driveway of a small Mediterranean style building with blooms bursting from pots and beds in every direction.
“The wedding’s booked for six o’clock tonight, so we’ll have plenty of time to get ready.”
“Tonight?” Panic flashed over Bree. For some reason she assumed they’d have at least a day to … to what? If they were getting married, might as well get on with it.
Still, she’d barely had a chance to get used to having a “fiancé” yet, and they were going to run down the aisle tonight. Kind of funny how he’d just gone ahead and made all the plans—and she’d let him.
Gavin climbed out of the car, then came around to open her door. She stepped out onto the gravel on shaky legs. He slid a palm across the base of her spine, which sent waves of heat—as well as anxiety—shivering through her. “Tonight will be our wedding night.” His smoky gray gaze smoldered with possibilities.
Bree blinked and blew out a shaky breath. “So it will.”
He squeezed her hand. “I can’t wait to be your husband, Bree.”
“I can’t wait to be your wife.” She squeezed back, and happiness swelled in her chest, pushing away the anxiety. He was so open and affectionate, on top of all the other things she adored about him. Did anyone have a right to be this lucky?
Then she froze. “But what am I going to wear?”
“Anything you like. We have all afternoon to shop.”
Though Bree was nervous about her ability to pick a flattering dress without Elle, she found one quite easily at a stylish shop down near the docks. The silvery-white, tea-length gown in shimmering satin draped elegantly over her curves. Sky-blue heels proved an oddly perfect match. At a local jeweler, they chose engraved wedding bands for the ceremony. Back at the hotel, she was visited by a bubbly hairdresser who piled her curls into a chignon fastened with pearl-tipped pins. Bree put on the sparkly pearl and diamond earrings they’d picked together. Gavin insisted on paying for everything, and her transformation into a blushing bride gave him obvious delight.
“You’re breathtaking.” He came up behind her as she put the finishing touches on her lipstick. His face appearing next to hers in the mirror made her smile.
“You’re pretty smashing yourself.” She glanced at his crisp, black satin bowtie. The elegant tuxedo only enhanced his matinee-idol good looks.
“We do make a nice looking couple.” He slid his arms around her satin clad waist.
“And we do fit well together.” She didn’t look at all big or ungainly next to him—at over six feet, he made her feel perfectly proportioned. She wriggled under his tempting, warm touch. “In fact, I rather wish we didn’t have to leave the room.”
“It’ll be worth it.” He pressed a soft kiss to her cheek. Her skin, already hot and made up with blush, flushed deeper under his lips. “And we’ll have all night to celebrate.” Gavin’s throaty whisper echoed through her, a promise of sensations she was quickly becoming addicted to. “Are you ready?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
Panic and excitement tingled to Bree’s toes and fingers as they stepped out onto the hotel’s terrace. Glorious sunshine lit up the simple gazebo where the officiant waited for them. Gavin tightened his reassuring grip on her hand, and shot her an encouraging glance. Petunias spilled from carved pots and planters, and ribbons festooned the table holding the official paperwork.
The hotel’s manager walked up to them, followed by a pretty blonde holding a boutonniere for Gavin. “Welcome, and congratulations on your special day.” The speech sounded a little canned, Bree thought, then cursed herself for the petty thought. They were just being polite, and trying to make them feel at home.
She glanced out at the impressive view over the bay, where sailboats scudded over the dark water. It was a lovely spot to get married. Perfect, even. Besides, the whole point was to join herself to this wonderful man and begin an exciting new chapter in her life.
Still, her breathing came a little shallow as they walked toward the gazebo where the officiant stood waiting.
Could something that came together this quickly and easily really be permanent? Despite Gavin’s strong and soothing hand in hers, Bree found herself pestered by doubts.
Maybe Gavin thought he was marrying the ringleted temptress Elle had turned her into, rather than the real her. What would happen when he discovered he’d married a dull mouse rather than the exciting woman of his dreams?
“I love you, Bree.” His whispered words banished her worries like a strong breeze.
“I love you, too, Gavin.” She rasped the words back with conviction. How had he known to turn and reassure her at just the right moment?
Because he was perfect—for her.
A few pleasantries were exchanged, and before she had a chance to gather her wits, the ceremony was underway.
“Do you, Bree Kincannon, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, to cherish and love, as long as you both shall live?”
“I do.” She spoke the words clear and loud, determined not to let any lingering doubts become evident to the witnesses, even if they were strangers. Gavin said his vows with a reassuring, deep voice and an expression of honest enthusiasm that almost made her laugh aloud.
“You may now kiss the bride.”
In front of the assembled strangers, Gavin eased his arms around her waist, pulled her close, and kissed her—gentle, yet firm. Heat shimmered through her from head to toe.
“We’re married,” he whispered. “I’ve never felt so excited and happy in my whole life.”
“Me, either.” Bree spoke the truth. A whirlwind wedding to the most gorgeous man she’d ever met was unquestionably the high point of her quiet life so far. “It’s all happened so quickly, I can’t quite believe it.”
“When something’s right, it’s like all the forces in the universe converge to make everything come together. That force has been in motion since the moment I met you.”
“Even though I was wearing that horrid gray dress?”
Gavin laughed. “An ordinary dress can’t hide the light that shines from inside you, Bree. I could tell right away that you were special. And then when we danced.” He let out a low whistle that tickled a laugh from down deep in her belly. “We’re definitely going out dancing later.” Then he hesitated. “Or maybe tomorrow. It’s our wedding night and I have some very detailed plans for it.” A slightly raised brow made desire quiver in Bree. The promise of sensual pleasure thickened her nipples under her silky dress.
She almost slid her hand inside his jacket to enjoy the hot hard muscle she knew lay under his elegant tux.
Then she remembered they still stood in the middle of the hotel terrace, under the professional gaze of the “witnesses.”
She glanced around and took a step back. “Perhaps we should go somewhere more private?”
Back in their comfortable
