by Robyn M Ryan
Lauren also vowed to run interference with Cassie's parents. Cassie cringed at the thought of her mom and grandmother seated in the first row, and her dad sitting directly behind them with his wife and son. A disaster waiting to materialize. Though Lauren and Dave monopolized my mom and grandmother at the rehearsal dinner by seating them at their dinner table. Trevor, Tanya, and Tyler joined Tom’s parents, along with Andrew and Caryn and the twins. Now, if we can make it through the day with no drama.
Cassie knew that as Tom’s Best Man, Andrew had organized activities for the guys in the wedding party. Those arrangements were Top Secret—no doubt to ensure that Tom’s and Cassie’s paths never crossed.
She glanced up with a grin as Dave stepped on the veranda, carrying a Coke for her and a cappuccino for himself. “May I?”
“Yes! Thank you—exactly what I need.” She sipped her cola. “Where are you headed this morning?”
Her honorary brother shrugged. “Heck if I know. Just that we’re to meet in about an hour.”
Cassie feigned indifference. “Where are you guys meeting?”
She caught the smile that turned into a smirk as Dave chuckled. “That’s on a Need-to-Know basis.”
Cassie pretended to sulk. “You’re no fun, Dave.”
“He won’t even tell me,” Lauren added as she joined them. “Just like he wouldn’t say anything about the Bachelor Party. Ignorance is bliss, right, Cass?”
“Um…I guess so?” She cut her eyes toward Dave. “Just so my doctor’s not hung over today.”
“Are you?” he challenged.
“Didn’t drink last night. Alcohol doesn’t mix properly with my nerves.”
“No need to fret about Dr. Tom,” Dave said.
Tom had trouble inserting the cufflinks on his dress shirt. After bouncing them off the dresser twice, swallowing an expletive, he was ready to toss them off the terrace. Andrew walked into his room just in time to avoid any further annoyance.
“Let me give you a hand. Caryn always attaches mine—you’re not alone.” Andrew clapped Tom’s shoulder when he finished. “Anything else? Help with your tie?”
“I’ve got that. Do you notice the silence?”
“Caryn took Jenna and Daniel down to the bride’s dressing area,” Andrew said. “Caryn’s questioning her decision to include them in the procession.”
Tom chuckled. “No matter what happens, they’re so adorable no one will mind.”
“Just hope neither throws a tantrum. You know these three-your-olds. Jenna may keep all the blossoms, and Daniel could decline to give up the rings.”
“Andrew, just go with the flow. Mom’s on standby just in case something goes sideways.” Tom glanced at his watch. “About time to head down?”
Andrew nodded and handed Tom the tuxedo jacket. “The wedding planner has the boutonnières.”
“You have the rings?”
Andrew patted his pocket. “I tried to talk Caryn into letting Danny carry some fake rings, but no go. The wedding planner assumes responsibility for them until the ceremony.”
Tom fixed his jacket as he glanced in the mirror. “Dave and Lauren’s wedding at sea sounds better and better.”
“At least you’re not having two ceremonies like Caryn and I did.”
“Correct. My favorite’s the one on campus. The full production at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Montréal? Over the top,” Tom said.
“You know Caryn’s parents.” Andrew stopped short of rolling his eyes. “But nothing like two precocious grandchildren to capture their attention. Ready to head down? Martin’s meeting us in the lobby.”
Cassie smoothed the satin sheath over her hips and shifted to peer at herself from all angles. She loved the simplicity of the dress, from the semi-modest v-neck to the crisscrossed thin strips of material on her back—a row of bows to her waist. No veil, but she’d requested the hairstylist to weave thin pastel-hued ribbons in her hair—a surprise for Tom. Her heart always skipped a beat when he called her “His Rainbow Girl.” Tonight he’ll find rainbows in my hair.
She wore an antique pendant necklace from her mom as her “something old.” The something new came from Lauren—a pair of beautiful glass beaded flip-flops. She borrowed the exquisite diamond tennis bracelet from Caryn, and the single blue ribbon in her hair added the something blue.
“You look stunning, Cassie,” Lauren said.
Cassie held out her trembling hands. “Taking deep breaths…”
Laurent hugged her. “You’ll relax the instant you see Tom. Fair warning—don’t let your mouth hang open—he looks absolutely smoking in that tux!”
The door opened, and the wedding coordinator brought the bouquet to Cassie. She showed Cassie where to put her hands and how to carry it. “Lovely, dear. Your father’s outside. The mothers have taken their seats. And those adorable twins can’t wait to do their job.”
Lauren and Caryn slipped out the door, and Cassie’s father took their place. “My beautiful daughter,” he sighed, brushing her cheek. “Ready to greet your prince?”
Cassie nodded, then squeezed the bridge of her nose to quell any tears.
“Just hold on to me,” Trevor said, passing a white handkerchief to her. “Thought this might come in handy. You can hide it under your bouquet.”
Cassie laughed and took a deep breath. They heard music, and the coordinator opened the door.
“Wait for my cue, then go to the back of the aisle, just like we rehearsed. You’ll know to proceed when you hear the opening chords.”
The next few moments blended into a blur, Cassie so grateful her father took charge and ushered her on cue. She focused on not stumbling on the turf and only glanced up when they reached the center aisle. There, not a hundred feet away, awaited her doctor, so elegant in his tux, a smile that melted her soul and beckoned her forward. Their eyes locked and Cassie looked only at her groom until the moment came for her father to leave her with Tom.
“Be happy, Cassie. I’m so proud of you.” He shifted to Tom. “I wish for you and Cassie a lifetime of happiness and love.” He hugged his daughter, then settled her hand in Tom’s. “Take care of each other.”
Tom stole a kiss before escorting his rainbow girl to the flowered trellis. “Perfect timing,” he whispered in her ear. “Almost sunset.”
Cassie handed the bouquet to Lauren and clutched both of his hands. “I’m beyond excited.” Again, Cassie lost herself in his darkened cinnamon eyes, scarcely hearing the minister’s comments. When they exchanged their vows, Cassie felt a cloak of overwhelming love surround them. Tom winked when she guided the ring toward the wrong hand and moved his hands, so the correct finger received the ring.
When the minister declared them husband and wife, Tom didn’t wait for permission to kiss his bride. He cupped her face in his hands, murmured his love, and their mouths met in a kiss that began soft and demure…Cassie looped her arms around his neck. Tom lifted her and continued the kiss, deaf to the cheers and ovations from their friends. “I love you, Mrs. Chadwick.”
“Love you more, Doctor Chadwick,” Cassie said with the hint of a smirk. Tom nodded to the Gulf behind them. The sun slipped past the horizon with a slight burst of fire. Their eyes met, and neither could resist another kiss. Tom shortened it and sighed in her ear.
“Let’s get this party underway, Mrs. Chadwick.”
Cassie gripped his arm and drew him toward the aisle. “Maybe a hint about our plans after the reception?”
“A night you’ll never forget.”
She turned to gaze into his eyes. “Sounds perfect to me."
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Robyn
Also by Robyn M. Ryan
This Piece of My Heart
Clearing the Ice, Book One
A Hockey Romance
She had her future all planned...until she met him.
Struggling to live up to the high expectations of overprotective parents and a hefty family name, Caryn Stevens only wants one summer of fun before she focuses on finishing her college degree. She knows her destiny—to lead her dad’s multi-million dollar business. But that plan changes forever the day she runs into—literally—sexy and single professional hockey player, Andrew Chadwick.
Sparks instantly fly between the two, and Caryn can’t resist his charms as she discovers that Andrew has a reputation of winning—both on and off the ice. One of the most eligible singles in Toronto, Andrew could have any woman he wants, and he’s got Caryn in sights. But when Caryn’s parents disapprove of the match and threaten to disinherit her, and his hockey team trades him to a new city, it may take more than love for the couple to survive this penalty play.
**This Piece of My Heart is the first book in the Clearing the Ice trilogy. Book 2, This Piece of My Soul, is out now! The trilogy is complete and concludes with This Piece of Our Being, also available now!**
This Piece of My Soul
Clearing the Ice, Book Two
A Tampa Suns Hockey Romance
Love may not conquer all...
One of pro-hockey’s golden couples, Andrew and Caryn Chadwick live in the limelight reserved for elite professional athletes. On their second anniversary, Andrew receives an unexpected contract offer to join the Tampa Suns. As they look forward to a new adventure, neither foresees an event that challenges their love and threatens their marriage.
A sudden and senseless accident threatens Andrew’s life and inexplicably drives a wedge between the couple. Shattered by the incident, paralyzed by fear that it could happen again, Caryn finds herself at odds with her husband and unable to provide the support he needs—at the time he is most vulnerable.
**This Piece of My Soul is the second book in the Clearing the Ice trilogy and can be read standalone. It ends in a Happy For Now cliffhanger. The trilogy is complete and concludes with This Piece of Our Being, also available now!***
This Piece of Our Being
Clearing the Ice, Book Three
A Tampa Suns Hockey Romance
She no longer believes that love conquers all.
He questions his convictions.
Alone, each faces an uncertain future.
However, Fate has other ideas.
Now, they are about to find out if they're stronger together or if this is their last skate.
**This Piece of Our Being is the third and final book in the Clearing the Ice trilogy. It is strongly recommended that you read This Piece of My Heart and This Piece of My Soul, both out now!*
Healthy Scratch
Tampa Suns Hockey
A Tampa Suns Hockey Romance
He wants out of the friend zone…she doesn’t believe in happily ever after.
Relationships are not in Lauren Gentry’s playbook. The only kind she’s willing to consider are friends-with-benefits, and even a red-hot and sexy hockey player like Dave Martin isn’t going to change that. Right?
When those chocolate brown eyes threaten to melt her defenses, she has to remind herself that demons from her past could rise up at any moment. Which is going to be pretty hard to do, since she loses herself every time they touch.
Dave used to love the benefits that came easily to professional athletes; especially when they were in the form of puck bunnies who only wanted one night. But when he meets the pint-sized girl with bewitching green eyes and sun-streaked auburn hair his outlook suddenly changes.
He wants forever with Lauren. Now he just has to convince her.
Can Lauren risk everything for the man she’s secretly been falling for? Or will her past stop her from taking a chance on love?
Healthy Scratch—book one of the Tampa Suns Hockey Series—is a standalone romance whose main characters’ lives are intertwined with those introduced in The Clearing the Ice Trilogy. You don’t need to read the trilogy to enjoy Healthy Scratch. The book stands on its own, promises HEA, and no cliffhangers! To heighten your enjoyment of the Tampa Suns Hockey Series, you may wish to read The Clearing the Ice Trilogy.
About the Author
Chicago born, honorary Atlanta native, Parisienne at heart. Proud 60’s Flower Child. “Fearless” barrier-breaker for female sports journalists and minor league “batpersons.” While at UGA, she scored a PR internship with Atlanta Flames NHL team during its first season. Interviewed future MLB and NHL Hall of Fame members, published in a variety of print media. Wife, mom, PR professional, and finally, 35 years later, published author. Two Westie grand-dogs pretty much run the household.
As do many writers, Robyn chooses to write using a pseudonym—hers is a combination of her sons’ names, a contribution from her youngest nephew.
Robyn loves to hear from fellow sports fans and readers who enjoy sports romances. Get the latest news from her newsletter. Connect on Facebook, Twitter, BookBub, or her website. Join Robyn’s Readers in the Center Ice Lounge Facebook Group, where you can grab a drink and chat for a while—books, hockey, sports, binge-worthy shows, hot guys, favorite athletes…did we say “hot guys?” Members receive exclusive contests, giveaways, and sneak peeks about future books.
