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“You’ll have to get in line,” George said, winking at Claire.

MC hugged Claire again, then pulled back. “We need to tell everyone.”

“No,” Tyler said. “This is your time.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

“We’re serious,” Claire said. “There’s no way I could go another minute without telling the two of you, and Tyler and I aren’t going to avoid each other tomorrow, but we refuse to steal your spotlight. Sunday is soon enough to share our good news.”

“Speaking of,” Georgia said. “What’s your mother going to say?”

“We’ve crossed that bridge already.” Claire read the concern in Tyler’s eyes. “Not the reaction I’d hoped for, but she’ll come around. And if she doesn’t, then it’s her loss. We’ll be happy no matter what.”

“I don’t know what Tyler has done to you, but I like this new and improved version.” Georgia draped an arm across Claire’s shoulders. “And if you ever tell your mother what you just said to us, promise me you’ll record it so I can see her face.”

“I’ll do my best.”

The group laughed together as they made their way toward the parking lot. Hugs were exchanged once again before George climbed into the SUV with MC, and Tyler walked Claire to her car.

“You happy?” he asked, as if the answer wasn’t written all over her face.

“Are you?” she said in return.

Tyler shook his head. “Happy isn’t a big enough word for what I’m feeling right now.” Holding her close, he said, “I’ve spent so long thinking this could never happen. Fearing the day you’d come home and plan a fancy wedding of your own to some big-city politician.”

“That was never going to happen.” Claire played with a button on Tyler’s shirt. “Do you want a big wedding?”

He sighed and his arms tightened. “After this circus, I’d be happy with something small, but I’ll do whatever you want.”

“Good,” Claire said, relieved they were on the same page. “Small and intimate works for me.”

Growing serious, Tyler asked, “Do you really think your mom will come around?”

After what her father had shared, Claire felt confident her mother would see reason. Sylvia Campbell was never going to be sweet and loving, welcoming Tyler like the son she never had. But he would be the father of her grandchildren, and that would be enough to soften her a bit where he was concerned.

“Eventually,” she said. “And Dad is on our side, which will help as well.”

“Mayor Campbell approves of his daughter being with a cowboy instead of a lawyer or doctor?”

“Daddy is more enlightened than you’d think,” she said. “He wants me to be happy and knows that you’re the man who can make that happen.”

“And I will,” he said, his voice full of love and conviction. “I love you, Claire.”

“And I love you, Tyler.”

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