Always a Bride E-Book

Michelle MacQueen

• Herausgeber: Michelle MacQueen
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

She’s the subject of town gossip…
… and he’s the man from her past.

How did she get here? It wasn’t supposed to be like this. Finley Kelly has dreamed of her wedding day for years. But those dreams didn’t include standing up in front of everyone she knew. Alone.
And it didn’t include doing it two more times.

Three weddings.
No marriage.
A new nickname as the “unwed bride.”

Now that she’s engaged again-- this time to her wealthy boss-- Finley is determined to make the fourth time stick. When she leaves the church, it will be with a husband at her side.
She just never considered that her fiancé might not love her.

When a man from her past returns to town, it threatens to destroy yet another supposedly perfect day. Knox Morgan is everything she never dared to want, everything she never thought she’d have.

But she made a commitment, and the clock is ticking. This time, when she reaches the end of the aisle, will she get her happily ever after?

Escape into this sweet romance that will give you all the feels. Always a Bride is the first book in the Always in Love series. Enjoy small town beach life with sweet and swoony men, strong-willed women, and family ties that can’t be broken.


Written with humor and verve, Always a Bride rolls merrily along to its predictably happy ending. Refreshingly, there are no sex scenes; the emphasis is on love and romance, not sex and steaminess.
Michelle McQueen has a good time bringing her couple and her readers to the happy ending. She genuinely likes the characters she is writing about, and it comes across on the page.
--Publishers Weekly, Booklife

Leseprobe

All rights reserved.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and events are used fictitiously and any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2021 by Michelle MacQueen

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof

may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. Printed in the United States of America

Editing by Caitlin Haines

Proofreading by Regina Dowling

Contents

1. Finley

2. Finley

3. Knox

4. Finley

5. Knox

6. Finley

7. Knox

8. Finley

9. Knox

10. Finley

11. Knox

12. Finley

13. Knox

14. Finley

15. Knox

16. Finley

17. Knox

18. Finley

19. Knox

20. Finley

21. Knox

22. Finley

23. Knox

24. Finley

25. Knox

26. Finley

27. Knox

28. Finley

Epilogue

About Michelle

1

Finley

I knew that look. The one that told me an anvil was about to drop on my head or a freight train was going to crash right into my cracking heart.

It was a look I should have seen days ago, hours ago. Even minutes ago would have been nice.

Christian Grant, the man I was seconds away from tying myself to for the rest of what would undoubtedly be a boring life, had come to a decision. The look springing to his impossibly blue eyes—eyes I’d once considered sinking into like they were the freaking ocean—was equal parts relief and guilt.

Relief because the decision I waited for him to speak out loud was probably the right one.

And guilt because even a man who barely knew how to wash his own underwear realized this was the exact wrong moment to suddenly have an epiphany.

About us.

A sigh rattled from my lungs as I listened to the priest go on about holy matrimony. I’d heard it all before—too many times.

Yes, I was that girl. The notorious Finley Kelly, Gulf City’s local runaway bride. Though, I never ran away. I just sent grooms packing in the other direction. Three, to be exact. This was my third time down the aisle, and I hadn’t even been able to get excited or nervous about my big day.

Maybe that should have been a sign.

I closed my eyes for a brief moment, blocking out the small audience of people who’d already re-gifted the same salad bowls and blenders to me a few times.

“Just say it, Christian.” My soft words cut off the priest, and the slim, bald man glanced from me to the man who was about to add to my fame.

It wasn’t exactly a fame I wanted.

“Can we go somewhere and talk?”

A laugh barked out of me, and I ignored the chatter now coming from the witnesses to my humiliation. “Don’t you think it’s a bit late for that?”

This wasn’t like last time. I knew that. Christian wasn’t seeing someone else. Nor was it like my first almost-wedding where my boyfriend of eight years, my high school sweetheart, was really in love with one of my bridesmaids.

No, this time, it was entirely about me.

I turned to the audience with a smile that hid the embarrassment racing through me. That should have been a sign too. I was more worried about not getting married—again—than losing the man beside me. “Sorry folks, but the wedding is off.”

I stepped forward, ignoring the warning calls from both Christian and the priest and completely forgetting I’d had to climb two steps to get to the chapel’s stage.

A yelp flew past my lips as I pitched forward, grasping for anything and finding only air. I landed hard on my hands and knees, my beautiful wedding gown dropping across the floor like some silly decoration I hadn’t wanted. This wedding was supposed to be simple, inconsequential.

But my best friend was a wedding planner, so basically, I was screwed.

I scrambled to my feet, heat rising in my cheeks, and marched down the short aisle, bursting out into the lobby. My train caught in the door, and I yanked it free, gathering it in one fist.

Weddings were the worst kind of torture. At least for someone who almost expected to be left holding the bag, or the train, in the end with no husband to show for it.

Footsteps echoed off the cold stone floor, and before I could make it into the safety of the ladies’ room, a hand clamped around my arm. “Finley.”

I ripped my arm away. “Go away, Christian.”

He looked back over his shoulder as the doors opened and our guests started pouring into the lobby. Once our families got ahold of us, there’d be no talking at all. In fact, Christian would probably end up flat on his back with my three brothers arguing over who got to take him out.

Hm, maybe I should let them catch up to us.

Christian had other plans. He shoved me into a coat closet—unused most of the year here in Florida—and shut the door behind us.

I took a few steps away from him.

“Finley, I never said we shouldn’t get married.”

I laughed at that. I couldn’t help it. “You forgot who I am, didn’t you? I read the signs.” We’d been engaged for almost a year now and living together for a bit less. None of it had been easy, but I’d refused to end another engagement. This time, it was happening.

Until it wasn’t.

I wiped sweaty palms on my dress, not caring if I got it dirty. It would just join the collection I’d been growing unwittingly.

Christian pushed a hand through his blond hair. That was my first mistake. Never trust a blond. Okay, that was a joke. It wasn’t his hair’s fault that every one of my now ex-fiancés was blond. I had a type, okay?

“Fin, you in there?” Shane, my oldest brother’s voice came through the door, and I rolled my eyes.

“I’m fine, Shane. Tell the others I’ll be out in a minute.”

If I was used to this whole left at the altar thing, so were my brothers. I was pretty sure they got more upset about it than I did.

“Fin…”

“Go away, Shane.”

“Have you seen Christian?”

Christian blanched at that.

I only smiled. “I’ll let you have him as soon as I’m done with him.” I turned to Christian, the man I’d considered too pretty for words. He had a delicate beauty, one I’d come to learn had little behind it. He was a nice guy, sure, but as I stared at him, I couldn’t remember what I’d loved so much about him. “Talk fast, and if I like what you say, I’ll give you a head start with Shane and Johnny.” My third brother, Tanner, was the one who would come to find me instead of Christian.

Christian leaned against the wall. “I just couldn’t go through with it.”

“Gee, that makes me feel so much better. Do you not want to get married? Is there someone else?”

“No.” He pushed away from the wall to stop in front of me. “No. I promise. I wouldn’t do that to you.”

“Yet, you’d leave me standing up there in front of everyone who already thinks I’m kind of a joke.”

“No one thinks you’re a joke. You can’t honestly say you aren’t feeling a bit relieved.”

“You don’t know what I’m feeling.”

He leaned in, lifting two fingers and pinching them close together. “A bit.”

I pushed him away. “Fine. I’m kind of relieved.”

A smile spread across his face.

“No. Don’t smile.” I pointed one manicured finger at him. “You don’t get to smile.”

He pulled me to him and pressed a kiss to my cheek. “I knew you’d understand.”

“I hate you.”

“I know.” He didn’t stop smiling.

“My brothers are probably going to hunt you down.”

“I know that too.”

“And yet, you’re happy.”

“Doesn’t it feel like the giant weight of this wedding has been lifted?” He reached for the door.

As I followed him back into the lobby, I realized he was right. Nothing had felt right leading up to this day. Yet, I hadn’t called it off, hadn’t given in to my gut feeling.

Most of the guests had trickled out to the parking lot and were searching for their cars by the time we came out, but two imposing figures stood on either side of the glass double doors leading into the hot Florida afternoon. Shane and Johnny, so similar I had to keep myself from laughing. Both had the trademark Kelly dark hair, emerald eyes, and lean, muscular frames. Johnny was a bit shorter than Shane and nine years his junior.

Christian’s steps faltered as he reached them.

I let them stare him down for a thick moment before stepping forward. “All right, boys, that’s enough testosterone. Let poor Christian get out of here. His mother is going to do more damage to him than either of you.” It was true. All his mom wanted was for her only child to marry and start giving her grandchildren. I didn’t envy his confrontation with her.

Johnny looked like he wanted to back down, but one glance at Shane and his spine stiffened again.

“Christian,” I urged. “Go. They won’t touch you.”

Like a cat with its tail on fire, Christian bolted through the door, away from the Kelly drama. I barely glanced at my brothers as I followed, shielding my eyes from the blinding sun. Only a few people still milled around. My parents talked with the only bridesmaid I’d wanted this time, my best friend, Rae. Christian’s mother stood with her arms crossed as he approached her.

And lounging on a dark stone bench near the edge of the parking lot was my saving grace. I hadn’t bothered to change out of my dress and could already feel sweat soaking into it. Soon, my makeup would run, and then I’d truly look like a train wreck.

But I didn’t care. I wasn’t ready to leave yet.

I slouched onto the bench beside Tanner and cursed myself. “I forgot my purse inside.”

He shot me a wink. “Let me get one of my manservants.” He lifted his chin. “Yo, Johnny, the lady needs her lady things.”

“On it,” Johnny called back.

“They scare poor little Christian?”

“Yep.” I leaned my head back and looked up at the blue skies overhead. “He probably needs to go change his pants.”

“So, third time isn’t the charm then?”

I laughed. This was why I spent more time with Tanner than anyone. Shane and Johnny worried about me, but Tanner knew what I really needed. “Just adding to my notoriety. I’m angling to be Gulf City’s most famous resident.”

“Well, we have national surf champions, best-selling authors, and even a rock star who lives here. But sure… Gulf City’s scorned bride ranks up there.”

“Shut up.” I bumped my shoulder against his. “It’s an accomplishment.”

“You don’t seem terribly upset.”

He was right. I wasn’t sure when I stopped loving Christian. Maybe it was when we moved in together and I learned he still took his laundry home for his mom to do. Or maybe it was every morning when we woke up to have the exact same conversation.

How did you sleep?

Good. You?

Fine. Anything happening at work today?

Nothing exciting.

Me neither.

Then, he’d proceed to read the paper while I read whatever fantasy book I’d started on my Kindle before we both left.

He wasn’t a bad guy. He taught history at the same school Shane taught math, was good with kids, and sweet to my parents.

There was just something… not right.

It took me a moment to realize Tanner was staring at me. “Oh, I guess… I guess I’m not. You know what I could use, though?”

If he was fazed by my changing direction, he didn’t show it. “There’s a restaurant two miles from here where everything has been paid for in advance.”

“You read my mind, brother. Now, can we get there before Mom corners me for a more-fish-in-the-sea chat?”

He held out a hand, and I took it, letting him pull me to my feet. “Let’s go.” We made a break for the limo that sat idling at the curb. I yanked open the door and tumbled in.

We reached the Beach Club as they were preparing to serve our entire dinner party—since we’d opted for that instead of a reception. Everyone in town knew who the Kellys were, so no one mistook Tanner for my husband—thank the sweet earth. We were greeted with raised eyebrows and the offer of tonight’s special—mussels in some kind of sauce they were famous for.

But I only wanted one thing.

“Burgers.” Tanner handed the menu back. “Please.”

By the time the rest of the family joined us, we were halfway through gigantic burgers that had been run through the garden. I’d been so nauseated all day, and it was the first I’d eaten.

“Told you they’d be here.” Rae glared at Shane. “I know Fin.”

“No fighting, dears.” Mom sat across from me. “Hi, baby. How are you?”

This was a mom how are you. I was well versed in them as the family screwup. But at least I’d tried getting married, unlike my fool brothers.

“I’m fine, Mom.”

She raised one perfectly arched I-don’t-believe-you eyebrow and made a sound in the back of her throat.

“If she says she’s fine, we should believe her.” Dear old Dad.

I shared a smile with him as he sat next to Mom.

“I still think you should have at least let me hit Christian.” Shane threw himself into a chair and stole my burger, taking a bite before setting it back on my plate.

“Can we please talk about something other than my aborted wedding?”

Rae took a chair next to me and reached for my hand. “Of course. Though, that’s kind of hard when you’re sitting here in your dress.”

Johnny tried to steal fries from Tanner’s plate as Tanner swatted him away. “Yeah, I’d rather talk about how Finny fell flat on her face. Classic.”

That earned him a smack on the back of the head from Mom.

It wasn’t until later that night when I returned to the small house I’d shared with Christian and noticed his missing belongings that it hit me. The relationship I’d given the last two years of my life to was over, done.

I curled up in the bed we’d shared, hugging a pillow to my chest. I’d once had a life plan. Get married by thirty when I’d advanced in my career, start having kids while my parents were young enough to be around, and be happy.

Well, I had two weeks until the big three-oh, and all I had to show for it was a job I hated, three failed weddings, and the whispers of the town everywhere I went.

2

Finley

One Year Later

“Just another minute, Mom,” I groaned, rolling over in bed as the incessant noise continued. “Will someone please shut off their music?” I was not in the mood to get out of bed. My warm, comfy bed. It was August in Florida, why was it so freaking cold in here?

“Not your mom,” a familiar voice said. “But I’m not above dragging you out from under your ridiculous amount of blankets like she would. And this noise? It’s your alarm clock, Brainiac.”

I cracked one eye open, taking in my best friend and roommate for the last year, Rae. She grinned down at me, way too awake for this time in the morning. Wait… alarm clock. What time was it? I sat up, rubbing my eyes and peering around her at the clock.

“Crap on toast, I must have hit snooze.”

“Yeah, like a million times.” She shook her head with a smile that told me I amused her as always. I didn’t know anyone who enjoyed mornings as much as her. She leaned forward, auburn hair falling over her shoulders in an unbrushed mass as she felt my forehead. “Yep, I knew it. You’re sick.”

“What?” I pushed her hand away. “I’m not sick, Rae.”

“Looks like it to me. I mean, it’s Saturday, and Saturdays are for rest. You, my dear, should rest.”

I knew exactly what day it was. One year ago, I became the thrice left-at-the-altar girl, Gulf City’s unwed bride. But that was then, and now, my life was on a completely different path. A better one. At least, I thought so.

I was happy… or I wanted to be. That was something, right?

I pushed the covers off my legs and stood, looking down at Rae. “I really do have to work today.”

“You always have to work. I don’t have a wedding to set up today. Can’t you just play a little hooky?”

“Begging? Is that what it’s come to now?”

“If it means you’ll stay, then yes.”

I stumbled on my way toward the bathroom. I wasn’t really a clumsy person, but my body never truly woke before it had a serious injection of caffeine. “I can’t. I’m sorry. I’ve only been at this job for six months. I still have to make a good impression.”

Rae flopped back on my bed with a dramatic sigh, her hazel eyes lifting to the ceiling. “Fine.”

I smiled to myself as I got into the shower and took the fastest one known to man, or more accurately, known to woman. I didn’t even sing, which was a feat for me.

I’d had an entire year to think of all the things about me that would have turned Christian off after living with me. I was no peach, okay. Not even close. No Southern Florida girl with bleached-blond hair and a ridiculous tan. I was pretty, I’d always known that, but it was an understated pretty, the kind that was never really noticed until I walked down the grand staircase in Cinderella’s dress, trying not to trip over my feet.

In other words, I made a gorgeous bride with my hair and makeup done and a too-poofy dress accentuating every curve. But plain, everyday Finley was utterly unremarkable.

It was a good thing I got to play the bride so often.

I snorted out a laugh and turned off the water, reaching past the foggy glass door for a towel. As I dried my hair, I ran through the list of things that probably drove Christian up a wall. The habits men before him had hinted I should change.

I sang in the shower. Badly. Blast me.

I snorted when I laughed. Egad!

Then, there was the whole closet book nerd thing. I loved all things fantasy or science fiction. Don’t even get me started on Dune. Sometimes, men looked at me like I spoke another language. It would be funny if they were the type to get the hots for nerds. They weren’t.

My first almost-husband once told me his least favorite thing about me was that I sometimes ate sushi I bought at a gas station. Sue me for my iron stomach.

I should have retorted with, “At least I don’t cheat on my girlfriend,” but all the good comebacks rarely came to me when I needed them.

Rae was in the kitchen when I emerged from my room, dressed in slacks and a short-sleeved sweater. It was more casual than my weekday business skirts, but it would only be me and Austin, my boss, at the office today.

My best friend in the whole world—don’t tell my mom—handed me a to-go mug of tea. “See, this is why I moved in with you.”

“Really?” She arched a brow. “I thought it was because you were left at the altar and then couldn’t afford your place on your own.”

“You’re mean.”

“Too soon?”

I pressed a kiss to her cheek. “I love you, honey. Don’t wait up. I’ll be home late.”

She pushed me toward the door. “You’re cheating on me; I’ve known it for a while. Tell your boy toy I saw you first.”

I laughed. “I’m sure he’ll understand.” The truth was, no one seemed to get my friendship with Rae. We were so completely different, but from the moment we met in the ninth grade, none of those differences mattered. We just clicked, and there’d never been any looking back.

I squinted into the morning sun. It was going to be a hot day, I knew that already. Sliding into my in-need-of-some-love Outback, I took a sip of tea and a deep breath.

Rae was right in that Saturdays should be for rest, but since taking the job at Bennett Investments, there’d been very little of that. My boss was a workaholic and, in turn, expected his executive assistant to be one as well.

Bennett Investments sat in a beautiful, wooded commercial district outside Gulf City. It took up four floors of a glass-faced tower that was also home to bank offices, a home loan company, and a few other businesses.

The parking lot was mostly empty as I strolled toward the double doors and into the modern lobby where white tile stretched toward a bank of elevators.

By the time I got to the third floor, I noticed the light in Austin’s office was already on. Stopping in the doorway, I leaned against the frame and crossed my arms as I examined him.

If this building was beautiful, the man running the show was even more so. Austin Bennett had been built perfectly from the ground up. I let my gaze travel up toned legs clad in custom-fitted slacks, over strong arms that flexed as he clenched the edge of the desk. He stood bent over, reading a document I couldn’t see, his caramel eyes hidden from me.

Blond hair sat looser today than it normally did when he gelled it to within an inch of its life. I enjoyed Saturdays. Very much.

“Are you going to come in, Miss Kelly, or continue to ogle me?” His voice was smooth as it slid over me.

“I wasn’t ogling you.”

He looked up for a brief moment with the hint of a smile on his lips. “Good morning.”

I walked further into his office with a smile of my own. No matter how much I hated getting up in the morning, my day always got better when I arrived here.

Austin reached for me, pulling me into a bruising hello kiss. Yep, I was that girl. The assistant dating her boss.

There was no way this could go wrong.

But even if it did, I’d enjoy it while it lasted because Austin Bennett was perfect. Every part of him. Gentlemanly, beautiful. He wasn’t the kind to cheat or do anything that would besmirch the honor of the Bennett family name.

I was lucky, really.

“What’s in store for today?” I enjoyed Saturdays when it was just the two of us in the office, no clients coming and going, no suck-ups vying for Austin’s attention and praise.

“My father is coming in this morning.”

That had me stepping back. Mr. Bennett was the true boss who controlled things around here, but he never worked the weekends. “Do you know why?”

“I’m assuming it has to do with the expansion.”

Bennett Investments was opening a new location in New York City. It had been all anyone here talked about the last few months. They had yet to make a decision on which senior executives they’d relocate to oversee operations.

“Hmm.” I didn’t like it. Mr. Bennett had a way of throwing a wrench into plans, making Austin cancel dates to meet with him late at night, being so utterly overbearing that we’d kept our six-month relationship a complete secret from him and everyone else. “Well, I’m going to go start a pot of coffee and check your messages. Are we still on for dinner tonight?”

“Yes.” He smiled his perfect, all-American boy smile. “Can’t wait.”

Austin always knew the right thing to say. As I got the coffee started and finished the tea Rae sent me with, I couldn’t stop thinking about how different we were.

We both grew up in Gulf City, but he attended a private school down in Tampa while I went to public school. He grew up with the kind of life I never could have dreamed of. Private jets, maids, cooks, fancy vacations.

My family’s idea of a vacation was spending a day at the Lee ranch riding horses. Not that I was complaining. I loved horses. But we lived so near the beach we never saw any reason to leave.

Well, my parents hadn’t. I’d dreamed of more, of seeing everything outside of Gulf City.

By the time I finished writing up notes from Austin’s messages, Mr. Bennett was strolling through the doors looking like he owned the place. Well, he did.

His designer suit was out of place in the Florida summer. I pictured myself in a full suit during August and nearly started sweating just thinking about it.

I stood as he approached. “Mr. Bennett. May I take your jacket?”

He shook his head. “No, thank you, Annabelle.” I didn’t correct the name. He called me something different every time we spoke, which wasn’t often. “Where is my son?”

“I can fetch him for you if you’d like to wait in the conference room.”

He nodded. “Don’t let me wait long.”

I practically sprinted to Austin’s door and poked my head in. “Your father is here.”

He stood abruptly, smoothing out his shirt. The only time Austin’s perfect veneer cracked was when he faced either of his parents. “Hold all my calls. This might take a while.”

He disappeared into the conference room as I walked to the kitchen. It wasn’t my first rodeo, so I knew how to ease two men’s ire if they started fighting—which wouldn’t be new for them.

Coffee was the answer to everything.

The machine finished dripping, and I poured two mugs. Black for Mr. Bennett—like his soul. Okay, not really. I’m sure he was a perfectly nice man outside the office. Rae would lecture me about giving people a chance. But then, that was coming from a girl who spent her time making other women’s romantic dreams come true instead of putting herself out there.

I stirred a bit of creamer into Austin’s mug and carried them both to the conference room where I already heard their voices raised. I sighed. What was it about men? They couldn’t have an argument without getting red faced and stupid. Their stubbornness and their need to be right all the time would be the end of them.

I, on the other hand, preferred to avoid conflict at all costs.

I skirted the room and placed the mugs in front of them. “Coffee, gentlemen. Drink it before the argument commences.”

They didn’t listen. Did they ever?

As I exited the room, I heard Mr. Bennett say, “There’s nothing to discuss, Austin. I need you to fly there in a week. You’ll spend a week there and then return.”

Austin was going on a business trip? If that timeline held up, he’d be gone over my birthday, a birthday he’d been teasing a surprise for.

It was completely un-assistant like of me, but I needed to know more. Leaving the door open a crack, I retrieved my coffee and then crouched down near the door to avoid being seen through the half-wall of windows looking out from the conference room.

I couldn’t hear what they were saying. Of course, when it was important, they lowered their voices. Come on, guys, I know you can yell. Let’s hear it.

If Austin saw me like this, he’d think so much less of me. When it came to our relationship, I’d vowed to do things differently than last time when I just let my freak flag fly. I hid my most annoying habits from him, which were basically all my habits.

My nosiness being one. I had this need to always know what was going on.

I never showered at his place in case I burst into uncontrollable song. Yes, that was a thing.

Around him, I tried to be as perfect as he was. The perfect assistant, the perfect girlfriend. It was a mask I wore, but I figured if the relationship lasted, I could gradually reveal the scary version of myself.

Like the one crouching outside a meeting, her thighs burning because she was so out of shape.

I wasn’t really sure if I’d be able to get up when this was over.

I inched closer, but Mr. Bennett was whispering now. There would be no answers. I knew I should get up now and walk away with my dignity intact, but I stayed, my coffee my only companion.

When the door swung open years later—okay, probably only minutes—I tried to jump to my feet, to run back to my desk, but my knees ached and refused to cooperate, leaving me in this position for the rest of my humiliating life.

And what did I do? Reached behind me for a plant and dragged it in front of me as if it could shield me from their eyes.

Mr. Bennett walked right by me, but shiny black shoes stopped in front of me. “Finley? What on earth are you doing?”

I sighed and pushed the plant away. “My knees locked up, and I couldn’t get up on my own.”

A raised eyebrow was his only response.

“Would you believe me if I said I was watering the plants?”

“Do you want me to believe you?” Good old Austin. He’d argue with his father but never with me. It worked for us, for me, but it also added a coldness to our relationship I’d never been able to shake.

“I kind of just want you to help me up.”

He extended a hand down and pulled me to my feet.

I followed him back to his office and hesitated on the threshold. “So, you have to leave over my birthday.”

“Yes.” He shuffled papers on his desk, a habit of his when he didn’t want to discuss a topic. He didn’t bring up the fact I’d eavesdropped, but I knew it annoyed him. The tension in his shoulders said as much.

But there was something else. Whatever his father had said to him changed his entire demeanor from the man who’d kissed me only an hour ago.

But who was I kidding? He’d never tell me what was truly bothering him. It would wipe off some of that shine he made others see in him, the perfection as the coolheaded millionaire.

He was polished steel, shining marble.

But even steel could have flaws.

Dinner was a quiet affair, not unusual for Austin. After a day of work, he was normally lost in his own head, running through numbers and thinking about client requests. He was good at what he did, the best, in part because he never left work behind at the office. It was always on his mind.

“You look distracted tonight.” I sliced into my filet, the kind of food I never ate when I wasn’t with Austin. He insisted on the best restaurants when I was always happy with diner food.

“Just thinking.”

I took a bite, struggling to keep myself from moaning. Okay, maybe the food was worth the price. We’d driven to Tampa for his favorite waterside restaurant with its white tablecloths and dressed-to-the-nines patrons.

I didn’t feel out of place exactly, just like I was living someone else’s life. A year ago, when I stood at that altar, I’d never imagined myself sitting here across from Gulf City’s most eligible bachelor, but here I was.

And I enjoyed every bit of it.

Unlike most of the guys in town, he’d never brought up my claim to fame, something I was eternally grateful for. Growing up in a small town had its advantages, but it also really sucked when everyone knew everything about their neighbors.

Like when they were continually dumped during their weddings.

Some people said I rushed into marriage, others that I chose the wrong men.

And still, some blamed me, saying I must have secret prepper tendencies or like an extra toe.

I wasn’t sure which I truly agreed with. Sure, I probably shouldn’t have said yes to Christian before we moved in together, and I shouldn’t have let us make it to the wedding. I truly thought I loved both Ryan and Kyle, my ex-fiancés, which made me realize I wasn’t sure what love was.

“Finley, did you hear me?”

Austin had been talking, and I hadn’t caught a single word. My cheeks heated. “No, I’m sorry.”

His smile was strained. “I said I needed to ask you a question.”

“Okay, shoot.” His brow furrowed at the informal phrase. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. “I mean, go on.”

He cleared his throat. “You and I enjoy each other’s company, do we not?”

“Of course.” I gave him a quizzical look. What an odd question.

“We’ve been dating for six months now.”

I nodded.

“And over those six months, I’ve grown fond of you. I respect you, Finley.”

I smiled at the compliment. Earning respect from Austin Bennett was a feat some people tried for years to achieve. “I care about you too.” Where was this going? We hadn’t yet reached the L-word stage, but I could probably get there soon. I did really care for him.

He scrunched his forehead once again at my choice of words. Respect and care for were two different things, but I knew he felt both for me. He just couldn’t say it.

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a jewelry box.

“Oh, is this my birthday surprise?” I loved surprises as long as they weren’t the “I’m in love with someone else” kind. Maybe with him heading out of town next week, he’d decided to celebrate early.

“You could say that.” He opened the box revealing a princess cut diamond ring bigger than any I’d ever seen in my life.

And my heart stopped.

No.

Austin.

Don’t. Do. This.

I knew the movements of a man preparing to propose. I’d seen them enough. Austin shifted in his seat. He reached slowly for the box with his free hand and pulled out the ring. Then, he started to rise.

“Austin…” I couldn’t get another word out.

He lowered himself to one knee. Of course he’d do it on one knee. The man did everything right.

So, why couldn’t I breathe?

“Water,” I croaked. “I need water.” But I’d already drained the water glass sitting next to my wine goblet. I reached across for Austin’s, my arm nudging my wine glass. It tipped, almost in slow motion, the red wine spilling over my plate and onto the fancy tablecloth.

Yet, I couldn’t look at it. I couldn’t look at anything but Austin as I gulped his water.

“Finley.” He ignored the spilled wine—a very un-Austin thing to do—and took my hand. “I think we make a good match. You fit into my world seamlessly.” That was what he thought, but I’d hidden my real self from him.

“I—”

He cut me off. “We’re so alike in many ways. I want you to be my wife.”

Around us, other patrons watched the scene unfold. They most likely knew who Austin was and thought I was lucky he ever glanced my way. But I’d told myself exactly one year ago that the next time I planned a wedding, it would be with the man I’d spend my life with.

Was Austin that man?

Or had he been safe because I never saw it getting to this point?

I flung myself out of the chair, stepping to the side and colliding with a waiter who was balancing a tray on one hand. The momentum sent us tumbling to the ground, plates of steak and fish clattering to the tile. Sauce soaked into my sweater as I scrambled to my knees. “I’m so sorry.”

The waiter looked at the mess, then back at me. “Honey, if a man like that proposed to me, I think I’d freak out too.”

Then, Austin was there, helping me to my feet. “It’s been quite a day of mishaps for you.”

“Can we go outside, Austin, please? I need some air.”

He threw money on the table before placing a hand on my back and leading me toward the door.

Once outside, I sucked in fresh air and looked down at my ruined sweater. Gravy stained the hem, and there’d be no getting it out. “I’m sorry.” I covered my face in my hands. “I’m such a mess.”

Austin didn’t say anything. He only waited for my meltdown to end. If he were one of my brothers, he’d force me to say whatever was on my mind.

If it was my mom or Rae, they’d put their arm around me and soothe me with their immense kindness.

But Austin only stood by, waiting for the moment to pass.

Finally, I got my breathing under control and chanced a glance at him. “I’m sorry.”

He lifted one shoulder in a shrug, showing no emotion on his face.

I looked to the water, silver moonlight reflecting off the surface. “This doesn’t have to do with you.” It was the truth. I didn’t freak out because of who asked me to marry them, only because someone did. Again.

I walked toward the walkway near the water and lowered myself onto a bench. Austin followed me, but he didn’t sit.

“Austin, I think I’m falling in love with you.” I’d never said it out loud before. “But I’ve thought that before. You know my history. I’ve had three weddings and no marriages. I can’t go through that again. I just can’t.” Each time, it broke a little part of me, but I wasn’t sure he’d understand that.

He didn’t respond for a long moment before reaching for my hand and pressing the ring into it. “Will you at least consider it? I promise, Finley, once I make a commitment, I never back out.”

I did know that about him. Austin was dependable. It was one of the reasons his clients loved him.

But was that all this was? A commitment? Did I only want dependable?

I wrapped my hand around the ring and nodded, willing the tears from my eyes. “Okay.” I owed him that much.

I’d think about it.

And then, maybe there’d be a fourth wedding for Gulf City’s unwed bride.

3

Knox

Home sweet home.

At least that was what it was supposed to feel like. Instead, I felt like a whale who’d accidentally wandered onto the beach and couldn’t free themselves from the life-sucking sand and dry heat.

Florida. Gulf City, to be exact. It was everything one would expect from small-town America. Nosey residents, people who stayed in one town their entire lives, oh, and all the tourists. That probably wasn’t like other towns this size, but Gulf City sat on a stretch of gorgeous white sand beaches that attracted tourists and snowbirds in droves, just not during the summer.

I almost preferred when they were around. It made being here more anonymous. Instead, I had to come back in August. And let’s be real, it was a big deal that Knox Morgan was home. I wasn’t sure why people were so interested in me after all these years.

It had been more than fourteen years since I captained the local hockey team to victory, fourteen years since I walked the halls of Gulf City High. And yet, I could feel their eyes. Only in this town could a wandering computer guy be famous.

That was what I called myself. I never stayed in one place too long, taking contract jobs around the world fixing computer systems, building websites, crafting code. Anything I could do that would keep me moving, exploring.

I hiked my bag higher on my shoulder and pushed into the familiar concrete ranch home. “Mar?” I peered down the long hallway, trying to hear the noise that was a constant in this house.

Tiny footsteps sounded against the dark bamboo flooring before a little brown-haired creature burst into the hall. “Uncle Knox!” I only had a few seconds to brace myself before my favorite nephew barreled into me. I caught him around the waist.

“Hey, buddy.”

He pulled back, giving me his sternest eight-year-old look. “Did Mama know you were coming? She didn’t tell me.”

“No.” I couldn’t help smiling as I put him down. As much as Gulf City got on my nerves, that all faded away when I stepped into this house. “It’s a surprise.”

“She doesn’t like surprises.”

“I know.” My sister didn’t like anything that wasn’t planned, that she couldn’t see coming. I was pretty much the opposite. Yet, somehow, we worked. I ruffled Cole’s shaggy hair and dropped my bag. “Take me to your leader.”

Cole shared a grin with me. We both knew Mariana was going to have a coronary. He led me to the back of the house where a kitchen opened out onto the massive back deck that overlooked a pond. I’d always loved this house.

My sister sat with her knees pulled up to her chest on a red-cushioned lounger, a glass of wine in hand. Her chestnut hair was piled in a bun on top of her head as she rested her chin on her knee and stared out into the early evening light.

She didn’t turn when she heard my footsteps.

“Cole, honey,” she said, her voice soft. “I’ll be inside in a few minutes, and we can watch a movie.”

One corner of my mouth tipped up. “I think I’d rather have some of that wine.”

A shriek escaped her lips, and she jumped to her feet, red wine sloshing over the sides of the glass. One hand flew to her chest. “Knox! You scared the shitake out of me.”

I laughed at her phrase. She’d always had an aversion to cursing, but not the sentiment behind the curses. “Isn’t that what brothers are for?”

Her breathing returned to normal, and she reached out to swat my arm. “You didn’t tell me you were coming. What is wrong with you?”

“With me? You’re the one acting like you’ve had a little too much of that wine.”

She glanced down into her glass and then at the cushion, now spattered with a darker red. Carefully, she set the glass down on a wicker side table and turned back to me. “Are you going to tell me why you’re here?” She leaned in and dropped her voice. “Did you get kicked out of whatever country you were in?”