“You look gorgeous.”
She smiled, heading down the steps.
Amber’s three husbands came out the side door.
“Boys, go get in the van.” Emmett’s firm tone was followed by a warm smile.
Cody chimed in as Juan and the other orphans ran to the vehicle, “You know we’re going to have to get another twelve-passenger van when the other boys arrive.”
“I’ve been looking into getting us a bus,” Bryant informed. “You know our wife. We’re going to outgrow these new buildings fast. I bet we’ll have fifty boys living here by the end of next year.”
Emmett slapped him on the back. “That suits me fine.”
Shane shook all three of the Stone brothers’ hands. “Looks like you guys are on target for the fifteenth for the dormitory and barn to be finished.”
Cody nodded. “Lucas is not only a great architect, but he’s also quite the taskmaster with us and his crew.”
“We’re all set for the ceremony the Friday before Christmas, too, aren’t we, Belle?” Bryant asked.
She smiled. “Yes, we are. You know Destiny. Any reason for a party.”
Amber came out of the front door looking stunning. “We better get going or we’ll all be late.”
Shane came up to Belle and put his arm around her, making her warm all over. “Shall we?”
She nodded, reminding herself she had to do the right thing by him and by Corey.
* * * *
“This is your first Thanksgiving in Destiny.” Shane squeezed Belle tight into his side, leading her to the truck. Whether
she knew it yet or not, she belonged with him and Corey. “Get ready to have your socks knocked off, sweetheart. Corey and I are going to keep you on the dance floor all night.”
“I’m sure you will. We have to save a seat for Corey for the big meal.”
“For sure. He made me swear that I would do just that. We’re all going to sit at the Blue family table.”
“Shouldn’t I be at my sister’s table instead?”
“With all those boys, the Stone family table is quite full. Besides, Amber is the one who suggested we sit at my family’s table.”
“Sounds like her.” Belle stopped in her tracks. “Shane, this isn’t your truck. Whose is it?”
He’d decided to leave his brand new Ford 450 Platinum at home since it had bucket seats. “It’s Dad Curtis’s.” Thankfully, his dad had agreed to let him take his completely restored baby, a 1976 Ford F100. The black beauty had a bench seat, so Belle could ride right next to him.
Her eyes were wide with amazement. “It looks almost brand new.”
“Both my dads love to restore cars and trucks. It’s a hobby that has actually paid off. They make almost as much money selling vehicles on the Internet as they do at Blue’s Diner.”
“Wow, I had no idea.” She climbed into the cab, sitting in the middle just like he’d planned. “Is this one for sale, too?”
“Why? Are you in the market, sweetheart?” God, he was certainly ready to take Belle off the market.
She grinned. “Maybe.”
“I’ll talk to my dads and see if I can work something out for you.” Even though Dad Curtis loved the truck, if Belle wanted it, he would find a way to convince his dad to sell it to her.
He started the engine and put his hand on her thigh. “I’m glad we get a moment alone, Belle. I need to talk to you about something.” He needed her to understand why he and Corey wanted to keep her away from Cindy Trollinger.