Page 68 of The Meaning in Mistletoe
Kat laughed softly. “I think someone needs attention.”
“Like I said, we’ve got ourselves quite the little beggar.”
“We?”
“Yep. You’d better get used to hearing me say that.Wehave a dog. Andwehave an inn….”
He let that last sentence linger in the air between them, gauging her reaction. Since she’d known where to find him, he assumed someone—most likely Penny—had mentioned something about it.
“We have an inn?” she repeated slowly, clearly stunned.
“Penny didn’t tell you?”
“She told me where to find you, but didn’t say what you were doing out here.”
“In that case…” With an arm around her waist, Jack swiveled so they both faced the sprawling home. “What do you think of our new inn?”
“I—I don’t know what to say,” she stammered, still in shock. “Is it really ours?”
“It sure is. We can work out the logistics with you in Starcross Cove, but I want it to run exactly as you’d imagined it.”
“It’s incredible, Jack.” She ran a finger along the corner of her eye, brushing aside a stray tear. “And the logistics won’t be a problem.”
“What do you mean?” He felt his heartbeat skip, hardly daring to hope.
“I’m moving to Poppy Creek.”
He earnestly searched her face, praying he hadn’t dreamt her words. “Are you really staying?”
She gazed up at him, her cheeks flushed and radiant.
In a single glance, it was as if he could see their entire future.
And it had never looked brighter.
Chapter 31
As Kat gazed in the floor-length mirror, she hardly recognized herself. So much had changed in such a short amount of time.
The last several days had flown by in a whirlwind of wedding planning and settling into Penny’s apartment. Since Trudy had booked her room with new guests after she’d left, every night at Penny’s had become an old-fashioned slumber party. They’d baked cookies in their pajamas, watched classic Christmas movies, and stayed up way too late giggling about boys.
Well, two boys in particular.
In all her life, Kat had never felt more wholly content. And it showed in the glow of her skin and the bright glimmer in her eyes.
“You look stunning.” Penny stood beside her, joining her reflection in the mirror.
The vintage gold gown cascaded over Kat’s curves, grazing the tops of her satin, peep-toe heels. Her red curls had been swept to the side, pinned in place with a pearl-studded comb, revealing her bare neck.
“So do you,” Kat murmured, admiring her sister’s graceful silhouette. The shimmering silver dress fit her like a dream, and she’d never looked more beautiful. She’d also never looked more like their mother. But this time, the similarities made Kat’s heart ache a little less. Her guilt and bitterness had vanished, replaced by a sense of peace and hope for the future. “The dress looks like it was made for you.”
“It does, doesn’t it?” Penny swayed her hips, smiling as the feathers danced with the subtle movement.
“Everything is exactly as it should be.” Kat sniffled, suddenly overcome with emotion as memories of the day’s events came flooding back.
They’d spent Christmas morning with Colt and his family at Luke and Cassie’s home, celebrating with familiar faces and a few new ones. Kat met Cassie’s mother, Donna, along with Eliza’s parents, Hank and Sylvia. Frank and Beverly were there, too, glowing like dreamy-eyed newlyweds. And Fitz had a grand time rollicking in the snow with Grant and Eliza’s son, Ben, and their dog, Vinny.
After breakfast—during which Kat had made Fern’s hot chocolate and Jack served his scrumptious flapjacks—they called Fern to wish her a merry Christmas. She’d raved about the coffee and sweets Kat had sent for everyone at Hope Hideaway. And for Fern, she’d included a special edition ofA Christmas Carol, complete with the most exquisite illustrations.
