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Page 26
Fascinated at the color brightening Debra’s cheeks, Shannon wasn’t surprised with the other woman’s reply. “Jase accepted I had a very good reason not to compete.”
Shannon leaned over and clasped Debra’s arm. “How wonderful. Congratulations. How are you feeling?”
“Tired, sick, petrified,” Debra answered before sharing a broad smile with Shannon. “And absolutely ecstatic.”
“Jase will be pretty chuffed?”
Debra chuckled. “You could say that. Anyone would think he’s the first expectant father ever.”
“I’m so happy for you both.”
They sat watching the throng of people beside the reception hall. For a moment, deep inside, she envied Debra, but common sense prevailed and she set aside the envy.
Shannon’s gaze flicked around until she’d located all three of the children, each playing with others of similar ages. She already had a complete family.
Shannon wasn’t aware Debra had spoken until she repeated herself.
“How are you and Luke fairing these days?”
It was Shannon’s turn to blush.
“That good, aye?”
Shannon shrugged. She wasn’t ready to discuss her relationship. “It’s early days yet.”
“I understand.” Debra patted her arm. She smiled at Shannon’s raised eyebrow. “I do,” she stressed. “I remember how insecure I felt about Jase.”
There was a lengthy silence before Debra spoke again. “If you ever need to talk…” Her voice faded and her chin dropped onto her chest. She fiddled with her wedding ring, refusing to meet Shannon’s gaze.
She’s embarrassed! She’s reached out and is scared I’m going to turn her away. Any sense of envy Shannon might have harbored disappeared. She might have money and power and prestige, but I bet she doesn’t have many friends.
“Can you and Jase stay for dinner?”
Debra’s head shot up.
“Who knows what we’ll serve up, probably leftover sausages or something equally ordinary, but I’d love for you to join us.”
“Are you sure?” Debra whispered. “You’ve had a long day. By the time everyone leaves…”
“We’ll still have to bathe and feed three kids, discuss and dissect the whole day with what worked and what didn’t, all while pretending we’re not a bit tired.” Shannon smiled. “It’d be lovely to have your company.”
“As long as you give me something to do to help.”
Shannon laughed and got to her tired feet. “Oh, ho, you might regret that. C’mon, let’s tell the guys.”
****
“What an amazing day.” Shannon leaned against Luke as they waved farewell to the McEwans.
“It’s been grand. I think we might make a go of this park. Jase has some ideas he’d like us to hear.”
Shannon spoke over her shoulder as they returned inside. “Debra suggested the resort might add some support. She didn’t say what, though.”
“We’ll schedule a meeting sometime next week.”
They paused in the kitchen; the bench was still covered with dishes from their hastily prepared meal. As Shannon stepped forward, Luke’s hand stopped her. “Tomorrow. We’ll do them tomorrow.”
Shannon wanted to argue getting up to a messy kitchen was the pits, but the light in Luke’s eye suggested argument was useless.
“Tomorrow.” He led her toward his room, her hand caught in his. “Tomorrow will be a busy day. Tomorrow we’ll clean the kitchen. Tomorrow we tell the kids.” He edged her into his room and closed the door. “And tomorrow we shift your gear into this room. Now come to bed.”
Shannon hesitated, biting her lip.
“Luke? Maybe we should wait, before we tell the children?”
“What about the children? They’ll be fine.”
“I’m worried about Thomas. How he’ll react when—”
Luke cupped her cheek. “Thomas already knows.” At her indignant gasp he added, “After whatever he did to upset you the night we went to dinner, I talked to him.”
Shannon’s back stiffened. “I told you I can handle my own son.”
“I know, I know.”
His smile further maddened her and she stalked across his room.
She swung back to find him lolling on the bed. “I had to ask someone’s permission to marry you. I guessed he was the man.”
“W-what did you say?”
Luke smirked. “Before I left for Dunedin, I told Thomas I was going to marry you. I suggested he could take a few days to think about the idea. This morning we had another chat and he gave his blessing.”
“H-he did?”
“Yep.” Luke swung his feet up onto the bed and lay back with his hands linked behind his head. “He thinks it’s ‘a cool idea.’ ”
He winked. “I happen to agree with him.”
Happiness bubbled inside Shannon like shaken champagne. She took a step toward him. “Is that right?” Another step, and another until she was hard against the bed.
She poked him in the chest. “Well, I’m glad you two think it’s such a cool idea.” Poke. “I wouldn’t know.” Poke. “’Cause I haven’t been asked.” Poke.
Her next poke hit clear air. He shifted so quickly she found herself tumbled onto the bed and beneath him now.
“Is that right?” He grinned down at her. “Perhaps I’ve been waiting for a romantic moment. A full moon, champagne, and candlelight.” He fiddled with her buttons as he mused.
Shannon grabbed hold of a couple of his dreads and eyeballed him. “Those ‘romantic moments’ can be so overrated.”
Luke laughed. “Oh my darling. On our fiftieth anniversary you’ll still be making me happy. Marry me. Right now, right here.”
His smile lifted her, had her floating light as any cloud.
“Repeat after me: I take thee, Luke, for my lawful husband.”
Her voice might be choked but she didn’t hesitate as she stared into eyes sparkling so fiercely she was on fire. “I take thee, Luke, for my lawful husband.”
They froze in that moment of time, staring into each other’s eyes, silently committing themselves to a lifetime together.
“Tomorrow we’ll do it officially.”
“Tomorrow’s Sunday.”
“Shh, I need to kiss the bride.”
A word about the author…
Anne Ashby grew up in a very small coastal town in Southland, New Zealand. An eagerness to see the world led her to join the Royal NZ Navy where she enjoyed a very satisfying career. She has travelled extensively and lived in Singapore and Maryland, USA. When not reading or writing, Anne enjoys hanging out with her family and old Navy friends. She promises herself that one day she’ll catalogue all her genealogy research. She and her husband live in Auckland with children and grandchildren close by.
http:// www.anneashby.com
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