She sat up to stare at him. “I don’t understand.”
“Mandy can practice her food-fighting skills on me, instead of you.” He smiled. “And Daily’s a good kid, but he’s a lot like I was at that age.”
“Heaven help us,” Heather said, rolling her eyes.
His low chuckle sent a shiver coursing through her. “No kidding. I think Clara is going to have her hands full when he gets a little older and could use the help.”
“I know she’ll appreciate it.”
Content with being in each other’s arms, they remained silent for some time before he spoke again. “You never did give me an answer, honey.”
“About getting married?”
He nodded. “You said you love me, but you haven’t officially accepted my proposal. Will you marry me, Heather McGwire?”
“Yes.”
“How soon?” His grin was bright enough to light a small city. “We’ve already wasted a year being apart and I’d like to make you mine as soon as possible.”
Before she could tell him that she wanted that, too, the sound of the front door opening and several people entering the house intruded.
“It appears that your family has made it back from the victory party.”
“Good.” He set her on her feet, then rose to take her by the hand. “Let’s go share our news with them.”
When they walked out of the study arm in arm, everyone fell silent and turned to look at them expectantly.
His eyes never leaving hers, he announced, “I’ve asked Heather to marry me and she said yes.”
Apparently shocked by the news, silence reigned, then everyone seemed to start talking at once.
“I’m so happy for you both,” Arielle said, rushing over to give both of them a hug.
Luke laughed. “I told you so, Jake.”
“Have you set a date?” Hunter wanted to know.
Smiling, Heather shook her head. “We haven’t gotten that far.”
Jake kissed the top of her head. “It can’t be soon enough for me. If I had my way, we’d be standing in front of a minister right now.”
“Me, too,” Heather said, gazing up at the only man she’d ever love.
“Do you mean that?” Alyssa asked, stepping forward.
When they both nodded, Heather watched the women exchange a brief look a moment before Arielle spoke up, “We can do this, girls.”
“Absolutely,” Callie agreed. “Would tomorrow evening work for both of you?”
“Yes, but we can’t possibly get ready in time,” Heather said, disappointed. “Tomorrow is Sunday. We can’t even get a marriage license until Monday.”
“Don’t underestimate this bunch,” Haley said, laughing.
“Let’s make a list.” Cheyenne reached into her purse for a notepad and pen. “Nick, go get Emerald and Luther. We’re going to need their help with this.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Nick said, his grin wide as he left the house.
When he returned with the elderly pair, Emerald breezed into the room in her satin and chiffon robe to hug Jake and Heather. “This is wonderful. I can’t tell you how happy I am for you.” Then, before Heather’s eyes, the woman turned from a doting grandmother into a decisive, corporate giant on a mission. “Luther, find out who we know in the Louisville city government and get them to open the clerk’s office first thing tomorrow morning so the kids can get their license.”
Distinguished-looking even in his slippers and robe, the older gentleman gave a stiff nod. “Consider it done, madam.”
Turning back to the group, Emerald continued, “Caleb, Hunter and Nick, call your nannies and babysitters and tell them my corporate jet will pick them and the children up by noon tomorrow. I want the entire family to be here for this. Luke, you and Zach are assigned to helping the girls with whatever they need to pull all of this together.”
“Wow!” Heather could understand why Emerald Larson was the highly successful businesswoman she was. Seeing her in action was like watching a battlefield general direct his troops.
“Heather, dear, would you prefer the ceremony be performed here or do you have somewhere else in mind?” Emerald asked, smiling.
There was no question in Heather’s mind. “Right here.”
“Excellent. Indoors or outside?”
“I’ve always dreamed of coming down that staircase to meet my groom at the bottom of the steps,” Heather answered, pointing toward the sweeping structure.
Jake gave her a tender smile. “And I’ll be there waiting for you.”
“Another excellent choice,” Emerald approved. Turning to Heather’s soon-to-be sisters-in-law, the woman grinned. “Divide up the list and get started first thing in the morning, girls. We have a wedding to get ready for tomorrow evening.”
When Jake walked out of the master suite the next evening, Luke was waiting for him. “Are you ready to take the plunge?”
“I never thought I’d ever hear myself say this, but it can’t be too soon,” Jake admitted as they descended the stairs.
Taking his place at the bottom of the steps, he looked around. He’d never loved or appreciated his family more. They’d all worked hard to pull a wedding together on the spur of the moment and everything was picture-perfect. Heather was going to love it.
When the string quartet began to play, Jake’s attention was drawn to the top of the stairs and the sight of his bride robbed him of breath. Heather was absolutely stunning. Her golden brown hair lay in soft curls around her bare shoulders and the white lace and antique satin wedding gown emphasized her enticing figure. But it was her radiant smile that he knew he’d never forget as long as he lived.
As she came down the circular staircase, he heard the baby start fussing, and walking over to Clara, took Mandy from her. Then, with his daughter in one arm, he extended his other to her beautiful mother and together they walked over to stand in front of the minister to exchange their vows and become the family he wanted with all of his heart and soul.
“Oh, Luther, I was so afraid this day might never happen,” Emerald said as she dabbed her eyes with her linen handkerchief. “I was worried that Jake would turn out to be like his father and remain an irresponsible philanderer for the rest of his life.”
“There was that possibility, madam,” Luther agreed, nodding.
As she watched the minister pronounce Jake and Heather husband and wife, Emerald couldn’t help but feel a bit sad. The investigative team she’d hired to find all of her grandchildren had concluded their search and they’d reported back that there were no more heirs to be found. Her family was finally complete.