Page 46 of An Alaskan Wedding (Alaskan Grooms 1)

Declan shook his head, his expression mutinous. “Come on. You can pull that ‘I’m doing fine—how’s the weather?’ routine with everyone else in this town. But it doesn’t work with me, okay? That look on your face—some might call it a hangdog expression. Others might say you had your heart handed to you on a platter.”

He opened his mouth to object, but a golf ball–sized lump sat lodged in his throat. What was the point in denying it to Declan? He’d see right through his facade.

“You’d think I would’ve learned my lesson last go-round. Grace played me for a chump. She played all of us.”

Blue eyes pierced right through him. “Life is rarely as simple as you’re trying to make it.”

“Don’t, Declan. I don’t think I can stomach your taking up for her.” Boone bowed his head as pain crashed over him.

“Boone, what I’ve seen in the past few weeks is something I thought I’d never see again. You’ve been joyful. You laugh more. And you ditched that chip on your shoulder. I figure Grace must have knocked it off. You two are great together. She’s changed you, in every way possible a person can be transformed. That’s real.”

Boone shook his head, resisting his best friend’s sentiments. “She wasn’t real. All she did was pretend to be somebody we’d all fall in love with so she could get a story.”

“Who are you trying to convince?” Cameron’s voice came from behind him. “The rest of us? Or yourself?”

“I should have known better than to come in here today,” Boone grumbled as Cameron moved into his line of vision.

“That woman has changed this town. And she’s not the same lady who fell into your arms on the dock. She’s strong. And creative. And kind. And if someone’s in trouble, she’s there, wanting to help.” Cameron threw his hands in the air. “And if you can’t see that...maybe you don’t deserve her, Sheriff.”

Boone jumped up from his chair, causing the frothy cup of cappuccino to spill onto the table. “Don’t you get it?” he ground out. “She’s just like Diana. She lied to me.” He swung his gaze from Cameron to Declan. “How did I get to be the one in the wrong?”

“Diana?” a loud voice barked behind him. He spun around, coming face-to-face with his grandfather.

Just perfect! Jasper had arrived just in time to join forces with Cameron and Declan. Suddenly everyone was coming out of the woodwork to gang up on him. Meanwhile, Grace was probably holed up in her cabin licking her wounds while he was taking all the hits.

Jasper snorted. “She’s nothing like Diana. She’s got more heart and soul in her little pinky than that one had in her whole body. You’re a stubborn fool, Boone. After you took off last night she begged the town for forgiveness. It was one of the most moving things I’ve ever seen. Humph! Serves you right she’s gone and left Love.”

Boone frowned at Jasper. What was he babbling about? Who’d gone where?

“Left?” he asked, his tone raspy. “What are you talking about?” His mouth felt as dry as a desert. Feeling unsettled, he sank back down into his seat.

“She left first thing this morning on a seven-thirty plane. I heard a charter outfit from Homer picked her up. That will get her into Anchorage by eight thirty or so. Then she’ll be heading back to the Big Apple,” Jasper explained, a frustrated expression etched on his face.

“S-she’s gone?” Boone tripped over the words as the harsh reality settled over him.

Jasper snorted. “Congrats, grandson. You got your wish. Grace Corbett is out of your life for good.” Jasper’s eyes were as bleak as the Alaskan tundra.

He felt the heat of a dozen pairs of eyes on him. Many were filled with anger, while others seemed to pity him.

Hazel sniffed back tears. “Grace is one of a kind. She opened my eyes to things. I’m so tired of love being tossed aside because of pride and misunderstandings. I’m sick of loving a man who sees right through me.”

“Who are you in love with?” Jasper asked with a scowl.

“I’ve been in love with you for years, you blind fool!” Hazel shouted. Jasper’s eyes bulged, and he began to stammer nonsensically.

Hazel snorted. “Although for the life of me I can’t see why.”

Misty Dingle let out a loud snort. “When are you men going to realize that loving someone means accepting their imperfections?”

“Absolutely!” Wanda shouted out. “You’re far from perfect, Sheriff Prescott. And you, too, Gunther!”

“Me? What did I do?” Gunther asked, appearing dumbfounded as Wanda glared at him from across the table they shared.

“She made a mistake,” Sophie cried from behind the counter, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue. “She’s human. And she’s a wonderful, caring person. She’s incredibly loyal. More than you can even imagine.”

For the first time Boone noticed Honor standing by the kitchen doorway taking it all in. She had a Moose T-shirt on, and her eyes were moist with unshed tears. Her expression begged him to reconsider his position. The look on her face said everything without her uttering a single word. He’d made a promise to her. Less judgment and more acceptance. Walking with love in his heart instead of censure. He knew she might lose faith in him forever if he didn’t budge. But would his pride allow him to forgive Grace’s deception? Could he swallow his anger long enough to reach out to her?

“Boone. It’s not too late to work things out,” Honor cried out. “Declan can get you to Anchorage in no time. And if you love Grace, letting her go isn’t an option. If you do, it will hang over your head for the rest of your life.”

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