A Miracle for the Confident Cowboy (Love in Sweet Bloom)

Epilogue

Christmas Morning

Sophie curled her legs beneath her as she sat on Allie’s couch in their large entertaining room. As Pippa’s sister-in-law, she’d been invited to their family lunch but she could already see this becoming a big tradition.

Her eyes swept through the room, landing on every person she now considered part of her growing family. Allie and Luke sat on the floor with their daughter, attempting to put together a toy she’d opened this morning. Pippa’s other brother Brent was chatting with Rob on the far side of the room while Jackie had moved into the kitchen.

Duke and his mother and sister were seated on another couch closer to the window. Every so often, he’d meet her gaze and warmth would wrap around her, confirming just how much he cared for her.

Pippa plopped down on the couch beside Sophie and elbowed her in the side. “Crazy it’s been a year already, huh?”

Sophie dragged her eyes to her friend. “Hmm?”

“One year ago. You and Duke.”

Sophie scoffed. “We’ve hardly dated for a year.”

Her friend shrugged. “The way I see it, you didn’t date anyone. He didn’t date anyone. You just went through a long-distance thing even though you didn’t realize it.”

Duke’s eyes found hers again and Sophie grinned. “Yeah, maybe you’re right.”

“I know I’m right. Because I made the wish.”

Sophie swung her focus to Pippa. “What are you talking about?” she laughed.

“I made the wish,” she repeated simply. “I used the wishing well. I made the wish you and Duke would work it out.” Her smile was more wicked than anything else. “I might have made a couple wishes.”

A laugh bubbled out of Sophie’s throat. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Nope. It’s magic.”

All around them the magic of the holiday season seemed to agree. The lights on the Christmas tree twinkled. The whole house was filled with the delicious smells of traditional food meant for the season. Poinsettias, mistletoe, and evergreen boughs only added to the sensation. But none of it felt nearly as magical as the way she felt for Duke. “Maybe you’re right,” she murmured.

“Have you thought about where you’re going to live when the two of you get hitched?” Pippa asked.

Sophie stiffened and stared hard at her friend. Then she let out a surprised laugh. “We’re not even engaged.”

Pippa got to her feet. “Not yet.” She pulled Sophie to her feet. “Come on. Smells like lunch is just about ready.” As if her words were all it took to herd their family into the kitchen, the others in the room moved in that direction as well.

Duke pulled out Sophie’s chair. His hand brushed against hers, sending a tingling sensation through her body. Her awareness had only grown since she’d returned. She’d been back only a few days and already she was finding it hard not to think like Pippa.

Her future.

Where would they live? What would they be together? Could she move to England if he decided to head in that direction? She didn’t know and right now, she could be patient and wait.

Sophie’s eyes locked with his and they shared another smile. She could wait because she was happy. They were both happy.

Those at the table chatted about their plans for the rest of the week. Duke’s family would be heading out tomorrow. Pippa would be working at the restaurant. Life would return back to normal.

Duke reached for her left hand and laced his fingers with hers. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it before turning his attention to the conversation at the table. Sophie could be happy anywhere as long as she had him.

Her gaze snagged on Pippa’s across the table and her friend winked.

Before Sophie had a chance to grasp what the gesture meant, she felt something cold slide along her ring finger.

A gasp tore from her throat and several members at the table sent her concerned looks. She flushed and released a laugh, trying her hardest not to bring more attention to herself. Then she looked down to find the most beautiful ring she’d ever seen. It was a pear-shaped stone surrounded by swirls of platinum and smaller diamonds.

Her eyes lifted to Duke, seeing the question burning in his gaze. He tipped his head, watching, waiting.

“Sophie, would you like some potatoes?” Allie asked at her side.

Without looking in Allie’s direction, Sophie’s gaze remaining locked on Duke, she murmured, “Yes.” There was no hesitation. No fear. This was where she was meant to be.

Allie placed the potatoes in front of her and Duke took the bowl before dishing her up a scoop. He leaned closer to her, his lips grazing her ear. “You’re all the magic I’ll ever need.”

And she believed him.

Now that Sophie and Duke are getting married, how will Gus and Daisy get along when they’re going to have to live together as brother and sister?