What If It's Love: A Small Town Romance (Serendipity Series Book 2)

by Kinsey Corwin

  “You are to me. Look, I tend to second-guess every decision I’ve ever made. You are the exception. I’ve never second guessed us.”

  She bent down and pressed her lips to his. The kiss was long, but when she pulled away, there was a pause before she spoke.

  “Yes, I will marry you.”

  “You have no idea how hearing those words out of your mouth makes me feel.” He pulled out the diamond ring and slid it on her finger. “Now you can wear this.”

  She kissed him again, then jumped off the cliff screaming, “I love you, Merrick Hudson!”

  Chapter 14

  Two long months passed since her father’s sentence was handed out. It seemed like an eternity to Justice as she sat in the visitor’s room, waiting for him to make an appearance. Nerves racked her body, same as they did every time she made the trip. She was never sure if he would see her or turn her away. It made the drive to Austin mentally exhausting. Sometimes Merrick came in with her. Other times, he just waited in the car. Today she came completely alone. And for some reason, not having him by her side made this visit terrifying.

  “Hey, little magnolia.”

  Justice couldn’t keep the smile from spreading across her face as she turned. Pierce stood behind her wearing the standard-issue prison jumpsuit. She’d much rather see him surly in his sweats at the gym.

  “You haven’t called me that since I was five.” She rose from the chair and gave him a long hug. When she released him, she took a step back and took in the sight of him. “You look good, Dad.”

  There were no bags under his eyes. The color of his skin no longer had a sallow sickly look to it. He didn’t look like a man who’d let life beat him down.

  “Blame the soberness.” He chuckled, a slight gleam lit his eyes she’d only ever seen when he was in the ring or coaching someone to a win. It was nice to see. He waited for her to sit, then slid into the chair across from her. “I’m trying to get myself straight.”

  “It’s good to hear.” She meant it. “I have some news.”

  “Oh?”

  “I’m getting married.”

  “You know, he came up about a month ago. Asked my permission to marry you.” He folded his hands on the table in front of him.

  “He did?”

  “Yeah. Just the one time, he came up without you. We had a good talk. Much better than the last time I had a one on one conversation with him.”

  “Oh?”

  He laughed. “I told him he was no good for you. That he needed to walk away. I was wrong.”

  He leaned back in his chair and nodded. “He’s a good guy for you. The two of you balance each other out, I think. Merrick and I are a lot alike. But in one area, we differ. He has such determination when it comes to facing day-to-day life. I envy him a little.”

  “You both had some rough patches in your lives. You both dealt with them how you felt was best.”

  “My way wasn’t the best.” He stared down at his hands. “You remember what you said to me in the hospital?”

  So often she’d thought back to the day when she’d finally felt like she had to accept she had to leave him to be who he was and go her own way. It wasn’t a day she was proud of, and thinking about the things she’d said tore at her heart. It didn’t matter if the words were true. “I said a lot of things, dad.”

  “You said you loved me, but in that moment, you weren’t proud to be my daughter.”

  “I was upset.”

  “You were, but you were also right.” He took her hand in his. “Throughout your life, I always put you at the bottom of the list when it came to priorities. When your mom died, I didn’t know how to be a dad to you. Most of your childhood, I was focused on the next big fight. You were practically grown by the time we lost your mom.”

  “I still needed my father.”

  “I know. But back then, it seemed like the best option was to let Jackson and Kaitlyn handle things. Mentally, they were in a better position to take care of you.” He squeezed her hands. “I couldn’t pull it together after she was gone. Your mom was the only person I’d ever loved. Do you know what a loss like that does to a person?”

  “Have an idea. I witnessed it firsthand.” It was hard hearing her father admit he only loved her mother. It left no room for her in his heart.

  “You remind me of her. It was hard, coming back here to a place she loved so much and to a daughter I barely knew but reminded me of her at every turn.” Pierce sighed. “It wasn’t fair to you. I didn’t do anything right by you your whole life.”

  She felt her heart breaking, but deep down she still needed to make peace with him. He was the only family she had. “Dad, our lives aren’t over yet.”

  “No, they aren’t, but I’ve missed out on a lot already and will miss out on more while I pay my dues.” Deep regret shimmered in his unshed tears. “I can never make it up to you. I can’t walk you down the aisle. This is my penance for all the wrong choices I’ve made in my life.”

  “Even with all the hardships we’ve had, I am grateful you’re my dad.”

  The banquet room was crowded with their closest friends and family. Avery Jensen made her way around the room, capturing every moment on film. At the time, it seemed like a good idea. Bring everyone together. Just a small get together to celebrate his engagement to Justice. Memorialize the moment. Justice never made anything about herself. He’d wanted to enjoy this moment.

  His folks flew in, eager to meet their future daughter-in-law. It was when the parents started putting their two cents in, things started to get out of hand. Now, as they sat at the engagement party, Justice by his side shifting in her seat, leg bouncing uncontrollably under the table, he realized how hard a typical Serendipity wedding would be on his future wife. The more he thought about it, even a wedding with a church full of people, staring at them as they said their vows would probably not fare well for Justice.

  He stood, placing his hand gently between Justice’s shoulder blades. “We can’t tell you how grateful we are you could all come and celebrate with us. When I became friends with Justice, I didn’t think it would ever turn into anything more.”

  “I did!”

  “Yes, Quinn, you did.” Merrick chuckled, then winked at his sister. “Still didn’t stop me from being shocked when she actually said yes to spending her life with me.”

  Justice glanced up at him, nudging him slightly with her foot.

  “But every morning when I wake up, I pinch myself, glance at my phone and see my good morning message from my future wife and know I’m not dreaming.” He raised his glass in a toast. “And if I am, may I never wake up.”

  Shouts of agreement rang out across the room as the guests joined in the toast. He set his glass down, and he saw Kaitlyn watching him.

  “Any idea on a date?” Her eyes were alight as she held her phone in her hand, ready to tap in notes.

  The muscles in Justice’s back tensed under his hand.

  “We’re still in the early stages of planning.” Heat crept its way up under Merrick’s collar. Suddenly, he had a flashback to standing at the altar, waiting for a woman dressed in white to walk down the aisle to meet him. But Justice wasn’t Bella. She wouldn’t make him relive the horrors of his past, but the fear was still there. “To be honest…well…what I’m trying to say is…”

  “What is it, son?” His father, who always tried to save him from tough spots, had a pained look on his face. He didn’t know where this was going and had no clue how to help.

  Justice rose, and laced her fingers with his, using him to help support her. “We’ve only been engaged for two weeks. We’ve just begun to work out the details and we’re taking things slow. We’re just trying to enjoy each other and this new direction we’re taking.”

  It was a lie. They’d talked about dates, and potential venues were handed out by well-meaning friends and family. But Justice wasn’t one for big gatherings where she was a focal point. Dakota and Kelsea didn’t ask many questions, knowing tha
t once plans did start coming together, they would be among the first to know. Chase and Kreed tried to help the girls intercept what questions they could from all the well-meaning friends and family. Most questions though, could only be answered by Justice or Merrick.

  “Well there’s time. The ballroom at City Hall is always available.” Kaitlyn smiled warmly. “A summer wedding would be nice.”

  The entire room was staring at them. Rapid firing questions and suggestions for venues, dates, and color schemes. He felt Justice’s body tremor as she took in a slow breath. Then another. The rapid loss of color in her face told him this was about to go bad really quick. “Justice?”

  Kaitlyn stared at her goddaughter and saw the stricken look on her face. She grabbed the empty glass in front of her and filled it with water. Offering it to Justice, concern in her eyes, he could see the moment realization washed over Kaitlyn. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking.”

  Her voice was low and maternal. “Slow breaths. It’s all going to be alright.”

  “You could get married here. Or back home in New York?” It was his mother’s turn to offer up her two cents.

  “Mom, relax.”

  Putting Justice in front of a large gathering where she was a focal point for the attention made the panic attack she was currently having seem mild by comparison. When they’d first started discussing a potential plan, she’d not only hyperventilated, but broke out in hives and a cold sweat. No way would he put her through that on their wedding day. He stood here in front of all the people who were important in their lives and silently entertained Justice’s plea to elope.

  Epilogue

  Justice stood in the bridal tent and looked at herself in the full-length mirror. She ran her hands down the front of her dress, smoothing out the fabric.

  “Justice, you in there?” Merrick spoke through the tent wall.

  “Where else would I be?” Justice looked toward where his voice came from and saw his shadow. “What are you doing? Why don’t you just come in here.”

  “You know they say it’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding.” He chuckled.

  “I feel silly talking to you through a makeshift wall.” Her stomach was in knots and she wanted to see him. “Just come in here.”

  “Oh no, I’m not taking any chances. I want this to be perfect.”

  “I didn’t take you for the superstitious type.”

  “I’m not really. But let’s just say some things shouldn’t be gambled on.”

  “Then why are you even here?” She shifted on her bare feet, thankful they chose the beach to get married instead of somewhere more formal.

  “I needed to hear your voice.”

  “Having second thoughts?”

  He laughed. “About marrying you? Not since the day I decided I couldn’t live without you.”

  “If you’re worried that I’m going to pull a runaway bride, you have nothing to worry about.” She knew how nervous he must be. The fear that she would do to him what Bella did, was probably there in the back of his mind. “I’ll be the woman walking toward you in white in about thirty minutes.”

  “You want to know a secret?” He paused for a moment, then before she could answer, he started speaking again. “From the moment you said yes, the thought of you leaving me at the altar never crept into my mind.”

  “Why?”

  His voice softened. “You aren’t Bella. What exists between us…the feelings I have for you…they don’t compare to anything I’ve ever experienced before. The real reason I had to talk to you, was there are things that I want to say to you, that have nothing to do with formal vows.”

  Butterflies flit furiously in her stomach. “Oh?”

  “I want you to know, that you make me a better man. You help me see how far I’ve come and you make it easier to keep the darkness at bay. Since the first day we met in your father’s gym, you accepted me for who I was. As you learned more about my past, you never doubted that I was a good person. It took you time to realize what we could have together, and I am forever grateful that you gave me a chance. I plan to spend my life making sure you never regret it.”

  “I don’t think I could ever regret falling in love with you, Merrick. It took some time for me to admit to myself what everyone else could see…but the love I have for you…it was always there. I was just afraid.”

  “That I would be one more man you couldn’t depend on.”

  “Yes.” It hurt admitting such things to him on their wedding day. “I was wrong though. You never gave up on me.”

  “And I never will.”

  “What are you doing, Merrick?” Jackson’s voice called out. “Everyone’s been looking for you. Don’t you know it’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding?”

  “You do see where I’m standing?”

  “At the farthest wall from the tent entrance.” Jackson laughed. “Go on. I promise you’ll be seeing her soon.”

  “Never had my doubts.”

  She could hear the happiness and certainty in his words. After a moment, she heard her godfather speak near the front of the tent.

  “Can I come in?”

  “Yes.” Justice turned and took one last look at herself in the mirror.

  “You couldn’t get any prettier if you tried.” Jackson stepped inside and stopped.

  “You have to say that.”

  “I beg your pardon? I don’t have to say anything at all.” He stepped closer. “You ready for this? I could sneak you out the back. We could make a break for it.”

  “You just told Merrick I would be there.” She turned toward him.

  “I know, but my obligation is and always will be to you first.”

  “Well, I’ve come this far. Seems a shame to run now. Besides, I love him.”

  “I know.” Jackson smiled. “Thought I’d give you the option though. I’m glad I have this time with you before all the craziness starts.”

  “You are?”

  He nodded. “It was quite an honor for you to ask me to give you away. I know if your dad could be here, you would’ve asked him.”

  “I think I still would’ve asked you.” She turned toward him and looked into his eyes. “You’ve been the constant father figure in my life, long before my mom died. You taught me to drive, helped me with my homework when my mom couldn’t, kept your cool when I fell out of the tree and broke my arm while my mom and Kaitlyn completely fell apart.”

  “You are the only daughter I will ever have. It’s been my greatest honor being your godfather.” He looked at her then, unshed tears in his eyes. “I imagine, that if Kaitlyn and I had been able to have children, our daughter would’ve been very much like you. I’m proud of the woman you’ve become and I can’t wait to see what your future holds.”

  “I love you and Kaitlyn so much. And I know that no matter is in store for Merrick and I, you will be there for me to lean on whenever the need arises.” Justice gathered up her bouquet. “Most importantly, you get to help me open the door to the next chapter in my life and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  “Love you, pumpkin.” Jackson closed the distance between them. “Shall we?”

  He held out his arm, and Justice took it. When Jackson led her out of the tent, Justice hesitated as she took in the site before her. A trail of flower petals on the sand led to the gazebo near the beachfront. Though it was ornate in detail, she was puzzled that it wasn’t the one they’d picked out. Then she saw it. At the top of the gazebo, just over where Merrick stood in his tuxedo with the officiant, was the kissing booth sign from the fair. Her heart swelled in her chest. Merrick’s eyes met hers and she smiled.

  The music started and their closest friends, along with Merrick’s parents, Kaitlyn and Jackson, and Quinn rose from their seats.

  As Jackson led her toward him, his eyes never left hers. He smiled as she approached, and when Jackson passed her off, Merrick’s eyes gleamed. “How did I get so lucky?”

  “I like to think I’m the lucky on
e.” Justice felt her heart swell. “How did you guys pull this off?”

  “Do you like it? Seemed fitting since this is where it all started.”

  “It’s perfect.”

  “In case I forget to tell you, you look stunning,” he whispered as they both turned to face the officiant.

  Justice wiggled her toes, the feel of her feet sinking into the sand as the waves lapped against the shore beyond the gazebo brought her joy. The sun was slowly sinking in the Cayman Islands. This was the very beach where she and Kaitlyn had spread some of her mother’s ashes. It was why they’d chosen this beach. She could feel the calm settle over her that only her mother and Merrick seemed capable of bringing her.

  The officiant spoke, and as the ceremony proceeded, all Justice could think about was the man at her side…the life they would build together.

  The ceremony itself was perfect in it’s simplicity. The kissing booth fashioned gazebo…the cherry on top. “Are you happy, Mrs. Hudson?” Merrick held her around her waist, as they posed for pictures.

  “Very much, Mr. Hudson. Thank you for this.” She indicated the sign above their heads. “It was a missing element that I’m glad you thought of.”

  “Let’s just say that I’m testing a theory.” Merrick chuckled.

  “And what theory is that?”

  “Just curious if the magic of that night is still with us.”

  “You don’t think it is?”

  “Look toward each other,” the photographer instructed. They did as they were asked. “Perfect.”

  “Oh, quite the opposite in fact.” He waggled his eyebrows at her. “I think the real magic is just beginning.”

  “Really?”

  “Absolutely.” He leaned in and pressed his lips to hers.

  She slid her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. As the kiss deepened, the sound of the waves disappeared. All she could hear was the sound of her own heartbeat. In that moment it was just the two of them.

  The photographer cleared his throat. “Amazing. This is going to be a great shot.”