The Ashtons - Cole, Abigail & Megan

quick kiss. “Just remember, I don’t want any black eyes or split lips in my wedding photos.”
    Both Russ and Ford remained silent while they watched her walk out of the stable and down the path toward the winery.
    “You’re going to have your hands full,” Ford warned. “There isn’t a whole lot that gets past her.”
    Grinning, Russ nodded. “I wouldn’t want her to be any other way.” He motioned for Ford to follow him. “How would you like to give me the brotherly lecture over a beer?”
    “Gannon, I have a feeling you and I are going to get along just fine,” Ford said, grinning.
    The next afternoon, in the upstairs bedroom Mercedes said had been hers when she still lived at The Vines, Abby stared at herself in the full-length mirror. The dress she and Mercedes had picked out truly was gorgeous. With a scoop neckline and tiny seed pearls adorning the white lace and satin, it made her feel like a princess.
    “You look beautiful, Abby,” Caroline said, adjusting her veil.
    “Is Russ here?”
    “Yes, dear.” Caroline gave her an indulgent smile. “In fact, I think he arrived an hour earlier than the time Mercedes told him to be here.”
    Turning to face her, Abby smiled at the woman who had been kind enough to offer her home for the wedding. Caroline had even insisted on helping pull the wedding together on short notice in order for Abby to return home and start her clinic in time for the calving season. “Thank you, Caroline. I truly appreciate everything you’ve done for my family.”
    “Lucas and I have been happy to have you here at The Vines,” Caroline said, her smile genuine. “You, Grant and Ford are part of our family now.”
    Tears blurring her vision, Abby hugged the older woman. “You’re the best.”
    Caroline embraced her, then, stepping back, dabbed at her eyes with a lace handkerchief. “Russ is like a son to us, and I couldn’t be happier for both of you.”
    A tap on the door drew their attention a moment before Uncle Grant stepped into the room. Tall, with just a touch of gray at his temples, he looked very distinguished and handsome in his black tuxedo.
    “My God, Sprite, you’re beautiful.”
    “You’re not so bad yourself,” she said, walking into his open arms.
    “I can’t believe you’re old enough to be getting married,” he said gruffly as he held her close. “It seems like just yesterday I was bandaging your scraped knees and helping you with your homework.”
    “It’s time,” Mercedes said, entering the room in a rush. “And it’s a good thing, too.” She laughed. “Mason and Ford have already threatened to tie Russ down if he doesn’t stop pacing.”
    “I’ll see you downstairs, dear,” Caroline said, lightly kissing Abby’s cheek.
    Mercedes sniffed back tears as she handed Abby a bouquet of pink roses and white baby’s breath, then, giving her a quick hug, followed Caroline from the room.
    “Are you ready to give me away?” Abby asked when she and her uncle stood at the top of the stairs.
    “I’ll walk you downstairs and I’ll place your hand in Russ’s.” He shook his head as he offered her his arm.“But I’m not giving you away. You’ll always be my little Sprite. I want you to remember that, Abby.”
    Tears filled her eyes. “I love you, Uncle Grant. Thank you for taking care of me and Ford all these years.”
    “I wouldn’t have had it any other way, Sprite,” he said, placing his hand over hers where it rested in the crook of his arm.
    As much as she loved her uncle, when they descended the circular staircase and she caught sight of Russ standing by the fireplace in the living room, Abby forgot everything else and focused on the man she loved. He looked so handsome that her heart skipped several beats.
    Stopping in front of him, Uncle Grant placed her hand in Russ’s. “Love her and take care of her.”
    “For the rest of my life,” Russ said, his gaze never leaving hers.
    “I love you, Russ.”
    “And I love you, honey.”
    Uncle Grant gave them both a fatherly smile, then, kissing her cheek, stepped aside. And Abby pledged herself to the only man she knew she’d ever love.

Society-Page
Seduction
    By
Maureen Child

Maureen Child is a California native who loves to travel. Every chance they get, she and her husband are taking off on another research trip. The author of more than sixty books, Maureen loves a happy ending and still swears that she has the best job in the world. She lives in Southern