Page 62

Epilogue

Six months later

Allison had been grinning so hard all day that her face threatened to crack. She couldn’t tear her eyes away from Taylor. In a tuxedo, surrounded his cousins, he was laughing at something someone said. The men then stopped talking as the photographer urged them to pose for another of a string of pictures.

The wedding had grown from a family gathering to a full out wedding with two hundred guests.

The Laurel Creek reception hall was filled with many people. Since she owned the flower shop in town, and Taylor was Laurel Creek’s sheriff, it seemed natural to invite many of the locals to attend their wedding.

Thankfully, between the Hamilton family and her parents, the costs had been divided and there was plenty of food, music and drink for so many guests.

She’d moved to a table with Mindy, Leah and Tori waited for their turn to take pictures. Eric and Ernest’s parents were at an adjoining table, happily conversing with Luke and Tobias’ parents. She was struck by how handsome the older Hamilton men remained. They had good genes.

“Here comes the photographer,” Leah said with a grin. “The last of the pictures hopefully.”

“I want to get some shots of each couple,” the woman said, looking at Tori. “You first since it’s your husband’s idea.”

Allison giggled. “Go to your husband,” she said, emphasizing the word.

“We’re not married,”Tori explained unnecessarily since the woman was already walking away.

“You will be soon,” someone called out as she walked away. Tori chuckled.

After pictures, which she was glad for since Tobias looked so attractive in his black tux, she thought of how good they looked together. She wore a soft pink floral dress that flowed down to her ankles. The picture would definitely be framed and put up at the family home they now shared.

Tobias hugged her close and led her to the dance floor where they began swaying to a slow, jazzy number. She sighed and looked up at him with butterflies in her stomach. “This is a beautiful wedding. I can’t imagine those two with anyone but each other. They are so in love.”

“The Hamiltons are all done for,” Tobias quipped, looking to where his twin and Leah were now being posed for pictures. He chuckled. “Luke looks like he’s in pain.”

Tori had to agree. “He’s come far though. I would never have imagined the man that returned to Montana, so angry and broken, doing that. Posing for a couple’s picture.”

“You’re right,” Tobias said and kissed her gently. “Luke has certainly changed since his return.”

The rest of the evening was magical and although Tori had to talk to Tobias, give him news that could potentially ruin the evening, she kept putting it off.

Tomorrow.She would wait one more day. After all, what difference would it make?

“Toast.” Someone handed her a glass of champagne when they returned to the table. Five couples stood in a circle. Leah and Luke, Allison and Taylor, Mindy and Eric, Henry and Ernest and then her and Tobias all held their glasses up.

“What are we toasting?” Tori asked, lifting her glass and unsuccessfully doing her best to keep her hand from trembling.

“Love, silly,” Allison said with a wide smile, “and also happiness.”

“Here, here!” everyone said at once and sipped.

Tori’s stomach revolted as soon as the sip of champagne hit it. She couldn’t put it off any longer. Tugging at Tobias’ hand, she got his attention.

“We need to talk,” she whispered when he lowered. “It’s important.”

Immediately, the guarded expression shuttered his features. “Right now?”

Tori swallowed. No going back now. Besides, hopefully, he wouldn’t yell at her with this many people around.

They walked out of the billowing tent to a cusp of trees. She let out a shaky sigh and, for some reason, immediately began to cry.

Tobias wrapped his arms around her. “What’s wrong? Are you sick?”

“Not really sick per se,” she sniffed. “I don’t know how you’re going to take this. I wanted to wait but I can’t keep it to myself any longer. I’ve been feeling sick to my stomach. I was scared that I had an ulcer or something. So I went to the doctor.” Tears began flowing in earnest and she wiped at them impatiently.