Sunflower Lane Read online

  He broke off, looking toward the sky. “What the hell?” he muttered in the darkness. Dropping her hand, he glanced at his watch again.

  “Wes?”

  “Sorry, I . . .” He looked up impatiently at the sky once more, frowning. “Where the hell—ah. Finally. It’s about time.”

  Confused, she saw him break into a wide grin the same time the night suddenly exploded with boom boom boom. Annabelle nearly jumped out of her skin.

  Fireworks?

  The night lit with dazzling light and colors—glittering red, pink, and golden sparks—hundreds of them—shooting through the sky. Then they suddenly shifted and drifted and formed words.

  Words that blazed against the blackness.

  MARRY ME, ANNABELLE.

  The pink, red, and gold sparks melted into the night and disappeared.

  Fireworks! She gasped in shock, even as Wes pulled her closer against his side. Her stunned gaze was still pinned to the sky, where the words she’d thought she’d seen had vanished.

  There was another boom boom boom and the words I love you, shimmering in silver against the darkness.

  Before she could speak, a dozen more booms filled the night and formed a giant red heart that glowed with fiery sparks before it melted away.

  She turned to him, dazed.

  “F-fireworks,” she gasped.

  Wes dropped to one knee. His grin faded, and he looked very serious. Suddenly there was a ring in his hand. She stared down in shock at the enormous princess-cut diamond that shimmered like a huge sparkler on a silver band. Blinking in disbelief, she stared down at him, kneeling before her.

  “Really?” she gulped.

  “Annabelle, I love you so much.”

  Her heart caught in her throat and she couldn’t breathe.

  “Baby, I want to spend my life with you. Please, will you marry me?”

  “I’d be crazy not to!” Kneeling down beside him, tears of happiness streamed down her cheeks as he cupped her face in his hands.

  The night had gone quiet now, but for the two of them.

  “I don’t know how you managed to arrange those fireworks, but I loved them, Wes. And I love you so much.”

  “Exactly what I hoped you’d say.” Grinning, he surged to his feet and took her hand in his, lifting her up to stand beside him. Gently he slid that amazing ring onto her finger. Annabelle’s eyes glowed more brightly than any of the sparks that had lit the sky.

  “Yes, I’ll marry you,” she whispered, and kissed him until they both had to come up for air. “Yes, yes, and yes,” she breathed.

  “Gonna hold you to that, honey.” He caught her against him and stroked a hand gently through her hair. For once his glance was dark and serious. “I don’t know what I’d do if you’d said no.”

  “I say yes. I’ll always say yes.”

  And then they held each other tight and sealed the deal with a kiss that left them both without breath to speak for a very long time. When Wes carried her inside, up the stairs to her bedroom, he set her down on the bed, then turned the lock on the door.

  By the time he turned back she was naked from the waist up and tearing at his shirt.

  “I think I’m gonna like being married,” Wes drawled.

  “I know I will.” Annabelle laughed, tracing her hands along the muscles of his powerful chest and soaking in the sight of him.

  Those were the last words either of them spoke for a very long time.

  Chapter Thirty

  “Am I calling too early?”

  Wes’s mother stood at Annabelle’s door two days later as Annabelle was rinsing the breakfast dishes. Diana looked casual and pretty in beige pants, white sandals, and a pretty, pale green top.

  Annabelle was barefoot, wearing cutoff shorts and a gray T-shirt.

  “Too early? Um . . . no. I mean, not at all. Please come in, Mrs. Hartigan.”

  To say that Annabelle was stunned to see her was an understatement. Wes had taken Ethan and the twins down to the cabin only ten minutes earlier. He wanted to show them how he was going to turn it into an office for his new company, and where he was going to build a new barn.

  She still couldn’t quite believe it. Right after they’d broken the news to the kids that they were getting married and going to be a family, Wes had sprung another surprise on all of them, including Annabelle. He intended to buy a couple of horses for the kids.

  As a wedding gift.

  “I’m thinking we might get a few more down the road,” he told Annabelle after the kids ran outside with Treasure, elated by the news—probably almost as elated about the horses as the fact that Wes and Annabelle were getting married.

  “If we have some more kids, we might need more horses,” he pointed out casually.

  “You want more kids?” She stood stock-still. “There’s three already. I never thought . . .” Her voice trailed off.

  “Do you want more?” he asked, suddenly serious.

  “Yes, but—”

  “Then it’s settled.” His grin reached all the way to his eyes. “I vote we start trying tonight.”

  “There’s something so irresistible about a man who knows what he wants and goes for it.” Smiling widely, she stepped into his arms.

  Now, alone in the kitchen with his mother, she wished he and the kids were back here. It was awkward being alone with Diana.

  She knew that Wes had called his family first thing this morning to tell them they were invited to a wedding. Diana had invited him, Annabelle, and the kids over for supper at the Good Luck Ranch tonight.

  But she hadn’t expected Diana to come to Sunflower Lane.

  This can’t be good, Annabelle thought, her stomach clenching. It would’ve been so much easier to face Wes’s mother with a houseful of other people instead of just the two of them.

  “Please sit down. Can I get you some coffee, Mrs. Hartigan?” She felt flustered and was trying hard not to let it show.

  “You’ve already done enough, Annabelle. I don’t need anything more.”

  Annabelle froze. What did that mean?

  “I’m sorry. I don’t understand.”

  Diana’s face broke into a huge smile as she stepped closer and clasped Annabelle’s hands in hers. “I can’t begin to tell you how I prayed for this. I saw the way my son looked at you when he first came to town, and I prayed so hard.”

  “Wh-what?”

  “Wes has been gone so many years, Annabelle. These past weeks mark the longest time he’s been home since he turned eighteen, and I’m so thankful he’s back. I prayed something might blossom between the two of you the moment I heard he was living here at your cabin. I finally had a small ray of hope that he might somehow end up staying here in Lonesome Way.”

  “You . . . did?”

  “Do you remember that day at A Bun in the Oven—when my mother hinted that the two of you should get together? And everyone in the bakery was listening? I was so on edge that day!” Diana laughed. “I was terrified she’d offend you and make you want to steer clear of Wes. I was afraid to even hope that she could be right and that you might be the one. . . .”

  She broke off, her eyes suddenly moist with emotion. “There’s always been something special about you, Annabelle. What you did, coming back here to take care of Trish and Ron’s children. That’s so admirable. I’ve seen how dedicated you are to them, and I think you’re a wonderful young woman, and I can certainly see why my son fell in love with you.”

  “B-but . . . I don’t understand. Mrs. Hartigan, I noticed you looking at me sometimes, but then you turned away whenever I glanced at you. I thought you were unhappy that Wes was staying at the cabin and that we were spending time together.”

  “Not at all!” Diana smiled, and touched Annabelle’s arm. “Well, I admit that when you first moved back here, just seeing you in town
did bring your aunt to mind. I felt the same way about your sister for quite some time. But I got over that. I dealt with it,” she said with a shrug.

  “Of course, you and Trish were no more responsible for Lorelei’s actions than I was for Hoot’s. It may have taken me some time to get accustomed to that idea, but I promise you, once the thought struck me that you and Wes might grow to care for each other, I was afraid to do anything that might influence the outcome. I didn’t want to jinx it, or push it or upset the applecart in any way.” Her mouth twisted in dismay. “I’m sorry if you thought I was unkind.”

  “No. Never unkind. But . . .” Annabelle drew in a breath, trying to reconcile her impressions with Diana’s words.

  “I’m thrilled that you don’t object,” she began, but Diana smiled widely and interrupted her.

  “How could I object? I’m proud of my son for his good taste in choosing a woman with such character. And as for Ethan and the twins? You’ll all be welcomed warmly into our family. The more, the merrier. Doug and I couldn’t be happier about this and I know I’m speaking for Sophie and Rafe as well.”

  “That means so much to me.” Annabelle swallowed hard and impulsively hugged Diana Hartigan. “Your son is the finest man I’ve ever met.”

  “Thank you.” Diana kissed her cheek. “I’m proud of him,” she said softly. “And proud that he chose you.”

  For the rest of the day, Annabelle walked around in a radiant kind of daze. She and Charlotte met at Tess’s house and she got to hold Tess’s adorable little daughter, Fae. After that she showed her friends her ring, and asked them to be bridesmaids at her wedding.

  “Wait, when are you getting married? What month?” Charlotte demanded, ready to jump in with a lucky date.

  Since Charlotte’s wedding was at the end of July, Annabelle and Wes had decided on mid-September.

  “Hold on, let me look that up.” Charlotte punched the buttons on her phone with lightning speed. “Don’t mean to be a downer, but it’s very important that you choose a lucky . . . Wow, listen to this. ‘Married in September’s golden glow, smooth and serene your life will go.’”

  “Works for me.” Annabelle winked at Tess. Then she laughed as the baby made an adorable cooing sound. “Fae agrees. Oh, God, I want one of these of my very own. Boy or girl, I don’t care. She’s precious, Tess.”

  “First things first.” Tess handed her daughter back into Annabelle’s arms, grinning as the little girl cooed again, and blinked up adorably at the person holding her. “September will be here before you can blink. We’d better start planning this wedding. Where do you want to get married?”

  “That much is settled.” Annabelle felt a rush of warmth and joy.

  “Believe it or not, Diana Hartigan invited us to have the wedding at the Good Luck Ranch. Her mother was married there, and she and Doug were, too. Just like Sophie and Rafe. It’s such a beautiful place. I never imagined that Wes would agree, but he did! He wants us to carry on the tradition. The ranch and this town used to remind him of his father, but not anymore. He said Hoot’s ghost can’t touch him or us. And he’s over letting his father’s memory affect the way he lives his life. Wes stayed away for so long because coming home reminded him of his father. But now . . .” She beamed. “Now he says this town feels like home. And the Good Luck Ranch will be filled with everyone we love. No ghosts allowed.”

  “Then what are you waiting for?” Charlotte grinned. “You need to go to town and order some invitations! September is right around the corner.”

  “It’s only the sixth of July.” Annabelle laughed at her.

  “Time flies when you’re in love,” Charlotte countered. “I’m going for my fitting today. Come with me to Big Timber and we’ll look at dresses! Tess, you can bring Fae. I can tell she’s all girl. She’s going to love shopping as much as we do.”

  Tess’s eyes lit. “You’re on. I haven’t been out of the house in weeks.”

  Annabelle felt like she was going to burst with happiness. There was so much to do, but all of it was wonderful.

  Wedding dresses. Invitations. Flowers and candles, a wedding supper and champagne. This was real. As real as the love she and Wes shared.

  “Let’s go right now.” She jumped up. Joy floated through her.

  She couldn’t wait to walk down the aisle and into Wes’s arms.

  Chapter Thirty-one

  The day of Annabelle and Wes’s wedding dawned clear as a glass of fresh springwater. A September breeze whipped down from the Crazy Mountains to ruffle the cottonwoods, but by four o’clock when the guests arrived and cars filled the driveway leading to the house, the wind had settled and the air held only a slight nip.

  Autumn in Montana was as lovely in its own way as summer.

  Upstairs in Sophie’s old bedroom, Annabelle stared after her two junior bridesmaids as they kissed her on the cheek for luck and then romped out into the hall. She felt a lump in her throat when they started down the stairs, hand in hand.

  In frothy pink dresses of lace and tulle, Megan and Michelle looked like tiny angels.

  “You okay?” Charlotte asked, touching her arm.

  She blinked back happy tears. “I just wish that Trish and Ron could be here, could see them. And see Ethan in his tux, carrying the ring.”

  “What makes you think they can’t?” Tess asked gently.

  Annabelle dabbed at her tears and smiled through them. “You’re right. They know. They’re here. They have to be.”

  Diana entered the room, beaming and elegant, her fair hair gently streaked with gray, and a flush of excitement brightening her face. “Reverend Kail is ready. Everyone is here. Are you ready?” she asked Annabelle with a smile.

  “Ready? I can’t wait another minute.”

  Her mother-in-law-to-be hugged her warmly. Then everyone chuckled as Annabelle sailed toward the door.

  “Wait, Little Miss Bride, we go down first, remember?” Charlotte laughed. She smoothed the pale gray skirt of her dress. “I know you can’t wait to marry the guy, but hang in there another minute, okay?”

  Laughing, Diana slipped out the door first. Tess and Charlotte walked with Annabelle out to the landing; then they continued down the stairs, all smiles.

  Standing at the top of the staircase as her best friends finished their descent, Annabelle felt her heart zoom. Wes stood waiting for her at the bottom.

  He wore a black tux, a burgundy shirt, black tie, and a cowboy hat. So tall, so dark, so handsome.

  So mine, she thought, her heart flying in her chest.

  So many people she loved filled the lovely old ranch house. The twins were waiting below for her; so was Ava in a soft blue lace gown, and her friend Mr. Adkins beside her. He looked very distinguished in a tux. Ava had asked whether she could invite a guest, an old friend, but judging by the way the man’s gaze rested on Ava—with a slight mistiness—Annabelle had to wonder if sometime soon another wedding might take place in this beautiful old house.

  She smiled at the thought and at that moment, Wes looked up and saw her.

  His hard, handsome features softened as he took in her cocktail-length, sophisticated ecru lace gown, her long legs, and knock-’em-dead stilettos. She didn’t know whether he noticed the diamond drops at her ears, or her hair tumbling to her shoulders in a mass of curls.

  But the way he grinned, his eyes lighting as they locked on her, touched her very soul.

  She started down the steps and floated toward her future.

  “I love you,” Wes whispered right before the ceremony began. His words proved true for all to see when moments later he enthusiastically obeyed the reverend’s order to kiss the bride.

  “I don’t have the words to tell you how much I love you. I don’t know if I ever will,” he told her huskily as the guests erupted into wild applause.

  “I love you more,” she whispered back, th
rowing her arms around his neck. While thunderous clapping and words of congratulations engulfed them, Doug Hartigan began passing out flutes of champagne.

  Annabelle brushed her hand against Wes’s cheek, knowing this was real, but feeling like it was a dream.

  Later—much later—after a gorgeous buffet dinner, and an entire table laden with desserts—they danced their first dance while the guests watched, smiling, and Megan and Michelle, giggling, danced with each other in a corner of the dining room.

  “I’m so lucky I found you,” Wes said softly, kissing along the shell of her ear.

  “I’m lucky you did, too.” Lifting her face to his kiss, she knew it was true.

  This man, this town, and their new family together was everything. Everything she could ever want.

  Ethan had gone searching for treasure, but there was no need. The treasure was right here.

  Happiness and home and everyone she loved was here, right here in the Good Luck Ranch house—in this town called Lonesome Way.

  Turn the page for a preview of another Lonesome Way novel from New York Times bestselling author Jill Gregory

  Blackbird Lake

  Available now from Berkley Sensation!

  LONESOME WAY, MONTANA

  Carly McKinnon’s day had been cruising along just fine—a perfectly calm, typical, somewhat slow Wednesday in her Spring Street quilt shop.

  Until late afternoon when she heard the news that Jake Tanner was back in town.

  Suddenly, everything seemed to freeze for a full thirty seconds.

  Of course she could still see Gloria Cartright, finished with her afternoon shift at the Lickety Split Ice Cream Parlor, thoughtfully fingering some new calico fabric on the shelves at the far side of the shop. She could still hear the sound of light traffic outside on Spring Street, and she could feel her own breath catch hard in her throat at the mention of Jake’s name.