by Layla Hagen
“Hailey, you’re the one, baby. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to share everything this crazy life has in store for us with you. I want to love and spoil you for the rest of our lives. Will you be my wife?”
“God, yes. Yes.”
I nodded, and the second the ring was on my finger, I threw my arms around him, laughing when he lifted me off my feet, kissing me as if he wasn’t planning for us to leave the pool for the next month or so. I didn’t care about breakfast, being late, or anything in particular, really, except losing myself in this beautiful man. My man.
“I can’t believe I didn’t see any signs,” I whispered.
“Well, that was the point. Jace advised me not to look for a ring from a laptop you have access to. Something about online retargeting spoiling surprises.”
I laughed, because that was exactly how I’d deducted that my baby bro wanted to propose to Brooke.
“Didn’t want to leave anything to chance,” he said.
“Clearly. Wait a second, is this how you won over my brothers at the hospital?”
He smiled mischievously. “What gave me away?”
“Oh, nothing in particular. I’m just finally putting two and two together.”
“Believe it or not, Bianca almost gave me away.”
“Ah, she hasn’t yet mastered the art of subtlety, but don’t you worry. I’ll teach her.”
Bianca was traveling through Europe with their parents, otherwise the three of them would have attended the wedding today as well. I missed that girl. Luckily, she would attend UCLA for college, so she wouldn’t move away.
“I know you will. I love you, Hailey.”
“I love you too. You have no idea how much,” I whispered. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Showing me that it’s okay to want things I fear. And that I don’t have to fear loving you.”
Reid skimmed his hands down my side. Yeah... we were definitely going to be a bit late.
***
“Promise not to ugly cry,” Lori said sternly. The makeup artist had just put the finishing touches on all us girls. We were quite a group. In addition to all of us Connor girls, my Bennett cousins had also arrived.
We were in a small room at the wedding venue. The ceremony was taking place on the same property as the reception, a beautiful location just outside Los Angeles at the foot of the San Gabriel mountains.
We all nodded, but she zeroed in on me.
“Especially you, Hailey.”
I cleared my throat, but what could I say in my defense? Lori usually cried too, but she was discreet, shedding a few tears in silence. I, on the other hand, could become a blubbering mess, which as Val put it, was contagious.
A knock at the open door startled us. Reid stood there, watching us with an amused smile.
“Sorry to interrupt the pep talk, but you told me to come get you girls at ten past three, Lori.”
“Sure, I was just—”
“About to give my girl shit? Can’t let that happen, can I?”
The girls laughed, and I skidded toward Reid, lacing my arm with his.
“Thanks for coming to my rescue.”
“Always.”
“Ah, the perks of having a fiancé.”
My cousin Pippa looked between the two of us with a smile.
“Nice ring you picked there, Reid.” She was the designer at Bennett Enterprises and one of my favorite people in this world.
“Oh, this?” I held up my ring. Everyone laughed.
“Well, you designed it, so I think you might be biased, but I happen to agree with you,” Reid said.
Pippa winked at me. “I’m not supposed to have favorites, but that is my favorite. So, when’s the next Connor wedding? Is it going to be yours or Will’s?”
I laughed. “We haven’t yet set a date. But hey, I’m sure that as soon as we do, Will and Paige will finally set their own too.”
“Anyone up for making bets?” Val asked, rubbing her palms together in excitement.
We all followed Lori’s instructions as we took our seats. I was sitting between Val and Reid. I behaved, only shedding a few small tears... right until the vows.
Reid squeezed my hand, wiping at the corner of my eyes. Oh, damn.
“Don’t hold it in, sweet girl,” he murmured.
“It’s just that... weddings are a bit overwhelming. My parents would have loved this. I feel closer to them on wedding days, as if they’re here, watching over us.”
“I know.”
Oh, God. That was why he’d proposed today. I wanted to kiss him right here, right now, but it wouldn’t do. I’d volunteered to hold Carla, who was sleeping peacefully on my right shoulder. Reid glanced at Carla, then at me. There was that look again. It promised we’d start working on having our own nugget very, very soon.
I managed to compose myself by the time the ceremony was over, and it was time for group pictures—now I was smiling from ear to ear. Yup, weddings were emotional roller coasters.
“Oh, girl, how are you going to make it through your own wedding?” Val asked.
“With your help, of course. What’s family for if not to save me from myself?”
We took turns congratulating Jace and Brooke, who were both grinning.
“Congratulations to you too,” Jace said.
“Oh, we don’t want to steal your thunder,” I said quickly, even though I was dying to show off my ring and share every single detail of the proposal. I’d barely kept quiet during the makeup session. But that was a story better left for a Friday dinner. Today, we were celebrating Jace and Brooke. I hugged them both tight but couldn’t monopolize them any longer because there was a long line of guests behind us.
Everything was a whirlwind of activity right until we were officially invited inside the restaurant.
“Oooh, speeches are my favorite part,” I informed Reid when Landon stood up, holding a glass of champagne. Jace had chosen Will as his best man, but he’d asked Landon to be the first to make a speech.
“I just want to say a few words,” he began. “I’ve waited a long time for this day, to see my baby brother in love. Brooke, Jace, I am certain you will have a happy marriage. Embrace all the changes coming your way, enjoy every day next to each other. I think I speak for Val too when I say it’s been a joy to watch everyone in this family find their way in life and their better halves. I think Mom and Dad would be proud of all of us. I’m sure they’re watching us now, smiling, happy that we’re all here.”
And there I went again with the misty eyes. Reid laced his hand with mine between the chairs, squeezing it lightly. I loved him so much. He didn’t let go until all the speeches were over. After Jace and Brooke delighted us with an intricate choreography I wouldn’t have expected my brother to learn, everyone wanted to dance.
I was the first to stand from our table. Reid sighed, making me laugh.
“We’re dancing, Mr. Broody. I’m not taking no for an answer.”
Chuckling, he rose too. The entire family headed to the dance floor. The little ones, Carla and Evelyn, were in their dad’s arms. And I had to say, the girls had moves. Oh, we’d teach the new Connor generation all our tricks. Meddling? Check. Doing whatever it took to keep the family close? Double check. Loving without holding anything back? Hell, yes. We had plenty of wisdom to share when it came to love, loyalty, and life in general.
We danced and laughed the entire night, celebrating the only way we Connors knew how to do things: wholeheartedly.
***
Dear Reader,
This is the end of Hailey and Reid’s story, and of the Connor family series. Please sign up HERE to my newsletter to receive news about upcoming releases and giveaways.
Other books in The Connor Family series:
ANYTHING FOR YOU (Landon & Maddie)
WILD WITH YOU (Lori & Graham)
MEANT FOR YOU (Will & Paige)
ONLY WITH YOU (Valentina & Carter)
FIGHTI
NG FOR YOU (Jace & Brooke)
***
If you want to meet the Bennett family, you can find a link to the series HERE.
They are a fun family, the romances are HOT and SWOONWORTHY. That series is complete, and each book can be read as a standalone.
***
Links to THE ENTIRE BENNETT FAMILY SERIES:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
All other retailers & countries
Links to individual books in the Bennett Family Series:
Book 1: Your Irresistible Love (Sebastian & Ava)
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Audio
All other retailers & countries
Book 2: Your Captivating Love (Logan & Nadine)
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Audio
All other retailers & countries
Book 3: Your Forever Love (Pippa & Eric)
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Audio
All other retailers & countries
Book 4: Your Inescapable Love (Max & Emilia)
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Audio
All other retailers & countries
Book 5: Your Tempting Love (Christopher & Victoria)
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Audio
All other retailers & countries
Book 6: Your Alluring Love (Alice & Nate)
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Audio
All other retailers & countries
Book 7: Your Fierce Love (Blake & Clara)
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Audio
All other retailers & countries
Book 8: Your One True Love (Daniel & Caroline)
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Audio
All other retailers & countries
Book 9: Your Endless Love (Summer & Alex)
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Audio
All other retailers & countries
***
Book 1 in the Series: Your Irresistible Love
Sebastian Bennett is a determined man. It’s the secret behind the business empire he built from scratch. Under his rule, Bennett Enterprises dominates the jewelry industry. Despite being ruthless in his work, family comes first for him, and he’d do anything for his parents and eight siblings—even if they drive him crazy sometimes. . . like when they keep nagging him to get married already.
Sebastian doesn’t believe in love, until he brings in external marketing consultant Ava to oversee the next collection launch. She’s beautiful, funny, and just as stubborn as he is. Not only is he obsessed with her delicious curves, but he also finds himself willing to do anything to make her smile.
He’s determined to have Ava, even if she’s completely off limits.
Ava Lindt has one job to do at Bennett Enterprises: make the next collection launch unforgettable. Daydreaming about the hot CEO is definitely not on her to-do list. Neither is doing said CEO. The consultancy she works for has a strict policy—no fraternizing with clients. She won’t risk her job. Besides, Ava knows better than to trust men with her heart.
But their sizzling chemistry spirals into a deep connection that takes both of them by surprise. Sebastian blows through her defenses one sweet kiss and sinful touch at a time. When Ava’s time as a consultant in his company comes to an end, will Sebastian fight for the woman he loves or will he end up losing her?
AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS. You can find the links HERE.
***
Book 2 in the Series: Your Captivating Love
Logan Bennett knows his priorities. He is loyal to his family and his company. He has no time for love, and no desire for it. Not after a disastrous engagement left him brokenhearted. When Nadine enters his life, she turns everything upside down.
She’s sexy, funny, and utterly captivating. She’s also more stubborn than anyone he’s met...including himself.
Nadine Hawthorne is finally pursuing her dream: opening her own clothing shop. After working so hard to get here, she needs to concentrate on her new business, and can’t afford distractions. Not even if they come in the form of Logan Bennett.
He’s handsome, charming, and doesn’t take no for an answer. After bitter disappointments, Nadine doesn’t believe in love. But being around Logan is addicting. It doesn’t help that Logan’s family is scheming to bring them together at every turn.
Their attraction is sizzling, their connection undeniable. Slowly, Logan wins her over. What starts out as a fling, soon spirals into much more than they are prepared for.
When a mistake threatens to tear them apart, will they have the strength to hold on to each other?
AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS. You can find the links HERE.
***
Book 3 in the Series: Your Forever Love
Eric Callahan is a powerful man, and his sharp business sense has earned him the nickname ‘the shark.’ Yet under the strict façade is a man who loves his daughter and would do anything for her. When he and his daughter move to San Francisco for three months, he has one thing in mind: expanding his business on the West Coast. As a widower, Eric is not looking for love. He focuses on his company, and his daughter.
Until he meets Pippa Bennett. She captivates him from the moment he sets eyes on her, and what starts as unintentional flirting soon spirals into something neither of them can control.
Pippa Bennett knows she should stay away from Eric Callahan. After going through a rough divorce, she doesn’t trust men anymore. But something about Eric just draws her in. He has a body made for sin and a sense of humor that matches hers. Not to mention that seeing how adorable he is with his daughter melts Pippa’s walls one by one.
The chemistry between them is undeniable, but the connection that grows deeper every day that has both of them wondering if love might be within their reach.
When it’s time for Eric and his daughter to head back home, will he give up on the woman who has captured his heart, or will he do everything in his power to remain by her side?
AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS. You can find the links HERE.
***
Book 4 in the series: Your Inescapable Love
Max Bennett is a successful man. His analytical mind has taken his family’s company to the next level. Outside the office, Max transforms from the serious business man into someone who is carefree and fun. Max is happy with his life and doesn’t intend to change it, even though his mother keeps asking for more grandchildren. Max loves being an uncle, and plans to spoil his nieces rotten.
But when a chance encounter reunites him with Emilia, his childhood best friend, he starts questioning everything. The girl he last saw years ago has grown into a sensual woman with a smile he can’t get out of his mind.
Emilia Campbell has a lot on her plate, taking care of her sick grandmother. Still, she faces everything with a positive attitude. When the childhood friend she hero-worshipped steps into her physical therapy clinic, she is over the moon. Max is every bit the troublemaker she remembers, only now he has a body to drool over and a smile to melt her panties. Not that she intends to do the former, or let the latter happen.
They are both determined not to cross the boundaries of friendship...at first. But as they spend more time together, they form an undeniable bond and their flirty banter spirals out of control.
Max knows Emilia is off-limits, but that only makes her all the more tempting. Besides, Max was never one to back away from a challenge.
When their chemistry becomes too much to resist and they inevitably give in to temptation, will they risk losing their friendship or will Max and Emilia find true love?
AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS. You can find the links HERE.
***
Book 5 in the series: Your Tempting Love
Christopher Bennett is a persuasive man. With his magnetic charm and undenia
ble wit, he plays a key role in the international success of his family’s company.
Christopher adores his family, even if they can be too meddling sometimes... like when they attempt to set him up with Victoria, by recommending him to employ her decorating services. Christopher isn’t looking to settle down, but meeting Victoria turns his world upside down. Her laughter is contagious, and her beautiful lips and curves are too tempting.
Victoria Hensley is determined not to fall under Christopher’s spell, even though the man is hotter than sin, and his flirty banter makes her toes curl. But as her client, Christopher is off limits. After her parents’ death, Victoria is focusing on raising her much younger siblings, and she can’t afford any mistakes. . .
But Victoria and Christopher’s chemistry is not just the sparks-flying kind. . .It’s the downright explosive kind. Before she knows it, Christopher is training her brother Lucas for soccer tryouts and reading bedtime stories to her sister Chloe.
Victoria wants to resist him, but Christopher is determined, stubborn, and oh-so-persuasive.
When their attraction and connection both spiral out of control, will they be able to risk it all for a love that is far too tempting?
AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS. You can find the links HERE.
***
Book 6 in the series: Your Alluring Love
Alice Bennett has been holding a torch for her older brother’s best friend, Nate, for more than a decade. He’s a hotshot TV producer who travels the world, never staying in San Francisco for too long. But now he’s in town and just as tempting as ever... with a bossy streak that makes her weak in the knees and a smile that melts her defenses.
As a successful restaurant owner, Alice is happy with her life. She loves her business and her family, yet after watching her siblings find their happy ever after, she can’t help feeling lonely sometimes—but that’s only for her to know.
Nate has always had a soft spot for Alice. Despite considering the Bennetts his family, he never could look at her as just his friend’s little sister. She’s a spitfire, and Nate just can’t stay away. He loves making her laugh... and blush.
