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Another ping.
Wish granted. Do I pick a lei? – Love, your Marshall
My Marshall?
Her Marshall. Lei?
Shocked, she re-read that last email and took a second to take in the words. Realization hit and Juniper darted out of the bedroom, her dress nearly catching on the handle.
“Marshall,” she tried not to sound breathy as she opened the front door to a gust of warm air and the man that stole her every thought and made her body respond on command.
Dressed in a dark suit and red tie that matched the red flowers on her dress, she raked her gaze over him again just to make sure he really stood there. This time no hat. His hair was neatly parted to the side as always, the slight waves giving him a Clark Kent vibe.
“Juniper,” he smiled and pulled her into his warm body, his scent pulling her back to the last time he held her so close.
Two things happened at once. Her heart hit one hundred miles an hour and she groaned into his ear.
“I missed you too, sweetheart,” he murmured close to her ear. “I missed you, too.” This time his words barely rose above a whisper.
Warm and strong, he smelled so good. She pressed her nose to his neck and breathed in as he tightened his hold.
Everything inside her calmed. She leaned back and looked up into his gaze.
This close she could see every shade of blue in his eyes. “You made it?”
His lips peeled back in a smile that beamed brighter than the thousands of lights decorating the porch.
He released his hold on her and she moved back so he could step into the foyer. She stole a glance over her shoulder. Good—no one noticed her mad dash for the front door or that Marshall had arrived. She had at least five seconds with the man before everyone descended on them.
“I hope you don’t mind that I'm early. I’ve left my brothers to handle the closing of the Masterson deal.” He leaned close “So here I am.” He took her hand and wrapped it around his arm. “Shall we go meet the family and friends I’m about to inherit?”
He spoke as though it were for real. As though there was no going back after they said the words. Her emotions dipped and swayed and her brain didn’t know what to make of the tone he used. One of certainty, as though what he said would come to be.
She wished.
She’d heard him use that tone before when dealing with clients and his business. But what did it mean here? For her? Them?
Her heart said it meant forever, her brain said keep dreaming.
She led the way to the edge of the makeshift dance floor set up in the middle of the backyard. “Everybody,” she called and Marshall settled a hand on hers where it wrapped around his arm. She cleared her throat one more time. “Everybody,” she tried again and the music lowered as everyone turned her way, “this is Marshall, my fiancé.”
A lot of surprised expressions stared back at her before handshakes and congratulations were passed around along with a few back slaps for Marshall, who took it all in stride.
Jon came up beside her and wrapped an arm around her shoulder as he shook Marshall’s hand. “I heard you guys were looking for a place to get married.”
“You’re here!” Juniper wrapped her cousin in a tight hug. “You’re a hard man to pin down.”
Gran and Callie joined them.
“Ma’am,” Marshall dipped his head in greeting and took her gran’s hands in his, “Marshall Blackwood, sorry for any inconvenience this might have caused the family or you. I surely didn’t mean to steal the spotlight. I know this isn’t exactly how anyone pictured Juniper’s wedding, much less her.”
“Not at all, cowboy. You’re welcome here, and my granddaughter knows what she is doing.” Gran winked at her as she threaded an arm through Marshall’s. “How about you show me your slow-dancing skills?”
Juniper couldn't believe only a couple of days ago they were hot and heavy on his desk, couch, window…you name it. But the dirty-talking cowboy was reserved for only her and their shared private times. Tonight he was the ever-attentive gentleman and she loved what she saw.
“Yes, ma’am.” Marshall tossed her a wink and a smile, leaving her alone with Callie and Jon.
“Are you sure about this?” Jon spoke up beside her. Gran and Mom and no doubt Callie had filled him in on everything by now.
