Texas Christmas Bride: The Gallaghers of Sweetgrass Springs Book 6 by Jean Brashear Page A

cookie.
    “Finish your cookie, young lady, before you speak.”
    Abby all but inhaled the remainder. Then swallowed. “Done! But Mommy, what’s in the bag?”
    Veronica met their gazes.
    Both Penny and Rissa hesitated.
    “I think it’s an adult conversation first, girls. Then maybe I can tell you later. Now go upstairs and get to work. Chop chop.”
    “Ookay,” Abby sighed heavily, then stopped in front of Rissa. “You won’t leave before we’re done, will you?”
    Rissa glanced at Veronica. “Um…”
    “They’ll wait for you to say goodbye if they need to leave before you’re done. Now shoo.”
    With a martyr’s sagging shoulders, Abby left the room. Behind her, Beth stopped between Jackson’s sisters. “If I’m a Gallagher, do I get to be tall like you?”
    “Excellent question, kiddo,” Rissa said. “Scarlett’s a Gallagher, you know. So is Aunt Ruby.”
    “But they’re short. Really short.”
    “They are. But we still like them, right?”
    Beth nodded solemnly.
    “We’ll probably like each other fine, even if some of us wind up tall or short.”
    Seemingly satisfied, Beth smiled and left the room.
    “They’re awesome,” Rissa said.
    Veronica couldn’t disagree. “Thank you. So what’s up?”
    Penny cleared her throat. “Well, this is just an idea, and you are absolutely welcome to say no, but…we might have a dress for you—only if you want it. You don’t have to, but it’s closer to your size and—”
    “Where did you get it?”
    Rissa held up the bag. “We just found it. I’ve never gone through what’s in the attic before. It’s still wrinkled and you might not—”
    Veronica’s breath caught. Her eyes filled. “Is it your mother’s?” she whispered.
    “Yes.”
    She had adored Jackson’s mother. Mary Gallagher had been so much more a mother to her than her own had ever been. “I loved your mother.” She caught Penny’s eye. “But don’t you want to wear it?”
    “I would give a lot to be able to, but as I’m sure you recall, Mama was much closer to your size than mine.” Penny bit her lip. “I don’t want you to feel pressured, but I think Mama would be very pleased if you did decide you like it. But honestly, it’s okay if you don’t.”
    “What about Jeanette?”
    “We already called her as soon as we found this. She’s fine with it. She said she could help alter it—but seriously, you don’t have to if you’d rather have what Jackson could buy you or—”
    Veronica’s heart was beating double-time. She was afraid to want this, but somehow wearing Mary’s dress would be so much more like the wedding she would have wished for, all those years ago.
    “Let’s go in my room, in case the girls come down. I’d rather not have anyone know yet. I’d want Jackson to have his say, though, before any decision is made. He might not be comfortable with this.”
    “I’m pretty sure my brother wants you to be happy, whatever that means. But yes, absolutely, he should weigh in. Lead the way,” Penny said.
    Rissa pushed the bedroom door closed, and Veronica clasped her hands together. “I’m terrified.”
    “Let’s do it,” Rissa said, and began unzipping the bag. When she drew out the dress, Veronica gasped.
    Mary’s dress was…perfect. Fitted lace top with cap sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. A chiffon skirt, several layers of it that softly fell to a scalloped lace hem. A flat satin bow at the waist.
    Simple. Feminine. Stunning.
    Her vision blurred as she looked at the sisters. “It’s so beautiful. It’s exactly what I wanted without ever realizing…are you sure? She would want you—”
    Rissa never cried, and Penny was reputed to be a shark.
    Yet in this moment, all of them had tears in their eyes, and the moment felt almost…holy.
    Veronica clasped her hands in front of her mouth until she could find her voice. “I’m scared to death to try it on, I want it so badly. I know Jackson is willing to buy me the world, but I don’t want