This Time Around

by Denise Hunter

  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?”

  “Never mind.” He smiled, drawing her closer, his heart stuttering as her head settled against his shoulder. He breathed her in, hardly able to believe she was in his arms again after all these years. But there was still so much unsaid between them.

  “My grandparents seem to be having a good time despite the car debacle.”

  In the middle of the pack Mr. Stuart spun his wife out, then gathered her close again, laughing.

  “Fifty years . . . ,” Luke said.

  “Twice as long as I’ve been alive.”

  “They’re a good match.”

  “Well, they’re not perfect . . . but they’re perfect for each other.”

  Was she still talking about her grandparents? The air seemed to crackle between them. His chest tightened as his heart swelled with love for her.

  He wanted that for himself, fifty years of love and marriage.

  And he knew with sudden certainty—he wanted it with Allie.

  * * *

  Allie breathed Luke in, relishing the feel of being in his arms again. As a girl she’d dreamed of this, and later she’d had him for a short while. But her feelings for Luke had grown and deepened. What she felt now was no longer the crush of a girl but the mature love of a woman.

  Luke saw her for the way she was—he always had. She was most herself when she was with him, and she didn’t worry she’d disappoint him. The thought of it tightened her chest.

  “Allie?” Luke drew back, his hand sliding from the center of her back to her side.

  That voice. Those hands. Those eyes. He looked at her with such intensity that her breath hitched.

  “I’m glad we got to spend the last two days together.” His lips curled in a smile. “I’ve enjoyed your company. Enjoyed getting to know you all over again.”

  “It’s been fun—minus the rabid raccoon and, you know, the grand theft auto.”

  He chuckled. “You made even those things worthwhile.”

  She fell into those green eyes, her mouth going dry. She couldn’t even think, much less speak.

  “I know this might seem sudden, but somehow it isn’t sudden at all.” His smile had fallen away, leaving a warm and wistful look on his face. “I love you, Allie Adams—I don’t think I ever stopped.”

  Her heart skipped a beat at his words. He’d echoed her own thoughts so perfectly. How had she gone all these years without him?

  “Oh, Luke. I love you too.”

  The corners of his eyes relaxed, and his mouth curved as he leaned closer and brushed her lips with his. Soft and firm and gentle. Then he hovered over her for a moment, meeting her gaze, his breath a gentle whisper before he reclaimed her mouth.

  He gathered her closer, and Allie wound both arms around him, her fingers finding home in the soft dark hair at his nape. She forgot to dance. Forgot to breathe. Forgot everything but the man in her arms. The man who’d always felt like hers.

  When he finally drew away, he captured her face between his hands and gave her an intent look. “Best. Detour. Ever.”

  She chuckled, warmth spreading its languid fingers throughout her. She caught her mom’s eyes across the floor where she danced with Allie’s father.

  Mom gave her a wink.

  “Um, I think they’re on to us,” Allie said.

  Luke followed her gaze, then looked back to Allie. “I hope they approve. Because I intend to kiss their daughter a lot more.”

  Allie gave him a saucy look. “Is that a fact?”

  “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, your old 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 of A Christmas Carol. They were gearing up for opening night.

  Best of all, working at the school, she got to see her niece and 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 mute at 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.

  She fingered the collar of his crisp suit coat. “And look at you. This must be some restaurant you’re taking me to.”

  “We’re celebrating, after all.”

  She smoothed her hands over her hips. “Thank you for the dress.”

  “You look perfect. Are you ready to go?” He waved gallantly toward the parking lot. “Your chariot awaits.”

  Her eyes fixed on the car, gleaming in the last light of the day.

  Allie sucked in a breath, her gaze darting back to Luke’s. “I can’t believe they trusted us with it again.”

  “I promised I’d keep the keys on my person at all times,” he said wryly.

  Allie chuckled. “There’s not a storm on the horizon, is there?”

  “The weather is clear—I checked.”

  “Let’s go, then.” Allie grabbed her purse and wrap off the table. “Be good, Mary,” she called, but the cat was already sauntering away.

  Allie locked up and drew her wrap around her against the cool evening air. She followed Luke to the car where he assisted her into the passenger seat.

  “I have got to learn to drive a stick shift,” she muttered as he walked around the car.

  Once Luke was behind the wheel, he started the engine and off they went. They chatted as he drove, about family and his business and her job. Conversation always flowed easily between them. Soon they were passing through downtown. Evergreen garlands spiraled up light poles, ornate wreaths adorned shop doors, and twinkle lights shimmered against picture windows. Good ol’ Copper Creek.

  She thought he was perhaps heading toward the Blue Moon Grill, the town’s fanciest restaurant. But he passed the pull-in and continued, turning instead onto a road that led to the small town of Chatsworth. What in the world?

  “You’ve really got me stumped now.” Allie shifted toward him. “Where on earth are we going?”

  A smile played around his mouth. “You’ll find out soon enough.”

  “Or you could just tell me . . .”

  “That wouldn’t be nearly as much fun.”

  Allie huffed. “But the suspense is killing me.”

  “Patience, sweetheart. We’re almost there.”

  Almost where? Only the endearment and, okay, the adoring look in his eyes kept her from pressing him. That look had earned him more than compliance over the past several months.

  He slowed the car and turned into a parking lot.

  Allie frowned. “This is my school.”

  “Indeed it is.”

  “We’re . . . eating at the school?” The parking lot lights were already beating back the encroaching darkness. As could be expected this time of night, there wasn’t a single vehicle in the lot. “I don’t understand.”

  “You will shortly.” He pulled the car into a slot and shut off the engine.

  “But what are we doing here?”

  Luke said nothing as he exited the car and came around to help her out, an enigmatic smile on his face.

  “You’re not going to tell me, are you?”

  He took her hand, placing a quick kiss on her lips. “For the love of Pete, you are the most impatient woman I’ve ever known. Come along.”

  Allie followed him up the sidewalk. He headed not toward the elementary building where she worked but toward the high school, set off to the side.

  The high school? “Does this have something to do with the play? But no one’s here. Opening night’s not until— Did Olivia—?”

  “Hush, woman.” He spared her a smile, squeezing her hand.

  When they reached the side door he pulled it open and ushered her inside, his eyes sparkling. The hallway was dim and filled with the familiar smells of old books, sweaty lockers, and lofty aspirations.

  “This way.” Luke led her a short way down the hall and stopped at the gym doors. He pushed them open.

  Allie stepped forward, and her breath froze in her lungs at the sight. White lights twinkled all around the darkened gym, and snowflakes of all sizes and shapes hung from above as if suspended in midflight. The floor glistened white, and dots of light seemed to be falling from the sky in some sort of snow effect. The gym had been transformed into a winter wonderland.

  Allie pressed her hand to her chest. A lump formed in her throat, thickening until it cut off anything she might say. She looked at Luke, her eyes burning. She couldn’t believe he’d done this for her.

  “I thought it was time I took you to your prom.”

  “Luke,” she breathed.

  He led her deeper into the room, and she took it all in. A soft ballad played from somewhere, and a single table, clothed in white and laden with food, sat in the middle of the room.

  “I can’t believe you did this.”

  “I should’ve taken you the first time. I’m sorry I didn’t.” He produced a corsage he must’ve hidden behind his back.

  She laughed, holding out her hand, and he slid the spray of pink sweetheart roses onto her wrist. “You’ve thought of everything.”

  He kissed her hand, his expression growing intense. “I’ve thought of nothing but you for the past six months, Allie.”

  She fell into his soulful eyes. What this man did to her. “Oh, Luke. It’s been the best six months of my life.”

  He gave her a long look, as if assessing something. Then his mouth relaxed in a smile, as if he’d made up his mind. “I was going to do this after we’d eaten, but I can’t wait.”

  He reached into his pocket, then dropped down to one knee, holding out a sparkling diamond ring.

  She pressed a hand to her trembling lips as her breath flooded from her lungs.

  “Allie Ada
ms . . .” Luke’s eyes pierced hers, saying so much. “More than anyone ever has, you see me for who I am, and you love me anyway. I’d like nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you, taking road trips, getting lost together—and finding each other over and over again. I love you so much, Allie. You’re my home. Will you marry me?”

  “Oh, Luke. Of course I will. Yes!”

  He beamed at her as he slipped the ring onto her finger. It was beautiful—a substantial solitaire with a band that curled and twisted in a whimsical way. It was so her.

  Luke gathered her close and took her mouth in a kiss that matched the joy in her heart. Allie held him close, returning his affection with equal fervor. This was the man she’d held out for. The one who’d claimed her heart so long ago. And now he was hers again. Hers forever.

  When he drew away their breaths were labored. A slow melody played in the background. Allie recognized it as the song they’d danced to at her grandparents’ anniversary party, when Luke had first professed his love.

  Luke wore a knowing look, and a smile dawned on his face. “Could I have this dance?”

  Allie smiled up at him. “For the rest of my life.”

  And when he took her in his arms, Allie knew it was true. She’d fallen in love with the boy next door—and he’d fallen right back in love with her.

  Dedication

  To Christine Berg,

  Dreamer, Believer, Talented Artist, and Whimsical Friend

  with the Happiest Christmas Tree Farm

  in the World Worth Writing About.

  Chapter 1

  Theo

  Three weeks into dating, and already odds he’d marry this woman were approaching 45 percent.

  It was a spontaneous though not unexpected thought, flickering in and out as quickly as the votive between them. After all, here he sat: Theodore Watkins III, bachelor of thirty-five years, financial adviser who lived by facts and figures. He was well aware of the statistical odds of discovering an eligible woman within ten or so years of his own age in Abingdon, Virginia, town of eight thousand. Aware even more, as he looked into the blazing blue eyes of one of the most beautiful women he’d ever encountered, of the slim chance of stumbling upon one so poised and intelligent. Compatible. Charming.