Beautiful Deep

by Jordyn White

  “Yes, I trust you,” I say, cupping his face, his five o’clock stubble tickling my palms. “I trust everything.”

  Chapter 54

  Rayce

  Six months later

  The grand ballroom has been transformed with draped gold fabric dotted with twinkle lights, and a crowd draped in excitable murmurs. On one end of the ballroom is an artificial stage that has a Renaissance city backdrop that Emma convinced the local theater company to lend for the cause, a professional twenty-piece orchestra off to one side, and an elegant-looking platform and podium on the other. Facing it all are rows and rows of chairs, filled with people waiting for the evening’s most anticipated event.

  The inaugural Grand Gala Annual Fundraiser for the Grant and Sharon Rivers Foundation, spearheaded by Whitney Rivers, has already been a smashing success. Aside from the grandeur of the evening—most of Swan Pointe’s finest are here in their tuxes and gowns—the primary aim of the event has already been met. All the monies raised haven’t been completely tallied just yet, but ticket prices and the silent auction alone put us well over goal.

  Thanks to Whitney’s hard work, there will soon be a new addition to the local women’s shelter, enabling them to more than double their current capacity. Our parents would have been proud.

  I’m in the front row, along with my siblings and their spouses, and Corrine and Mason. Pierce has a place of honor, too. It took a while for him to trust me, but once we made it past that particular hurdle, we were both surprised to discover how well we get along.

  The seat next to Connor—who has fully recovered from his rock climbing accident—is empty since Whitney is currently at the podium introducing the next event.

  She leaves the podium and joins her husband. The lights dim, except for the spotlights directed at the stage. The music starts.

  My heart catches and releases in anticipation of her.

  Emma wouldn’t let me watch her practice. She wanted me to see her return to the stage when she was in costume so I could get the full effect. I told her that nothing could top watching her dance for the first time, wearing only my button-down shirt.

  She gave me a wry look and told me that after all the practice she’s been doing, this had damn well better top it. But she had that glittering spark in her eyes and I could see she was pleased.

  She and Aaron enter the stage from the left and begin to dance, but I have eyes only for her. She’s wearing a luxurious costume that is made all the more beautiful by the woman wearing it. The burgundy velvet bodice is trimmed with elaborate gold embroidery and the white tulle ballerina skirt is trimmed with hand-sewn burgundy accents. Skin-toned ballerina tights conceal her lovely tattoo, but I fully intend to see her in this costume without them. Later. In our bedroom.

  It’s become clear that tattoo or no, my Emma could dance anywhere she chose. Her act of rebellion was not enough for anyone with any sense to turn her down. When the LA Ballet Troupe heard she was doing this performance, they called her up and offered her a position. I can see why. Aaron was right; even among primas, Emma is a rare talent.

  She turned the offer down, though. Instead, she’s starting her own dance company and will be doing things her way. Aaron was the first person she hired.

  When she and Aaron conclude the first segment, she segues smoothly into her pas seul, or solo. It’s an out of body experience, watching her leap and soar, in command not only of every inch of the stage, but of every soul in the room. It’s breathtaking. I barely hear the music. All I see is her, and all I hear is my heartbeat.

  She is an angel sent to me to make me the man I always should’ve been. And all I want is to walk through life with her by my side.

  At the conclusion of the performance, the audience erupts in applause, but I’m the first one on my feet. Her eyes find me immediately, and we beam at one another.

  My heart is pounding in agitation, and not just because of what we just witnessed.

  But because of what comes next.

  Chapter 55

  Emma

  I am awash with the charged energy of a standing ovation. I extend my arm toward Aaron, who’s been waiting in the wings, and he joins me on stage to a fresh swell of applause. We’re both beaming at the crowd. God, I forgot how amazing this moment feels, even more so now that I stand here with a kind of confidence in myself and my body I didn’t have before.

  Rayce was right. I didn’t leave the ballet. I just took a needed break from the stage so I could come back a better person than I was. He’s smiling up at me, chest puffed out with pride, and I swear I can hear his clapping above all the others. I blow him a kiss and the audience twitters with sighs and sounds of approval.

  We end up taking several more bows before the applause finally settles down and the audience takes their seats. Whitney is back to the podium and thanks the “spectacularly talented Aaron Eastham and Emma Swanson”, before excusing Aaron, who elegantly kisses the back of my hand and exits the stage.

  A flutter of panic ripples through my stomach. Have I forgotten something important? Earlier in the evening, I helped Lizzy present the Sharon Rivers Good Heart Award, which is their new foundation’s way of recognizing volunteers who go above and beyond the call of duty. Was there something else I was supposed to do?

  “You’ll notice that your program indicates we’ll be adjourning to the Starlight Room for the cocktail mixer,” Whitney says, addressing the audience. “But before we do...” She tosses a curious grin in my direction. “We’d like to invite Mr. Rayce Rivers back onto the stage.”

  He rises, looking terribly dashing in his fine black tux, and gives me a tender, tentative smile as he climbs the steps. Now I’m really confused. I’m trying to figure out what part of the program I’m forgetting. He already gave a heartfelt, impressive speech before my performance, thanking everyone in attendance for their generosity. What’s left for him to do?

  As he climbs the steps, Whitney reaches into a cabinet below the podium and pulls out a huge bouquet of white roses. How sweet. He’s going to present me with flowers. I just want to kiss this man.

  I smile at him as he takes the flowers from Whitney and walks up to me, all dashing and Rayce-like. My love for him swells and flutters against my chest.

  “You were amazing,” he says in a quiet voice, keeping his praise intimate and special. He places the bouquet in my arm. “I’m so proud of you, sweetheart.” He gives me a kiss on the cheek and I beam up at him.

  “Emma,” he says, now in his normal, steady voice.

  The audience is so still and quiet as they watch us that I know his words are carrying throughout the room.

  Holding my eyes, he continues. “I have long felt that I will never be worthy of you and all the love you give me. But,” he starts to sink to one knee, “I would like to spend the rest of my life trying.”

  The sound of gasps from the audience fills the beautiful room and my shaking fingertips fly to my lips as he pulls a black velvet ring box out of his pocket. He opens it to reveal a stunning diamond ring fit for an American queen, glittering in the stage lights.

  I look at him and whisper, “Oh my god.”

  He smiles and his eyes soften, overflowing with love for me. “From the first moment I saw you, you captured my heart. Your grace, integrity, intelligence, and goodness shines through in everything you say and everything you do. I’m so lucky to have you in my life, and want to spend the rest of my days striving to give you the kind of happiness you deserve. Emma Swanson, will you please do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

  I’m already nodding my head and offering my hand to him. “Yes, yes!”

  He slides the sparkling ring on my finger and I bend over and cup his face in my hand, giving him an eager kiss.

  My future husband.

  Holding our kiss, he slowly rises until he’s the one leaning over me, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me close to him. The sound of the cheering audience fades away and I’m lost in the embrace of the ma
n my heart has been saying yes to all along.

  Epilogue

  From The Voice

  Renowned Resort Owner to Wed Swan Pointe Darling

  by Rita Becker

  The whole town is buzzing about the upcoming nuptials of Mr. Rayce Rivers and his beautiful fiancée, Emma Swanson. Their love story has enchanted the entire city; it seems there’s no one who doesn’t adore the fascinating woman who tamed Swan Pointe’s most sought-after bachelor.

  Since her sudden splash on the Swan Pointe scene, Ms. Swanson has proven herself a valuable member of the community. A former prima for the distinguished LA Ballet Troupe, Ms. Swanson has spoken to local high school students about positive body image while donning trendy outfits that showcase part of her infamous symbolic tattoo, stood by Mr. Rayce Rivers’ side while he delivered the toast at the resort’s traditional New Year’s Eve Gala, and most-recently graced the stage of the Swan Pointe Civic Center in a stunning solo performance benefiting the Swan Pointe Battered Women and Children’s Shelter. These efforts to strengthen the community have been accented by the many endearing sightings of her and Mr. Rivers around town.

  [Click here for photos of the adorable lovebirds.]

  In spite of a public persona that has sometimes come across as impersonal and that was occasionally marred by rumors and scandals, Mr. Rivers’ popularity has reached new heights. His announcement to expand the Rivers Paradise Resort brand to locations in Hawaii and Florida reportedly has investors abuzz, but that isn’t the only thing contributing to his recent meteoric rise.

  It is this reporter’s opinion that his future bride is no small part of Mr. Rivers’ public transformation. It is his clear devotion to her that’s had such a strong effect on his standing within the community. A source close to the couple confirms Ms. Emma Swanson has brought out a softer side of the elder Mr. Rivers. “She’s her own woman,” a source close to the family reports, “and he completely adores her.”

  More from the Rivers Family...

  Did you miss Connor and Whitney’s whirlwind romance? Find out how she captured the heart of this wandering Rivers brother in BEAUTIFUL MINE.

  Let’s not forget the beautiful Rivers sister. When Lizzy crosses paths with “Brett Freaking Carmichael”, the son of her nemesis, she learns there’s more to this heart-stopping single dad than she first believed. Get swept away in their sexy, heartfelt love story, BEAUTIFUL FALL.

  Not to be left out, the Rivers’ beloved cousin Corrine falls for the mysterious Mason Reeves, a man with tragic ties to the family clan. But family secrets aren’t the only things standing in the way of their happily ever after. Experience all the feels of their stunning love affair in BEAUTIFUL DARK.

  Don’t miss discovering a whole new side to Swan Pointe’s intrepid gossip columnist, Rita Becker, when her path collides with Dallas Huntington in BEAUTIFUL LIES.

  Discover Heart of Glass...

  Keep reading for an excerpt from Jordyn White’s secret crush, friends-to-lovers story, Heart of Glass.

  I moved three thousand miles to get away from my best friend, Luke Fraser.

  Gorgeous.

  Funny.

  Intelligent.

  He was the whole package.

  Did I mention he was married?

  I couldn’t take the heartbreak of wanting something I couldn’t have, so I bailed.

  I had convinced myself that I was over him, until he ended up in my town for a six-week art commission.

  One look was all it took for my heart to break all over again. I wasn’t over him. Not one bit.

  But things have changed, and not for the better.

  Recently widowed, Luke is carrying darkness and secrets.

  Everyone tells me to stay away. Even him. He’s a mess. Broken. Incapable of giving me what he says I deserve.

  But regardless of what I deserve, there’s only one thing I need.

  Him.

  Excerpt from Heart of Glass

  Mia

  Such a stunningly beautiful place for one’s heart to be ripped out.

  We’re gathered on the sprawling lawn of the new expansion of the Swan Pointe Botanical Gardens, at a reception hosted by the Rivers Paradise Resort. The area has been set up with high cocktail tables, a full bar, and buffet indicative of the resort’s five-star reputation.

  The highlight of the expansion—for the moment—is a round platform in the middle of the huge pond. The platform’s circumference is about four car lengths. Its base is nothing but cement.

  A blank canvas. Waiting for some magician to come along and make it something worthy of notice. The centerpiece of the entire space. The reason we’re all here.

  The source of my current troubles.

  “There you are,” my sister Cat says, approaching with her fiancé, Marcus. “You didn’t bail after all,”

  “I considered it.” I give first her then Marcus a hug.

  We look like sisters, except instead of keeping her hair dark like mine, she goes for the blonde hair, dark roots look. She has more edge than I do, so it totally works on her.

  The two of them look amazing, actually. He’s in a dark suit, no tie, the top two buttons undone and she’s wearing a red dress with an uneven hem. Such a gorgeous couple.

  Even though they’ve only been back together for six months, Marcus was such a constant presence in our lives when they were first together that it’s easy to feel like he never left.

  Especially because they look at one another with an overflowing love that makes my heart melt, and maybe break a little.

  It made me so happy to see things work out between Cat and Marcus, a couple I’ve always felt were meant to be together. But why can’t I have that for myself?

  “You look beautiful,” Cat says pointedly.

  “Thanks, so do you.” She does, too, as always. “Are you sure this dress doesn’t make things obvious?”

  “Not at all. You’re a beautiful woman at a fancy event. Why wouldn’t you look amazing?”

  Cat insisted I needed to look and feel my best tonight, and I guess I agreed even though there’s literally zero point.

  I’m in a dress we picked out just for the occasion. A mulberry-colored form-fitting gown with two-inch wide straps and a swooping back.

  When we went shopping for it, Cat declared it made me look, “Sexy as fuck.”

  That should have made me put the dress back.

  But it didn’t.

  The dress really isn’t helping me feel any better about things. Because this dress is not going to change the fact that my dating life is a disaster.

  The last guy I went out with, someone I met on a dating app, spent most of the evening talking about his ex-wife. No, make that ranting. It didn’t start out that way, but eventually that’s what it turned into.

  I don’t know her and I don’t know him, and I don’t know what actually happened between them. Maybe she’s as horrible as he said, but he didn’t come off looking too good either.

  The whole thing left a bad taste in my mouth.

  It’s been a week and I’m still miffed about the whole thing, because I haven’t exactly been handling the ups and downs of single life very well recently. I know exactly why, too.

  “Have you seen him yet?” my sister asks.

  Him.

  Both the reason I’m here and the reason I don’t want to be anywhere near here.

  I shake my head. “I haven’t really looked though.”

  “Are you nervous?”

  I take a deep, steadying breath. “Well... yes. But it’ll be fine, right? I mean, it’s been two and a half years since I’ve seen him. It’s been so long, it won’t be like before, right? It should be fine. Right?”

  “Riiight,” Cat says slowly, giving me a knowing look. “Let’s get you a drink.”

  We head to the bar where I get a glass of Chardonnay. Cat is trying to distract me with talk of work—she wants me to meet one of her interior design clients because he’s a potential collector for my gallery.<
br />
  This strategy to divert my attention wasn’t a bad idea. I love my work. And tonight is definitely about work; I have no small list of people I need to connect with while I’m here.

  But right now I can’t focus on any of that because the crowd is starting to quiet and everyone’s attention is being drawn toward the stage. My heartbeat starts to pick up. I know what’s coming.

  I look toward the stage too, and immediately feel I’m hovering above the ground somehow. I grip the delicate sphere of my glass and watch as two men cross the temporary platform set up at the far side of the lawn.

  One of them is our evening’s host, Mr. Rayce Rivers. In addition to being one of the owners of our local, world-renowned resort, he likes to spend exorbitant amounts of money on the arts in his spare time.

  Which leads me to the man next to him. Luke Fraser.

  As I take him in, my pulse stutters and my legs start to tingle. Luke isn’t in the typical suit, like every other man here. He’s in a black dress jacket with a dark maroon collar and maroon pocket square. It’s the kind of thing that’s typical in the New York art scene or maybe the red carpet in Hollywood, but not so much in this central Californian tourist town.

  It makes him stand out. It says he’s something unique and worthy of notice, though I highly doubt he was purposely trying to make that sort of statement.

  Next to him, Mr. Rivers is a commanding presence, as he always is. But Luke holds his own. Maybe I’m already prejudiced because I know him, but it seems to me that he exudes the aura of artistic genius.

  His hair is the same dark brown, shorter on the sides and back, and longer on top. He has a short, neat beard, almost just scruff. He’s strikingly handsome, at least to me. Impossibly gorgeous. Though I’m hopelessly biased.

  Hopeless period.

  Cat’s arm comes around my waist. “See? You’re doing fine.”

  I huff. What a crock. I’m not even trying to hide my reaction to him.

  It’s no different from before, not at all. Because all I want to do is plop down on the grass, rest my chin in my hands, and stare at that man all day. All damned day.