A Seagrove Christmas (South Carolina Sunsets #6) - Rachel Hanna Page 0,39

slipped off into the crowd as their choir mates sang a medley of Christmas songs for the finale.

“Oh my goodness! Congratulations! “ Julie said, hugging Meg and Christian.

“Congratulations, man!” Tucker said, shaking his hand.

For the next few minutes, they went down a line of family and friends, giving hugs, high-fives and handshakes. When they finally were alone again under one of the large oak trees, Meg looked up at him.

“I had no idea. I can’t believe you pulled this off.”

He laughed. “Me either. I had to talk you into Christmas caroling just to do this!”

“Wait. You mean that’s the only reason you made me do this?”

“Yes, it is. I hope you’re not too mad at me.”

She chuckled and then hugged him around his waist, pressing her cheek to his chest. “I could never be mad. I was so afraid you would never ask me to get married again.”

“And I was so afraid to ask because I thought you would say no.”

She pulled back and looked at her ring one more time. “And this is the most beautiful ring I could ever imagine. It looks so custom made.”

He held her hand and looked at the ring. “It was my grandmother’s. I had my mother send it to me. She was so excited to hear the news. I just couldn’t imagine you wearing any other ring.”

Meg hugged him again as Colleen brought Vivi over. She picked up her daughter and realized just how blessed she was. Her family had started in a very unorthodox way, but she wouldn’t have changed a thing.

Chapter Ten

As Julie helped Janine set up for the cakewalk, she couldn’t help but still feel giddy inside about her daughter and Christian getting engaged. As much as she already thought of them as a family, she thought it was wonderful that they would be getting married and making it official. Plus, it would be a great chance to celebrate and have a nice wedding.

“That was one of the most romantic things I’ve ever seen,” Janine said, as she took payment from another person who wanted to take part in the cakewalk. They were raising money for the local homeless shelter just outside of Charleston.

“I know. It was so sweet how he did it. They are lucky to have each other.”

Julie continued writing out numbers to put into the hat as Tina walked up.

“I told your daughter congratulations. That proposal was so cute and romantic,” she said, smiling.

“Yes, it was. I had no idea he was going to do that. I’m glad you got to come to the festival. I wasn’t sure if you were here.”

“Yes, I just got here about a half an hour ago. I wanted to finish up those last few wreaths. I delivered them to the booth.”

“Thank you so much for helping with that. I never would’ve gotten all of that done without your help.”

“No problem.”

“Make sure that you enjoy all of the different vendors here. I know we’ve got some wonderful candles down there, and I’m sure there’s some great snacks. I think my mom is handing out samples of her poundcake over there too.”

Tina rubbed her stomach. “Yes. I’ve already been by there three times since I got here. I think she’s starting to give me the evil eye.”

Janine rolled her eyes. “Just ignore her. She can be a bit of a Scrooge.”

“I don’t blame her. She doesn’t know me, and I’m sure she thinks I’m taking advantage of you. Julie, if you and Dawson feel like I’ve overstayed my welcome…”

Julie held up her hand. “You haven’t. We have enjoyed having you there, and you’ve been so much help to me. She even helped Dylan write his letter to Santa Claus,” she said to Janine.

“How long was that letter? He told me the other day what he wanted, and I swear that kid would never stop talking!”

Tina giggled. “I didn’t mind. I really enjoyed spending some time with him.”

“Well, would you enjoy spending more time with him? Dawson’s dragging him around the festival while he helps out, and I’m sure Dylan’s bored silly. Do you think you might have some time to take him to visit some different booths here? Maybe get his picture taken with Santa?”

Tina nodded. “I would love that, actually. I’ll meet you guys back here when the tree lighting starts.”

“Thank you so much. Hey, is that Amy over there?”

Janine and Tina turned around and looked. “Yeah, it looks like it. Maybe we should see if she wants to do the cakewalk?”

Tina