Love, Laughter, and Happily Ever Afters Collection (Eight Fun, Romantic Novels by Eight Bestselling Authors)

by Violet Duke

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  BY THE TIME the limo pulls up outside the Covington mansion, we’ve just about pulled ourselves back together.

  “She’ll be able to tell,” I say mournfully, trying to smooth the crumples in my dress. “Your mother will take one look at me and know I’ve been doing unspeakable things to her son in the limo.”

  “Good,” Hunter declares, tucking his shirttails in.

  I gape at him.

  “You’re mine,” he growls possessively. “And I want everyone to know it.”

  I feel a thrill at his words. I quickly grab my compact mirror from my purse and touch up my lipstick. “OK,” I say breathlessly. “Let’s get this over with.”

  Hunter opens the door and helps me out of the car. I suck in a breath. The mansion was stunning enough in the middle of the day, but by night, it’s spectacular. All around us, elegant couples disembark from limos and expensive sports cars, making their way slowly up the front steps and through the house.

  “Relax,” Hunter whispers, his lips brushing against my ear as he takes my arm and guides me inside. “You’re the most beautiful girl here.”

  I try to swallow back my nerves as we emerge on the back terrace. Torches are posted in the ground, blazing light in the darkness, and hundreds of tiny tea lights are strung from the trees. The white tents billow in the cool air while the staff circulates with champagne, and a band is playing jazz by the parquet dance floor in the middle of the lawn.

  “Wow…” I breathe. “You did all of this?”

  “Me, the caterers, the florists…” Hunter ticks them off.

  “Don’t put yourself down,” I scold him lightly. “You made all this come together. It’s amazing.”

  “Well, if you like it, I know it’s all worthwhile,” he grins down at me. “Come on. I want to find my parents.”

  “Now?” I yelp. “Couldn’t we get settled first? Have a drink. Have two drinks.”

  “I’m right beside you,” Hunter takes my hand and leads me down the stairs, into the thick of the crowd. “I promise, I won’t let you go.”

  Richard and Camille are holding court right in the center of the crowd, surrounded by well-wishers. I gulp as Hunter tows me closer, sending up a silent prayer that I don’t fall apart in the face of Camille’s wrath. Whatever her plans for the night, I can bet that seeing her son with me on his arm is so not on the schedule.

  Right on cue, Camille sees us in the crowd. She brightens at the sight of Hunter, then her gaze slides over to me. Her smile freezes, suddenly icy cool.

  “Hunter, darling,” she moves forward to greet him with a kiss on the cheek. “You’re late. People are asking after you.”

  “I had something to do.” Hunter replies, still holding my hand. “You both remember Brit.”

  “Of course,” Richard smiles. “How are you, dear?”

  “Fine.” My voice quavers. “I mean, I’m doing great. This is a lovely party,” I add. “Congratulations.”

  Camille shoots me daggers with her eyes. “Hunter, a word.”

  “Sure, mom.” Hunter takes a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. “What do you need?”

  “In private.” She glares.

  “Sorry,” Hunter shrugs, totally at ease. “Anything you say, you say to Brit too.”

  “Very well.” Camille turns away from me, focused on Hunter like I’m not even standing here. “What are you playing at, bringing her? I thought you’d seen sense and ended things.”

  “You were wrong.” Hunter’s voice is deadly calm.

  “Darling, surely you have to see, she doesn’t belong here.” Camille’s voice rises, but Hunter steps forward, cutting her off.

  “Enough.” The word comes out a growl. Camille jerks back in surprise. “That’s the last time you insult her, if you ever want me to step foot in this house again.”

  “But—”

  “No.” Hunter’s jaw is set, determination blazing in his eyes. “I love Brit. We’re together, and you’re going to have to get used to that. She’s a part of this family now.”

  I turn to him, staring with amazement.

  Camille’s lips purse. “Nonsense.”

  “And I’m moving back to Beachwood,” Hunter adds. “I’ll still visit, and help dad out at the firm if he needs, but I’m going to live my own life, on my terms.”

  I squeeze his hand, warm with pride. I know how tough this must be for him, and it takes my breath away to hear Hunter standing his ground like this.

  “You don’t know what you’re saying,” Camille cries. “It’s all her fault, she’s poisoned you against us!”

  “No mom, you’ve done that all on your own.” Hunter snaps, then he softens, “I know this is hard, but I have to move on. We all do. It’s the only way, can’t you see?”

  “No!” Camille insists again, louder.

  People turn to stare, and I can see the ripples of whispers spreading out through the crowd.

  “Leave him be.” Richard puts a hand on her. “The boy’s suffered enough. We all have. He deserves to be happy now.”

  I tug on Hunter’s hand. “People are watching,” I whisper, embarrassed, but Hunter just gives me a grin.

  “Good, I’ve got something they need to see.” He pulls me into the very center of the dance floor, and then drops to one knee.

  My heart stops.

  Hunter reaches into his jacket and pulls out a tiny ring-box. “Brittany Ray,” he begins, looking adorably nervous. “Since the very first night I met you, I’ve known, you’re different from everyone I’ve ever known. You’re so brave, and strong, and beautiful. You make me believe in the good in the world—that there’s good in me too.”

  I can see the stares of amazement in the crowd: Hunter’s parents, Alicia, everyone watching us. A sob wells up in my throat, tears of pure, overwhelming joy. I can’t believe this is happening.

  He’s choosing me. The girl who was laughed at, and scorned, the girl who never came first. The girl they thought was nothing. Hunter never listened, or cared what the rumors said. He saw me, the real me, right from the start, and tonight, he’s laying claim to me, in front of everyone.

  “I love you, more than anything,” Hunter continues. He opens the box, revealing a perfect diamond ring, twinkling under the lanterns in the dark. “I told you once that I was going to prove you wrong, that I was always going to be there for you. I want to prove you wrong every day for the rest of our lives.”

  His eyes meet mine, shining and true. The only man I will ever love.

  “Marry me, Brit. Belong to me, always.”

  In a daze, I nod, “Yes!” I hiccup. “Yes, of course I’ll marry you!”

  Hunter breaks into the biggest smile. He slips the ring on my finger and then rises to his feet, lifting me off the ground and twirling me around in a deep, endless kiss.

  The crowd bursts into applause.

  “You and me, baby,” Hunter whispers. “Forever.”

  I hold him tight, panicked for a moment that this really is just a dream. That come midnight, the clock will strike, and everything beautiful will fade away again. Then I look up, into his eyes, and I know it’s the truth.

  He’s mine, and I’m his. Forever.

  We’re quickly surrounded, all his family’s friends and guests offering congratulations and wishing us well. His father embraces us, patting Hunter on the back. “I’m proud of you, son,” he says, sounding choked up, and I can tell from the look in Hunter’s eyes that
it means the world to him.

  “We’ll have to get started on the wedding plans right away.” Camille still looks annoyed, but she seems calmed by the thought of a big social event to plan. “We’ll need at least a year, of course, and bookings at the club are just ridiculous…”

  Hunter swiftly draws me a couple of steps away, turning to keep his body between me and his mother. “Thank you,” I whisper, as we’re intercepted by a fresh wave of well-wishers, this time a group of women all ooh-ing and ahh-ing over my dress.

  “Fabulous!” The ring-leader declares.

  “Where on earth did you find it?”

  “I, umm,” I blush, stammering, remembering the scorn of the girls in school every time I wore my own creations, but Hunter jumps in.

  “She designed it herself,” he says proudly. “Brit’s an amazing designer.”

  I wait for the sneers, but instead, the women look at me with a new admiration. “Do you take commissions?” one asks, interested. “I have a gala coming up, and it’s so hard to find something new.”

  “I don’t know…” I mumble.

  Alicia appears in the group beside me. “She has a waiting list,” she announces, giving me a quick wink. “Everything’s one-of-a-kind, you see.”

  “I don’t care how much it costs,” the woman adds, eager. “I have to have one.”

  “Me too!” One of her friends declares. “I’m not letting you have a monopoly on the new hot designers.”

  “And me!”

  I look around in amazement. These glamorous, rich women are all clamoring for a chance to wear one of my designs. I can’t believe it.

  “That’s enough, ladies.” Alicia laughs, shooing them away. “Let’s leave the happy couple to celebrate. Call me next week and I’ll pass on her details.”

  When the women leave, Alicia turns to us with a smile. “Congratulations, both of you. I’m so happy for you.”

  “Thanks, Ave,” Hunter embraces her in a hug. I catch sight of her face, pressed against his shoulder for a minute, and I swear, I see tears in the corners of her eyes. But when she pulls back, her smile is fixed back in place.

  “I won’t keep you any longer.” She tells us. “Go, dance, before anyone else pounces!”

  The band starts to play, and through my pounding heartbeat I realize, it’s our song.

  Meet me in outer space…

  When was it we first heard this play? It could have been a week, or a hundred years, I don’t know the difference anymore. There is only before Hunter, and now, with him.

  “May I have this dance?” Hunter grins at me, and just like that, the rest of the world falls away. The crowd melts back in my vision, and all I see is him, heartstoppingly beautiful as he pulls me into his arms.

  We slowly sway, holding each other close in the middle of the floor. I can feel his heart beating against me, my head resting on his chest. Happiness washes over me, a wave of pure contentment. This is where I belong, forever now. No matter what it takes, I’ve been given something too precious to ever let it slip away.

  “You were right,” I murmur.

  Hunter looks down with a puzzled expression.

  I smile. “About fairytale princes, and happy endings,” I explain, tracing over his heart. My heart now. “Magic is real,” I tell him, “It’s you and me. Together. Always.

  “I believe.”

  THE END

  OTHER TITLES BY MELODY

  Take a trip to Beachwood Bay! Discover the USA Today bestselling series from Melody Grace.

  BEACHWOOD BAY

  BOOK 1: UNTOUCHED (Emerson & Juliet’s story begins)

  BOOK 2: UNBROKEN (Emerson & Juliet’s story continues)

  BOOK 3: UNTAMED HEARTS (Brit & Hunter’s story begins)

  BOOK 4: UNAFRAID (Brit & Hunter’s story continues)

  BOOK 5: UNWRAPPED (Lacey & Daniel’s holiday novella)

  BOOK 6: UNCONDITIONAL (Garret & Carina)

  BEACHWOOD BAY: THE CALLAHANS

  BOOK 7: UNREQUITED (Dex & Alicia begin – novella)

  BOOK 8: UNINHIBITED (Dex & Alicia) — JULY 2014

  BOOK 9: UNSTOPPABLE (Ryland & Tegan) — OCT 2014

  BOOK 10: UNEXPECTEDLY YOURS (holiday novella) – DEC 2014

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  http://melodygracebooks.blogspot.com

  Melody Grace is a small-town girl turned SoCal beach lover. After spending her life with her nose in a book, she decided it was time she wrote one herself. She loves steamy romance novels, happily-ever-afters, and lusting after fictional menfolk.

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  LOVE LOVE

  By

  Beth Michele

  © 2013 by Beth Michele. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owner.

  Cover Design by Richard Luciano. Interior Design by Angela McLaurin, Fictional Formats

  Editing by Erin Roth, Wise Owl Editing

  BOOK DESCRIPTION

  Gabrielle Willis is smart. She’s funny. And oh yes, she’s a bit klutzy.

  When Gabrielle left sunny California bound for the energy of Manhattan, she was willingly leaving the life she had known for the new life she would create. But was she really leaving something behind or was she running away?

  On the outside, Gabrielle Willis has it all under control. A new life in Manhattan, a great roommate, and a good job. But she is haunted. Haunted by a memory she’s tried to forget and by a family who’s abandoned her. But what happens when what’s on the outside is only an illusion and in perfect contradiction to what’s buried deep within?

  Enter Dane Rhodes. He’s gorgeous, smart, and sexy as hell. Just what Gabby wants, or so she thinks. But when she meets Brad Dixon, the sweet guy with the crooked smile, he begins to make her see that the very thing she is trying to run from is the very thing that just may push her to see the light.

  PROLOGUE

  THIS WAS THE moment I’d waited for my entire life, or so I thought. That’s if you consider twenty-two years an entire life. It started out as a perfect day, but perfection can be an illusion.

  Our blue gowns were fanning the breeze as we made our way up to the podium. The wind blowing through my hair made me feel alive and free. I was inches away from my long awaited independence. All those days I sat on the bleachers, watching UC Berkeley football games and daydreaming about life after college, and it was finally here. My feet were making their way up the stairs quickly. They had a mind of their own and I had difficulty keeping up with them. They obviously knew something I didn’t.

  Mr. Shorley shook my hand firmly as he happily handed me my degree. The sun’s rays bouncing off the paper gave it a rare glow. This was my golden ticket. Even better than a lifetime supply of Wonka bars.

  As I walked across the stage, I caught a glimpse of Clark and Fran. Clark gave me a wink that made my insides melt, and Fran mooned me. Her heart-shaped ass catching the summer wind was her unusual way of congratulating me. It made me smile. My parents however, didn’t have the same reaction; I caught their grimaces, the wa
rm air surrounding me suddenly stale and cold.

  *

  THE GRADUATION PARTY at my house was rip-roaring. The music was blaring, the alcohol flowing, and the hips grinding. The party was a lot more than my parents bargained for when they agreed to it. The adults were outside on the moonlit patio, tossing down hard liquor and blowing smoke rings, while the graduates were inside bringing down the house. I was with my two favorite people. Clark Thompson, my boyfriend since high school, and Fran Heller, my best friend of fifteen years.

  Fran and I met in fourth grade. Her mom moved her from the Bronx to California to get away from her physically abusive asshole dad. She’s had a tough life, but given the hand she was dealt, she always manages to remain optimistic. I admire that about her. She comes across like she’s hard when really, she’s anything but. Thinking about Fran always makes me smile. We had an instant connection. They used to call me “Candy Girl” in elementary school because I was always either eating candy or giving it away. From the moment Fran slipped a Hershey’s Bar under my desk in fourth grade, she had me, and we had each other.

  Clark and I met our sophomore year of high school. I was standing at my locker in between classes and the hallway was packed. My head was buried in books when something crashed hard against my back. Turned out it was Gavin Boone, quarterback of our crappy football team. He wasn’t looking where the hell he was going, lucky for me. I was knocked to the ground, and when I looked up, I was met by baby blues and a forehead crinkle. Clark.

  “You okay?” he asked.

  “Never better,” I said, rolling my eyes, trickles of pain shooting up my spine.

  In the midst of the run in, my bag spilled with all of my personal belongings. I watched in horror as the evidence of my adolescence covered the ground. Clark bent down to help me, and without batting an eye, proceeded to scoop up the Playtex tampons and put them back in the box. He made a beeline right for them. Who does that? When he was done, he bumped my shoulder and shrugged his. “It’s just life, right?”