Brady nodded at his new friend. Just as slowly, Samson picked up the stick, inched in Mason’s direction, and dropped the stick in front of the boy’s feet.

“Wow. I guess miracles do happen.” Carson hoped that there was one more miracle in God’s pocket for them.

If only time could stand still. At this moment, Jess couldn’t remember feeling more relaxed, content, and more importantly, at peace.

“So,” Carson said after a moment, “you up to telling Mom? I don’t want to rush you, but time is critical.”

“I know.” She tried to calm the butterflies swooping in her stomach. “If I’d made up my mind sooner, we could have sprung it all on her at the same time.”

“Coulda, woulda shoulda,” He teased, then took hold of her hand and threaded their fingers together. “I already impressed upon Mom that we’re just friends. If we’re going to pull this off, convince her that we just now figured out how we feel and make her believe it’s for real, holding hands will do a lot to help.”

“Of course.” Her gaze dropped to their laced fingers. So many memories flooded her thoughts. Happy memories. Good memories. She’d been so worried about Mason’s well being when this little charade was over, she hadn’t really given any thought to her own. Giving his hand a tug and offering a weak smile, she sucked in a deep breath. “Time to go from the frying pan into the fire.”

Almost holding her breath as she crossed the threshold, she noticed Alice elbow-deep in bread dough. The woman looked totally content in her element. Jess’ future—and temporary—mother-in-law glanced up as they came in, a warm smile spreading across her face.

“Well now, you two look like you’ve been hatching a plan.” Her gaze dropped to their joined hands, and her smile widened.

“Actually, yes.” Carson cleared his throat. “We’ve been talking, and… well…”

Jess could feel Carson’s discomfort even if she weren’t holding his hand. Gazing at him with a hint of a smile, she squeezed his hand, hoping to silently convey, you’ve got this.

With a slight nod of his head, Carson squeezed her hand back. “We’re getting married.”

Alice’s hands stilled in the dough. For a moment, she said nothing, just stared at them. Then she let out a whoop of joy so loud that Jess half expected the roof to come off the house. “I knew it!” Alice beamed, wiping her hands on her apron. “The minute I saw you two together, I said to myself, ‘Alice Sweet, those two belong together.’ I’m just glad you didn’t waste any time figuring it out for yourselves that all that just friends mantra was pure hooey.”

Carson stared down at her and for a split moment, Jess thought she saw true love gazing down at her. Dang, this man could act. “I guess you might say it’s been a decade in the making.”

“That’s right.” Jess smiled at Alice. “Which is why we don’t see any point in wasting time with a long engagement.”

Immediately Alice’s gaze dropped to Jess’s left hand, then lifted to meet her son’s.

“I, uh, wasn’t prepared for her to say yes.” Carson heaved a shoulder in an apologetic shrug.

Again, Jess squeezed his hand and took a chance looking up at him and smiling. Maybe his mother would buy this charade.

“Anyhow,” Carson let go of her hand and casually slid his arm around her waist, “we’re thinking about getting married sooner rather than later.”

“Sooner? How much sooner?” Alice had forgotten her dough.

Carson looked at Jess. “We thought we’d stop by the courthouse tomorrow and get the license, then after the waiting period, tie the knot.”

“That’s right.” Jess figured she should corroborate his plans. “Small ceremony, just the family.”

Alice’s face fell. “You can’t be serious. Not again.”

Jess felt a pang of guilt at the disappointment on Alice’s face. The woman had just learned she had a grandson; now she was being denied the chance to see her son properly married.

“No.” Alice shook her head. “I don’t know what’s gotten into my children, but weddings should be in church, with flowers, and music, and friends, and then a party to remember for years to come.”

“Mom,” Carson’s tone held a gentle warning, “this isn’t exactly normal circumstances.”

He certainly was right about that.

“Poppycock. A wedding is a wedding.” Alice moved to the sink to wash her hands and heaved a sigh. “Okay.” She nodded, reached for a towel to dry her hands and turned to face them. “Okay. I’ll agree to fast. But we talk to Pastor John and have a church wedding, and then—”

“Mom,” Carson almost whined.

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