by Tara Randel
Lilli glanced at the garment bag still hanging across the room. “How convenient.”
“And Max Sanders is a volunteer groom. You two can pair up.”
“No offense, Mom, but I’m not pairing up with Max for anything.”
“Why not?”
“Many reasons. But number one? He’s not here.”
“Minor detail.” Celeste waved her hand. “I’ll call him and tell him to get over here.”
“Mom, he’s got too much on his plate right now. We’re fine without him.” She’d be fine without him.
“Do we have stand-ins?”
“Of course we do. I’ve taken care of everything.” Except when it came to Max.
Turning away from her mother, Lilli walked to the dressing room door to head back to the event room. She had enough models in the show and didn’t need a finale couple. It had been Marisa’s idea to begin with and since she wasn’t here, no one would know the difference.
She’d just made it to the door when Max stepped into her path, dressed in a tuxedo. She blinked twice, sure her eyes were playing tricks on her.
“Max? What are you doing here?”
“I gave you my word I’d be here tonight. That’s what Sanders men do, right? If I can’t keep my word with you, I have no business working for anyone else.”
“But what about after tonight?”
He touched her bare shoulder, his fingers lightly brushing her skin. She barely controlled a shudder of pleasure.
“When I came back to town, the only thing I wanted was to start my business and prove to the town I had changed. Never in a million years did I think I’d run into the girl I met on the beach all those years ago. I fell a little bit in love with you that night, but when I saw you again, got to know the beautiful woman you’ve grown up to be, I lost my heart again. I’m sorry it took so long for me to tell you. I want you to be first in my life, Lilli, not my business or my reputation. Neither one means anything without you by my side.”
“What about the new account? The traveling?”
“We can work our lives around this job. It won’t be forever. Maybe you can travel with me sometimes. And once I get a security protocol established at Rawlings, I can hire more people so I’ll be home. Sanders Security isn’t going away. So what do you say. Can we work this out? Together?”
The uncertainty in her heart melted at his declaration. She’d learned today that no relationship was perfect. But with Max, she wanted years to practice. Joy filled her as she looked into his eyes and saw the truth of his love reflected there. She smiled, reaching up to ease the frown from his brow. She wanted things to work out with this wonderful man. She wanted a future with Max. “I love you.”
“I love you, too,” he said, voice rough with emotion. “More than I ever thought possible.” His fingertips lightly trailed down her arm, leaving chills in its wake as he took her hand. “And I’ll spend the rest of our lives proving it.”
“I’ll take you up on that.” Overwhelmed with love, she leaned in close to him. Max, being an intuitive security consultant, realized her intent. He lowered his head, and their lips touched softly, full of promise.
As they reluctantly broke the kiss, Lilli noticed frantic movement out of the corner of her eye. Max, seeing her interest elsewhere, turned. Celeste cleared her throat and pointed to her watch, then Max.
“I see your mother is back in control.” He grinned at Lilli. “What’s she all worked up about?”
“We’re missing a finale couple.”
He held out his arm. “What do you say we walk down the runway together?”
“If you’re game, so am I. Just let me slip on a wedding gown.”
With Celeste’s help, Lilli changed into her mother’s dress. Once Celeste zipped Lilli in, they both stood before the mirror.
“Thank you for wearing my gown,” Celeste whispered.
“You’re welcome.”
“Go on. You have a groom waiting for you.”
Lilli joined Max and eased her hand into the crook of his elbow. Celeste beamed at them before entering the event room where the fashion show had already started.
He nodded toward the stage. Straightened his jacket. “We’re the last couple. I want to make you proud.”
She slipped her hand from his arm and stepped back, observing him.
A worried frown creased his brow. “Something wrong?”
After a few seconds she reached up to muss his hair and loosen his bow tie. “Much better.” She leaned up to give him a quick kiss then took his hand in hers as the doors opened. “Now we’re ready to walk down the aisle.”
* * * * *
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You’ve got to have heart…. Harlequin Heartwarming celebrates wholesome, heartfelt relationships imbued with the traditional values so important to you: home, family, community and love.
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ISBN: 9781460317488
Copyright © 2013 by Tara Spicer
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