Page 39 of An Alaskan Wedding (Alaskan Grooms 1)

“I think they could be the next big thing,” Grace announced. “If only you so-called town leaders would open your eyes and consider the possibilities. When I was lost out in the woods these boots kept me from getting a bad case of hypothermia. They have value!”

“I’m open to anything that will restore this town to her former glory,” Jasper said, raising his fist in the air.

Hazel fanned herself with her hand. “And to think that my little boots might help to revitalize our economy. I’m tickled at the prospect.”

Grace stretched her arms out wide. “Think of all the ways you could market the boots. The slogan could be ‘fashionable and functional.’ Customers would eat it up. Not to mention the thrill of buying authentic Alaskan boots.”

The dramatic sound of a clearing throat had her turning toward Boone. “It’s an amazing idea, Grace. Thoughtful. Pragmatic. And creative. You definitely thought outside the box. I make a motion that we explore the possibility of mass-producing Hazel’s boots on a trial run to see if this enterprise has merit.” He nodded in Hazel’s direction. “With your permission of course, Hazel.”

Hazel was grinning so wide she resembled a jack-o’-lantern. “Of course, Boone. You know I’d do anything to help this town.”

“You went above and beyond, Grace,” Boone said in a silky smooth voice. “Who knows? There might be a spot for you on this town council.” He was smiling at her—a beatific smile that almost made her forget his unforgivable behavior from this morning. How could he grin at her after he’d treated her so poorly? Did he think a simple wink and a smile would grant him forgiveness?

“It’s a little late for the compliments.” She pointed a wavering finger in Boone’s direction.

Something in his eyes challenged her bravado, which only served to stoke her anger. “You, Sheriff Prescott, are the most judgmental man I’ve ever met. You make sweeping assumptions about people without even giving them the opportunity to explain themselves. It must be so nice to always be right about everything and everyone.”

She swung her eyes toward Jasper, who had a glimmer in his eye that looked like encouragement. Hazel was hiding a smirk with her hand while a few of the council members were shaking their heads in disapproval.

Dwight stood up and said, “Miss Corbett! This is highly unorthodox. And inappropriate. This session is not open to the public. We follow rules of order here.”

Jasper banged his gavel. He shook his finger at Dwight. “Let Grace speak her peace. She’s a resident of this town now. And if this beef between the two of them gets squashed, she may become my granddaughter someday.”

“Don’t count on it!” Grace growled. “I’d rather be single for the rest of my days than end up with someone like your grandson.” She shivered dramatically for effect.

“Ouch,” Boone said, placing his hand across his chest. “That hurt, Gracie. Can we go outside and talk...privately?”

She folded her arms across her chest and glared at him. “I really have nothing to say to you, Sheriff Prescott. You’re just a...meanie!”

A meanie? Had those words really just come out of her mouth? She’d momentarily reverted back to her eight-year-old self. She’d come here to confront Boone and to let the town council know how shortsighted they were being about the town’s potential. Now she’d made a fool of herself by spouting juvenile insults. Heat rose to her cheeks as she stomped out of the town meeting. Raucous laughter trailed behind her.

“Of all the stupid, misguided ideas,” she muttered to herself.

“Grace!” The sound of Boone calling her name drifted after her as she walked down Jarvis Street. She ignored him, continuing to walk at a fast clip past shops and curious townsfolk.

“Come on, Grace. Please, stop.”

She whirled around to find him right on her heels. “What do you want?” she snapped.

She could feel her lips pursing of their own accord. It was a bad habit she’d had ever since childhood.

“I’m a fool. Please don’t leave.” A tremor danced along his jawline. His eyes blinked rapidly.

Six little words spoken so humbly by Boone nearly did her in. They crashed over her with the weight of a tsunami. It was hard for her to even breathe, let alone speak.

“Why do you want me to stay?” she asked.

“Because you add color to my world. You’re like a bright light in the forest. When I’m with you...I laugh more. I feel things I haven’t felt in a very long time. You make me believe in things I thought might be behind me. And I lashed out at you...because you’re in my thoughts all the time and part of me is scared of what I feel for you. It was my way, I think, of pushing you away. The thing is, I want you in my life, Gracie. I care so very much about you.”

Tears pooled in Grace’s eyes. Boone’s words traveled all the way to the depths of her soul. No man had ever laid it on the line like this before, not even her ex-fiancé. No one had ever told her what she brought into their world. She’d never imagined her heart could expand to three times its normal size. Emotion clogged her throat, and she was afraid to speak for fear she might blubber like a baby.

A muscle was twitching by Boone’s mouth. He looked as if he was about to jump out of his skin. “Grace, say something. Anything. Please.”

“You had me at ‘I’m a fool,’” Grace said, watching as Boone’s body language instantly changed.

Boone easily swallowed up the distance between them. He placed his hands around her waist and dipped her backward before planting a kiss on her lips. His arm was bracing her lower back. Grace rested her hands on his shoulders, surprised and delighted at the unexpected kiss. As his lips moved over hers, Grace couldn’t help but think it was the most romantic moment of her life. He was literally sweeping her off her feet. The sound of clapping interrupted the moment. Boone swung her up so she was standing. The entire town council, minus Dwight, stood a few feet away, their faces lit up with interest and approval. Grace blushed as Boone reached for her hand and raised it to his lips, causing even more of a reaction from the crowd.

This was happiness! Less than an hour ago she’d been angry and distraught and teary.

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