Page 61 of Sweet Harmony

“No, it’sfine,” he said. “I’m in between appointments. I’m glad you calledme, Kira.”

“I am too,” shesaid.

There was amoment of silence and then Connor said, “This calls for acelebration. If you’re not busy, I’d like to take you for dinnertonight.”

“I’d lovethat,” Kira said.

“Perfect. I’llpick you up at seven.”

* * *

“Hopefully youlike this place.” Connor pulled into the parking lot of the UrbanCuisine and parked the car.

“It’s actuallymy favourite restaurant,” Kira said. “So, good choice.”

She climbed outof the car and smoothed her dress down as Connor shut his door andlocked the car. The Urban Cuisine was one of three casual diningrestaurants in Harmony Falls. It had a modern and eclectic styleand the food was – in a word – delicious.

Connor took herhand and she realized that she was beginning to crave even thatsimple touch from him. He led her into the restaurant and smiled atthe hostess. “We have a reservation under MacMillan.”

The prettyblonde studied the screen in front of her before tapping a fewbuttons. “Of course. Right this way, please.”

They followedher through the bar section and into the restaurant area. It wasbusy and she held tight to Connor’s hand as they weaved their waypast the booths and tables toward one of the tables at the back ofthe restaurant.

Her mouthdropped open when Connor stepped to the side and she saw the peoplesitting at the table. Gideon was sitting at one end of the table,with Preacher on his right and Ray and Rose on his left. Addisonand Harrison sat next to them and Grace was sitting next toPreacher.

“Connor, what…did you do this?”

He grinnedboyishly at her and squeezed her hand. “I wanted to make this areal celebration.”

“Oh my gosh,this is… this is so nice.” Her throat was burning, and her eyeswere watering. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek.“Thank you so much.”

He cupped herface and gave her a real kiss, one that made her mouth tingle andher pulse race. “You’re welcome, little Kira. But I need to admitthat Grace had a big part in helping me organize everything.”

For a moment,she was tempted to just wave at everyone and then drag Connor backto his car. The urge to have him alone, to ask him to drive themhome so he could take her upstairs to her bedroom and do all thedelicious things to her she couldn’t seem to stop dreaming about,was almost too much to resist.

Before shecould act on that madness, her brother was standing in front ofthem. Connor let go of her hand and Gideon swept her up into abone-crushing hug.

“Congratulations, Kira. I’m really proud of you.” He kissed hercheek before setting her back on her feet.

“Thank you,Gideon.” She smiled up at him. “I wish Mom and Dad could have beenhere.”

A flicker ofsorrow crossed his face. “Me too, kid. Me too.”

She squeezedhis hand and blinked back the tears before following Connor to theempty seats beside Grace. Gracie stood and hugged her hard. “Goodjob, honey.”

“Thanks,Gracie. And thank you for helping Connor arrange this.” Kira kissedGrace’s cheek.

She and Connorsat down, and Preacher leaned forward to give her a rare grin.“Congrats, kid.”

“Thanks,Preacher. And thanks for coming tonight.”

“Wouldn’t missit.” He leaned back in his chair and studied Connor. Connor heldout his hand and Preacher shook it.

“I’m ConnorMacMillan.”

“Preacher.”

“Nice to meetyou,” Connor said.

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