fire instead. And to the soft, sweet sighs and whimpers Justine made as they kissed.
A reporter had asked Burke if he planned to marry her one day. He hoped with everything in him he could make that happen. Of course, Burke would need to move at Justine’s pace, and watch that he didn’t rush things more than they already had.
But at least one thing could be said for him: if he was a fool, as the song they’d first kissed to suggested, rushing in was purely out of his control. Because—as the song also made clear—he couldn’t help falling in love with her.
And, as he’d learned from the beautiful woman in his arms, Burke planned to savor every moment of it.
Epilogue
Justine bit at her lip as she took in the sight. Bright sunlight, warm and glowing, poured over the wonder before her—Piney Falls’ very own Adventure Land.
Sure, she’d been actively involved in the planning process. She’d visited the site with Burke nearly every day, enjoying each new addition and structure. But to see it all finished and filled with happy townsfolk…that was something else entirely.
The hillside coaster was probably her favorite. The ride of sorts weaved along the splendorous slopes and tall, towering trees. Unlike coasters found in typical theme parks, the toboggan-style carts allowed guests to control their own speed as they journeyed over elevated rails toward Town Square. The tram, another wonderful addition, led guests straight back to the action beside the falls.
“You were right,” Burke said, wrapping his warm arms around her and nuzzling into her neck. “The first official day of spring was the perfect day for the grand opening.”
A rush of goosebumps rippled up her arms as she inhaled the heavenly scent of his cologne. “I’m so glad you thought to do the kiddie park too,” she said. “Look how much fun they’re having over there.” She pointed to a pair of toddlers on the log teeter-totter, giggling as they bumped the dirt, then pressed off with their tiny legs.
Parents stood nearby, capturing the moment in pictures. Something they were preparing to do themselves—capture the grand opening with a big family photo courtesy of the town’s photographer and first runner up of the pie pageant, Penny.
“That’s adorable,” Burke said while observing the happy family on the playground.
“Can’t believe that’s going to be us soon,” Zander said, coming alongside the pair.
Kat snuggled into him and sighed. “Me neither.”
“We’ll probably beat you to it though,” Sawyer said.
Justine glanced over her shoulder to see Betzy and Sawyer had joined them at the park’s entrance, right on time for the scheduled photo shoot. Betzy’s tummy was very close to the size of Kat’s, just getting to that too-far-along-to-hide-it phase.
“I wouldn’t be so sure,” Zander said, rubbing a hand along Kat’s rounded belly. “Our due date’s only two days after yours. There’s no telling who will go first.”
James and Duke were making their way toward the entrance as well, with Camila and Vivi at their sides.
“Sure there is,” Duke piped as he neared. “If this is about whose wife is giving birth first, it’s my lady right here. She’s the only one who’s done this before.”
Justine chuckled at the banter between the siblings. The couples did, indeed, have an interesting situation on their hands, as each was expecting within a two-week timeframe. All but Camila and James, who’d only recently discovered they were expecting too.
“You guys can be first all you want,” James said, pressing a kiss to his wife’s cheek. “Camila and I will wait happily for our due date. We always wanted a Christmastime baby.”
“You guys are going to have an awful lot of catching up to do,” Gramps said to Justine as he joined the crew with Millie at his side.
Millie swatted his arm. “They have to be married first.” Speaking of marriage, Gramps and Millie had announced their engagement just last week. They planned to marry by the end of the month, in fact, and boy, did that make Justine happy.
“Is the gang all here yet, babe?” Frank asked while standing beside Penny. Speaking of fresh engagements, Frank had gotten down on one knee during their Valentine’s date at The Steakhouse. The couple planned to marry just after this year’s autumn festival. Penny admitted she wanted one last shot at that Pie Princess title before it was official.
This engagement also made Justine smile. Frank and Penny were just right for one another.
Penny pulled away from the lens to study the group. “Not quite.”