“No, but it is a celebration. Just throw on some clothes, get in the car, and do exactly as my father says.”
“Excuse me?” She’d been in the process of pulling a pair of jeans out of the closet, but she froze.
“My dad is going to take you to a church. There’s a team there waiting for you, to do whatever you’d like. If you want to wear one of the white dresses I bought you, that’s fine. If you want to come in cutoffs and a t-shirt, that’s fine, too. What matters is I need to ask you something, in front of God and everyone we know. Will you come to the church?”
For the first moment since she and Matt had agreed to stay married, Brooke had no clue what was happening. Even when they’d split up, she’d known it was only a matter of time. It was expected. This was not. “Yes.”
She had to know what he wanted to ask her. She was sure of one thing—he wouldn’t gather everyone just to ask her for a divorce.
***
Matt stood at the front of the church in his tuxedo. He’d been waiting a half-hour longer than the longest he’d anticipated. What if Brooke had changed her mind about showing up?
He didn’t care if she didn’t want to wear the dress—would understand it, even. More importantly, he didn’t care what she wore or how she looked. He just wanted her to show up.
He hadn’t heard a peep from either her or his father. The plan had been clear. Bring her to the church, hand her over to the makeup artist, stylists, and seamstress, and then his father would take his place in the church.
Over the last two days, Matt had enlisted the help of nearly everyone he knew to make sure this went off perfectly. All their friends and coworkers had helped plan this and he was so proud they’d be here to help them usher in the best part of their lives.
Matt had brought Brooke’s father here, and he waited by the door to escort her down the aisle. If she said yes, he intended to make sure she got the wedding she’d always dreamed about.
Just when Matt was deciding that maybe he should go check in, see what had gone wrong, the doors opened. Brooke stood in the doorway, the most beautiful woman he’d ever known. She was even more breathtaking than usual, dressed all in white. He’d had several dresses and veils brought for her to choose from and left his mother’s diamond earrings for her to wear.
She’d chosen perfectly. A gown fitted down to below her hips flared out and a veil fell in cascades down her back. She gave him a nervous look then saw her father and smiled at him.
Matt’s father hurried to his seat on the front row. He gave a sheepish shrug when Matt arched an eyebrow at him. His father and Brooke had scared him out of his wits. He’d been a wreck, but she was here now.
The music swelled and her father slowly walked her down the aisle, bringing her closer. Matt tried to remember all the things he wanted to say, wondering if he’d be speechless when the time came.
She stopped and the pastor said, “Who gives this woman away?”
Mr. Monroe said, “I do,” in a querulous voice. When Matt had called and told him what he wanted to do, her father had been thrilled.
Brooke joined him up on the stage. Matt held out his hands and she took them both in hers.
“Why are you doing this, Matt?” She murmured to him so that the room full of guests couldn’t hear her words.
“Because I’m crazy about you. I’ve fallen so in love with you over the last few months.” “Maybe it’d be better if we talked in private.” She gave a pointed look at his father.
He clutched her hands tighter. “He knows everything. I’m not ashamed of how we came together. I’m so grateful for that night, the night I really saw you.”
“Is this for real? It’s not some game to grab power in the company or to keep me in your bed a little longer?” Tears rimmed her eyes.
“It’s completely real, wife. The company will always be there, but I nearly lost you. I couldn’t let that happen. We’re a perfect team and we’ll be one for the rest of our lives if you say yes.” He swallowed around the lump in his throat. She didn’t look convinced. “Will you please marry me again?”
“Does that mean a family, too? Because I want kids.” Her voice shook.
“A boat load, if that’s what you’d like. Just please, marry me—again. Forever this time.”
“Yes.” She placed her lips on his and the room erupted in applause at the kiss.
The pastor went on to perform the wedding ceremony. They both spoke their parts without too much fumbling. He couldn’t stop beaming at his wife.
Matt would forever remember both their wedding days—the day fate had brought them together and the day they had finally found their way to each other, in love, and started their future.
*****
THE END
About Charlize Starr
Hi there, I'm Charlize - a totally shy and quiet gal by day, but a naughty writer by night ;)
I love writing steamy and hot romance short stories. I especially enjoy writing about taboo themes so if that's your thing too, then come and explore my spicy, forbidden world filled with guilty pleasures like lots of steam, hot guys and the occasional and very necessary bag of chocolate chip cookies...
Please check my Amazon author page or check my Facebook page for the latest news and releases.
Selected Other Books by Charlize Starr
Daddy's Wild Friend
He’s always been trouble, with his wild ways and string of girlfriends.
But he’s dad’s best friend and I can’t avoid him.
And do I really want to?
He’s the sexiest man I’ve ever seen.
I can see that he wants me. That he wants to show me how it’s done.
And I’ve grown up.
I want to kiss him under the Mistletoe.
I want to be his date to the Navy Ball.
I want to…
Stop! What am I thinking?
He’s way too hot. And waaay too close to daddy.
There’s no way I’m ending up in his bed.
Except I already have…
And I want more…
Hungry Cowboy
A good girl. A bad cowboy. A dirty secret. Ready to figure this one out?
She used to be like my little sister.
Now her curves make me choke on my beer.
But she’s broke, and I’m the reason.
Not that she knows. It’s my secret.
I’ll make it up to her though.
I’ll offer her a job.
To be the live-in nanny at my ranch.
I’ll win her for me with my cowboy abs.
Seriously, who can resist those?
She’ll be screaming for more before she knows it.
All I need to do is keep my secret from her.
Or she’ll leave.
And I want her to stay.
The Boss's Secret Baby
Money and chicks – that’s all I’m interested in.
And my f-list competition with my buddy.
I always win. Of course I do.
I’m the CEO. And sexy as sin. Who could ever say no to me?
The next target at the top of my list? The new PA I’m gonna hire tomorrow.
She’ll come on a business trip with me.
Oh, and pretend to be my wife.
I’ll show off my fantastic abs and instruct her how to please me.
Her panties will be on the floor before she knows it.
And she’ll want only more.
Did I mention we’ll be sharing a room?
Piece of cake.
Until I see who she is.
Until I find out she has a son.
With green eyes.
My grandmother’s eyes.
Could it be?
The Prince's Virgin
I’m the heir to the throne.
According to custom, I have to pick my bride during a festival.
A festival where women compete for my attention.
Seriously, how outdated.
Besides, all I c
an think about is the girl I’ve been talking to online, anonymously.
The one who disclosed all of her dirty little secrets to me.
She just sent me a new message.
She’s been chosen for the festival.
She has to come.
It’s the law.
Now all I have to do is figure out which of my willing subjects she is.
You know what’s also the law?
She’ll have to spend two whole days and two whole nights with me. It’s the official trial period.
She’s never been touched before.
I’ll claim every inch of her body.
I’ll order her to carry out all of her dirty fantasies.
And then, once the two days are over, I’m gone.
But what if I don’t want to go? What if she’s the one leaving?
Daddy's Billionaire Friend
I know it‘s taboo and wrong.
But I’ve never wanted anything more in my life.
He‘s daddy’s business partner and best friend, for Christ’s sake. He’s much too old for me.
But I’m a virgin. My body craves him like breath or water.
I should save myself for someone that I have a future with. But I need to come.
And when he shows his dominant side, he has me.
But what will he say when I tell him what we’ve made? A baby!
Daddy's Business Friend
He’s forbidden territory.
He’s much older than me. Not to mention my dad’s best friend and ... my boss.
I know I shouldn’t want him, but how much longer can I resist?
All I can think about is his experienced hands, his dark, intense eyes.
He’s known me since I was a little girl. But I’ve grown up, I’m a woman now.
Just once wouldn’t hurt, would it?
Wrong... Here I am, pregnant with his baby.
Have I lost him forever? Or is he man enough to handle the responsibility?
Hungry CEO Page 70