Page 55 of Wilde Flame
Relieved that I didn’t have to rush now, I stripped out of my clothes and jumped into the shower. I spent way too long picking out an outfit and ended up settling on black leggings and a Christmas sweater dress. I paired it with my brown ankle boots and wore my hair back in a pony. Just a bit of mascara, blush, and lip color, and I was ready to go.
As I took a last glance in my full-length mirror, I attempted to convince myself that I wasn’t trying to impress anyone. Rolling my eyes, I let out a soft laugh and grabbed my jacket and purse because of course I was trying to impress someone.
When I finally arrived at the ranch not long before noon, I typed in the gate code they’d given us and drove down the long driveway to Ladd and Vivianne’s house. There was a plethora of cars and trucks already parked. I spotted my parents’ vehicle and parked next to it.
I grabbed my things and made a quick dash to the porch and up the steps. The door opened before I could even knock. Emeline stood before me, a smile on her face.
“I was worried you weren’t coming when your parents showed up without you.” She pulled me into the house and hugged me.
“Why wouldn’t I come?”
Shrugging, she took my coat and purse and hung them up. “The whole thing with Caden.”
“Emeline, I told you already. Caden and I are adults, and everything’s fine between us.”
“I know, I know! I was still worried. You’re just in time, though.”
“In time for what?”
She wrapped her arm around mine and led me in the direction of all the voices. When we stepped into the living room, I glanced around.
The entire Wilde family was here, except for one of Emeline’s uncles. My parents were seated on the sofa, chatting with Nellie and Gus Wilde, Emeline’s grandparents. Levi’s parents, Sam and Oliver Tucker, had also been invited. Behind the sofa stood a small circle of men—all Wildes, and all too handsome for their own good. Caden and Gatlin were speaking to their father, Ladd. They seemed to be having a deep discussion. It was the first time I’d seen Caden since the days we’d spent together.
I forced myself to look away so I wasn’t caught staring.
“Vivianne,” I said, as I made my way over to her. “Thank you so much for inviting me.”
Emeline’s mother stood, pulled me into a tight hug, then pushed me out to arm’s length. She gave me a once-over—and her brows drew down ever so slightly.
“How are you doing? Are you feeling okay?”
My hand instantly went to my stomach, which had been feeling unsettled this morning. I wasn’t sure if it was nerves about seeing Caden or if I was actually coming down with something. “I’m feeling wonderful.”
She smiled finally. “That’s good. And the store’s doing well?”
“Yes! We were so busy these last few weeks leading up to Christmas. Moreen was such a huge help, and the two seasonal girls I hired have been great.”
“I heard you hired Sammy from the orphanage. That was so kind of you to do that.”
“She’s amazing. I’ve actually decided to keep her on to work the shop on Saturdays and Sundays. It’ll give both Moreen and me a much-needed break. I don’t even remember the last time I had a full weekend off.”
Vivianne grinned. “That’s wonderful. I’m glad to hear the store is doing so well.”
There was a tapping sound against glass, and everyone turned toward Emeline, Levi, and Rhett, Levi’s six-year-old son.
“We have a bit of an announcement to make,” Emeline said, as she beamed at everyone.
Vivianne took my hand in hers. “Oh dear. Here we go!”
“What’s happening?” I whispered.
“The best news!” Vivianne replied, adding a wink.
Once all eyes were on Emeline and Levi, they exchanged smiles.
She nodded, and Levi cleared his throat as he motioned for Katie and Jimmy to join the three of them. My hand flew to my mouth, and I couldn’t help the smile from stretching across my face. I knew what was about to happen.
“Emeline and I have both talked it over with our families, and of course with Rhett, and we’ve decided to start the process of adopting Katie and Jimmy.”
