“No.” Wes didn’t want to discuss this, especially when Hadley and Blaise’s happiness was making it difficult to breathe. “I’m taking a break from dating.”
Wes hoped Henry didn’t press for more information.
The song ended.
As Blaise stared at his bride on the dance floor, love poured from his gaze. Hadley’s adoration for her groom was as palpable. Wes could feel it from where he stood.
“I love you,” Blaise mouthed.
Hadley lit up. “I love you so much.”
Wes’s breathing hitched. His heart stilled.
I want that.
There’d been a time he’d never thought he’d be alive long enough to fall in love. Now wasn’t the time. There was no one in his life—no one his heart wanted to pursue. And he wanted to do a few things first. But…
Someday.
Somehow.
Maybe he’d experience a taste of what his friends had found.
The beaming bride and giddy groom walked off the dance floor.
“A break doesn’t have to last long.” Henry grinned, but the gleam in his eyes was more serious. “You may meet someone and change your mind.”
Holding Hadley’s hand, Blaise led his bride toward them. “Change your mind about what?”
“Love, marriage, and a happily ever after for Wes,” Henry answered before Wes could. “And with a matchmaker in the group now, it’ll be that much easier.”
“I’m happy to help.” As Hadley glanced at Wes, her smile softened. The interview had helped her business not only survive but also thrive. Still, she’d decided to downsize her client list, so she had more time for Blaise and her family. “Just tell me when you’re ready.”
The lump burning in Wes’s throat kept him from answering. Instead, he nodded.
Blaise clapped his hand on Wes’s shoulder and then lowered his arm. “Consider it our thank-you for an awesome best man speech and being a great friend who dragged me out of that club and helped me in Las Vegas.”
Hadley rose on her tiptoes and kissed Wes’s cheek. “Thank you.”
Overcome with emotion, Wes took a drink.
Henry cleared his throat. “Don’t forget who brought you together.”
Hadley kissed Henry’s cheek. “We’ll never forget.”
“Good, because I need another godchild to spoil,” Henry joked. “Little Henry or Henrietta has a nice ring to it.”
Everyone laughed.
Blaise nudged Wes. “You can have godchild number two because we owe you.”
“No, you don’t.” Wes loved his family, but Blaise and the others were his brothers by choice. His second family not connected by blood but as important to him. “Just keep the bet fund growing, so there’s more to collect when I win.”
Blaise laughed. “Dash might have something to say about that.”
“He might.” Especially given how unengaged Dash appeared to be as he danced with Raina. Time would tell. “But I’m in it to win it now that only two of us are still single.”
“Just don’t drink the water,” Blaise cautioned.
“That worked well for you,” Wes replied dryly. “I’m in no rush.”
“You don’t have to be.” Blaise glanced at Hadley, and a smile lit up his face. Not that he wasn’t glowing already. “As Wonderkid once told us, when you know you know. Even if the message takes time to sink in.”
Hadley leaned against Blaise. “Did you tell him yet?”
Blaise shook his head. “So…there’s going to be a bouquet and garter toss.”
Wes’s mouth gaped. “Wait. What? You hate those.”
Blaise shrugged. “Hadley’s niece and nephew wanted them, and I wasn’t about to disappoint them. They love their uncle Blaise and think he’s the coolest guy around. I won’t aim for you, but Dash is free game. So is Henry.”
“I heard that,” Henry said.
“Leave it up to fate.” Wes wasn’t one to believe in tradition or magic, but… “Everyone deserves a shot at a happily ever after.”
Maybe even him.
* * * *
If you want to read Wes’s story next, click here.
At Christmas, sometimes even impossible wishes come true…
One word changed Wes Lockhart’s life forever. Cancer. Fighting for his life completely flipped his priorities, making him realize he wanted—no, needed—to use his billions to help others find the kind of second chance he’d been given. The first person he intended to help? The beautiful, kind, and dedicated oncologist who got him through his treatments and ushered him into remission. And what better time than the holidays to become her not-so-secret Santa?
Dr. Paige Regis has spent her entire career helping others, often at the expense of her personal life. She’d love to start a family of her own—but with her current patients and her plans to open a brand-new cancer center, it seems like an impossible dream. It’s not until she reconnects with the charming Wes that she realizes he might just be the man to make all her Christmas wishes come true.
Can Wes and Paige open their hearts to the magic of the season—and each other—to get a shot at their very own Christmas miracle? Or will past hurts and doubts end their happily ever after before it even begins?
If you missed Laurel and Brett’s story or Cassie and Troy’s story in my One Night to Forever series, click here.
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About the Author
USA Today bestselling author Melissa McClone has written over forty-five sweet contemporary romance novels. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, three children, two spoiled Norwegian Elkhounds, and cats who think they rule the house. They do!
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Other Books by Melissa McClone
STANDALONE
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All series stories are standalone, but past characters may reappear.
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Carter’s Cowgirl
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Beach Brides and Indigo Bay Sweet Romance Series
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Sweet Holiday Wishes
Sweet Beginnings
Her Royal Duty
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The Not-So-Perfect Princess
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One Night to Forever Series
Can one night change your life…and your relationship status?
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The Wedding Lullaby
A Little Bit Engaged
Love on the Slopes
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Her Christmas Secret
Her Christmas Kiss
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Ever After Series
Happily ever after reality TV style…
The Honeymoon Prize
The Cinderella Princess
<
br /> Christmas in the Castle
Love at the Chocolate Shop Series
Three siblings find love thanks to Copper Mountain Chocolate…
A Thankful Heart
The Valentine Quest
The Chocolate Touch
The Bar V5 Ranch Series
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Mistletoe Magic
Kiss Me, Cowboy
Mistletoe Wedding
A Christmas Homecoming
The Wife Finder Page 22
