Sweet Holiday Surprise: A heartwarming and inspiring feel-good romance by Cindy Kirk

Author:Cindy Kirk [Kirk, Cindy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Waverly House
Published: 2023-10-31T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIVE

“Thanks for inviting me.” Will, looking breathtakingly handsome in a dark suit, gray shirt and burgundy tie, offered Raven his arm as they started up the walkway leading to the concert hall.

Raven didn’t see any of her family in the crowd surrounding them, but knew they’d all be here tonight. She should have warned Will that there would be endless Tuccis at this event.

“My parents and brothers are here somewhere.” She kept her tone casual and offhand. “You’ll have a chance to meet them, either before the performance or afterwards. They’re all very nice. Except Sal. Well, he’s nice, too. He can just be a little intense.”

“I can’t wait to meet him.” Will patted her hand resting on his forearm. “I’m looking forward to this evening and to getting acquainted with all of your family.”

Nothing he could have said would have reassured her more. Her family was close, and she wanted the man in her life to not just tolerate them, but eventually to love them as she did.

Sara and Grace had fit in so seamlessly, it was as if they’d always been around.

“Yoo-hoo, Raven.”

Raven turned, and there was Grace’s aunt Nellie and her husband, Paul Morrow, a colleague of Nick’s. Raven had liked Nellie from the moment she’d met her. Nellie didn’t tolerate fools and spoke her mind—both admirable qualities in Raven’s estimation.

“It’s so good to see you.” Raven gave the woman a quick hug. “And Dr. Morrow, a pleasure.”

“Paul,” he reminded her as he brushed a kiss across her cheek.

Will remained at Raven’s side, a slight smile on his lips as he observed the interaction.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I’d love for you to meet my friend Will Dougan.” Raven quickly performed the introductions, adding at the end, “Nellie is my sister-in-law Grace’s aunt. Her husband, Paul, and Nick are colleagues.”

“Pleased to meet you.” Will studied Paul intently. “If I’m not mistaken, you were the surgeon when my friend Derek Brown broke a bone in his hand.”

Paul cocked his head. “Is your friend happy with the results?”

“Extremely.”

“Then that was me.” Paul’s pithy reply made them all laugh.

“Well,” Nellie put her arm through her husband’s, “we best get inside and find our seats. It was good meeting you, Will. Don’t be such a stranger, Raven.”

When the couple walked off, Will turned to Raven and arched a brow. “Stranger?”

Raven waved a dismissive hand. “I may have missed one-or two-family gatherings this summer.”

“Any special reason?” Will glanced at her as he checked their coats, putting the ticket into his pocket.

Several responses Raven could give would answer his question without her really answering. But she didn’t want to skirt around issues with Will. She wanted a relationship built on honesty.

“Two of my brothers are married, and Anthony has been dating someone steadily.” Raven kept her tone light. “There was a little too much love in the air.”

Raven hadn’t told her parents why she’d split with Stephen. They hadn’t asked directly either, though they appeared relieved when she’d told them she was no longer seeing the man.

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