Marriage On Demand (32 page)

She smiled at him and wondered what she'd done to deserve such happiness.

Everything was working out wonderfully, she thought as her eyes grew misty. The new home had been built for the children. She and Austin had remodeled his big house and were moving in this weekend. Their son had been born healthy and perfect, with his father's gray eyes and his mother's smile. The reverend handed her back her son, then bowed his head for the final blessing.

The audience of well-wishers crowded around them.

Austin
accepted the attention easily. In the past few months he'd grown more comfortable with the people in town, more willing to be a part of the community.

"That was wonderful, dear," her mother said, giving Rebecca a hug. "Little Jason was perfect. Weren't you, sweetie?" She touched the baby's cheek.

Elizabeth
congratulated her next. Julia observed the celebration solemnly from her mother's arms. "At least they're close enough in age to play together,"
Elizabeth
said.

"Just eight months apart." Rebecca smiled. Maybe they'll grow up and get married. "

Travis came through the crowd to find his wife. "Matchmaking already? Don't you think they're a little young?"

"No," the two women said together, then laughed.

Rebecca looked around for
Austin
, but he was lost in the crowd. She raised herself on tiptoe trying to see him. Kyle came up to her.

"I just wanted to say congratulations," he said. "I can't come to the house for lunch."

"Why?" Rebecca asked, narrowing her gaze. Kyle had the oddest expression on his face.

"I have to help a friend move."

"Friend? Why do I know this friend is a female."

Instead of teasing her about his prowess with women, Kyle simply looked uncomfortable. "It's not like that," he said. "
Sandy
is a friend of the family. All my brothers know her. I thought she'd left Glenwood for good, but she's moving back. I just want to help."

There was
an earnestness
about him she'd never seen before. "She sounds like a special lady."

Kyle bent down and kissed her cheek. "Yeah, she is. Or at least she used to be. I haven't seen her since I was sixteen. Take care of little Jason here and yourself. I'm glad you're happy."

She smiled at him. "You be happy, too."

"I will." But his dark eyes were tinged with sadness, the way Travis's had been before he'd had the good sense to fall in love with
Elizabeth
. What was it about these Haynes men?

Rebecca watched Kyle leave, then turned to search for her husband again. She saw him on the outside of the crowd. He didn't notice her. He was looking around at all the people. She waited, knowing he wouldn't stay outside the circle. In the past few months, he'd allowed himself to love and be loved by her. He'd become the warm, tender man she'd always dreamed of. He'd changed.

Austin
stared into the crowd, then ducked low. When he straightened, he had David in his arms. He stepped into the throng and began working his way toward her. She met his gaze and smiled, then focused on the eight-year-old boy who was talking animatedly. The adoption had been finalized earlier that week. She glanced at the baby in her arms and knew they really were a family.

Austin
stepped around a young couple, then moved next to her. She held out her free arm and embraced him.

"I love you," he said quietly.

"For how long?" she teased, glancing up at him. His gray eyes held her own. "Just for today?"

"For always," he promised. "You and David and Jason. Forever. "

He lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her. She clung to him, savoring the sweetness, trusting in the future.
Austin
had stepped inside the circle of their love to stay.

* * * *