One Perfect Spring

by Irene Hannon

  As she let that comment sink in, she looked him over. There were fine lines at the corners of his eyes, suggesting he’d put in some long hours on the job while he was away—and probably spent some restless nights in anticipation of today’s meeting.

  However, despite his fatigue, there was a new calm about him. Gone was the subtle tension she only recognized now, in its absence.

  The knot that had been in her stomach all day eased. “It went well, didn’t it?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I set up the chairs on the deck if you’d like to talk out there.”

  “Sure.”

  “Can I get you something to drink?” She tossed the question over her shoulder as he followed her through the house.

  “I had coffee on the road and soda at my mom’s. I’m full up. Where’s Haley?”

  “In bed.”

  “Kind of early, isn’t it?” He reached around her to open the sliding door.

  “That’s what she said. I bribed her with Ted Drewes.”

  He chuckled as he took the chair beside her. “I bet that worked like a charm. It would on me.”

  “I’ll tuck that piece of information away for possible future use.” She shifted her chair toward him. “I could hardly concentrate at school today for thinking about you—not that anyone noticed. The kids are always hyper the last week of classes. So tell me how it went. You didn’t say much when you called from the road.”

  “I was still processing everything I learned.” He took her hand, lacing his fingers with hers as he filled her in.

  Claire listened to his account of the meeting all the way through without interrupting.

  When he finished, she expelled a long breath. “Wow. That’s an amazing story—and not what I expected. Your birth mother really turned her life around after she hit bottom.” She studied his face, trying to read his enigmatic expression. “Are you going to keep in touch with her?”

  “To some degree. Maybe a card at Christmas, a call on occasion. But as I told Mom when I stopped in at her place, Laura Matthews is a stranger, linked to me only by blood. I didn’t go to today’s meeting intending—or wanting—to like her. My goal was simply to find answers. I got those . . . and while I did end up feeling sorry for all she went through and admiring the person she’s become, my most important takeaway was a sense of peace and closure. For the first time in my life, I don’t feel weighed down by the past. I’m ready to move into the future . . . a future I hope includes you.”

  A bird trilled in the warm spring air, its sweet song filled with joy.

  The same joy that was in her heart.

  For while Keith may have been the one on a journey to the past, seeking answers and closure and direction, she’d found all those same things since he’d come into her life.

  She gave a contented sigh. “I like the sound of that.”

  “I hoped you might.” He leaned close and gave her a quick kiss.

  Too quick.

  And way too distracting.

  She had to force herself to focus on his words when he continued.

  “So here’s my suggestion. Let’s have a real courtship this summer. We’ll go on dates. I’ll put up a porch swing for you and we’ll spend some quality time there after Haley goes to bed—if you get my drift.” He waggled his eyebrows, and she smiled. “We’ll plan outings for the three of us too. Family stuff. And we’ll pray about this. I think I already know where it’s going to lead, but let’s take our time and do this right. What do you say?”

  In response, Claire stood, tugged him to his feet, and put her arms around his neck. “As my father used to say on the Molly Sue once we got past the obstacles in the harbor: ‘Open up the throttle and let ’er rip.’”

  Keith grinned. “I’m looking forward to getting to know him better.”

  “The feeling is mutual. But at the moment . . .” She snuggled closer against his solid, broad chest. “Why don’t we get to know each other a little better?”

  “I like how you think, Ms. Summers. Let’s act on that suggestion.”

  And as he dipped his head to claim her lips in a gentle kiss that quickly escalated to a preview of the passion to come, she knew that here, in the circle of his arms, was where she belonged.

  For always.

  Epilogue

  4½ Months Later

  “I think the excitement finally got to her.” Keith grinned into the rearview mirror at Haley, who was passed out in her wedding finery on the backseat.

  “I’m not surprised.” Claire glanced over her shoulder. “I don’t think she slept a wink last night.”

  “The professor was quite the diplomat, choosing Haley as maiden of honor. But it made sense, since she was the catalyst for this whole thing. Besides, it saved Maureen from having to pick between you and Debbie. No sense ruffling the feathers of the new in-laws.”

  “True. But she did ask me to sign as witness, which was very sweet.” Claire sighed and leaned back against the headrest. “Wasn’t it a lovely wedding? So intimate in the small chapel, with harp music in the background. And those elegant place settings at the dinner, plus the chair covers and tropical flowers and string quartet . . . perfect.”

  “The food was good too.”

  She gave him a playful jab. “Spoken like a stereotypical man.”

  “Guilty.” He sent her an unrepentant grin, then grew more serious. “But I do appreciate the finer things in life. In fact, I’m sitting next to one of them.”

  “Hmm.” He could hear her smile, even though he kept his gaze on the road. “You just redeemed yourself.” She picked up the nosegay resting in her lap, and the scent of roses wafted his way.

  “Interesting that you caught the bouquet.”

  Claire gave a soft laugh. “How could I not? She aimed it straight at me.” She took a whiff and set the flowers back in her lap. “I’m glad everything turned out well. Maureen kept up a good front, but I know she was sweating it out until she got the results of the scan. I’m so glad the news was good.” She sighed and fingered one of the rose petals. “Wasn’t she a beautiful bride? That lace sheath was perfect for her, and the headpiece was stunning now that her hair has grown out long enough to have some soft waves.”

  “She looked very nice.” But as far as he was concerned, the most stunning woman at tonight’s event had been his date. In that sleek black cocktail dress with the flirty little slit in the back and a subtle clinginess that showed off her curves to perfection, Claire was a knockout. Once she stepped into the room, every other woman had paled in comparison—including the bride.

  Best of all, she was his girl.

  And she’d soon be more . . . if all went well.

  “I hope they have a wonderful time in Hawaii.”

  It took him a few seconds to refocus. “I don’t think there’s any doubt of that. Knowing David, their honeymoon will be first class all the way.” He swung into Claire’s driveway. “Home sweet home. Sit tight and I’ll get your door.”

  Usually she was out of the car before he could circle it, but tonight she waited for him.

  “This fancy dress deserves the full treatment.” She smiled up at him in the moonlight as she slid out.

  “No. The lady in it does.” He captured her hand and pressed her fingers to his lips. “Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?”

  “Several times—but a woman never gets tired of hearing compliments.”

  “Then expect to hear them often.” He released her hand and opened Haley’s door. She stirred and blinked up at him groggily. “We’re home, kiddo.”

  Yawning, she retrieved her own miniature nosegay and climbed out of the car. “That was the most awesome wedding I ever went to.”

  “Also the only one.” Claire put her arm around her daughter’s shoulders and guided her toward the house. “Straight to bed for you, young lady. It’s after eleven.”

  For once, Haley didn’t protest.

  Keith followed them up the narrow path. “Need any help insi
de?”

  Claire fitted the key in the door and twisted the knob. “I can manage. Are you leaving?”

  “No. I thought I’d wait for you out here.” He gestured to the porch swing.

  “Are you sure you don’t want to sit on that great deck you built for my birthday?”

  “The deck we built, you mean.”

  “You did all the heavy stuff.”

  “Nope. You more than pulled your weight—like you always do. But we’ll have plenty of time to sit out there. I’m in a swinging mood tonight.”

  “Is that right?” She batted her eyes and sent him a saucy grin. “Hold that thought and give me ten minutes. Say good night, Haley.”

  “’Night.” The little girl’s farewell was more yawn than word.

  Once mother and daughter disappeared inside, he strolled over to the swing where he and Claire had spent many a summer evening after Haley was tucked in for the night. Where attraction and friendship had grown into deep, abiding love—just as he’d expected them to back in May. In light of Claire’s bad experience in the marriage department, however, he’d resolved to give her time to get comfortable with their relationship, to be certain her future did, indeed, include him.

  But her time was up.

  Setting the swing in motion with a push of the toe, he double-checked the inside pocket of his jacket.

  The small box was right where he’d tucked it.

  Now he just had to wait—and try not to hyperventilate.

  By the time Claire returned in less than the ten minutes she’d estimated, he was reasonably calm.

  Yet the minute she appeared in the doorway, his pulse took a leap.

  So much for cool and composed.

  She sat beside him, scooting close as she always did, settling into the crook of the arm he’d draped over the back.

  “That was fast.” He bent his head to breathe in the scent of her hair. She felt so good resting against him. So right. So . . . perfect.

  “Haley went out like a light the instant her head touched the pillow. But I have a feeling we’ll be discussing Maureen’s wedding for weeks to come. It did have a fairy-tale quality about it, don’t you think?”

  “Their meeting and courtship even more so. Who would have guessed all of this would come about because of a simple letter?”

  “I know. It changed multiple lives—including mine. I never thought I could be this happy again.”

  That was his opening.

  His heart skipped a beat, and he cleared his throat. “I think you could be even happier.”

  She shifted around to look at him, her expression quizzical, but before she could speak, he reached up and withdrew the black velvet case from his pocket.

  Her eyes widened.

  “You remember back in May how I said we should take the summer to get to know each other better?” His voice hoarsened, and he swallowed.

  “Yes.”

  “The summer’s over.” He flipped up the lid to display the marquis-cut diamond in the gold setting.

  Her sharp, indrawn breath was the only sound in the night, other than the gentle rustle of summer-weary leaves in the breeze.

  He removed the ring from the box and held it with fingers that were suddenly shaky. “I’ve known almost from the beginning of our relationship that if I could get my past straightened out, my future would belong to you. And I hope you feel the same way, because at this point I can’t imagine my life without you. You’re the first thing I think of every morning and the last thing I think of every night. I spend half my time at the office daydreaming about you instead of working. Just ask Robin—she’s always giving me a hard time about it. If David hadn’t been going through the same thing with Maureen, my career would be toast.”

  He took her hand and folded it in his. Her eyes were shimmering when she looked up at him—a positive sign, he hoped.

  “I know I’m no great bargain. I have a lot of quirks, and I expect I’ll always try too hard to prove myself. But that also means I’ll spend the rest of my life striving to be worthy of you. And I promise you this: no matter what our future together holds, I’ll give you my fidelity, loyalty, devotion, and deepest love for as long as I live. I’ll also love Haley, and be the very best father I can be to her.” His heart was banging against his rib cage so hard it was bordering on painful. He paused. Swallowed. “So Claire . . . will you give me the greatest gift I could ever receive and agree to marry me?”

  She didn’t hesitate.

  “Yes.” Her reply came out in a choked whisper, but there wasn’t a shred of doubt on her face or in her voice.

  The tension evaporated from his body so quickly he was glad he was sitting down. Otherwise, he had a feeling his legs would collapse beneath him.

  He wasn’t alone, however. Her hand didn’t feel any too steady when he lifted it to slip on the ring.

  Once it was secure, he slid his fingers into her silky hair and cupped the back of her head. “Before I seal this with a kiss, tell me how long I have to wait to say I do.”

  “I’d like to say next week.”

  “I’m good with that.”

  “But I’d also love to have a small, elegant wedding, like Maureen did.”

  “How long would that take to pull together?”

  “Maureen and David began making plans the day after he proposed, but getting it done in four months was tough.”

  “So what date did you have in mind?”

  When she traced the line of his jaw with her fingertip, it took every ounce of his willpower not to capture her hand and press a kiss to her palm. “Why don’t we say our ‘I do’s’ when the lilacs bloom again?”

  “Around the end of April, right?” He considered the idea. “That might work. Paris is supposed to be beautiful in April—or so the old song says.”

  She blinked. “Paris?”

  “Can you think of a more romantic place for a honeymoon?”

  She stared at him. “A Paris honeymoon? Wow. I’ve never set foot outside the US.”

  “If there’s somewhere else you’d rather go . . .”

  “No. To be honest, anywhere alone with you would be wonderful.”

  “So I could take you to Branson?”

  She chuckled. “Well, now that Paris has been put on the table . . .”

  “Then Paris it is. And I’m pretty certain I can talk my mom into babysitting—unless you want to bring Haley along.”

  “On our honeymoon?” A look of mock horror spread across her face. “Forget it!” Eyes glinting with mischief, she gripped the lapels of his jacket and pulled him close. “That, my love, is going to be rated adults only.”

  Her breath was warm on his cheek, and the faint floral scent that was all Claire enveloped him as he guided her mouth toward his. “I like the sound of that. In the meantime, why don’t we start with a preview that’s rated for general audiences?”

  “At the very least.”

  Her sweet lips welcomed his, eager and ardent, and as they both gave expression to their love in a kiss filled with passion and promise, joy overflowed within him.

  For here, in the arms of this incredible woman, he’d found hope . . . home . . . and his own happy ending.

  And for as long as he lived, he would give thanks for the gift of her love—and for a little girl’s letter that had brightened so many lives.

  Author’s Note

  A few years ago, I was asked in an interview if being a writer is a lonely profession. The question took me aback—because even though I spend most of my work week alone in front of my computer, I have never, ever been lonely. Yes, writing is a solitary occupation—but my days are filled with the fascinating characters who people my novels. How could I be lonely?

  One Perfect Spring is a great example of this. Keith and Claire and David and Maureen (as well as many of the other characters) all had interesting stories to tell. Watching their relationships evolve, walking with them as they dealt with the fallout from old choices and the challenges of new ones, ke
pt me intrigued—and anxious to find out what happened next. I hope you felt the same as you turned the pages!

  While my fictional characters are great company, many real people also play an important role in my career. For this book, I owe a deep debt of gratitude to the following:

  #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber. With warmth, graciousness, and generosity, she took time out of her busy schedule to read this manuscript and offer me the stellar endorsement you see on the front and back covers. May your star continue to shine!

  The amazing team at Revell. From editing to cover design, from marketing and publicity to sales and distribution, you are the best!

  All the readers who seek out my books. You make it possible for me to give life to the characters who ask me to tell their stories—and I give thanks for you every day.

  And finally, dearest Tom—my husband and hero. Since our very first date, you, too, have been the wind beneath my wings. Three dot . . . for always.

  Irene Hannon is a bestselling, award-winning author who took the publishing world by storm at the tender age of ten with a sparkling piece of fiction that received national attention.

  Okay . . . maybe that’s a slight exaggeration. But she was one of the honorees in a complete-the-story contest conducted by a national children’s magazine. And she likes to think of that as her “official” fiction-writing debut!

  Since then, she has written more than forty-five contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. Irene has twice won the RITA award— the “Oscar” of romantic fiction—from Romance Writers of America, and her books have also been honored with a National Readers’ Choice award, two HOLT medallions, a Daphne du Maurier award, a Carol award, a Retailers Choice award, and two Reviewers’ Choice awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. In 2011, Booklist included one of her novels in its Top 10 Inspirational Fiction list for the year. She is also a Christy award finalist.

  Irene, who holds a BA in psychology and an MA in journalism, juggled two careers for many years until she gave up her executive corporate communications position with a Fortune 500 company to write full time. She is happy to say she has no regrets! As she points out, leaving behind the rush-hour commute, corporate politics, and a relentless BlackBerry that never slept was no sacrifice.