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  “It’s more than just a strong—”

  “Is that an engagement ring?” Lynda’s mouth dropped open and she reached for Judy’s hand.

  Judy pulled her hand behind her back. “We’re not talking about my jewelry.”

  “If you’re getting married, you’d better believe we are. Let me see!” She pulled on Judy’s left arm.

  Judy relented and let her look at the ring.

  “He proposed?”

  “Last night.”

  Lynda looked away from the rock to Judy with wide-eyes. “And you said yes?”

  “I think that’s the requirement to accepting the ring.”

  “It’s gorgeous. When are you getting married?”

  “We haven’t talked about any details.”

  “Tell me everything. Where did he ask? What did he say? Don’t leave out a single detail!”

  Judy held back a laugh. It was nice to have things return to normal. She told Lynda the whole story while they waited for the coffee then poured themselves mugs.

  They settled on the couch. Lynda blew on hers. “You don’t feel like it’s moving too fast?”

  “There hasn’t been anyone since he left. My friends were getting worried about me.”

  “They weren’t the only ones.”

  “I know. Dad never got off my case about getting my MRS degree.”

  “When are you going to tell them you’re engaged?” Lynda lifted a brow.

  “Seriously, I’ve had no time to think about anything other than the fact that Gary proposed.”

  “Mom and Dad want to take everyone out for dinner soon. Maybe that would be a good time.”

  Judy held back a scowl. “I can always call them after breakfast.”

  “You can’t tell our parents about this over the phone!”

  “I can if Dad won’t be civil to Gary.”

  “Oh, I’m sure he will be once he knows Gary will be family. He gave Clyde a hard time before we got engaged, too.”

  Judy shook her head. “The other night wasn’t just giving him a hard time.”

  Lynda leaned back. “Take my word for it, once they realize he’s going to be one of us, Dad will change his tune, then Clyde will follow suit. He may hide it well, but he really wants to impress Dad.”

  Judy didn’t think Clyde cared what anyone else thought, but she kept her thoughts to herself.

  “What about breakfast or lunch? I can let them know you have news to share.”

  “I think that’s short notice for me to invite Gary.”

  “Just us.” Lynda smiled sweetly.

  “You want me to tell Mom and Dad about the engagement without Gary being there?”

  “Then they’ll know to treat him like family the next time they see him.”

  “Or Dad could try being respectful for the simple fact that I care about Gary.” Judy shook her head. “I’m not going to tell them I’m engaged without my fiancé there.”

  “I’m just saying it might go better without him there. Dad will want to throw a party for you like he did for me. Let Gary celebrate with us then.”

  Judy set her mug down and crossed her arms. “I’m not telling them without him there. End of story. You can let them know we have news, and I can see if Gary’s free for dinner, but I’m not leaving him out.”

  Lynda shrugged. “Okay, if it means that much to you.”

  “It does.”

  Chapter 23

  Gary opened the bathroom door and jumped. Edgar Rivera stood in the hall, his arms crossed and his brows knit together. Gary cleared his throat. “Didn’t expect you to be there.”

  Edgar’s mouth formed a straight line. “You want to marry my daughter?”

  Gary’s stomach knotted, but he stood taller and met the other man’s gaze. “Yes, sir.”

  “You proposed to my daughter without first asking my permission?” He took a step closer, blocking Gary from being able to walk away.

  “I meant no offense. That’s the way people do it these days.”

  “Not in my book. First you break my daughter’s heart, then you ask for her hand without running it by me. This isn’t a good start to a potential marriage.”

  Potential marriage? Gary squeezed his fists and fought to keep his expression from showing his growing annoyance. “We would have worked things out a lot sooner had she been able to read the letter I sent her.”

  Edgar’s nostrils flared. “That’s neither here nor there. What makes you think you deserve to marry my Judy?”

  “Who said I deserve her? I’m honored that she finds me worthy of her love, and it’s my intention to treat her as good as gold every day of her life.”

  “No running off to another state?”

  Gary shook his head. “I’ll never make that mistake again.”

  Edgar’s brows drew together again. “You’d better not.” He took another step closer. “If you ever do anything to hurt my daughter again, I will hunt you down and kill you. Comprende?”

  Gary stood taller and stepped toward the older man, leaving only an inch between them. “I understand. But you need to grasp the fact that it runs both ways. If you do anything to hurt Judy, I will do everything in my power to protect her. Comprende?”

  He blinked a few times. “Are you threatening me?”

  “Are you threatening me, sir?” Gary narrowed his eyes.

  “I’m watching out for my daughter.”

  “That’s all I’m doing.” Gary gritted his teeth. “Looks like we’re on the same page. We just want what’s best for Judy.”

  “I’ll believe that when I see it.”

  “What do you want from me?” Gary demanded. “What will it take for me to get back into your good graces? I want to get along with you for Judy’s sake. It really upsets her that you don’t like me.”

  “You can’t blame me for that, can you?”

  “Think of Judy. That’s all I’m asking.” Gary cleared his throat. “If you’ll excuse me.”

  “We’re not done here.”

  “I think we are.” Gary stepped toward the door, forcing his future father-in-law to step back.

  “No.” Edgar shook his head. “I don’t approve of you marrying my daughter, and I’m not going to apologize for that. If she insists on marrying you, that’s her mistake. I’m not going to support that by paying a dime toward the wedding. If she wants an expensive dress, you’d better find the funds. If she wants—”

  “Dad!” Judy’s voice came from the hall. “What are you doing?”

  “Go away, Judy.” He waved her off. “We’re having a man-to-man talk here. This doesn’t involve you.”

  “Doesn’t involve me?” Judy exclaimed. “You’re discussing my wedding, and it doesn’t sound like you’re being respectful to the man I’m going to marry!”

  Edgar turned toward his daughter. “The person who broke your heart by leaving the state? The guy who asked for your hand without first asking my permission? You expect me to respect him?”

  “Yes!”

  “Why on this green earth would I do that?” Edgar demanded.

  “Because I love him! If you care about me, you’ll accept him into our family with open arms.”

  “You and your girlish fantasies. It’s time to grow up and see the world the way it really is.”

  She gasped. “You’re such a chauvinist! We’re leaving, and don’t expect us to come back!” She shoved past him and grabbed Gary’s arm. “Come on.”

  Gary went with her down the hall. They barely stopped to put on their coats before heading out into the snow.

  “I’m so sorry about him.” Judy slammed the front door. “He’s completely impossible!”

  Gary took a deep breath. “He just needs time.” And an attitude adjustment.

  “You don’t deserve any of that. I’m sorry I insisted you be here for this. Looks like Lynda was right.”

  He unlocked the passenger door and helped her in. “No, I’m glad I came. I said my piece and I didn’t back down when he spoke t
o me. What I don’t like is the way he spoke to you.”

  “No point in trying to change him. Can’t teach an old dog new tricks and all that.”

  He nodded then closed the door and climbed into the other side. “Where do you want to go?”

  “As far from here as possible.”

  “Okay.” Gary drove, not sure where they would end up. He stopped in front of the diner, more out of habit than anything else. “Do you want a milkshake?”

  “Sure.”

  They went inside and ordered the shakes, neither speaking as they sipped. Gary tried to tune out the festive background music but it ended up softening his mood. “How do you feel about moving on with the engagement without your family’s support?”

  She looked up at him. “It doesn’t change a thing.”

  “We might not be able to have as big a wedding without their help. I’ve built up some savings, but I’m sure it isn’t enough.”

  “The wedding is just a ceremony. It’s one day. I’d rather put our money toward our life together. A home and things to fill it. That sort of thing.”

  Gary nodded. “I get it, but I also want you to have your dream wedding. Maybe my parents will help. I’m sure they’ll understand. I can also take out a loan.”

  Judy shook her head. “We don’t want to start our life off together owing anyone money.”

  He took her hand in his. “If it means you get what you’ve always dreamed of, then it’s worth it.”

  She squeezed his hand and leaned closer. “Being with you is more than anything I ever dreamed about.”

  “I don’t want you to look back and have regrets.”

  Judy shook her head. “Never. Not if we’re together.”

  Chapter 24

  “Are you ready?” Lynda swung her overnight bag over her shoulder and gave Judy an expectant look. “I can drive.”

  A lump formed in Judy’s throat. She shook her head. “I’m not going.”

  Lynda’s smile faded. “But it’s Christmas Eve.”

  “I know.” Judy looked away.

  “We always spend the night at Mom and Dad’s on Christmas Eve.”

  “I know.”

  “There’s still time to pack if you hurry. Mom made her special ham.”

  Judy took a deep breath and turned back to her sister. “I can’t. You understand.”

  “But it’s Christmas. The season of love and forgiveness.” Lynda pleaded with her eyes.

  The guilt was almost enough to make Judy change her mind.

  Almost.

  She shook her head. “Dad made his choice when he threatened Gary.”

  Lynda frowned. “That’s just Dad. He always met our boyfriends while carrying a shotgun. He takes his job to protect us seriously.”

  “Do you realize how outdated that is?” Judy exclaimed. “We don’t need protection! We can vote, own property, have careers, and make our own decisions. We don’t need men to take care of us. It’s all about love. Dad needs to get a grip and get with the times.”

  Lynda put her hand on Judy’s arm. “Maybe you can talk to Dad about that tonight or tomorrow. Sit next to the fireplace with some eggnog. You know how he loves Mom’s fresh Christmas eggnog, and she made plenty.”

  The hope in her sister’s eyes was really cracking her resolve. Still, she shook her head. “I’m not going.”

  “So, you’re going to be alone on Christmas morning?” Lynda’s bag slid down her arm.

  “It looks that way.”

  “But you have plenty of people who love you. We all want you there.”

  Tears misted Judy’s eyes. “I’d like to be there too, Lynda. Really, I would. But Dad needs to understand how serious this is.”

  “There are presents under the tree for you.”

  “That reminds me. Hold on.” Judy went to her room and gathered the wrapped gifts, putting them in a bag for her sister. “Here, take these. There’s something for everyone—even Dad.”

  Lynda wiped her eyes. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”

  She nodded.

  “You’re as stubborn as Dad.” She stood taller. “You bring those over yourself. I hope to see you there. Dinner’s at six sharp.” Lynda left without another word.

  Judy stared at the door, then the bag of presents. Tears blurred her vision. She plopped on the couch and cried into her hands. Not only was she on the outs with her dad, but now she was going to spend Christmas alone. Everyone else was with their families. She didn’t even have a pet to share the day with.

  But she would stick to her guns. Dad would have a choice to make. He would either accept Gary or deal with Judy not being a part of things. She’d already missed the program at Mom’s church, and now she wouldn’t be with them for Christmas Eve night or Christmas morning. If that didn’t get through to him, she didn’t know what would.

  Judy got up and moved the bag of gifts behind the coatrack where she wouldn’t have to see it, then she went into her room and dug out her coziest pajamas. She pretended it was just another night and flipped through the channels to see what was on.

  Other than the news, every single show was a Christmas movie. Well, she could live vicariously through actors and actresses. It was just one year. Even though they didn’t have a date set, next year she and Gary would be married. They would be together and they could join the Hunters for Christmas. That family was loving and accepting—full of the holiday spirit year round.

  She settled on White Christmas which had just begun. Soon she lost herself in the storyline.

  Until there was a knock on the door.

  Her heart skipped a beat. Who would be there on Christmas Eve? A robber? She chastised herself for being over-dramatic and looked out the peephole.

  Gary stood in the hallway.

  She looked down at her fuzzy pajamas. “What are you doing here?”

  “Are you going to let me in?”

  “Why aren’t you with your family?”

  “I’d rather not explain it from out here. Can you let me in?”

  Judy looked back down at her pajamas and then opened the door. If he wanted to stop by unannounced on Christmas Eve, then he could see her in her pajamas.

  Gary stepped inside wearing slacks and a tie with a Christmas tree on it.

  Her cheeks burned. He looked amazing, and she was the textbook definition of frumpy.

  He stared at her, but not with disgust. His eyes only held kindness and concern. “Why are you alone on Christmas Eve?”

  She looked away. “I think you know the answer to that. The real question is, why are you here?”

  Gary cupped her chin and met her gaze. “When you’re home alone tonight, you have to ask?”

  “How did you know?”

  “Lynda found my parents’ number in the phone book and called. Imagine my surprise.”

  She tried looking away again, but he moved so she couldn’t avoid him.

  “If you weren’t planning on going to your parents’, why didn’t you at least tell me?”

  Judy sighed. “I was holding onto the shred of hope that my dad would have a change of heart. Plus, I didn’t want to intrude on your family’s plans.”

  “Judy.”

  “Yes?”

  “We’re engaged. My family is your family now.”

  “But—”

  “They love you. They always have, and they’re thrilled about the engagement.”

  Her heart skipped a beat. “They are? Even though my dad’s treating you like a street rat?”

  “Who would hold that against you—the sweetest and most beautiful woman alive?”

  Judy’s face flamed again.

  Gary traced her jawline with his thumb. “I don’t want you to be alone on Christmas Eve.”

  “I’m not. You’re here.”

  “That’s not what I mean, and you know it. Either let me drop you off at your parents’ house—I can go with you if you want—or come with me to my family gathering. You have to pick one. I’m not letting you stay here
alone.”

  She glanced down at her pajamas again. “I’m hardly dressed for going anywhere.”

  He pressed his lips on hers. “You look beautiful. But I’ll wait for you to change if you don’t want to show up like this.”

  Judy sighed. “You really aren’t going to leave me here, are you?”

  “Nope.”

  “You could just stay here. Then I won’t be alone.” And she wouldn’t have to face anyone else.

  Gary kissed her cheek. “I’d love to, but it would hardly be appropriate.” He nudged her toward the bedroom. “Get dressed and think about it while you do. I’ll just be watching the movie.”

  Judy stared at him, trying to be irritated. But she couldn’t. Her heart swelled and warmed.

  How could her dad not see Gary was the best thing that had ever happened to her?

  Chapter 25

  Gary put his hand on Judy’s shoulder as she stared at her parents’ door. “We can always go to my family’s house.”

  She shook her head. “Dad needs to get off his high horse, and now. Not later. I don’t want to keep you from your family, but he has to see that he needs to stop being a bullheaded pig.”

  “Those are some pretty strong words.”

  “And they aren’t strong enough for him.”

  He kissed her temple and took in her citrusy aroma. “Do you mind if we go in? It’s chilly outside.”

  She rang the doorbell.

  “You don’t have a key?”

  “I do, but this requires a more dramatic entrance.”

  The door flung open. Ruby Rivera’s eyes widened, then she threw her arms around her daughter. “You came!”

  “I love you, Mom.” Judy returned the embrace. “But before I actually join you guys, I need to talk to Dad.”

  Ruby nodded, her expression growing more serious. “I understand. Let me get him.” She disappeared inside.

  Gary stepped inside with Judy and closed the door behind them. He rubbed his hands together, trying to warm himself.

  Several long moments passed before Edgar darkened the doorway leading to the kitchen. “You finally decided to join us, Judy.” He didn’t look at Gary.