“I think you should follow your heart.” Avery put the brush down and sat on the vanity seat next to her. “As for getting married before us, Wyatt and I have always engaged in a slow waltz. It works for us. I’m finishing med school. He’s coming into his own in the PR department for the Tomcats. Scheduling our wedding a year out is good because I’ll be at a more stable time in my life where I can appreciate being newly married. I don’t want to get married in between rotations or some important exam. Your first response to Riley was that you’d marry him now. Go with that. And as for family, we may not have the whole brood here, but you have Wyatt and me. We’re your family.”
“Yes. You are.” Parker hugged her. “I can’t tell you how much it’s meant to me to be your friend. Your sister.”
“It’s been wonderful. I’m so glad we won’t be living apart. I love that we’ll still be in the same building. I’ve been thinking about that.” Avery beamed. “Wyatt and I are engaged. I was thinking I could move in across the hall with him and you and Riley could take our place. That is if you want to.”
“Riley could give up his place and move downstairs. But what would we do with Bridgette? She’s doing really well living with us. I don’t want to change that.”
“We’ll split custody of our wayward college student.”
“Thanks.”
“See? You’re getting married and nothing is changing. You’re simply rearranging a few things in your life.”
“The family is going to kill me.”
“Just remind them that Seth and Morgan also got married on an island with no one present.”
“Really?”
“Yes, my aunt and uncle have had a mad-capped love affair right from the beginning. She came back to Philly from vacation married to Seth, and they even kept it under wraps for a while. And it’s not like the family can’t see it. I can record your ceremony. Be sure to mention that in your defense. At least you have a recording for them to view. So there’s that.”
“OK. I feel a little better.” Parker sniffed.
“Tate and Isabelle got married on the fly in Las Vegas when he proposed to her during one of his concerts. Boy was that a wacky vacation. I was just growing into my body, and my dad had a fit about the bathing suit I wanted to wear to the pool. Jared, Tyler, and Channing barely made their way out of a strip club when the patrons mistook them for exotic dancers. Charisma was in Vegas too, but she’d had a bad fight with that loser Lamont she used to date. The family went and got her from their hotel. I think that’s when the tide started turning for the family again. Charisma started to change for the better when she saw the family loved her no matter what crazy things she did.”
Parker laughed. “Wow. I’m feeling better by the second.”
“Please, double weddings. Pregnant brides. Everyone in this family has taken a different journey down the aisle. You and Riley are two adventurous, impulsive people. It makes sense you’d get married here. Now.”
“I love him so much.”
“Then let’s get you ready.” Avery smiled. “We have to be down to the beach in a half hour.”
* * *
Riley checked his phone to make sure he’d turned it off. He didn’t want anything spoiling the most important moment in his life. It had been a beautiful day that was turning into an enchanting night as the setting sun laid a beautiful hue on the water and the beach. It was beautifully decorated with a few chairs, tiki torches, and floral bouquets leading to the tulle covered gazebo where he stood waiting for his bride with his good friend Wyatt by his side. It had been hard to be away from her the few hours as they went their separate ways to get prepared. But he could tolerate it all because he knew that once the magic words were said, they could get on with the wedding night.
He’d become a sports superstar, but all of that paled in comparison to taking this step with Parker. They were about to embark on the greatest adventure yet that was guaranteed to yield more joy and happiness than he’d ever known. He smiled, thinking about the day he’d met her. Sheer stubbornness prevented him from admitting she was the perfect woman for him. She was beautiful, tough, and she didn’t let anything get in her way. She loved truth and justice and had a high respect for the law. Just like everyone in her family. She was a fighter. She’d fought for him on many occasions. The fierce protectiveness she had for him sometimes sent them to some strange places, but they always went together.
“Your tie’s a little crooked.” Wyatt reached up and started adjusting it. “There. Now you’re symmetrical.”
“And if there was ever a need to be symmetrical, your wedding day is it. Right?”
“Exactly.” Wyatt rubbed his hands together. “You ready for this?”
“I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life.” Riley reached into his pocket and retrieved the wedding ring.
“Good. Parker’s a wonderful woman, and I’m happy that my two closest friends have found happiness together. I wish you nothing but the best.”
“Hey, I’m sorry about getting married before you.”
“No worries. You two aren’t exactly a traditional couple. So why should getting married be any different? This is a very Riley and Parker thing to do.”
“You could get married too. We could have a double ceremony like Tyler and Channing.”
“It would be nice. I’d love to marry Avery this second.” Wyatt cleared his throat. “But I’d be looking over my shoulder for the rest of my life. Avery’s dad would eventually forgive her for eloping, but I’d have to move to Nova Scotia.”
“I hear you. I don’t look forward to the talks I’m bound to get when we get back.” Riley shook his head.
“Parker will protect you.” Wyatt smiled.
“You’re right. She will.” Riley relaxed. “There’s got to be something we can do together. How about we make a deal?”
“OK. What is it?”
“We could have our kids at the same time.”
“Deal.” Riley shook his hand. “I just have to clear that with Parker.”
“Of course.” Wyatt straightened his tie. “Avery would kill me if I didn’t run it by her.”
Riley went silent, and his heart thudded wildly when Parker walked down the steps onto the carpeted path that was covered in rose petals. She was wearing a stunning white dress.
“Here’s the beautiful bride now,” the minister said enthusiastically.
Parker took his hand.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…”
He tuned out the minister’s words. He’d been to enough weddings to know the words spoken when entering into a bond of love, faithfulness, and commitment for all eternity. The good times and the bad. The best and the worst. It all equated to giving oneself unconditionally without pride, ego, or selfishness. It was a merging of two souls that would never be separated until death.
He looked at her with that bright, beautiful smile she had and squeezed her hand. He’d gotten lost in those shining, expressive eyes many times before, and now he never wanted to look away. He remembered what Seth said to him. One day he’d find something he loved greater than football. He’d found it. It was an undying love for the woman who’d changed his world.
“Riley Patrick. Do you take Parker Jane to be your lawfully wedded wife?”
“I do.” Riley slipped the ring onto Parker’s finger.
“Parker Jane. Do you take Riley Patrick to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
“I do.” Parker smiled as she nervously put the wedding band on Riley’s finger.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the minister gushed. “You may now kiss your bride.”
Riley took Parker into his arms and kissed her. Avery and Wyatt whistled and clapped. The minister chuckled when Riley dipped her and continued the kiss. He didn’t want the moment to end. Avery was snapping photos like crazy on her cell phone, while the resort’s videographer continued to film. When they finally came up for air, Parker’s lipstick was all but gone.
“What do you say to a fancy dinner?” Parker asked.
Riley nodded. “I love that idea.”
“I think we’ll give you two some space,” Wyatt said.
“Don’t be silly,” Parker replied. “Join us. You can help us brainstorm a plan to tell the family.”
“How do you feel about going into hiding for like three months?” Wyatt mused.
“That’s a great idea, but the new season starts soon.” Riley laughed.
“I have cases waiting for me,” Parker said.
“What’s the worst they can do?” Avery asked. “It’s not like they can ground you.”
“Wanna bet?” Parker laughed. “To them, we’re just bigger kids with jobs and cars.”
“I know.” Avery scrunched her nose. “Teri-Lyn still gives me gas money when I visit.”
“We’ll figure something out.” Riley kissed her. “Isn’t that right, Mrs. Sloane?”
“You know it, Mr. Sloane.” Parker winked at him.
At least he hoped they’d figure something out. The idea of the herd of over-protective cowboys charging at him sounded worse than having the other team’s entire offensive line mowing him down on the field. He got it. The love that flowed in this extended family was an awesome thing. It was uplifting, soothing, and made him feel honored to be a part of it. He knew that the clan would understand that he loved Parker and they were married. He’d do whatever he had to do to ensure the family that he’d love, cherish, and honor her for the rest of their lives. Because that’s what he intended to do. There was never a dull moment with her, and he expected more zany adventures to come. He worried about her, but he also felt alive when they worked together. He knew she had a strong sense of duty to help others, and he was fine with it. He just wanted her safe.
If anyone was worth fighting for, it was Parker.
~ About the Author ~
Rhonda Laurel is a contemporary interracial/multicultural romance writer whose two great loves are writing and landscape photography. She uses both as a vehicle to convey the complexity of the human spirit and the beauty of the world around her. The multi-published author has written many works since her debut in 2012, most notably The Blake Boys series. The extensive series chronicles the Blake family as they live and find love on the Twelve Horseshoes Ranch.
Other works include: Ebb Tide, Shutter, California Bored and Tourism and Memories of You. She also writes the Hollywood themed series: Hollywood Heat, which features Star Crossed, Hollywood Rush, Double Exposure and the upcoming Vendetta Inc. And the All or Nothing Series (A Blake Boys world companion series): Hard Target, Second Chance at Love, Family Matters, Love at Last, Covert Affairs, and Restless Heart.
The author is happily building her backlist.
Discover more about Rhonda Laurel here
http://www.rhondalaurel.com
https://www.facebook.com/authorrhondalaurel
https://www.twitter.com/rhondalaurel
~ Also by Rhonda Laurel ~
Try more of the All or Nothing series!
Restless Heart
All or Nothing Book 7
Rhonda Laurel
Can the right woman tame this cowboy's restless heart?
When a fire erupts at a local restaurant, Austin Holbrook rushes into the burning building to save the life of a woman trapped inside. Afterward, the low-key cowboy tries to avoid the fuss and attention of being labeled a hero. He doesn't want to talk to the press, but he isn't prepared for the heat between him and Savannah Brewster, the reporter pursuing the story for the local paper. Savannah is smart, determined, and beautiful. And she refuses to leave without her story. As his attraction to Savannah grows, he must decide whether it's time to reconsider his aversion to long-term relationships. After watching his parents' marriage go down in flames, he has turned his back on the possibility of finding lasting love. So why is his heart telling him Savannah just might be the one?
After moving to the sleepy town of Harper's Grove, reporter Savannah Brewster's first story is covering a fire and a dramatic rescue by a local rancher. At first she isn't happy about doing a puff piece about a small-town heartthrob, but at least the story will take her mind off her recent breakup with her boyfriend. She isn't prepared for her instant reaction to Austin, the hunky, hot commodity who's just as handsome and mysterious as his reputation suggests. Too bad he's a closed book and not exactly known for serious relationships. She's determined to get the scoop no matter how much he wants to dodge the spotlight. There are moments when he's open with her, and the sparks fly as she sees a different side to the man. But as things heat up, she finds out she has a rival for Austin's affections who just might end her career for good...
Buy Restless Heart here
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Rhonda_Laurel_Restless_Heart?id=GeFHDwAAQBAJ
Covert Affairs
All or Nothing Book Five
Rhonda Laurel
His toughest mission will be opening his heart to love.
When covert agent Trevor Reed gets a distress call about a missing girl while he's in deep cover, he's forced to make a hard choice. Does he save the hostage or stick to his mission of infiltrating the dangerous weapon smugglers. When Trevor makes a play to save the girl, he ends up wounded. Headed home to recover, he ends up back in Philadelphia, face-to-face with Theresa, his high school sweetheart. He's watched her over the years, remaining at arm's length because of the dangerous nature of his job, but he can no longer continue to love her from afar. Trevor's next assignment may be his toughest yet: admitting he never should've left her all those years ago.
Theresa Rodriguez can't believe her eyes when Trevor Reed reappears in her life, wounded and as mysterious as ever. For years, her high school sweetheart has been very secretive about the work that takes him all over the globe. No matter how he makes her feel when she's with him, she's reluctant to risk getting close to him again. Not after the last time he disappeared from her life. But she notices something different about him now, and the desire between them is flaring hotter than ever. Is she willing to risk being hurt again by the only man she's ever loved?
Buy Covert Affairs here
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Rhonda_Laurel_Covert_Affairs?id=y8I9DwAAQBAJ
Love at Last
All or Nothing Book Four
Rhonda Laurel
Can two restless hearts make beautiful music together?
Leigh McGill knows her chance to make it big in Nashville is built on a lie. Recently arrived in the city with her some-time boyfriend and manager, she's been dropping the name of country star Tate McGill to get gigs. That isn't so bad, is it? Until her boyfriend convinces her to break into Tate McGill's Nashville estate while he's away on tour, live in his mansion, charge up his credit cards, and borrow his priceless classic car. After all, Tate will forgive her—once he learns she's the half sister he never knew he had.
Rafe Kendrick, part of the security team for the billionaire Blake family, has been trying to find out who's been squatting in Tate McGill's house and making fraudulent charges on his credit cards. Tate might not be a Blake by name, but he's a member of the family in every way that matters. And if there's one thing the Blakes do, it's take care of their own. So when Rafe corners the pretty country singer onstage at a Nashville club, he thinks his work here is done. But when Tate orders him to bring the woman to the Blakes's Texas ranch, Rafe finds his problems are only beginning. The sexy, spunky singer is a real spitfire, and she has no desire to spend days on the road handcuffed to Rafe, or nights in cramped hotel rooms, where the energy they generate becomes a firestorm they can't deny. But Rafe knows a thing or two about the McGills. And he isn't sure he'll be able to protect her when family secrets come a'callin'.
Buy Love at Last here
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Rhonda_Laurel_Love_at_Last?id=Cro1DwAAQBAJ
Family Matters
All or Nothing Book Three
Rhonda Laurel
Can
a hot fling turn into the romance of a lifetime?
Logan Holbrook, the rich and handsome co-owner of the Texas Tomcats, has learned from experience that long-term relationships are not for him. He loves to spend time with beautiful women, but one night is usually enough before he moves to the next conquest. When he meets the enchanting Megan Shaw during the grand opening of the Blake Hotel, he's immediately captivated by the strong-willed and sexy woman. Their chemistry is explosive, and it's no surprise they soon end up in bed. The next morning, he wakes to find her gone. But unlike his usual dalliances, he can't get her off his mind. For the first time in his life, he's thinking about breaking his own rules…
When Megan goes to Texas to visit her little sister Cassidy and her family, she attends the grand opening of the Blake family's latest venture, the Blake Hotel. Things heat up quickly when she meets hunky, sexy Logan Holbrook. He's just what she needs to get her mind off her troubles, and he has the same no-strings policy. She doesn't need messy in her life. She wants to have some simple fun without it leading to something serious. But even as she works to deepen her relationship with Cassidy, things are getting dangerously close to complicated with her edgy corporate cowboy…
Buy Family Matters here
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Rhonda_Laurel_Family_Matters?id=8EIrDwAAQBAJ
Hard Target
All of Nothing Book One
Rhonda Laurel
Winning can be dangerous when the stakes are high.
When star quarterback Riley Sloane begins receiving anonymous threats, it couldn't have happened at a worse time. His team has their sights set on the Super Bowl. He doesn't have time for a stalker, besides it's probably a prank. But when team owner Seth Blake gets wind of the situation, Riley ends up with a security detail for protection. Too bad Parker Carson is part of the plan. Since the day they first met, there's been nothing but trouble between him and the beautiful PI. She's bossy, as maddening as she is sexy, and she seems to hate his guts. But the more time they spend together, the more he wants to keep her safe. Too bad it's her job to protect him and doesn't appreciate anyone getting in her way. As Riley tries to keep his head in the game, he finds himself distracted by the beautiful Parker…and that could be hazardous for both of them.
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