Amy’s friend had picked the most flattering wedding dress for her. It was a mermaid cut with generous cleavage but still tasteful. Even the hairdresser Poppy hired had done an excellent job. He had arranged Amy’s hair in a half updo that was casual, natural, and elegant.
“So, Ames? What’s your verdict? This—” Poppy pointed at Amy’s image in the mirror “—or a Jackson Hole station T-shirt? It’s totally your call. I personally lean toward the navy color, so …” Her friend couldn’t keep a straight face and giggled.
Amy grinned and shook her head. “No, Poppy. This is just perfect. If I could’ve described how I hoped to look on my wedding day, then this would’ve been it. Thank you.” She leaned over to Poppy and gave her a peck on the cheek.
“Careful, I don’t want you to ruin your lipstick. I know it’s a nude shade, but still, I prefer to leave that honor to Colt.” Poppy winked.
Amy’s pulse accelerated as she remembered that Colton was probably already waiting for her in the garden. The station’s benefactor, the billionaire Judd Hoffman, had again amazed Amy with his kindness. He was allowing them to use his private luxury home, Serenity Trace, for the wedding.
The place was only a short drive from Jackson Hole, and it lived up to its name. It was the most fabulous wedding venue that Amy could have wished for. The enormous garden with its mature trees and perennial flower beds were, thanks to the mild spring, dancing with a myriad of vibrant colors and offered a romantic location for pronouncing their vows.
Of course, both Judd and his daughter had been invited, together with everybody from Colt’s station and Amy’s hospital department, to assist with the ceremony.
“Do you think Colt will like how I look?” Amy asked shyly.
Poppy’s face grew serious, her eyes misting. “He would be a fool if he didn’t. He’ll adore how you look, no doubt about that. I hope that I’ll look this ravishing one day if I decide to tie the knot. But if I’m honest, it’s not my makeup and hairstyling skills that make you look this beautiful. It’s the obvious love in your eyes for Colt that makes you the most gorgeous bride ever.”
Her friend’s voice was strained, and Amy wondered if it was just the emotion of seeing Amy get married or something else. Amy had tried to break Poppy’s silence about her boss and get her to admit that she was interested in the arrogant doctor, James, but Poppy wouldn’t bend. She still insisted that she’d never fall for anyone who worked in a hospital, much less her direct superior.
But Amy had learned already that there was little use in arguing with one’s own heart. A job title, a hierarchical rank, or even a social class couldn’t inhibit feelings from having their way. Poppy would come to that realization soon enough. But Amy didn’t want to force her friend when Poppy wasn’t ready to accept the truth yet.
There was a knock on the door, and Amy’s mother popped her head in. “All is ready, girls. Time to come on down.”
Poppy and Amy hurried to the door.
Captain Adam was already waiting outside for Amy. Zach was Colton’s best man, so he needed to stand by his side at the altar, and Colton’s boss had graciously accepted the role of accompanying Amy. Having a fireman perform this task was also symbolic for Amy’s family. It was almost as if Henry Powell had joined them.
Poppy squeezed Amy’s hand. “I’ll see you soon, Ames.” Then, she hurried down the stairs to join the other guests.
Captain Adam smiled broadly at Amy. “Are you ready? Colton is very excited to see you. And so is everyone else.”
The house burst into song with the melody that Amy and Colton had picked together. It was time indeed. Amy and the captain walked outside. Amy put part of her weight on the captain’s strong arm to prevent herself from stumbling. The dress was slightly long, even if it swayed magnificently around her ankles.
When they got to the garden, everyone stood. Amy let her gaze travel across the faces of her friends and colleagues. Colton’s grandmother, who was sitting beside Amy’s mother, waved at her, grinning from ear to ear.
Amy’s mother had gone to get Granny from the care facility this morning. The elderly woman seemed to be having a lucid day. When she'd met Amy before she started dressing, Granny had hugged her, asserting that she'd set all of this in motion when she'd suggested that Colt and Amy go to the prom. Well, lucid to some extent.
Amy exchanged a smile with her brother, who stood proudly across from Poppy at the altar. Zach gave her an encouraging bob and mouthed, “Love you, sis.”
Finally, Amy allowed her eyes to move to Colton. Joy filled her chest as she took in his masculine figure in the tux. Firemen looked mighty fine in their uniforms, but this elegant suit was like a second skin to Colton. It gave him the allure of a movie star. His wide shoulders stretched the dark fabric into perfect little wrinkles.
But it wasn’t his body that made Amy’s breath hitch. It was the expression on his face as he looked at Amy. There was so much love in his eyes, honest and deep devotion, like this moment was the culmination of his existence. Even on the day when Amy's dad had first pinned his badge to his uniform, Colton hadn't looked this happy. And that really meant something.
Amy and Colton didn’t break eye contact while the captain took Amy to the altar. Only then did Colton look away to thank him, but then his affectionate gaze was back on Amy. They stared at each other as if in a blissful bubble while the priest spoke the words sealing their unison.
“Colton, it’s your turn to say your vows,” the priest said.
Colton swallowed, and his hand reached for Amy’s. He cleared his throat, but still his voice came out deeper and throatier than usual. “Amy Powell, I’ve known you my entire life, and I can safely say that I have loved you for that long. First as a friend, then as a sister, and finally, but most importantly, as the woman of my life. I couldn’t be happier to become your husband today. I admire your strength, your kindness, your courage, and above all, your soul. I promise to love and cherish you, till death do us part—and even beyond.”
Amy had to use all her willpower not to launch forward and throw her arms around Colton’s neck. She still had to say her own vows, and the kiss part hadn’t arrived yet.
She took a deep breath in hope of taming her heart, which was already throbbing in her throat. “And I, Colton, couldn’t be prouder to marry a man who is not only my best friend but also my soul mate. You are everything that I value in a person and in a man. I love your freaky sense of order, your voracious appetite, your wish to save anyone who is in danger, your odd preference for navy, your obsession with sports, and your dedication to your work and your friends. I love everything about you—your faults more than your virtues, maybe. Because they make you unique; they make you my Colt. I promise to love and cherish you, till death do us part—and even beyond.”
There was loud cheering in the crowd and a few sobs.
The priest nodded approvingly. “Very well, my dears. I pronounce you man and wife. Now comes the cherry on top, the moment you’ve probably been waiting for. Colton, you may kiss your bride.”
Colton’s brows arched as if he was asking Amy whether she was ready.
Amy wetted her lips and was about to nod, but Colton had already cupped her face and pulled her to him.
He circled one arm around her waist, and she reached behind his nape to hold him as close as possible. Their mouths found each other as if they were drawn by a magnetic force. Though it wasn’t their very first kiss, it was still a first—their first declaration of love as a married couple.
Colton’s warm breath enveloped Amy’s lips, and her entire body heated. The surrounding noises faded, and she was lost in the moment. The elation filling her cells couldn’t be compared to anything she’d ever felt before.
It was as if the heavens had opened and created a tiny mini-paradise especially for them on earth. It wasn’t just the pleasure of having Colton deepen the kiss, of feeling his strong hands on her and knowing that soon they would have their wedding night.
No,
it was rather the knowledge that from now on, come what may, they belonged together. Forever.
Want more Jackson Hole Firefighter Romance? Saving Grace, Book 3 is now available. Grab your copy HERE.
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Saving the Billionaire’s Daughter (Intro Story)
Saving His Heart
Saving Grace
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Other Books by Agnes Canestri
Gems of Love Series
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GAMBLING WITH THE BILLIONAIRE
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FAKE-DATING THE SINGLE DAD
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SAVING THE BROTHER’S BEST FRIEND
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FALLING FOR THE UNDERCOVER AGENT
She was only a job. Until she wasn’t…
GEMS OF LOVE BOXSET
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Best deal on the series!
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A LESSON IN LOVE
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Check out Jennifer’s Amazon Page HERE
Romeo Family Romance
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Billionaire Boss Romance
Her Blue Collar Boss
Her Lost Chance Boss
Georgia Patriots Romance
The Hot Headed Patriot
The Twelfth Hour Patriot
The Unstoppable Patriot
The Exiled Patriot
O’Brien Family Romance
The Impossible Groom (Chas O’Brien)
The Twelfth Hour Patriot (McKenna O’Brien)
The Stormy Warrior (Caden O’Brien and Tess Eisenhart)
Christmas
Rewriting Christmas (A Novella)
Yours By Christmas (Park City Firefighter Romance)
Her Crazy Rich Fake Fiancé
Her Christmas Wedding Fake Fiancé
Navy SEAL Romance
The Resolved Warrior
The Reckless Warrior
The Diehard Warrior
The Stormy Warrior
The Jane Austen Pact
Seeking Mr. Perfect
Texas Titan Romances
The Hometown Groom
The Persistent Groom
The Ghost Groom
The Jilted Billionaire Groom
The Impossible Groom
Hawaii Billionaire Series
Love Him or Lose Him
Love on the Rocks
Love on the Rebound
Love at the Ocean Breeze
Love Changes Everything
Loving the Movie Star
Love Under Fire (A Companion book to the Hawaii Billionaire Series)
Kisses and Commitment Series
How to See With Your Heart
Angel Matchmaker Series
Kisses Over Candlelight
The Cowboy and the Billionaire’s Daughter
Romantic Thrillers
False Identity
False Trust
Promise Me Love
Burned
Contemporary Romance
Beastly Charm
Fairytale Retellings (The Grimm Laws Series)
Banish My Heart (This book is FREE)
The Magic in Me
Under Your Spell
A Love So True
Southern Romance
Livin’ in High Cotton
Recipe for Love
The Secret Song of the Ditch Lilies
Short Stories
The Southern Fried Fix
Falling for the Doc Series (Co-authored with Craig Depew, MD)
Cooking with the Doc
Dancing with the Doc
Cruising with the Doc
Jackson Hole Firefighter Romance Series
Saving the Billionaire’s Daughter
Saving His Heart (Co-authored with Agnes Canestri)
Saving Grace (Co-authored with Amelia C. Adams)
The St. Claire Sisters Series
Meet Me in London (Co-authored with Haley Hopkins)
Collections
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Sweet Beginnings Series Starter Collection
Jennifer’s Military Romance Collection
The Heart and Soul Collection
Texas Titan Romance Collection
Hawaii Billionaire Romance Collection
The Southern Romance Collection
The Romance Suspense Collection
The Originals Collection
About Agnes Canestri
Agnes Canestri writes sweet romance for all ages. She is the author of the Gems of Love series. Her home on the internet is https://www.agnescanestri.com. Agnes is also a psychologist. She is passionate to understand what makes people tick especially when it comes to love. She adores capable heroes, witty heroines, and bone-tingling kisses. After living in five different countries, she is now settled in Germany with her Italian husband and two adorable children.
You can connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/agnescanestri and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/agnes.canestri using the icons below.
Whenever the mood strikes you, you should send her an email at [email protected]. She loves to hear from her readers and answers all emails personally.
About Jennifer Youngblood
Jennifer loves reading and writing clean romance. She believes that happily ever after is not just for stories. Jennifer enjoys interior design, rollerblading, clogging, jogging, and chocolate. In Jennifer’s opinion there are few ills that can’t be solved with a warm brownie and scoop of vanilla-bean ice cream.
Jennifer grew up in rural Alabama and loved living in a town where “everybody knows everybody.” Her love for writing began as a young teenager when she wrote stories for her high school English teacher to critique.
Jennifer has BA in English and Social Sciences from Brigham Young University where she served as Miss BYU Hawaii in 1989. Before becoming an author, she worked as the owner and editor of a monthly newspaper named The Senior Times.
She now lives in the Rocky Mountains with her family and spends her time writing and doing all of the wonderful things that make up the life of a busy wife and mother.
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