Deceiving The Groom (17 page)

Epilogue

Claire leaned back into Liam’s arms, watching a full grown Fuzzy chase Lexi around the yard. Her gleeful squeals lit a flame of joy in her heart. Life seemed so rich, so full in this moment, she was almost afraid to blink.

His voice brushed her ear. “So have you decided yet?”

Claire sighed. “I’m just not sure…”

“But it’s your dream.”

She gazed at her husband. “All my dreams are right here in this house.” She turned back around. “I’m just not sure I can leave him yet. He’s still so little.”

Liam squeezed her gently. “He’s one and a half, and you could open the store part time. Mrs. Ruiz is happy to watch him, and with Penny around you have extra help. She can’t seem to put her nephew down.”

Claire grinned, her heart brimming. “Well that’s true.”

The back door swung shut and out stepped Penny’s willowy frame with a not so willowy toddler propped on her hip. She joined them on the blanket and sat Oliver down. His hair, same rich brown as his father’s, curled around his temples.

“He was extra stinky.”

Liam chuckled. “Thanks, Penny. Now if you can just convince Lexi to take turns, your sister and I will be most appreciative.”

Penny scrunched her nose. “Lexi and I have an understanding. She doesn’t do baby poop and I don’t do giant dog’s.”  

Claire and Liam both burst out laughing. Oliver climbed into Claire’s lap, his chubby finger pointing to Fuzzy.

“Woof, woof!”

Fuzzy’s ears twitched and he stopped mid jump, spinning and charging for the irresistible boy on the blanket. He landed in Claire’s lap, sending everyone on the mat tumbling over. The dog licked the laughing toddler.

Lexi chased after him, leaping onto the heap. “Group hug!”