Devin’s recently slowed heart rate sped up again. “Yes. How did you know?”
“An anonymous tip to the police never hurt anybody. I also told my brother that if I caught him stealing again, I was going to the police regardless and that they’d probably be more than happy to give me a deal for turning them in. I just couldn’t stand by and let him keep doing what he was doing.”
He closed his eyes and squeezed her tighter. That she would risk danger to get his belongings back only made him love her more. “I don’t know what to say. Thank you, Princess. But, sweetheart, you took a big chance. Your life could have been in jeopardy.”
“After everything he did, it gave me a small measure of pleasure to watch him squirm.”
Devin chuckled and kissed her forehead. “That’s my baby. Where is he now?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t seen him in over six months. I did hear that two of his buddies got caught last year and are serving time. Maybe that woke Greg up.” Vivian lifted her head slightly. “So, where do we go from here, Devin?”
“We can always get married. And I can kick your punk ass brother’s butt if he comes near you,” he answered still lying on his back with his eyes closed.
She shot up. “What?”
He rolled his head in her direction and opened his eyes. “I said we could get married. Let me protect you, sweetheart.”
She shook her head. “No. Not without love. I don’t want to get married just so you can protect me. I can protect myself. I’ve been doing it all these years.”
Devin chuckled and pulled her on top of him. “I’m not asking just so I can protect you. I know you’re fully capable of taking care of yourself. My protection comes with my love. I love you, Vivian Michaels. There will never be another woman for me, no other who will have my heart.” He shifted her off him and onto the bed, rolled of and dropped to one knee. “So, I’ll ask again. Will you marry me, Princess?”
A bright smile bloomed on her face. “Yes, yes!” He rose and she pulled him down on the bed. “I love you, Devin.”
“I love you too, Princess.”
“I have so much to do when I get back home. We have to pick a date, find a place…”
He listened as she excitedly listed all of the things they needed to do and shook his head. Maybe Tony had the right idea. Devin would be calling his buddy first thing in the morning.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
“I’m a miracle worker, if I have to say so myself,” Mariah said, standing behind Vivian.
“I know,” Vivian said. “This is crazy. I still can’t believe I’m doing this. Who plans a wedding in forty-eight hours?”
Mariah laughed. “Apparently you and Devin do. Lucky for you, they had an opening in the gazebo. See, I told you, you and Devin were made for each other.”
She smiled as she held her best friend’s gaze in the mirror and she ran a hand over her wedding gown. “I believe so, too. The fact that it’s Thursday helped.” Vivian and Devin had gone to a local jeweler the morning after he proposed and selected rings. Then she and Mariah had gone on a shopping blitz and found a dress. The moment Vivian laid eyes on it she had known it was perfect. The one-shoulder gown was swathed in a sheath of ruches that hugged her curves. The lacy shoulder strap attached to a low-cut neckline that provided just a hint of cleavage, then the lace continued to wind down to the hip, accentuated by floral beaded appliques.
“You look absolutely beautiful and I’m glad you’re happy.”
“I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my life.” She felt just like a princess getting the fairytale wedding she had always wanted. A knock sounded on the door.
“I’ll get it.” Mariah cracked the door open. “It’s Samantha.” She moved back so Samantha could enter.
“Wow. What a gorgeous dress,” Samantha said, crossing the room to where Vivian stood.
“Thank you. I know this is your honeymoon and I appreciate all your help.”
She waved Vivian off. “Girl, please. It was my pleasure. I hope you don’t mind, but Tony shared some of your family’s history and a special part of the day is having your father walk you down the aisle.”
Emotion gripped Vivian. “My father and I aren’t close, so even if he wasn’t in jail, I’d have no one to do it.”
“Well, if you’re like me, it’s every girl’s dream. I took the liberty of asking my father if he minded performing his duty one more time and he said he’d be honored.”
Her hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, Samantha. I can’t begin to tell you how much this means to me.”
“It’s the least I can do. You and Mariah sacrificed closing your shop for several days to make sure my day was perfect. Also, I’ve enjoyed getting to know you and look forward to continuing our friendship when we get back home. I need a couple of new girlfriends to hang out with.”
Vivian didn’t know what to say. She’d lost one friend and stood to gain another one. “I’d like that.”
“So would I,” Mariah said.
“Dad was preparing to attend the ceremony so he’s already dressed. I’ll go let him know and we’ll be back. Showtime in thirty minutes.” Samantha did a little shimmy out the door.
“Looks like we hit the jackpot with this trip,” Mariah said.
Vivian nodded. “I forgot to tell you Dawn left me a note apologizing. She went back home.”
“She did? I’m surprised. Well, I’m still mad at her, so I don’t know if I’m ready to forgive her just yet.”
“Yeah, I hear you, but I hope I can one day.” She blinked back tears. They fell quiet.
“Okay, okay, this is supposed to be one of the happiest days of your life. No more crying.”
She laughed through her tears. “Lord knows I’ve shed enough tears in the last few days to end the drought.”
Thirty minutes later, on the arm of Mr. Green, Vivian walked out to the same gazebo to meet Devin. Mariah had made her favorite all-white bouquet, but exchanged the white rhinestones for blue ones because Mariah insisted that Vivian have something blue. Mariah had also let Vivian “borrow” her new white sandals adorned with crystals.
“You take my breath away,” Devin said when she reached him.
She gave him a shy smile then focused her attention on the minister.
“I’ve just been informed that Devin would like to recite his own words.”
Her gaze flew to Devin’s. His own words? He’d never said anything about them writing their own vows.
Devin reached for her hand. “My promise to you is simple, Princess—to love and cherish you, to walk beside you and fulfill your every need. No matter what we face, trust and believe that I will be there to protect you. I will pick you up when you fall and lift you higher so you can soar. I will be your lover and your best friend. Your heart will become my heart, and mine yours. I was made to love you and only you until the end of time.”
A fresh sheen of tears misted her eyes as she listened to his impassioned words. The minister nodded her way when Devin finished. Vivian had no idea what to say, but spoke from her heart. “For a long time, I was afraid I’d never have a love so sweet, so amazing. But, you’ve made me a believer and I’m not afraid anymore. I promise to stand by your side through whatever life’s challenges we may face and I will fight for us. You are my lover and my best friend, and I will nurture and protect our love. From this moment on, I promise to love you with all that I am. I’ll be loving you, and only you, for always.”
They exchanged rings and turned to the minister.
“There is nothing left to say except I now pronounce you husband and wife. Devin, you may kiss your bride.”
Devin’s mouth locked on hers before the minister could finish the words. His tongue swept through her mouth, igniting a blaze that had every nerve in her body on fire.
“Damn, Dev. Save some of that for the bedroom,” she heard Tony say.
He finally lifted his head and a wolfish grin spread across his lips, one that needed no interpretation. Vivian�
�s nipples hardened beneath her gown and her clit throbbed.
Devin lay sated next to Vivian after an intense round of lovemaking “I can’t believe you put me on lockdown for the last two days,” he grumbled. After his proposal, she had suggested the two day separation to make their coming together again more special. Not to mention they each had a thousand things to do.
Vivian laughed softly. “You seemed to have made up for lost time. Too bad we only have another day or two to enjoy paradise. I wish we could stay here a while longer.”
“We’re not going home until next Wednesday. My reservation is for two weeks.”
A huge smile formed on her face. “Are you serious? I need to change my flight.”
She made a move to leave the bed, but Devin didn’t release her. “You can change it tomorrow.”
“I guess you’re right.” she said with a giggle. “I’ll have to see if Mariah can run the shop for a few days without me.”
“I’m sure she’ll be fine,” he murmured. He idly stroked her hair while thinking about how surprised his family would be. His mom would initially be upset because she hadn’t been here to witness it, but beyond excited because, in her mind, it meant more grandchildren. Erik, on the other hand, was going to be pissed. Now, all their mother’s matchmaking attention would be focused on him. Devin chuckled.
“What’s so funny?”
“Just thinking about my family and how surprised they’ll be.”
“Oh.”
He heard the note of sadness in her voice. “I know you’re worried about your family. Don’t be.” He planned to deal with her brother on his own terms. Devin dropped a kiss in her hair. “My mother is going to be ecstatic about having another daughter.” He felt her smile against his chest. His cell phone buzzed on the nightstand and he groaned.
“It might be important,” Vivian said, chuckling.
“It better be,” he muttered, reaching for it. He quickly clicked on the button when he saw it was from Janae: I’ve been waiting for an update… Devin rolled his eyes. His heart had nearly jumped into his throat because he thought something was wrong with the baby. “Give me your left hand, Viv.”
“Why?” She sat up and gave him a puzzled look, but did what he asked.
He snapped a picture of their hands showing the wedding bands and sent the text to Janae.
Vivian playfully slapped at his shoulder. “You are so not right, Devin.”
He shrugged. “She asked for an update.” His cell buzzed again and he showed Vivian the message: SCREAMING WITH EXCITEMENT!!! They both laughed. When he finally stopped laughing, he sent a reply: Don’t get too excited. Remember the baby. Oh, and tell Donovan good luck with Miss Ellie, or he’d better hurry up and find his own woman.
Devin tossed the phone on the nightstand and drew Vivian into his arms. He had his woman, his heart. And as he told her earlier, he was made to love only her until the end of time.
The End
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
To My Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me unconditionally.
To my very own hero, Lance Lister, I love you more than you’ll ever know. Thank you for your continued love and unwavering support.
To my beautiful daughters, Brandi, Maia and Riana, I love you. You make me proud to be your mom.
To my family and friends, thank you for your love, encouragement and support.
A special thank you to florist, Cathy Hodel, for answering my questions about flowers, and for always knowing what arrangements I want, even before I ask.
A very special thank you to my agent, Sarah E. Younger and Natanya Wheeler. I appreciate you more than words can say.
DEAR READER
Dear Reader,
You met Devin Simms in my debut novel, Just To Be With You, as one of the heroine’s overprotective brothers. He and Vivian Michaels mad a cameo appearance at the end, but a lot has transpired over the past two years to tear them apart. When they end up on the beautiful island of Jamaica at the same time, sparks fly.
Both find it hard to resist the call of love, but who doesn’t? Vivian has gone through great lengths to protect Devin and herself, but the one thing she can’t protect is her heart from the truth. It was a joy to watch these two find their way back to each other, and I hope you enjoy their journey as much as I did.
Up next is my September 2015 Kimani title, It’s Only You. I’ve included an excerpt at the end of this book, as well as those of my other titles.
I always enjoy hearing from readers, so drop me a line at [email protected]. You can also find me at the following:
Website: www.sheryllister.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheryllisterauthor
Twitter: @1slynne
Until next time, love and blessings!
Sheryl
IT’S ONLY YOU Excerpt
Chapter 1
“Simona, Dr. Harris has been looking for you.”
Simona Andrews barely stifled an eye roll. She had been on her feet for ten hours in the hospital’s emergency room and was too tired to deal with Dr. Harris’ antics tonight. “Why? There are several other nurses on duty.”
“True, but you’re the only one on tonight with pediatric experience,” the other nurse answered.
“Where is he?”
“Exam room four.”
“Thanks,” Simona called over her shoulder, increasing her pace. She hoped the good doctor really had a patient this time. Then she heard the crying—well, screaming actually—from two doors away.
“Thank God,” Dr. Harris muttered when he looked up and saw her enter. “Ms. Andrews, Thomas here is a victim of little brother syndrome.”
He placed a subtle hand on her back, and she immediately moved out of his reach. “Hi, Thomas.”
The doctor quickly explained that the child’s mother had brought the two year-old into the hospital’s emergency room when he wouldn’t stop crying and couldn’t move his right arm. Further questioning revealed that the woman’s teenaged son had been swinging Thomas around in circles by his wrists, resulting in Thomas’ right shoulder dislocating.
Simona moved closer to the table where Thomas sat crying, shaking his head and clinging to his mother. She knew the doctor could easily maneuver the joint back into place, but not without some pain to the child. She produced a small stuffed tiger from her pocket and extended it to him. He stared at it for a lengthy moment then reached out to touch it. Gradually, his tears stopped.
“Does your arm hurt?” she asked softly.
He nodded, and his lip began quivering again.
She pointed to the tiger. “That’s why I brought you my special friend. I think his name is the same as yours—Thomas the Tiger—and he helps little boys be brave when they get hurt. Would you like to hold him?”
He looked down at the tiger then back up at her as if trying to decide whether Simona was telling the truth. Finally he nodded again and took it from her outstretched hand.
Simona smiled. “Now, Dr. Harris is going to fix your arm, but it might hurt a little, so Thomas the Tiger is going to stay right in your arms to help you be brave. Is that okay?”
He glanced at the doctor, back to Simona and then laid his head against his mother.
She caught the doctor’s eye, and he maneuvered closer to the little boy’s injured shoulder. While she told Thomas stories of the tiger’s adventures with other little children, Dr. Harris worked quickly. Thomas winced and let out a small whimper, but by then the doctor had finished and stepped back.
“Wow, Thomas. You did a great job,” Simona praised. “You didn’t even cry.”
He gave her a shy smile.
“You’re such a big boy,” his mother said, kissing his forehead. “Thank you, doctor.”
“No problem, Mrs. Peters.” He gave her some precautions and patted Thomas on the knee.
“And thank you, Ms. Andrews. I don’t think my baby would’ve let the doctor touch him if you hadn’t been here. You even calmed me down,” M
rs. Peters added with a chuckle.
Simona smiled and gently stroked Thomas’ back. “You’re welcome. Take care, Thomas and no more human airplanes.” He reached for Simona, catching her off guard, and she hugged the toddler.
His mother stared. “I can’t believe it. He never goes to strangers. You must be a baby whisperer, Ms. Andrews.”
“I’ve said the same thing,” Dr. Harris murmured.
Ignoring the doctor, she laughed. “I don’t know about that, Mrs. Peters, but I love children.”
“Do you have any children of your own?”
“No. But I’m a proud aunt.”
“Well, you’re going to make a terrific mother someday.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” the doctor chimed in with a gleam in his eyes that went well beyond professional.
She sent a warning look his way, then turned back. “Thank you, Mrs. Peters. Let me show you to the discharge area.”
Dr. Harris chuckled. “Have a good evening, Mrs. Peters, and take care, Thomas.”
Glaring at him over her shoulder, Simona ushered Mrs. Peters out before she could ask any more personal questions.
“Is my son going to be okay?” the woman asked nervously as they walked out.
She smiled reassuringly. “Your son will be fine, Mrs. Peters, but please make sure you tell your other children not to swing Thomas by his arms. As the doctor said, at this age his joints have not completely developed and it’s easy for them to slip out.”
“Thank you, I will. Believe me, if I see one of them so much as tug on Thomas’s arm, they’re going to be the ones in the emergency room.” She shook her head. “I’ve told them over and over to quit swinging him around. Wait until I get home,” she fussed. She cradled Thomas against her shoulder and stroked his back lovingly while avoiding his injured side.
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