His Romance Coach (A McKnight Family Romance Book 5)

by Lucy McConnell

  Liam loved me.

  It took me a moment before I processed what I wanted to say. I cleared my throat and set the flowers down next to me. Then I turned to face him. “No.”

  His expression fell as he stared at me. “Really?”

  I nodded.

  “Oh.” He took a step back. “I’m sorry to have bothered you, then.”

  I couldn’t fight the smile that played on my lips. “I already forgave you.” My voice came out a whisper.

  Liam stopped and studied me. “What?”

  “I can’t forgive you for something that I’ve already moved on from.” I crossed my arms. “What you should be asking me to forgive is letting me give you that dumb diploma and walk away.”

  It was Liam’s turn to look completely confused. To that, I took this slip in his confidence and moved closer to him. I grabbed a hold of his tuxedo jacket and pulled him closer.

  “You should have fought for me,” I whispered as I stared up at him.

  It took a moment for Liam to realize what was happening. Then, his hands were around my waist he pulled me to him, crushing me against his chest. He buried his face in my neck and inhaled. “I’m so sorry,” he said.

  I tipped my head back as I ran my hands up his chest to his neck and pulled myself closer. “I know. I’m sorry, too.”

  He held me for a moment before he pulled back. His gaze met mine as he studied me. Then he lifted his hand and cradled my cheek. “I love you, Heather.”

  Tears of happiness stung my eyes as I nodded. “I know.”

  He furrowed his brow. “And?”

  I gave him an innocent smile. “And what?”

  He growled and tipped his forehead to rest on mine. “This is when you tell me that you love me, pine for me, and would die for me.”

  I threw my head back and laughed. His lips on my neck threw me off, and suddenly my confidence slipped. My entire body flushed with completeness as he kissed a trail up my neck to my cheek and then to the tip of my nose.

  He pulled back and stared at me. His cocky smile had returned.

  I moved to push him away. “That wasn’t fair.”

  Liam laughed as he tightened his grip. “This is going to be fun.”

  I glowered at him. “What is?”

  He wiggled his eyebrows. “Loving you.”

  Before I could protest, his lips found mine, and suddenly all my quippy anecdotes were gone and all I could think about was kissing him. We explored each other, tasting, asking, wanting. All of the hesitation we’d felt a few days ago was gone, and now we were kissing with such completion that it made me hunger for more.

  The kiss only lasted for a few seconds before Liam pulled back. I groaned as I moved closer to him.

  He laughed as he pulled me close and his lips found my ear. “Say it.”

  I glowered.

  “No kissing until you say it.”

  I pulled back to meet his gaze. His expression was one of desire and want. I contemplated letting him wait for a bit longer, but the therapist in me told me that he’d earned it.

  So I entwined my fingers in his hair and rose up onto my toes. I rested my lips centimeters from his. “I love you,” I whispered.

  With those words confessed, Liam didn’t wait. He pulled me into the deepest, most passionate kiss I’d ever experienced. It healed all the broken parts of my heart from the past to the present.

  I wasn’t sure how long we stood there, kissing. At one point, I think Winnie passed by and told us to get a room before she left.

  But I didn’t care. I was Liam’s, and he was mine.

  It had taken a while, but we’d found each other.

  And we were never going to let each other go.

  Ever.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Heather

  “Gah, the butterflies are terrible,” Lottie said as she pressed on her stomach. She stood in front of a wall of mirrors in the bridal suite of the convention center. The woman was a vision in white and tulle. Her hair was up on top of her head, and soft curls cascaded down her shoulders in an unkempt but intentional way.

  Her makeup was impeccable, and I couldn’t help but wonder if there was even a chance that I could look that glamorous on my wedding day. And then my skin heated from that thought and I watched my once-pale complexion become blotchy. I brought my hands to my cheeks, unable to fight the smile that emerged.

  If it were my wedding day, that meant I would be marrying Liam.

  And that thought made me feel giddy.

  “What are you smiling about?” Lottie peered down at me. She grinned as she wiggled her eyebrows.

  I cleared my throat and straightened, shaking my head in an effort to dispel her question. There was no way that I wanted her to know that I was thinking about Liam in the marriage capacity. After all, we’d only just become boyfriend and girlfriend.

  “You’re thinking about Liam,” Lottie said as she straightened.

  “No, I’m not,” I hurried to reply.

  Penny, Sadie, and Ellise all turned to face me. They had knowing smiles on their lips.

  “Honey, you’ve been bit by the McKnight bug.” Sadie wrapped her arm around my shoulders. “Just accept it. You’re not going anywhere.”

  I tried to keep a straight face, but being surrounded by all of these women, women who had taken me in and made me their family in a short amount of time, made me teary eyed. “You guys,” I managed to get out.

  Penny smiled. “We’re happy you’re here and that Liam is happy. And that’s all that matters.” She patted her belly, which was just starting to swell. She looked pale but complete. And I had to admit, I was a little jealous.

  The wedding coordinator bustled in. She clapped her hands a few times to get our attention. The conversations around the room drifted down to a whisper as she spoke. We were to line up with our groomsmen in front of Lottie. Then the doors would open and we would walk in—counting to fifteen in between couples.

  We all nodded and filed out of the room. I glanced around as Sadie paired up with Mason, Christopher found Penny, and Carter sauntered over to Ellise. I was left alone, wondering where on earth Liam was.

  “Don’t you look beautiful.” His words were husky and drawled out as if he liked the way they tasted on his tongue.

  My entire body shivered as I turned to see him staring down at me with as much affection and attraction as one girl could hope for. I smiled as I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him close. “I was worried you’d abandoned me.”

  Liam chuckled and hesitated before his arms surrounded my waist and he pulled me close. He buried his face in my neck. “Where would I go when I have everything I need right here?”

  I couldn’t fight the smile that emerged on my lips, and I honestly didn’t want to. This was what I wanted. This was exactly where I belonged.

  “Hey, lovebirds, any day now.”

  We turned to see that Carter was waving toward the space in between him and Penny. His tone said he was annoyed, but his smile betrayed him. In fact, the whole family was grinning in our direction. Embarrassment crept up my cheeks.

  “Sorry,” I whispered as I grabbed Liam’s hand and led him to our spot.

  Just as we settled in, Mason leaned forward. “You know you’re the only one not engaged here,” he whisper-shouted.

  I turned to give him a dirty look and then glanced up to see Liam smiling. He didn’t look startled or annoyed by his brother in any way.

  My heart began to race. What did that mean? Did I dare hope?

  “Hey, did you hear me?” Mason asked as he poked Liam.

  Liam shot him a glare and then smiled down at me. “I heard you, dude, and I’ve got it covered.”

  My ears started ringing. I swallowed as Liam leaned down and brushed his lips to mine.

  “I’ve got you right where I want you,” he whispered.

  Before I could respond, the wedding coordinator started counting off and making sure we walked on the right beat.

&nb
sp; Later, I’d digest what Liam just said. Later, I’d allow myself to be perfectly and completely happy. Right now, I was going to make this a day for Lottie to remember for always.

  Because just like Liam said, I wasn’t going anywhere. I was home.

  Epilogue

  Brenda McKnight

  One Year Later

  “Would you relax?” Joseph put his hand on my knee and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “Everything’s going to be fine, darlin’.”

  I loved it when he called me darlin’. Thirty-three years of marriage, and his touch still blew on the embers of attraction that had brought about our family. Our growing family. “I’ve got this feeling …” I trailed off as Joseph’s eyebrows lowered. I used to get feelings a lot, and they didn’t always bode well for us or the kids. I’d had a feeling the day Mason watched his best friend die, so many times with Penny that I couldn’t count, and when Liam almost lost Heather. “I don’t think this day is going to go as planned, and I’m worried for Carter and Ellise.”

  Joseph half stood and scanned the small gathering. Ellise wanted a small wedding held in a chapel on the edge of town. The stained-glass windows and limestone walls were a stunning backdrop for the white rose bouquets and flower arrangements. Ellise had elegant but simple taste, and it served her well in planning the wedding.

  “Everyone is here.” He sat back down. I turned, craning my neck to take the guests. Besides Ellise’s mom and a couple friends, everyone else was family.

  Mason sat with his arm around Sadie, and their son, Parker, was to her right. They were playing a game on Sadie’s phone to keep Parker quiet. The little boy had enough energy for three kids. Which was good. I wasn’t sure they’d try for another child—so far they’d been more than content with the three of them. As much as I like to gather grandchildren, I didn’t push. Mason had been pushed enough to last three lifetimes.

  Speaking of pushing—our resident family therapist Heather and Liam were in the next row back. Heather shifted uncomfortably and gave Liam a pleading look. He placed a hand on her large belly and used the other to rub her neck. She melted into his touch, and all grew peaceful. They’d married last February—after the Wolves won the Superbowl. I couldn’t be happier for my two football boys who’d brought home championship rings—although their joy was much bigger over the wedding rings they’d slipped onto their wives’ fingers.

  Lottie and Jaxson were a few seats over from Liam and Heather. Jaxson was combing his fingers through Lottie’s long blond hair, whispering in her ear. Her baby bump was as big as Heather’s. As a mom, I didn’t ask if they’d planned to get pregnant at the same time, but as close as the two couples were, I wouldn’t have been surprised if they did.

  Penny and Chris took the last row. Penny wanted to be in the back in case the baby acted up. Katie looked adorable in her princess gown. She was on official flower girl duties but sat with Chris until it was time to start. We’d all been shocked to find out he was Katie’s father, but in the end, it had worked out the best for everyone, as he was in an emotional place to take care of his daughter and build a family. I loved how he loved Penny. She’d chosen a rough path to tread, but it had made her stronger and brought her back around to the love of her life.

  I chewed my lip. Nothing seemed amiss.

  “Is everything all right?” asked Joseph.

  I turned, placing my palm on his cheek and looking deep into the eyes of the man who had stood firm through all our storms. “It’s wonderful.”

  He kissed my palm, my joy reflected in his blue eyes. “I—”

  “If everyone will take their seats, we’re about to start.” The pastor moved his hands up and down, telling everyone to settle down.

  Katie scampered to the back of the room, where Ellise’s best friend waited to give her a basket of flower petals.

  Carter took his place before the pastor. My eyes clouded over. He looked so handsome in the charcoal-gray tuxedo. As much as I loved my girls, they were my best friends—there was a special song a mother’s heart that played the day she gave her son to another woman. It was joyful and peaceful and brought tears to my eyes every time.

  “Now?” Liam’s voice echoed off the stone walls.

  We all turned to see what had made him burst out.

  Heather tried to shush him, glancing guiltily at all of us, even as she nodded her head.

  “Can you wait?” he asked low. Given the intimacy of the ceremony, we all heard him anyway.

  Heather whacked his shoulder. “Are you kidding me right now?” Her hand went around her belly, and her face contorted with pain.

  Carter took a step down, his hand patting his chest as if looking for his stethoscope. “Are you okay?”

  Heather gasped a breath.

  “We have to go. I’m so sorry.” Liam scrambled about as if he didn’t know what to do first.

  My eyes widened and I clamped a hand on Joseph’s leg.

  His deep chuckle in my ear made me smile. “You’re never wrong.”

  Thank goodness he’d learned that early in our marriage.

  Lottie and Jaxson stood too. “Umm,” Lottie began. “We’ll go with you.” She took a step, and there was a horrified look on her face. She glanced down and then back at Jaxson, who held her arm to stabilize her. “My water just broke.”

  It was Jaxson’s turn to panic. At least he had the good sense not to ask Lottie if she could wait to have this baby.

  Penny handed her daughter off to Chris and hurried to her sister and sister-in-law, ushering them out of the chapel.

  I glanced over at Mason and Sadie. She held up both her hands. “Don’t look at me. There’s no bun in this oven.”

  I laughed as I stood up, then sat down, then stood again.

  Joseph took my hand.

  “I’m so torn.” I motioned between Carter and the girls slowly making their way to the doors. Carter ran past us and took Lottie’s hand, freeing Penny to help Heather concentrate on breathing. The pastor followed behind as if he were attached to Carter’s tux tails.

  Joseph motioned for us to go after them. “I don’t think you have to worry. It looks like we’re all headed to the hospital.” He paused to give his apologies to Ellise’s family and invite them along. They exchanged looks but followed us all to the foyer, where Carter was explaining to Ellise what was going on. She shoved her bouquet into his chest and took over with Heather. I’d known that girl was a perfect fit for our family the first time I’d seen her.

  Mason opened the doors, revealing the procession of limousines that were supposed to take us to the reception hall after the ceremony. He barked orders as if conducting a military drill. “Heather, Lottie, front car. You—” He pointed a finger at the skinny driver, who looked like he was about to faint under Mason’s scrutiny. “Get them to Ever Green Memorial fast.”

  “H-h-how fast?”

  Mason grinned wickedly. “Try to keep up with me.” He swung his key chain around his finger and headed for the patrol car he’d arrived in. “The rest of you, get into the limos and follow behind.”

  After making sure everyone had a seat, Joseph and I climbed into the last car with Ellise. Her dress took up most of the space, but we managed to fit. I turned to the open door. “Carter, we need to hurry.”

  He hooked the pastor’s elbow and all but threw him through the open door.

  “But I can’t. This is highly unusual,” the pastor protested as he shoved layers of satin and tulle aside to make room for his legs. His face was bright red, and he sputtered.

  Carter dived in after him, grabbing Ellise’s hand and kissing the back of it. “I’m marrying this woman today—I don’t care where.”

  “Really?” Ellise framed his face. “I feel the same.”

  “I love you.” Carter kissed her as if the rest of us weren’t here.

  I averted my eyes and found Joseph studying me with a look that said Carter had given him ideas. I winked, and he acted like I’d melted all his reserve. Leaning in, he kiss
ed me softly.

  The pastor cleared his throat, and we broke apart. I giggled, feeling like I was sneaking around with my boyfriend instead of the man I’d shared a bed with for over three decades.

  We were the last to arrive at the hospital and were shown into the waiting room. Just as I sat down and was preparing myself to wait out the delivery, Liam burst into the room. “It’s a boy!”

  Shocked, I jerked clumsily to my feet. “What? She couldn’t have had the baby already.”

  He nodded. “She did. She’s been in labor for hours, but it didn’t get really intense until the wedding almost started. She thought she could handle it until after the wedding.”

  He grinned so big I had to hug him. My baby was a daddy. He leaned over and buried his face in my neck.

  “I’m so happy for you,” I managed to get past the lump in my throat.

  “I love you, Mom.” He released me and shook hands with Joseph, which turned into a hug and back-slapping. And then he darted from the room, not able to stay away from his beautiful bride and their new baby.

  “A boy.” I hugged myself, and soon Joseph’s arms wrapped around me. He kissed my hair. I swiped at the tears on my cheeks. “I’m so happy. Are you happy, Joe?”

  “I’m—”

  “It’s a boy!” Jaxson threw his hands in the air, and everyone cheered.

  “I can’t get a word in edgewise today,” Joseph grumbled.

  I laughed and hugged Jaxson, so grateful for this boy who had come into our home with a broken heart and now carefully tended our daughter. What a joy he was in our lives.

  “Two grandsons.” I elbowed Joseph. “We’re going to have another pack of McKnights running around here in no time.” Visions of Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas mornings full of children’s laughter filled me up.

  Carter came through the door next.

  I raised my eyebrows, waiting for his big announcement.

  “We’re all moving to the chapel.”

  “What about the girls?” asked Sadie.