by Donna Alward
He shook his head. “No, the meeting can wait. We’ll break until this afternoon. Come with me so we can talk.”
She followed him down the hall to an office that was as big as her living room and kitchen combined. There was a massive desk on one side of the space, so neat and tidy she wondered if it was just for show. There was also a credenza and a five-foot filing cabinet, all in the same rich wood. In front of the desk was a smaller table with four chairs around it, as if for a small working group.
The other side of the office was made for comfort. There was a sofa, a couple of chairs, a beautiful glass-topped table; a couple of tall plants added some warmth to the space, and there was artwork on the walls. Best of all was the view of the river. She went to the window and stared out. This was such a different world from her own, but she found herself intrigued nonetheless.
“Surprised?” he asked.
“No.” She turned and offered a small smile. “But then, I have no frame of reference, really. Other than, I don’t know, movies.”
He chuckled, and his eyes softened. “God, it’s good to see you.” Her throat tightened, and she was about to respond when he added, “What are you doing here?”
This was the moment to be brave, wasn’t it? She’d come all this way, stepped out of her comfort zone, to be able to say the words she’d rehearsed. And now they were all gone.
His smile faded. “Is there something wrong? Did something happen?”
“Oh, no! Nothing like that. I’m just...now that I’m here I’m not sure how...” She sighed, met his gaze. “You were right, Cole, and I was wrong.”
Lines furrowed his brow. “Wrong about what?”
She took a step forward, her pulse hammering with nerves, her breath short but feeling like she was on a train picking up speed, and no choice but to just go where it led. “About us. About me. You offered me something that I didn’t know how to accept. That I was afraid to accept, because it meant leaving my comfortable, safe life behind.” She ran her fingers through her hair. “Oh, Lord. What was I gonna do? Stay on that island forever, so I never had to put myself out there? How ridiculous.”
He took two strides and took her by the hands. “Not ridiculous. You went through something life-altering, and you sought out comfort. How can I judge you for that when I did the same thing?”
“You did?”
“Sure. What did I do after my dad died? I buried myself in work until I couldn’t hide from things anymore. And I thought I’d come a long way, but then there was you. I’ve never met anyone like you, Brooklyn. And yeah, maybe you were playing it safe, but you also know how to find joy in small things, to appreciate the simple, to value what money can’t buy. You were so good for me, how could I not fall for you?”
The anxiety fluttered away, but her pulse was still racing, this time with hope and anticipation. “Raelynn said that we are similar underneath the obvious differences. I still don’t know how to exist in your world. Maybe I’ll never fit in. But Cole, I want to try. You changed everything this fall. Ever since the robbery, I’ve merely existed. But with you, I felt so alive. So I’m here to say that if you still want to give us a chance, I’m in. You might have to be patient with me, is all.”
His smile grew until he was practically beaming. “You mean that.”
“I got on a plane and braved the big city to find you. Would I have done that if I didn’t mean it?”
“I’m sorry that you’re still afraid—”
She waved him off. “No, don’t be. The truth is, I’m still afraid because I’ve never made myself face it. I couldn’t face so many things. I alienated people. I don’t speak to my siblings enough, or my parents. I hide out on the island saying it’s all nostalgia but it’s not. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do. But that’s not the same thing, is it?”
He shook his head. “It’s not. I love what I do, too. But it’s a lonely thing going it alone. And any time I was with you, everything was brighter. I wasn’t lying, Brooklyn. I fell in love with you.”
“I fell in love with you, too. I was just doing what I always do—be scared. I think I’d like to try something different now.”
He wrapped his arms around her and held her close. “That’s such good news,” he whispered, kissing her hair by her temple. “Oh, Brooklyn, I’ve really missed you these past few weeks.”
“Me, too. I moped around all the time. Tried convincing myself that I’d been right, sending you away. I’m going to be honest. It didn’t take much convincing on Raelynn’s part. She played matchmaker, but I didn’t make it very hard for her.”
“Remind me to give her a raise,” he said, hugging her tightly.
“She and Dan are keeping Marvin while I’m here,” she replied. “You blew into my life with your big real estate offer, but I ended up with two new friends, too.”
Cole leaned back a little and looked into her eyes, then kissed her. A “Welcome home” kiss, a “Thank God you’re here” kiss, an “I love you” kiss. Nothing had ever felt so good, so beautiful, so very right.
And when he let her go, she put her hands on either side of his face and smiled at him, tears gathering at the corners of her eyes. “I want to stop being afraid. I want to make you proud and fit in, but I don’t want to lose myself. You can understand that, right?”
“Of course I can.” He put one of his hands over hers. “I’ll tell you something Jeremy and Bran don’t know. When I had my breakdown, I started seeing a therapist to help me navigate my way out of the darkness. If you’re willing, we can get you some help, too. Your fears are real, sweetheart. But you don’t have to figure it out alone.”
She nodded, so very, very touched, particularly that he’d made himself vulnerable, too. “I did some counseling after the robbery, and it helped, but it wasn’t enough. I’ve always known that, deep down.”
“Then I’ll support you with whatever you need.” He squeezed her fingers. “And that is not contingent on us being together, okay?”
He was such a good person. To think she’d thought him an arrogant billionaire flaunting about in his helicopter. He was so, so much more.
Then he kissed her again. “To be honest, if you hadn’t shown up here, I was going to head back to the island soon. I know I left in a huff. I wanted to try again, to talk, to see if we could find a way through it. But I’m not complaining that you beat me to it.”
He smiled again, then led her to the sofa and they sat. “I think if you’re up to it, you should have a nice visit here for a week or two, and then go back to the island. You’ll be missing Marvin, I’m sure. And I’ll be joining you a week or so after that.”
“You will?” She was thrilled.
“My mother is getting married, and I’ve convinced her to spend a few days with Edward at the house. That is, if you don’t mind me bunking in with you.”
Of course she didn’t mind.
“They’re honeymooning in Nova Scotia in November?” She faked a chill and laughed. “How’d that happen?”
“Oh, don’t be silly. They’re spending a few nights there. Then they’re off to Italy for three weeks.”
“And you’re okay with the new man?”
Cole nodded. “I’ve known him my whole life. It’s a long story, but it explains so much of my childhood. She came to see me, and she really talked to me for the first time. I’m starting to let go of a lot of my resentment. And it made me miss you even more. My parents didn’t have warmth in their marriage, but I feel it every time we’re together. We have something special, Brooklyn.”
“We do,” she answered. “More than I ever dreamed possible.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
FOR THE FIRST time since the island had been settled, there was a wedding on its shores. The May sun was shining, the gulls were calling, and the waves were sending little frothy fingers over the sand as Brooklyn walked barefoot toward Cole, ho
lding a bouquet reminiscent of wildflowers—baby pink roses, marguerites, baby’s breath, purple clover. It was as wild and simple as she was, perfectly suited for an island bride on her wedding day.
He was waiting, in a suit the color of the sand beneath her feet, his brilliant blue eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled at her walking down the “aisle.” Her dress flowed softly around her curves, the silk caressing her skin as the breeze off the ocean fluttered the fabric around her legs. She’d anticipated the wind, so she’d left her hair mostly down in tumbling waves, except for a little from each side pulled back to anchor the frothy veil now billowing behind her.
For a simple look it had cost a fortune, but Cole’s mother had insisted on taking her shopping in New York. She’d invited Brooklyn’s mother along, as well, and while Brooklyn had been apprehensive about it, the two had gotten along just fine.
It seemed that Brooklyn sometimes erected barriers when there were none.
Now she was nearly to Cole, her heart bursting, wondering how on earth she’d got this lucky. Raelynn had preceded her up the aisle in her own dress of blush pink that matched the pale tea roses in their bouquets. Branson was Cole’s best man, while Jeremy had performed usher duties and Dan was in charge of Marvin, who wore a white bow tie for the occasion.
Nearly there now, where the officiant waited. Past Jen and Delilah from the yarn store, past Branson’s new wife, Jessica, who was expecting their first child, past Tori and Jeremy and her family and Cole’s mother and her new husband.
And then she was there, standing beside him, reaching for his hand.
She’d moved her engagement ring to her right hand, and he toyed with it now, turning the stone in his fingers—a whopping two-carat cushion cut with a diamond-encrusted band that had nearly blinded her when he’d opened the box.
And then she met his gaze and was lost. Everything disappeared—the guests, the wind and the gulls and the ocean and there was just him, loving her, and her loving him, and the person in front of them, joining them to each other forever. Her lower lip wobbled as she said her vows; his voice was strong and clear as he made his promises. He slid a wedding band over her finger, and she did the same, pushing the platinum circle over his knuckle until it nested perfectly where it would remain. And then they kissed, and her veil whipped around her head, enveloping them in a curtain of tulle as a cheer went up from the small assembly.
Marvin barked at the commotion, and Brooklyn hadn’t believed until this moment that it was possible to be this happy.
Back at the house, tents were set up and tables were covered with fine white linens and bouquets of flowers matching the one in her hand. A photographer took photos in the gardens and on the staircase in the house, and then they joined the guests who were mingling with cocktails. A delicious aroma rose from a line of chafing dishes; Cole had insisted on bringing his favorite caterer from New York to prepare the feast for the gathering, and even the cocktail hour was nothing short of amazing, with magnificent crab cakes, smoked salmon, asparagus tips wrapped in prosciutto, and a wine list that would grace the finest Michelin-starred establishment.
The dinner to follow was no less perfect, with lobster bisque, filet, and a crème wedding cake with fresh strawberry filling.
And through it all, Cole held his wife’s hand as often as possible. Brooklyn had never felt so adored.
And when the evening descended, Brooklyn changed into a going-away dress. The guests would all remain on the island for the night, comfortably ensconced in the beautiful rooms of the mansion. Meanwhile, Dave and his helicopter flew in to escort them away for their wedding night. He took them back to the site of their last helicopter trip, the tiny Liverpool airport, where a chartered plane waited to take them to Martha’s Vineyard. They’d spend a week there, hidden away from the world.
Brooklyn fell asleep, her head against Cole’s shoulder as they made their way over the dark ocean to their honeymoon site. She woke when they landed and smiled bashfully as he kissed her hair. “Glad you had a refresher,” he whispered. “Our night is just beginning.”
Heat crept up her cheeks, the delicious sort. He was right, of course. But while they’d planned their day to the last detail, she still had one surprise left. A wedding present he was not expecting.
She waited until they were in the suite. Despite the coolness of the evening, Cole had opened the door to the private balcony just a little so that the light curtains ruffled and the scent of the ocean came inside. The room was lovely, all white and china blue, an oasis of calm and relaxation where they could settle into their first married days together. Cole stripped off his tie and his suit jacket, hanging them over a chair. He looked delicious in wrinkled trousers and his white shirt open at the throat. And they’d make the most of the king-size bed, she was sure of it.
As if reading her thoughts, he crossed the room and gathered her in his arms, then kissed her, holding nothing back. When he let her go, she was rather dizzy from it all, and looking forward to the rest of the night. But she put a palm on his chest and willed herself to calm.
“Wait,” she said softly. “I have a wedding gift for you, and I’ve been waiting all day to give it to you when we were alone.”
“Oh?” He waggled his eyebrows. “Tell me it’s some skimpy lingerie under that dress.”
She laughed. “That, too. But this is something else. Something special.” She reached into the pocket of her new carry-on bag and took out a thick envelope.
“What’s this?”
“Open it and find out.”
He sat down on the edge of the bed and slid open the seal. Brooklyn watched as what the papers represented registered, and his gaze darted up to hers. “This is the deed to the house and your land.”
“Now it’s our house and our land. All you have to do is sign.”
He stared at the sheaf of papers again, as if he couldn’t quite believe it. “But Brooklyn, that’s yours. It’s been in your family for generations.”
Oh, the dear man. She went to him and sat beside him on the mattress, and put her hand on his knee. “You silly fool. After today, you’re my family. Now the whole island is back where it belongs. With one owner, one who loves and cherishes it.”
For the past six months she’d discovered the true depths of her love for Cole. There had been moments where she wasn’t sure she could handle city life and the demands that went along with his status, but she’d adjusted. She’d started going to therapy again, too, rather than hiding away and denying her fears. But the island was still their place, where they’d met and fallen in love and the place they loved most of all. It would be a summer home for them, a vacation house and a refuge when they needed time away. And someday, their children would run along the beach and collect driftwood and they’d go out and fish for pollock and mackerel.
“Sweetheart. This is just...thank you. Thank you for trusting me with it, for sharing this with me.”
“I thought we could stay in the big house and Dan and Rae could have the house if they wanted it. Like you originally planned.”
“Are you sure? You have so many memories there. I remember you saying you wouldn’t take two million dollars for the house and land. But here you are just...giving it to me.”
“That’s because I got something much more valuable than two million dollars,” she whispered, snuggling close. “I got your heart. And my love, I can’t put a price on that. It’s worth everything.”
“I love you, Mrs. Abbott.” The letter dropped to the floor as he pulled her into his arms.
“And I love you, Mr. Abbott. Happy wedding day.”
* * *
If you missed the previous stories in the South Shore Billionaires trilogy, look out for
Christmas Baby for the Billionaire
Beauty and the Brooding Billionaire
And if you enjoyed this story, check out these other great reads
from Donna Alward
Summer Escape with the Tycoon
Secret Millionaire for the Surrogate
Best Man for the Wedding Planner
All available now!
Keep reading for an excerpt from Marrying His Runaway Heiress by Therese Beharrie.
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Marrying His Runaway Heiress
by Therese Beharrie
CHAPTER ONE
IF ELENA JOHN hadn’t known better, she’d have thought Micah Williams was simply being thoughtful. But she did know better. He wasn’t being thoughtful; he was trying to charm her. Soften her up.
If they’d met before she would have told him not to bother.
Instead, she climbed into the limousine that had pulled up in front of her house with a resigned sigh. It was as luxurious on the inside as it was on the outside. In one corner a mini-bar packed with her favourite drinks—which couldn’t be a coincidence since her favourite drinks were undeniably strange—and a basket of snacks in another corner. Music streamed through the speakers. Soft, unassuming, bland music no one could find offensive. Then there was the driver, who checked on her constantly, and the flight attendant, who took over from the driver once Elena reached the airport.
The longer she thought about it though, the more she liked the idea of Mr Williams trying to charm her. It wouldn’t work, but the fact that he was trying reminded her of what she’d accomplished. Five years at her newspaper and finally, finally she’d got assigned an important story. A story about a powerful man. Now, the powerful man was trying to nudge her towards writing a good story. She’d shadowed enough journalists, transcribed enough interviews, heard enough stories to know sometimes people did that.