Harlequin Love Inspired March 2021--Box Set 2 of 2 by Patrice Lewis (best large ereader .txt) 📕

But the ceremony and vows had gone off without a hitch. Of course, as she’d stood at the front of the church behind Larae, Ross was right in her line of vision. She’d pretty much missed the vows. Afterward, she’d stood in the receiving line as a wave of well-wishers consisting of church family, friends and townspeople she’d known her entire life kept flowing through.

A lengthy photography session later, she’d thrown birdseed at a blissful Lexie and Clint as they’d dashed to his truck to begin their life together.

She was so happy for her friend. But the day put a pang in her heart. She’d never be a bride or some guy’s everything.

“You out of here?” Larae had her sleek figure back in two weeks’ time of giving birth.

“I’m on a mission for punch before I dry up and blow away. See y’all later.” She pressed a kiss on little Rand’s cheek, then made her way to the fellowship hall.

With only the cleaning crew left, consisting of Lexie’s family and church family, Stacia slipped off her nude heels, giving her aching feet a reprieve. The shoes were comfortable—for heels. They didn’t pinch anywhere, but the balls of her feet were done.

The poppy-red chiffon fluttered around her knees as she walked. Lexie’s favorite, but she’d worked hard to find a shade that didn’t clash with Stacia’s hair. It was trendy and fashionable, a testament to Lexie’s excellent taste. She’d definitely wear the dress again.

“There you are,” Ross said.

She stopped but her nylon clad feet didn’t, careening her into a skid on the polished concrete floor. He jumped up from the table where he sat and grabbed her shoulders. Once she was steady, she stepped back. His hands fell to his sides.

“Nice dance move. Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

Her cheeks warmed. “Why are you still here?”

“Your dad and the twins rode with me. But Maverick’s knee was hurting, though he’ll never admit it, and the twins were restless. He took your SUV since it’s easier for him to get in and out of it. So instead of leaving you my truck, I stayed to collect you.”

“Collect me? Like a sack of grain?”

“Drive you home. You don’t look anything like a sack of grain.”

And her face grew hotter. “Well, I am tired and my feet are done, so I kind of feel like one and I’m ready to be collected.”

“Punch?”

Her gaze locked on the clear plastic cup filled with frothy red liquid. “I’d kill for that.”

“It’s all yours.” He held both hands up as if surrendering.

She gulped the liquid down, trying not to completely lose all her manners.

“Have you eaten anything today?”

“No and I’m famished, but we need to get back to the workshop. I’ll grab a sandwich when we get home.”

“Stella’s heating up some meatballs. There’s also Mexican pinwheels, some other little hoity-toity hors d’oeuvre thingy with green and white stuff on a cracker like women like and a fancy-schmancy little sandwich with no crust.”

His descriptions dragged a smile to her mouth.

“More punch?”

“And water. I think I’m on my way to dehydration. But I can get it.”

“Stay put. I’ll get it.”

“Here you go, love.” Stella set a plate in front of her. The hors d’oeuvre with the green stuff turned out to be a toasted cracker with cream cheese and chives.

“Oh Stella, have I ever told you how much I love you?”

“You have, darling. But save some of that love for Ross. He’s the one who made you a plate.” Stella headed back to the kitchen. “Might ought to nab him before some other gal does.”

It wouldn’t do any good to protest. “Let me wolf this down and I’ll help you clean.”

“No need.” Stella waved her off. “I’ve got plenty of help and Lexie said something about you having a huge B and B order. Eat and get out of here.”

She forked a meatball and sank her teeth into it, closed her eyes. Possibly the best thing she’d ever eaten. Ross returned balancing two cups of punch and a bottled water.

“Here you go.” He set the drinks in front of her, reclaimed his seat across from her.

“Thank you. I mean—really. I was about to die of thirst and hunger.”

“Well now, we can’t have that, can we? My niece and nephew love you to pieces, so we gotta keep you going for them. Eat up.”

“Any news on the potential hurricane?”

“Still building.”

“We’re ahead of schedule. I figure we can finish the order by Wednesday and get everything loaded safely in the truck.”

“I hope you’re right. I can’t wait to wrap this up.”

Did he mean the order? Or being stuck with her? Probably both. Along with telling his parents the truth.

He stood. “I’m gonna help the ladies clean.”

Once he got in the kitchen, a few protests echoed through the fellowship hall and then girlish giggles from women old enough to be his grandmother.

Was Ross a charming con artist? Or was he sincere? If he was for real, she was missing out on something great. But there was no way to tell, without possibly getting very hurt.

And no matter how great or real he might turn out to be, she still couldn’t have kids. And she’d heard him tell Madison he wanted them someday. Her heart stuttered at the reminder.

* * *

After meeting their quota in the workshop on this very long Saturday, Ross had taken the twins for a ride on the side-by-side. Stacia’s nerves had been on edge, but she’d prayed through it. They’d returned right on time for supper and she’d been so relieved, she’d invited him to share in their meal.

She stirred the spaghetti sauce and dabbed her forehead with the back of her hand. September had turned into October without much difference in temperatures. Still mid to high eighties.

It wasn’t like he hadn’t eaten with them before, but it was the first time she’d willingly done the inviting. She couldn’t stop thinking about the wedding. With the twins out of the picture and away from