“When God tells me it’s time.” He took his Stetson off and wiped the light sheen of sweat from his forehead though he wasn’t sure if the sweat was from his recently finished chores or this conversation. “I know you think I’m crazy, but I married her and that means something to me. God hasn’t told me it’s time to move on yet, so I’m going to follow His will until He does.”
Stacy’s eyes softened. “Cal, I understand you want to do God’s will, but you married this woman on a whim in Vegas. That’s not what God had planned when He created marriage.”
Cal nodded. While Stacy didn’t have the whole story, she was right that he shouldn’t have married the woman. Cal hadn’t even believed in love at first sight, but when he’d seen the fiery red head in the casino, his heart had jumped. It spun. It danced the tango in his chest, and he just knew he couldn’t lose her. After spending hours talking with her, he’d proposed to her, and she’d said yes. An all-night wedding chapel had been delighted to take their money, and Cal had spent an amazing night with the woman. Unfortunately, she hadn’t been quite as excited about the marriage the next morning. She had begged him for an annulment and when he’d refused, she had thrown her ring at him and left.
“I know you write her every year.” Stacy continued breaking into his walk down memory lane. “Has she ever responded?”
“Not yet, but she will.” Every year on their anniversary, Cal sent her a card requesting a rekindling of their relationship. Every year, he heard nothing from her - he honestly wasn‘t even sure if his letters were even getting to her. Still, Cal felt deep down in his bones that someday he would hear from her. He might not have waited on God’s timing to marry her, but now that they were married, he was determined to wait on God’s timing to make it right. And God kept telling him to wait. So, he would. He would wait as long as he had to.
* * *
Carrie linked arms with Scott as Alyssa and Max reached the front. She had hoped to be able to walk the aisle with Philippe, but Scott was Drew’s best friend. It only made sense he would be the best man. Besides, she would have plenty of time with Philippe at the reception, and he would be sitting in the first few rows on Gwen’s side. She would have a great view of him.
“Ready?” Scott asked.
“Absolutely.” In step, they walked up the aisle parting ways at the stage. Carrie stepped to her left to stand beside Alyssa and Scott went to his right to stand between Max and Drew. Carrie turned to face the congregation as the music changed. Her eyes scanned for Philippe first who flashed her a charming smile. She returned it and then shifted her gaze to the back of the church to watch Gwen enter.
The lights hit the pearls and sequins on the dress as she entered, and Carrie smiled as gasps of delight echoed around the room. She had never been prouder of one of her designs.
Gwen handed her the bouquet as she stepped on the platform and took Drew’s hands.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the marriage of Gwen Rodgers and Drew Devonshire. On the outside, they may seem like opposites - a teacher and a billionaire - but they have learned one of the most important lessons in life. They have learned to see past money and outside appearance and into the heart. It’s what’s in the heart that matters most, and in that respect, they are two of a kind. They love each other, and they love the Lord.”
Carrie glanced at Philippe as the minister spoke. “You look beautiful,” Philippe mouthed to her, and a blush stole across her cheeks. Could he be the one for her? She hadn’t seen any red flags that sent her running yet, but she had expected to feel something different if he was the one. Some tug on her heart, the sound of fireworks, something.
“Do you Drew, take this woman as your wife to have and to hold through sickness and in health, forsaking all others until death do you part?”
Carrie shook her head to clear the thoughts. She had a job to do, and she needed to pay attention.
Drew’s smile lit up his whole face as he said, “I do.”
“And do you Gwen take this man as your husband to have and to hold through sickness and in health forsaking all others until death do you part?”
“I do.”
“Then by the power vested to me by the great state of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Carrie cheered along with the rest of the congregation as Drew leaned forward and kissed Gwen. Then they faced the church and held their hands up before running out the aisle. Carrie took Scott’s arm and followed suit. They burst out the doors and joined Gwen and Drew in the foyer. Max, Alyssa, and Peyton joined them a moment later.
“Congratulations, Gwen,” Carrie said enveloping her in another hug. “You looked so beautiful.”
“I’ll second that,” Drew said. “Carrie, that dress is perfection.”
“Well, I had a good model.” She handed the bridal bouquet back to Gwen. “You might need these.”
“I might, but I have a sneaking suspicion it’ll be finding its way back to you soon enough.” Gwen took the flowers and flashed a knowing glance at Carrie.
“I’m not sure about that,” Carrie said with a shake of her head. “Philippe doesn’t seem in any hurry to propose.”
“He will,” Alyssa said joining the conversation. “I predict a wedding in your near future.”
Carrie appreciated the sentiments of her friends, but she wasn’t so sure. Philippe may have been her longest relationship in years, but they were only going on four months. It was way too early for him to propose, and she was still sorting out her feelings. “Come on, we better get to the reception area before the stampede hits,” Carrie said changing the subject.
“Just not too fast.” Alyssa placed her hands on her large belly. “This pregnant woman can only go so quickly.”
“We’ll see you there in a minute,” Gwen said as Drew pulled her toward the holding room where they would wait a few minutes to give the rest of the congregation time to get to the reception area.
Carrie led the way down the hallway and opened the doors to the reception area. It was decorated with white lights and tulle. White roses nestled in green foliage covered every tabletop and large windows granted expansive views of the city. The elegance, though understated, permeated the room. Gwen‘s personality shone through in every simple touch.
“Wow,” Peyton said beside Carrie. “It looks like a princess lives here.”
Carrie nodded. “Her wedding planner was pretty amazing, but I think most of this was Gwen’s idea. I’m guessing that’s our table up there on the stage. Shall we go find a seat?”
“Yes, please,” Alyssa said. “I would love to get out of these shoes.”
By the time they sat down, the rest of the guests were making their way in. Philippe joined Carrie at the head table. “That was a nice ceremony.”
“It was.” Carrie stared at him a moment wondering if he ever imagined what their wedding might look like.
“Ladies and gentlemen.” The DJ’s voice interrupted her moment, “please welcome for the first time Mr. and Mrs. Devonshire.”
The room erupted in clapping and cheers as Gwen and Drew walked over to their table. As soon as they sat down, the waiters began bringing out the dishes. Carrie only picked at the delicious food, afraid if she ate too much that she would bust the seams on her dress. It was already getting uncomfortable just from sitting.
When the bride and groom finished eating, Scott and Carrie each gave their toast, and then Gwen and Drew danced their first dance.
“Come on.” Carrie grabbed Philippe’s hand when other couples were invited to the floor. This was the moment she had waited for. Carrie loved dancing and Philippe would never indulge her, but surely, he wouldn’t say no at a wedding. It was expected guests would dance at a wedding.
“I don’t dance,” he said with a shake of his head. “I’ve told you that before.”
“I understand, but it’s my best friend’s wedding. I want to dance at her wedding.”
“T
wo left feet.” He pointed to the floor. “Don’t like making a fool of myself.”
“But what about our-” Carrie snapped her mouth shut. She had been about to ask him about their wedding and he hadn’t even proposed yet. She must be caught up in the wedding fever.
“Our what?” he asked.
“Nothing, I’m going to grab some punch.” She turned away before the hurt expression on her face displayed her true feelings. If they did marry, would he not dance with her? Surely, he would make an exception for his own wedding.
“May I have this dance?”
Carrie looked to her left to see Max staring at her with his hand outstretched. “No, it’s fine, really.”
“Come on, Alyssa sent me over here. She’s too pregnant to dance. Besides, it might help your man see what he’s missing.”
Carrie glanced over at Alyssa who smiled and shot her a thumb up sign. “Okay,” she said with a laugh. “If it’s all right with Alyssa. She’s a pretty amazing woman.”
Max situated her in his arms when they reached the dance floor. “Don’t I know it. She’s way too good for me. You know, I never expected I’d marry. I was rather like you - a serial dater, though I wasn’t as nice about it. I was pretty awful to the women I dated.” He spun her around. “My point is that if I can find love, you can too.”
“Thank you.” Carrie smiled up at him. He might not have started out a kind man, but he certainly was now.
After Max, she danced with Scott, then Drew, then random guests who came and asked her. It almost seemed as if they were keeping her busy to distract her from remembering her own date’s refusal to dance, but Carrie didn’t mind. Before she knew it, it was time for the bouquet toss. She lined up with the other women, and Gwen’s aim was as true as her word. The bundle of flowers landed squarely in her hands.
“I told you,” Gwen said before she was whisked away.
Carrie smiled and then turned to Philippe. She almost laughed at the pained expression on his face as she held up the bouquet. It was a silly tradition, but she couldn’t help hoping that maybe catching the bouquet would turn things around for her. With all her friends married or getting married, she was starting to long for that solid foundation as well.
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The Billionaire’s Impromptu Bet
A SWAT officer. A bored billionaire heiress. A bet that could change everything….
Read on for a taste of The Billionaire’s Impromptu Bet….
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Brie Carter fell back spread eagle on her queen-sized canopy bed sending her blond hair fanning out behind her. With a large sigh, she uttered, “I’m bored.”
“How can you be bored? You have like millions of dollars.” Her friend, Ariel, plopped down in a seated position on the bed beside her and flicked her raven hair off her shoulder. “You want to go shopping? I hear Tiffany’s is having a special right now.”
Brie rolled her eyes. Shopping? Where was the excitement in that? With her three platinum cards, she could go shopping whenever she wanted. “No, I’m bored with shopping too. I have everything. I want to do something exciting. Something we don’t normally do.”
Brie enjoyed being rich. She loved the unlimited credit cards at her disposal, the constant apparel of new clothes, and of course the penthouse apartment her father paid for, but lately, she longed for something more fulfilling.
Ariel’s hazel eyes widened. “I know. There’s a new bar down on Franklin Street. Why don’t we go play a little game?”
Brie sat up, intrigued at the secrecy and the twinkle in Ariel’s eyes. “What kind of game?”
“A betting game. You let me pick out any man in the place. Then you try to get him to propose to you.”
Brie wrinkled her nose. “But I don’t want to get married.” She loved her freedom and didn’t want to share her penthouse with anyone, especially some man.
“You don’t marry him, silly. You just get him to propose.”
Brie bit her lip as she thought. It had been awhile since her last relationship and having a man dote on her for a month might be interesting, but…. “I don’t know. It doesn’t seem very nice.”
“How about I sweeten the pot? If you win, I’ll set you up on a date with my brother.”
Brie cocked her head. Was she serious? The only thing Brie couldn’t seem to buy in the world was the affection of Ariel’s very handsome, very wealthy, brother. He was a movie star, just the kind of person Brie could consider marrying in the future. She’d had a crush on him as long as she and Ariel had been friends, but he’d always seen her as just that, his little sister’s friend. “I thought you didn’t want me dating your brother.”
“I don’t.” Ariel shrugged. “But he’s between girlfriends right now, and I know you’ve wanted it for ages. If you win this bet, I’ll set you up. I can’t guarantee any more than one date though. The rest will be up to you.”
Brie wasn’t worried about that. Charm she possessed in abundance. She simply needed some alone time with him, and she was certain she’d be able to convince him they were meant to be together. “All right. You’ve got a deal.”
Ariel smiled. “Perfect. Let’s get you changed then and see who the lucky man will be.
A tiny tug pulled on Brie’s heart that this still wasn’t right, but she dismissed it. This was simply a means to an end, and he’d never have to know.
* * *
Jesse Calhoun relaxed as the rhythmic thudding of the speed bag reached his ears. Though he loved his job, it was stressful being the SWAT sniper. He hated having to take human lives and today had been especially rough. The team had been called out to a drug bust, and Jesse was forced to return fire at three hostiles. He didn’t care that they fired at his team and himself first. Taking a life was always hard, and every one of them haunted his dreams.
“You gonna bust that one too?” His co-worker Brendan appeared by his side. Brendan was the opposite of Jesse in nearly every way. Where Jesse’s hair was a dark copper, Brendan’s was nearly black. Jesse sported paler skin and a dusting of freckles across his nose, but Brendan’s skin was naturally dark and freckle free.
Jesse flashed a crooked grin, but kept his eyes on the small, swinging black bag. The speed bag was his way to release, but a few times he had started hitting while still too keyed up and he had ruptured the bag. Okay, five times, but who was counting really? Besides, it was a better way to calm his nerves than other things he could choose. Drinking, fights, gambling, women.
“Nah, I think this one will last a little longer.” His shoulders began to burn, and he gave the bag another few punches for good measure before dropping his arms and letting it swing to a stop. “See? It lives to be hit at least another day.” Every once in a while, Jesse missed training the way he used to. Before he joined the force, he had been an amateur boxer, on his way to being a pro, but a shoulder injury had delayed his training and forced him to consider something else. It had eventually healed, but by then he had lost his edge.
“Hey, why don’t you come drink with us?” Brendan clapped a hand on Jesse’s shoulder as they headed into the locker room.
“You know I don’t drink.” Jesse often felt like the outsider of the team. While half of the six-man team was married, the other half found solace in empty bottles and meaningless relationships. Jesse understood that - their job was such that they never knew if they would come home night after night - but he still couldn’t partake.
Brendan opened his locker and pulled out a clean shirt. He peeled off his current one and added deodorant before tugging on the new one. “You don’t have to drink. Look, I won’
t drink either. Just come and hang out with us. You have no one waiting for you at home.”
That wasn’t entirely true. Jesse had Bugsy, his Boston Terrier, but he understood Brendan’s point. Most days, Jesse went home, fed Bugsy, made dinner, and fell asleep watching TV on the couch. It wasn’t much of a life. “All right, I’ll go, but I’m not drinking.”
Brendan’s lips pulled back to reveal his perfectly white teeth. He bragged about them, but Jesse knew they were veneers. “That’s the spirit. Hurry up and change. We don’t want to leave the rest of the team waiting.”
“Is everyone coming?” Jesse pulled out his shower necessities. Brendan might feel comfortable going out with just a new application of deodorant, but Jesse needed to wash more than just dirt and sweat off. He needed to wash the sound of the bullets and the sight of lifeless bodies from his mind.
“Yeah, Pat’s wife is pregnant again and demanding some crazy food concoctions. Pat agreed to pick them up if she let him have an hour. Cam and Jared’s wives are having a girls’ night, so the whole gang can be together. It will be nice to hang out when we aren’t worried about being shot at.”
“Fine. Give me ten minutes. Unlike you, I like to clean up before I go out.”
Brendan smirked. “I’ve never had any complaints. Besides, do you know how long it takes me to get my hair like this?”
Jesse shook his head as he walked into the shower, but he knew it was true. Brendan had rugged good looks and muscles to match. He rarely had a hard time finding a woman. Jesse on the other hand hadn’t dated anyone in the last few months. It wasn’t that he hadn’t been looking, but he was quieter than his teammates. And he wasn’t looking for right now. He was looking for forever. He just hadn’t found it yet.
The Billionaire's Christmas Miracle (Sweet Billionaires 3) Page 16
