by Nicole Vidal
When I open the front door and guide her through it, our eyes lock and we share a moment. Perhaps interest goes both ways. Hell, I was interested when I met her in Atlanta for Callie’s last tour stop. The spell is broken when Jake meets me in the foyer.
“Hi, Madeleine. Thank you for coming.”
“Hi, Jake.”
“I’ll escort her to her seat,” I offer.
“Of course.” Jake waits near the door for the next guest to arrive.
We walk through the house onto the back porch, her arm still wrapped around mine. The path to the right of the porch leads to the ceremony location. I escort her to a seat and make sure I’ll be able to see her even after I take my place up front with Connor.
“Thank you, Christoph.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Will you have a drink with me later?”
She lifts her stunning blue eyes to mine and moves her long, pin-straight blonde hair over her shoulder as I slide my arm out from around hers. I might be reading into it or seeing things I wish were there, but I would stake my next two paychecks that she shivered from my hands on her.
“Yes, that would be nice.” Nope, I didn’t mistake anything.
Goose bumps are evident on her arms. Unfortunately, Jake whisks me away with talk of wedding bells and a problem with the runner.
“You good, man?” Jake asks.
“Yeah, why?”
“Madeleine isn’t the mystery woman, but she’s certainly gorgeous.” I shared my concerns with Jake but didn’t share who the woman is. His advice was solid, but I haven’t acted on it yet. Like Connor, he suggested I simply ask her out and see where we stand.
I shake my head. “No, she isn’t. Although you’re right, she’s gorgeous.”
Said mystery woman will be here tonight. I can’t help but wonder if it’s worth risking our friendship. Madeleine’s presence has certainly pushed my concerns away. I have been taking care of little things for Jill for years. I don’t think I’m anything more than an extra big brother to her.
There she is now. Jill is Jake’s little sister. She’s a teacher and cooks for fun.
“Hey, Christoph. How are you?”
“Good, you?”
A huge smile grows on her face. “I’m crazy happy for Connor and Callie. I love adding to our huge family.”
“I agree with you there.” I glance over Jill’s shoulder to find Madeleine turned in her chair watching me. As Jill is called inside to get in line for the ceremony, Madeleine’s gaze remains on me. Well, this day may have gotten more interesting.
Once we finish escorting the guests under the tent, I join Jake, Cameron, and the groom under the pergola. The bridesmaids enter and line up at the front. The only time my gaze isn’t locked with Madeleine’s is when one of the bridesmaids passes between us.
The wedding march begins, and Callie is standing alone at the end of the satin runner. Yet she doesn’t take a step. Connor exhales sharply before composing himself. One day I want that—to know a woman could not only bring me to my knees but make me stronger at the same time.
“Are you going, or do you want me to go?” I whisper to Jake.
“No, I’ll go.” Connor heads down the aisle toward Callie. Once he reaches the end, he whispers something to her, and she takes his arm. Together they walk between the guests before pledging their lives to one another.
Once all the obligatory things like first dance and toasts are complete, I’m free to roam around the room. I locate Madeleine near the bar and join her there. As I approach, I notice Cruz, my unit mate from the army, cozying up to Jill at the other end of the bar. Why is that like a shot to the chest? I guess that’s my answer then. Jill didn’t even notice Madeleine. Mystery solved.
I step beside Madeleine and bring my lips near her ear. “You look gorgeous in that dress. I wanted to say something earlier, but I wasn’t sure how it would be received.”
She turns her head so her lips are a mere breath away from mine. “Thank you. It would have been received well. I’m not generally as forward as I was with you in my personal life.”
“I’m glad you were forward tonight.”
She closes the small space between us and brings her mouth near my ear. “Me too.”
Thank you so much for reading Protecting My Forever!
I hope you love Connor and Calliope. Find out what happens with his Blackthorne teammate Christoph after the Michelson wedding. Will Christoph find his happily ever after too?
Pre-order Christoph’s story here so you don’t miss it!
Check out August and Caroline’s HEA in Always Have, Always Will coming soon!
Acknowledgments
Special thanks to Jayme Rogers for your invaluable insight and support an early beta reader.
Coming Soon
New stories are coming soon!
A Morgan Brothers Novel
Always Have, Always Will
A York Beach Novel
The Cappellis
Chasing Forever
Blackthorne Security
TBD (Christoph and Madeleine)
My Books
York Beach Series:
A New Beginning with You
Taking A Chance on Me
Just One More
Kiss You Like You’re Mine
Only with Him
My Once in a Lifetime
Morgan Brothers Series:
One Unforgettable Favor
Until I Kissed You
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