“And the pope can convert you whenever I call him.” Her eyes widened but she didn’t say anything. Perhaps he wasn’t the best at joking. Either way he brought them through a crowd. “Now that you’ve had your ice cream, walk a little more with me.”
“Good idea, as the food here was rich and delicious, like everything I’ve tasted.”
The crowd was on both sides of them and he kept his hand in his pocket so no one noticed the bulge from the box. The people parted and she looked down at various folks sitting on the stairs at a plaza before one of his favorite fountains. She took in in the scenery. “Where are we?”
Bart stood beside her. Tourists were sitting on the stairs that were often featured in movies about this city, and the stairs led to a pretty fountain, one where as a boy he’d wished for his life to be different. With Rebecca, it now was though he only said, “These are the Spanish steps.”
She scanned the white steps as if searching for their meaning. “Why are they called the Spanish steps?”
He took her hand to lead her down the steps as he pointed toward the bottom. “The Spanish embassy was located nearby.”
“Oh.” She still looked confused.
Hopefully soon, he would have more than a girlfriend, so he said, “Come on.”
“Where?” They weaved through the tourists.
His gaze stayed on the secret double suns engraved in the fountain that most people didn’t notice. As a boy he’d spent hours studying this, wondering why there would be two suns and not just one. He'd never quite figured out an answer that suited him. He directed her forward. “Stand right here in front of the Fontana della Barcaccia.”
She watched the fountain spit out water and said, “This is beautiful.”
He smoothed her hair back from her face and took the black box out of his pocket as he said, “So are you, Rebecca James. When we get back to Miami, I’d like to introduce you as more than just my girlfriend.”
She tilted her head. “What do you mean?”
Bart showed her the ring box. “I’m hoping you’ll say yes and we can plan a wedding in the future.”
“Seriously?” Her eyes were wide.
He opened the box and showed her the three-carat, princess cut, eternity diamond ring he’d picked out this morning. “You crashed into my life and I’ve never been the same. I don’t want to be the same. I want you to stay, with me, forever.”
She covered her lips but dropped her hands a moment later as she asked, “So you’re asking?”
He sank down on one knee. “Will you marry me?”
She tugged him up and took the ring, dancing around with a grin. “Yes, yes, yes.”
Bart's arms circled her body and looped around her back pockets. She asked, “What are you doing?”
“Kissing you.” He pulled her closer. Her soft body sent shockwaves through him.
As their lips were a breath apart she asked, “In front of everyone?”
“We’re in Italy. No one cares,” he assured her. “Italians respect amore.”
Then he claimed her lips. She was his. Forever. And now, he’d never let her go.
Epilogue
Rebecca stared at her ring. She sighed. This was too much. She started classes on Monday, but today was so different.
Never once had she imagined planning a wedding or being a bride.
The ring meant all that would change now.
When they stepped into the mansion, for the first time, she took her shoes off and felt at home.
She glanced at the chandelier and sighed.
How did anyone clean something so high above the ground? Did a maid have to whip out a ladder?
Rebecca would find out how this life worked and make it her own.
She’d never once thought she’d end up here. In her search for happily-ever-after, she’d hoped for a good guy.
Now she had that and so much more.
Bart spoke on his phone to Will, the inventor, he’d set up with a lab in Miami but she only half-listened. Before she made it to her room to put her shoes away, the front door rang.
She turned around when Bart opened the door and she heard a squeal. Her oldest friend in the world stormed in with a huge smile on her face as she said, “You’re engaged.”
Rebecca held up her hand.
Bart hugged her as he put his phone in his pocket and said, “Aurelia, I’m not letting Rebecca go, ever again.”
“I understand.” Aurelia winked at her and both of them smiled.
From now, Rebecca had everything she ever wanted and she hoped her friends were all just as happy. Destiny’s wedding was soon, so the only one to worry about now was Aurelia.
She noticed the black skirt her friend wore. Aurelia never wore black skirts unless she traveled. Rebecca had heard countless lectures on fashion and what to wear to events she'd never imagined she’d go to.
“Now where are you off to?”
Aurelia laughed and said, “Now that I've bought out all the stores I used to work for and sit on the board as the new CEO, there is something I need to do.”
Bart led her into the house as staff set out iced lemonade and waters for them as well as some snacks. He asked, “What’s more important than setting up your stores the way you want?”
Aurelia smiled at her brother and said, “It’s a conference, but it is strange going with personal security guards in tow.”
“Safety first,” he reminded her.
Rebecca understood that this life had less freedom.
Now that she lived with Bart, she was surrounded by security and staff at all hours of the day. She used to just live for herself. Now she had other people and opinions when sometimes she just wanted to wear a t-shirt without putting pants on.
It was a trade-off, as the staff made her life easier.
Aurelia said, “Being in the news as the newest heir to the House of Morgan has been overwhelming.”
“I can imagine.” Rebecca truly empathized.
Aurelia flashed a similar grin as Bart's. “But so much fun, when at the last regional meeting I walked out and decided to just buy the company to get the changes I suggested implemented right away.”
Aurelia hugged them both to leave without touching any refreshments. “Peter and Belle have just had their baby. Don’t forget to go and visit.”
Bart gave her a curt nod and said, “Of course.”
“So when is the wedding?” Aurelia asked. “If I need to rush, you need to tell me.”
“No rush,” Rebecca quickly said. She opened the door. “I’m not sure yet. I want to take my time and plan a perfect wedding.”
“I’m excited for you both.” Aurelia waved goodbye.
As they closed the door, Rebecca asked Bart, “Is your family always this dramatic?”
He hugged her as he said, “I think it runs in the blood, yeah.”
And then his lips met hers. She lost track of everything else in the world. Being in his arms was where she belonged and finally, she was right where she'd always dreamed.
She loved him. “So I left my plans for my battery idea in our bedroom.”
“Lead the way.”
“No, we walk together… always.” She looped her arm in his.
If he thought it needed work or was silly, she’d figure out more details while in school. She looked forward to showing him what she'd tweaked in Italy, as the idea came to her over gelato.
Bart opened the door for them and she retrieved the latest sketch. The lady who wrote Harry Potter supposedly wrote her drafts on napkins so hopefully he’d forgive her doodles.
He handed the paper to him and he stood straighter. “What’s this part?”
“As I was watching the pigeons take flight in Rome, I figured this out.” She stood beside him and saw how he pointed toward the internal slates. She hummed and said, “I needed to increase the anti-vibrating brackets because any impact needs to douse the electric charge fast.”
He gave the sketch back. “Contact Will. I wa
nt a working model and for you to get this patented.”
“What?” She put her battery idea down on her dresser. It had been in her dreams, but if Bart thought it was good, then she'd move ahead. right away.
He kissed her cheek and beamed with a smile that intoxicated her. “If you get this working, we not only get to help the world but make a hefty profit for being revolutionary.”
Her heart pounded as her pulse raced. She'd been prepared for him to not like it, but she'd never imagined… this. She swallowed and asked, “You think it’s good?”
He wrapped his arms around her--grounding her. “I loved you before you showed me this, but Rebecca…”
“Yeah?” Her eyebrows lifted.
He twirled her around. “Together we can change the world.”
The battery was the reason she'd signed up for classes. She knew how to fix parts, but the science of why needed more polish. But if Bart loved this idea, then maybe she was onto something.
Working with him would be amazing, but she refused to go fast. She fixed his collar and said, “I just want us to be happy.”
“Me too.” He directed her backwards toward the bed.
Now she truly had everything. A plan and goals and a man who just might be Prince Charming, or her version of one.
Life was good when she went after her dreams.
THE END I hope you enjoyed Bart and Rebecca’s story like I did. The next book in the series, Secret Cowboy is where Catherine Morgan/Jess Taylor, socialite whose not expected to do anything, hides out on Maverick Appleton’s farm to avoid the press, but finds out that a real home takes work, though admitting she’s a Morgan will get her into more trouble. Get your copy Now!
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If you loved Secret Admirer, you’ll love the royal series of a small European country next to Italy in the Princes of Avce romances. The first book, Forbidden Crown is available for free in a modern day retelling of Cinderella where an insurance agent says yes to a Prince’s sudden proposal.
And if you’re looking for a series with some danger and mystery where all the Bentleys must marry women they’ve never met to clear their names in this exciting family drama. The prequel Irresistibly Lost is available for FREE as well!
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Start Reading the House of Morgan Now
Secret Crush
For some, joining the FBI is a long-term goal. For billionaire John Morgan, joining the Bureau is a stepping stone to proving his father is culpable for his sister’s death. After his estranged father dies, John is forced to return home and face the ghosts of his past. But that proves to be more difficult than he ever imagined.
After losing her best friend under inexplicable circumstances, Alice Collins’ world view shifts until her small town sensibilities convinced her to attend Mr. Morgan’s funeral. Soon, the past and the present collide, and Alice is caught in the crosshairs. But when John comes to her aid, it only serves to complicate matters for both of them.
Can a handsome billionaire on a vendetta fall for a small town girl…or does he have something else in mind?
Secret Baby
Victoria thought her baby died. Colt thought Victoria abandoned their daughter at birth. Her father had destroyed them both with a single lie. But will the truth be enough to bring them back together?
To escape her billionaire father’s cruel manipulations, Victoria let everyone believe she was dead. Burdened with a broken heart and the tragic loss of her baby, she felt there was nothing left for her. But her return uncovers an avalanche of secrets and lies, starting with the fact that the child she thought had died is alive…and being raised by the very man who broke her heart.
Ex-Marine Colt Collins has been raising his daughter alone while nursing a burning resentment for the woman who abandoned them both and then died before he could find out why. Determined to move on and make a life for himself, Colt plans to marry and give his daughter the childhood she deserves. But then Victoria Morgan returns from the dead, and he learns that nothing about their past is what it seems.
Victoria wants to claim her child, but Colt isn’t sure he can believe his former lover. After all, it’s her word against a dead man’s. She could say anything is true. Together, they will have to sift through the lies and unravel the truth. But can they learn to trust each other again and find find a happily ever after, or is too late for a second chance at romance?
Secret Bet
One Cocky Billionaire. One former Marine jilted at the alter. And one bet that forces them back together and threatens to tear them apart.
With a history of women sticking around only long enough to win over his money, not earn his love, Peter has learned to keep women at arm’s length. But as much as he plays it smart with romance, he’s still a sucker for a challenge. So when his brother bets that he can’t date the same woman for thirty days, it’s game on. Wooing a woman for one month and then walking away unscathed sounds almost too easy. Until his brother announces who the woman will be.
Former Marine Belle Jordan has lived through the scandal of being jilted at the altar. Ever since, she protects her heart, knowing she can never go through that kind of heartbreak again. Now the brother of the woman who tore her life apart is pursuing her with an intensity that is hard to resist. Her brain warns her to stay away, but her heart wants to trust his seductive words.
Before long, Peter finds that Belle is turning his cynical world on its head and awakening his long-dormant heart. When the truth comes out about the secret bet, Peter fears he may lose the one woman who can look past the dollar signs to see the man behind the throne. But will the realization be too little too later?
Secret Wish
She kept him in the friend zone for years. Now she’s single with a secret…and living in his family home.
With little memory of his mother and a strained relationship with his father, it’s difficult for Dr. Luke Morgan to reconcile between who he is and who he wants to be. But when he returns to the House of Morgan to accept his place in the family, painful secrets come to the surface, leading Luke to believe his family name is the reason behind his niece’s kidnapping.
After months spent rejecting Luke’s advances, one kiss changed everything for Caro Soliz. Now, her world is about to change again. Just like her mother before her, she’s accepted a position as the Morgan family maid. This time, her reunion with Luke leads to a whirlwind romance that puts her dream to become a fashion designer in jeopardy—a loss that could leave her penniless and without a job or a future.
With Luke’s family secrets leading them both on a path to doom, can true love flourish in the face of so many unanswered questions? Or will this spell the second and final end to their whirlwind romance?
Secret Dad
When Elizabeth’s son is kidnapped, the cop called out to help find him doesn’t know he’s the father.
Elizabeth Morgan rejoined the House of Morgan hoping her family’s law enforcement connections might help her get her son back. What she doesn’t expect is that the Miami Dade Police Officer that her entire family depends on is none other than her missing son’s father.
Rafe Soliz doesn’t know what shocks him more: that his one night stand in Vegas is actually a Morgan, or that the kidnapped child he’s helping her track down is actually his son. Either way, he’ll use all of his detective skills to bring the child home and keep Liz safe from whoever is threatening them.
The investigation leads them closer to answers and deeper into their feelings for one another, but in the end, the House of Morgan will always be way above his pay grade. Once the child is found, will things have to go back to the way they were
?
Secret Heir
The last person Mitch Morgan should be attracted to is the corporate raider sent from his half brother’s company.
Tess Taylor already lost everything once. The last thing she needs is another failure. If she can prove successful in Mergers and Acquisitions, she’ll never have to worry about money again. But no amount of hard work has prepared her for Mitch Morgan. He’s the kind of distraction she doesn’t need, and the banker she’s supposed to destroy.
Mitch Morgan III may bear his father’s good looks and his name, but he certainly didn’t inherit his father’s trust. Born the child of a torrid affair, nothing was handed to him, and no one wants him to succeed. When the rep from Morgan Enterprises storms through his door, he knows he’s in for a challenge, but nothing in life prepared him for how hard he falls for Tess.
They were supposed to be bitter enemies. Love wasn’t part of the deal. Now, they’re forced to make a decision neither could have imagined.
Secret Tryst
When the one you're supposed to hate turns out to be the only one you crave...
Damien Morgan learned a long time ago that love was just a figment of someone’s warped imagination and good girls simply didn’t exist. Women, he knew, were master manipulators. Nonetheless, he’s happy to wish his brother well when he decides to take the plunge.
Serenity Hanscom is shocked that she’s been invited to the wedding a year after her sister played matchmaker for the groom and plotted to murder his sister-in-law. Despite the unusual circumstances, Serenity accepts the invitation as an opportunity to mingle with Miami’s elites.
The second she catches sight of Damien, she’s reminded of the horrible events that led to her father’s imprisonment, all because of him. But even though she’s determined to ignore him, she finds herself drawn to him more and more. And that could spell disaster for them both.
Secret Admirer (The House of Morgan Book 13) Page 16
