“I am,” she said softly. From the moment Val had first shown up with an armful of wood, she’d dreamed of this moment.

Her mother peeked around the corner, then looked back at Myrtle. Leaning down, she kissed her cheek. “It is time, little star,” she whispered, and rushed off.

A moment later, her father stepped around the corner . . . joined by—

“Horace!” Myrtle exclaimed, falling to a knee.

The dog immediately covered her face with kisses.

“I would kiss your cheek, dear daughter,” her father drawled. “But alas, I fear I must pass at this moment.”

She laughed as he held his arm out; she looped hers through, allowing him to lead her onward.

As she made the slow walk into the conservatory, converted into a magical winter wonderland resplendent with flowers and garlands and Christmas trees, she drank in the sight of her family and Val’s, both beaming, as radiant in their joy as she was.

And then she looked at him . . .

Standing at the end of a makeshift aisle with his brother beside him, Val kept his gaze locked on her. On only her.

“I love you,” he mouthed.

Tears filled her throat. “I love you, too,” she said silently in return.

And that moment, as she reached Val and her father placed her fingertips on her husband-to-be’s arm, Myrtle found herself with the greatest Christmas wish she’d ever carried at last fulfilled—a lifetime of love with the man before her.

Horace yapped happily, and she looked down.

And a dog, of course.

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

To my editor Alison Dasho. It’s always a joy when one’s editor has the same enthusiasm and excitement for one’s characters and story as the author herself. From romps to gritty dramas and pure ballroom romance, you’ve never not supported my vision. Thank you for that gift and trust in me.

About the Author

About the Author

Photo © 2016 Kimberly Rocha

Christi Caldwell is the USA Today bestselling author of eleven series, including Wantons of Waverton, Lost Lords of London, Sinful Brides, Wicked Wallflowers, and Heart of a Duke. She blames novelist Judith McNaught for luring her into the world of historical romance. When Christi was at the University of Connecticut, she began writing her own tales of love—ones where even the most perfect heroes and heroines had imperfections. She learned to enjoy torturing her couples before they earned their well-deserved happily ever after. Christi lives in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, where she spends her time writing and baking with her twin girls and courageous son. For more information visit www.christicaldwell.com.