Endless Love (Santa’s Secret Helpers #5) - Leeanna Morgan Page 0,15
marry John, she wanted to let him know that everything was okay. “Knowing I usually plan my life a year in advance, you must have been shocked when John asked me to marry him. I was, too, but not for the reasons you might think. Even before Christmas, I knew I loved him. But he was ten steps ahead of me and already planning our future. It took me a few days to catch up, but I’m glad I did. I love him with all of my heart.”
“I know you do. But it’s never too late to change your mind. Marriage is a big commitment.”
Shelley frowned. “Did you say that to Bailey and Sam, too?”
A guilty blush spread across her dad’s cheeks. “I did. Your mom wasn’t impressed, but it’s important to remind each of you that you have options.”
“Did Grandpa tell you the same thing?”
Ted smiled. “It wasn’t my dad, it was my mom. She loved Elena as much as I did, but she wanted to make sure we were getting married for the right reasons. Forever is a long time if you aren’t happy.”
Shelley stood the spindles she’d oiled beside the other ones. “We’ll be okay. Above everything else, John is my best friend. He laughs at the weird things I do and gives me a hug—even when I don’t know I need one.”
The tender smile on her dad’s face made her feel even more sure that she was doing the right thing.
“Just remember that every marriage has its ups and downs. You won’t agree with John all the time and he’ll disagree with you. But as long as you try to work through your differences, you’ll be all right.”
“Like you and Mom?”
Ted laughed. “I’m not sure your mom and I are a good example, but we love each other.”
Shelley hugged her dad. “I love you, too. Are you ready for some pancakes now?”
“I wouldn’t miss them for the world. Your mom makes the best ones I’ve ever tasted.”
After tidying the workbench and putting away the oil, Shelley left the garage with her arm tucked through her dad’s. Whatever the future held, she knew she was loved. And that was the most amazing feeling in the world.
As soon as Shelley arrived back in Sapphire Bay, John drove her across town to the two houses she was renovating. “Patrick and the trainees went home an hour ago. You’ll be surprised by how much they’ve done.”
Shelley climbed out of the truck and stood in the driveway. “I can’t wait to see what the houses look like after the snow has melted.”
John just hoped she wasn’t disappointed. If the interior of the homes was any reflection on what the exterior would look like, Shelley could be in for a shock. “Whatever condition they’re in, we can easily fix them.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “Come on, I’ll show you what happened over the weekend.”
Shelley didn’t need any extra encouragement to follow him. Each time the construction team finished part of the project, she was here to tell them how wonderful the house looked. Until now, most of the projects involved rewiring and replacing lots of old water pipes. But on Saturday, that had changed.
“Did you talk to Caleb and Steven about the Christmas wish program?” Shelley asked.
“I did and we’ve got everything organized.”
“What did you buy the Hammond family?”
John was hoping she wouldn’t ask that question. “We’re still looking for the perfect gift. Mila has thought of some things the girls might like, but we’re still searching for something for their parents.”
“Do you want me to—”
“We can organize the gift basket.” He took the key out of his pocket and unlocked the front door of the first cottage. “Are you ready?”
Shelley nodded.
Before she side-stepped around him, he held her hand and led her into the entrance. “What do you think?”
She looked at the finished ceiling, the walls that had been painted a warm shade of white. “This is amazing. I never thought—” When she walked into the living room and saw the crystal glasses and flickering candlelight on the table, she froze. “Oh, John. It’s beautiful.”
“I didn’t want to start a fire, so the candles are battery operated.”
“It doesn’t matter. This is so romantic.”
A rush of pleasure made his heart pound. “We haven’t spent a lot of time on our own. I thought this was a good opportunity to forget about our wedding and everything else that’s happening and focus on us.”
Shelley wrapped her arms around his shoulders. “That’s