“So this is what an at-home elopement looks like,” Mitzy murmured happily, six days later, after the vows had been said and congratulations were being made.
Thanks to her mother’s hard work, the home she had inherited from her father had been transformed into a winter wonderland, the holiday decorations supplanted with garlands of cream roses, pale pink orchids and baby’s breath. The beautifully decked-out fireplace mantel was serving as the altar. Their immediate families and the quadruplets were all gathered around.
Chase winked. “We’re lucky your mom is such a pro at pulling together social gatherings.”
Judith hugged them both. “Actually, I think we’re lucky you and Chase found each other again after all these years.”
“Which maybe,” Walter added kindly, “was Gus’s plan in asking Chase to come in and save the day.”
Which he had done.
The family company was safe, Gus’s legacy protected, the burden of trying to do a job that was out of her depth while simultaneously caring for infant quadruplets, removed.
“You’re going to have to take Chase up on renovating that new home for you, though,” Judith murmured. “If he works at home at all this place won’t be big enough for the six of you for long.”
Rachel said, “Or you can always move out to his ranch and expand that later. If you decide living in the country is what you want.”
“What’s important,” Frank added, “is family, and being together.”
“Hear, hear to that.” Walter raised a glass.
Toasts followed.
One after another.
Finally, Mitzy and Chase left on their honeymoon, which was going to be conducted at the Knotty Pines Ranch. As they drove down the lane to the ranch house, Chase slanted her a glance and asked, “Worried about being away from the boys?”
Mitzy waited for him to circle around and help her with the door. As he did so, she couldn’t help but admire how devastatingly handsome he looked in his dark suit and tie.
The skirt of her cream-colored satin suit rode up slightly as she stepped out and onto the ground. She slid her arm through his. Together, they walked toward the house. “It’s only one night, and the boys have four grandparents, who are well acquainted with their routine, taking care of them in a very familiar place,” Mitzy reminded drily. “I think they’ll be okay.”
Chase paused only long enough to unlock the door. “What about us?” He swung her up into his arms and carried her across the threshold.
Inside, the Christmas tree lights were on, a fire had been lit and a private late-night supper awaited them.
He set her down. Gathered her close and tilted her face up to his. “Are we going to be okay?”
Knowing her happiness was as important to him as his was to her, Mitzy nodded confidently. She wound her arms about his neck. “More than okay, given that we’re finally together the way we were always meant to be. And have the family we always wanted, too.”
He grinned, vowing softly, “No more wasting time, sweetheart. From here on out, we’re going to cherish and hold on to every incredible moment.”
Mitzy nodded, even as the lump in her throat grew. The happily-ever-after she had always hoped for was finally happening. “You know I love you with all my heart and soul,” she whispered fiercely.
“And I love you more than I ever thought humanly possible.”
Mitzy rose up on tiptoe, pressing her body against the solid warmth of his. She kissed him sweetly. Once, and then again. And again. “To our future, then?” she proposed.
Chase nodded joyfully and kissed her back, just as reverently. “Which starts right now.”
* * * * *
Please watch for the
next book in Cathy Gillen Thacker’s
Texas Legends: The Mccabes miniseries,
coming April 2019, only from
Harlequin Special Edition!
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Keep reading for an excerpt from Season of Wonder by RaeAnne Thayne.