“She cried, so I guess that’s a good thing.”

Linda rested her hand on her heart, moved at the thought of the young woman she adored crying over her son. “I’m so happy for you both, Adam. Thanks for calling us.”

“Make sure you tell Grant that you were the first to know.”

“I’ll do that,” Linda said with a laugh. Her kids were incredibly close but still enjoyed one-upping each other every chance they got.

“Congrats, pal,” Mac said. “We love you both and can’t wait to dance at the wedding.”

“We can’t wait either. Love you guys, and I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

“Bye, honey.” To her husband, Linda said, “What wonderful news!”

“The best news. They’re great together.”

“I was afraid they’d never get around to getting married since they moved in together.”

“He told me a while ago that he’d been thinking about it.”

“And you never said a word to me?”

“Private conversation with my son, babe.”

“Private…” She attempted a scowl that probably failed because she was too happy with Adam’s news to be mad. “You still should’ve told me.”

The doorbell rang, and they both went still, looking to each other for reassurance. He bent his head to kiss her. “I love you. Everything is fine. All right?”

“Yes. I love you, too.”

With his hand on her lower back, they walked to the entryway to welcome their guest.

Mallory wore a pretty summer dress and carried a bottle of wine. As Mac had said, she was tall and striking with dark hair that fell in curls to her shoulders and pretty brown eyes. Though their coloring was completely opposite, Linda saw a hint of Janey in her and could see the distinctive resemblance to her late mother-in-law that Mac had mentioned.

“Come in,” Mac said. “This is my wife, Linda. Linda, Mallory Vaughn.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Mallory said, extending her hand to Linda.

“Yes, nice to meet you, too.”

“It’s okay if you don’t really mean that.”

The humorous comment, delivered with a warm smile, had Linda thinking of her own kids, who might’ve said something similar. “I do mean it,” Linda said, earning a pat on the back from her husband. “We’re happy to have you. Come in.”

Mac led the way to the kitchen with Mallory following him and Linda bringing up the rear. Passing the framed photos of their five children on the wall, Mallory stopped.

“These are your kids.”

“Yes,” Linda said. “That’s Mac, Grant, Adam, Evan and Janey. And that’s everyone—with one husband, one wife, three fiancées—as of today—and two grandchildren.”

“You have a beautiful family,” Mallory said wistfully.

“Thank you. Our family is growing in leaps and bounds. Adam and Abby just told us they’re engaged.”

“Congratulations.”

“Would you like to see some other pictures?”

“I’d love to.”