Deconstructing Lila (Entangled Select) (22 page)
Read Deconstructing Lila (Entangled Select) Online
Authors: Shannon Leigh
Tags: #preservationist, #cowboy, #reunited lovers, #small town, #romance, #architect, #Contemporary Romance, #Texas
Epilogue
The open house for Miss Pru’s doubled as a reaffirmation of the wedding vows Lila had taken with Jake ten years ago.
At least that’s how she intended it, but some little old ladies had a different notion.
“Good grief, Lila Jean. Stop fussing. We only invited a few extra people. No big deal. We got more food and there’s plenty to drink. Have a good time.”
Granny patted her cheek and smiled, her blue eyes shining with happiness. Truthfully, Lila loved the attention. She’d been surprised when one of Granny’s Bombshells appeared in the doorway earlier announcing more chairs were needed, thirty more to be exact.
But then the realization sank in. The people of Hannington liked her. They’d come to wish her well.
Now it was Sarah’s turn. “You look beautiful. Let me see the whole picture.”
Lila dropped her mother’s hand and twirled a slow circle to show off her knee-length cream-colored dress. The off-the-shoulder neckline with cap sleeves showcased Granny’s pearls, while the wide taffeta bow made her waist appear tiny.
Lila loved it. And the fact Sarah had worn it when she married Michael made it all the more special.
“Thanks for letting me wear your dress,” she told her mother.
Don’t cry. Don’t cry
.
Sarah clutched a tissue in her hand, lifting it to her eyes. “Oh, you’re very welcome.” She turned and smiled at Barbara. “And thank you for saving it all these years so I could see my daughter married in it.”
“Oh, goodness. Both of you stop crying. You’ll ruin my mascara.”
Lila laughed and pulled the women into a hug. She closed her eyes, making a memory to carry with her all the days of her life.
Lila opened her eyes to the sunshine streaming in the bay windows. She knew the room had once belonged to Prudence. She never found the proof, but she knew in her gut—her great-great-grandmother had once lived in that room.
“Is Threasa here?” she asked Granny.
“Yep. Front row. Next to that strong, silent hunk.”
“The Armstrongs?”
“Janie, but not Howard.”
Lila sighed. She and Threasa had eventually confessed to Howard about the journal. He had promptly thrown them both out of his office. Threasa said it had more to do with Janie’s leaving him than the restoration of Miss Pru’s, but to try to make amends, Lila invited him to the open house.
“You didn’t really expect him to show, did you?” Granny asked.
“No, I guess not. Thought I’d give it a try, though.”
Sarah captured her hand, folding it between both of hers. “This is your day. Focus on you and Jake, who, by the way, is waiting patiently downstairs for your arrival.”
Lila followed Granny and Sarah out of the room and paused in the hall before shutting the door. She turned back to the sunlit space overlooking the town square and whispered, “Thank you. Your wisdom made all the difference. I’m home. Happy. And I’m never leaving again.”
Acknowledgments
A
cosmic-sized thank-you is due to the endless, unwavering support of Candace Havens. Without her dedication, this book would not have been published. Ever. She is the truest, most wonderful friend a woman could ask for. I am blessed.
About the Author
Growing up in Hell’s Back Forty, Shannon Leigh developed a fierce loyalty to all things Texas and pledged to share the romance of small town dance halls and the flavor of brisket BBQ with readers. Currently, she lives in Fort Worth with an extensive cowboy boot collection, a red and white, ’67 Chevy pickup and a mission to find the best taco stands in the city. You can reach her at: [email protected]. Connect with her on
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