by Dancing
"Of course I love you, too."
As a Congratulations Anna, Rose and Dalton banner
dropped from the ceiling, so did white confetti and
silver balloons.
Hugging his girls close, Dalton happened to glance
past Rose's shoulder to his mom and dad.
Grinning, crying, they held each other, clapping
along with the rest of the crowd for all they were worth.
The weight lifted from Dalton's shoulders was
immense. As was the depth of his love.
From the contented looks in their eyes, he'd been the
only one present not in on the fact that Alice had double-
crossed him in a wonderful way. True to Alice's nature,
she'd planned and schemed behind his back. And he
adored her for it!
Later, while the band played on and the impromptu
engagement party wound down, Anna sound asleep on
his mother's fur coat, Dalton tugged Rose into a private
corner and kissed her hungrily. "Do you have any idea
how much I missed you?"
"Considering I missed you even more, yes."
"Mind my asking how you pulled this off?"
"With the help of my fellow chamber members, it
wasn't a big deal."
"Right," he said with a chuckle. "Who talked to my
dad?"
"Oddly enough, he came to Alice. Apparently, during
your talks at the hospital, you weren't quite as convinc-
ing as you thought."
"Great. He's not on the verge of keeling over, is he?"
"Does he look like it?"
He glanced where Rose pointed. His parents em-
braced on the dance floor, barely moving, but clearly
enjoying the evening.
"See?" Rose teased. "They're happy. We're happy.
Relax."
"I'm not sure I know how."
"I'll teach you."
"Hot Pepper Dance Academy offers relaxation
lessons?"
"We'll start."
When Dalton met Rose's heated glance, she knew
without him saying a word he wanted to tango. Slipping
her hand in his, she accompanied him to an empty spot
on the crowded floor.
Her cheek against his solid chest, she smiled, content
in the knowledge that once again dance had worked
magic. Changed lives. Dalton's, his parents', Alice's,
and least expected of all, but most welcome, her
daughter's and her own.
ISBN: 978-1-4268-0592-9
DANCING WITH DALTON
Copyright © 2007 by Laura Marie Altom.
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