Marienne had been convinced that she wouldn’t be able to sleep but the last minute rush to get to the hotel combined with the stress of the past few days had her so exhausted she didn’t even remember closing her eyes. She awoke to the sound of knocking. It took her a moment to remember where she was.
Blinking she looked at the clock. Who’d be knocking at 8:30 am? No one even knows I’m here. And it had better not be Daniel. She closed one eye and peeked out of the peephole surprised to see a jacketed Hyatt employee. “Room service,” he called through the door.
Room service? She undid the latch and opened the door. “I didn’t order room service.”
“Marienne Valeti?”
“Yes.”
“It was ordered for you, Ma’am. By a Daniel Gardner.”
Her face flushed with warmth as she thought of Daniel. “Oh, okay.”
The waiter carried the tray into the room and set it down on the desk.
“Just a second.” Marienne fumbled through her purse, hoping she had a few singles.
“Don’t worry, Ma’am, my tip’s already been taken care of, and I have a note for you from Mr. Gardner.”
She laughed. “Of course you do. Thank you so much.”
“My pleasure. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
Marienne waited until he’d let himself out of the room before perching on the edge of the ottoman and opening the note. Daniel’s familiar handwriting stared up at her from the piece of Hyatt stationary.
Good morning. I hope you got some sleep. I’ve sent you breakfast because I know you won’t bother to eat otherwise, and I’d like to make sure you don’t pass out while we’re saying our vows. Besides, you’ll need your strength for our wedding night.
I’ll see you later. I’ll be the one wearing the black tux and the deliriously happy grin.
All my love,
Your almost husband
(Daniel, in case you have some other bloke waiting in the wings)
She lifted the lids on the two silver domed plates. One contained pancakes, the other scrambled egg, toast and bacon. A bowl of strawberries and a pot of tea rounded out the meal. Her cheeks ached from smiling so broadly. I’m marrying the sweetest man in the world.
She took a forkful of eggs, sighing with gratitude as she chewed. In the chaos the day before she’d barely eaten anything, even at the rehearsal dinner. Breakfast tasted heavenly.
As she devoured the first strip of bacon, another knock came at the door. He’d better not think that breakfast bought him some pre-wedding time with me.
“Wake up sleeping beauty,” the unmistakable voice called through the door. “Time to make you even more gorgeous.”
Marienne flung the door open. “Dalton, you made it.”
Dalton greeted her with an eye roll from behind his rectangular nerdy-is-the-new-hot eyeglasses. “Honey, how many times do you think I’m going to be asked to give away a beautiful bride? I would have made it if I’d had to walk, which I did not. The trains are running right on schedule.” He kissed her on the cheek before brushing past her into the room, a suitcase, garment bag and makeup kit in tow.
“I’m just glad you’re here.”
“I’m glad you’re eating something. I was afraid all the stress would have whittled you into a toothpick, and your dress would be too big.”
“I wouldn’t be eating if Daniel hadn’t sent this to my room.” She blushed and handed him Daniel’s note.
“I told you from the first day I met him, that one’s a keeper. Not to mention that he’s smoking hot. You don’t mind if I ogle your new husband, right?”
“Not at all. I do it all the time.”
“Proving we both have excellent taste in men. Now finish your breakfast and hop in the shower so we can make you even more breathtaking.”
Dalton’s years of theater had made him an expert at all things beauty related. He worked his magic on Marienne, Ruth, and Ella, and by the time the photographer called saying he was ready for portrait sessions they were each coiffed and styled to absolute perfection.
As promised, Dalton had crafted a miniature tiara style veil for Ella to wear with her flower girl dress. “Mommy, I look like a princess, and you’re the queen.”
With Dalton taking care of her, Marienne felt like a queen—beautiful and carefree in a way she never had before. When Darla called and said she was at the airport and would be there in time, Marienne knew everything was falling into place.
Daniel stood with Christina at the doorway to the room where the ceremony was to be held, greeting guests as they arrived and handing out the wedding cards Marienne had designed. A photo of Daniel, Marienne and Ella graced the front cover and inside were a Hindu saying about love and their favorite e. e. cummings poem. A classical guitarist serenaded everyone with Bach and Vivaldi.
The room was swathed in white fabric, the chairs, the podium, the long tables along the sides of the room. The only color came from the gerbera daisies that accented each row of seats along the aisle and adorned the platform where they’d wed. Rich jewel tones of red, orange and violet. Against the sea of white, they looked like flowers blooming in a snow-covered field.
It’s like a dream.
They’d opted to keep the wedding small and personal. Christina, his closest friend and colleague, was standing up for him. Dalton, who’d been the first of her friends to tell her she and Daniel should be together, would be by her side. That was all they needed. People who loved and believed in them. There was no need for fanfare. No compulsion to follow rules. This wasn’t about pretense; it was about celebrating their love.
“You’ve got to be the calmest groom in the history of weddings,” Christina said.
“I don’t know about calmest, but I may be the happiest.”
“You two deserve a lifetime of happiness. You’re my favorite couple of all time. Including fictional ones.”
“That’s sweet. Spoken like a true English professor. Nice touch.”
“Gotta stick with my strengths. As do you. Do you have your vows written?”
“And memorized. Easiest thing I’ve ever written.”
“Good, because I believe your wedding is about to start. Shall we make our way to the altar?”
“That’s where I promised I’d be.”
Daniel couldn’t keep the smile off his face as he made his way to the front of the gathering. For the first time in his life, he didn’t mind being the center of attention, though all he wanted was to see Marienne making her way down the aisle toward him.
The guitarist began to play Bach’s Wachet Auf, and Ella appeared at the doorway, looking like a porcelain doll, a basket of crimson rose petals clutched in her small-gloved hands. She sprinkled them down the white carpeted aisle, just as they’d practiced, until she got about six feet from Daniel. Then she flung herself at his leg to a chorus of “Awww” from the crowd.
Daniel knelt beside her and hugged her back. “Thank you, sweet girl, you did great. Can you go sit by Grandma now?”
She grinned and nodded. Daniel kissed the side of her head, and she skipped over to sit with Ruth in the first row. As he righted himself, he glanced at the doorway and felt his breath escape him. Marienne stood alongside Dalton looking lovelier than he’d ever seen her. Her dark hair cascaded past her shoulders in gentle waves framing her delicate shoulders. The satiny gown molded every one of her lovely curves as she made her way down the aisle toward him.
Every detail came into sharp focus with each passing step: the fullness of her swaying hips, the slope of her perfect breasts, the porcelain clarity of her skin, the shimmer of her dark round eyes, the swell of her lower lip. Daniel had to stop himself from striding toward her and sweeping her into a kiss. There will be sweeping and carrying….
He stifled a laugh, recalling his IM promise. As much as he wanted to rush to the wedding night, he also wanted to enjoy every second of their ceremony. This was, he knew, the most significant moment in his life, and he didn’t want to miss any of it.
Dalton shook his hand then presented him with Marienne.
“You look beautiful,” he whispered, loving the flush that instantly colored her cheeks.
“You’re not so bad yourself,” she murmured back.
The Justice of the Peace cleared his throat. “We’ve gathered here today to share in the union of two people, two hearts, two lives.”
Daniel’s heart picked up speed as he realized what was about to happen. We’re finally getting married. He’d wanted this for so long he could scarcely breathe, afraid he’d awake and find it had all been nothing more than a delicious dream. His eyes prickled with emotion.
“Daniel,” the judge said. “Would you like to recite your vows?”
“Yes.” He looked into Marienne’s eyes, seeing his love reflected back. “All my life I’ve been searching for something I never thought I’d find. And then I met you. You’ve made me happier than I ever thought I could be. I want to share the rest of my life with you and Ella. You are my future. You are my heart and soul. I promise to love and support you through whatever fate brings us, today, tomorrow and always. I love you more than words could ever express but I plan to spend every day showing you. Will you be my wife?”
Marienne nodded, eyes brimming with tears. “I will.” She took a deep breath and Daniel felt her shudder as he slipped the diamond and gold band onto her finger. “Daniel, you’re the happiness I thought I’d never find. You’re more than I ever dared to hope for. I love you with everything that I am, and nothing would make me happier than to grow old by your side. You’re the most amazing man I’ve ever met. You make me laugh like no one else ever has, and you’re the best friend I’ve ever had. I promise to stand beside you, now and always, no matter what. I love you more with each passing day. Will you be my husband?”
He swallowed hard, hoping his voice would work. “I will.”
She gave his hand a tight squeeze before she slid the gold band onto his finger.
“By the power invested in me by the state of New Jersey I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”
Daniel held Marienne’s gaze, memorizing every nuance of the moment, the love in her eyes, the sweet vanilla scent of her skin, the feel of her hand joined with his. With his other hand, he cupped her face, his thumb stroking the curve of her cheek before he placed his lips on hers. Everything stilled as the world became the microcosm of their joined mouths. In that second Daniel knew that he’d never felt so complete or so alive. Everything he’d ever dreamt of was right there. Marienne. Ella. My wife and daughter. He deepened the kiss, feeling Marienne lean toward him, giving herself to him. There was no room full of people watching, it was only them, together. And nothing else mattered.
The burst of applause startled him. Marienne’s lips curled into a broad smile.
“I love you, Daniel.”
“I love you.”
He wrapped his arm around her waist as they turned and bowed at the roomful of their closest friends.
Ella ran toward them and Daniel scooped her up, his other arm still snuggly around Marienne.
Ella’s eyes were wide and serious as she looked back and forth between them. Her voice was barely a whisper as she asked. “Are we a family now?”
Daniel’s eyes met Marienne’s. Tears now poured freely from them.
She nodded and Daniel said, “Yes, sweet girl. Now and forever.”
The End
Also by Karen Stivali
Straight Contemporary Romance:
Marry Me
Meant to Be
Then, Again
Leave the Lights On
LGBTQ Romance:
The Moments in Time Series:
Moment of Impact
Moment of Truth
Moment of Clarity
Moment of Silence
About Karen Stivali
Karen Stivali’s lifelong fascination with people has led her to careers ranging from hand-drawn animator, to party planner, to marriage and family counselor, but writing has always been her passion. Karen enjoys nothing more than following her characters on their journey toward love. Whether the couples are m/f or m/m, it’s guaranteed that Karen's novels are filled with food, friendship, love, and smoking hot sex—all the best things in life.
When Karen isn’t writing (and often when she is), she can be found on Twitter attempting witty banter and detailing the antics of her fruit-loving cat, BadKitteh. She loves to hear from readers (and other writers), so don't hesitate to contact/follow/like her!
Find Karen here:
@karenstivali
KarenStivaliAuthor
karenstivali.com
[email protected]
Excerpt: Marry Me
Widowed British drummer Ben Davis is convinced he'll never love again, until fashion designer Julia Jones steals his heart.
Chapter One
“Marry me, Julia.”
Julia smirked, trying not to prick herself as she pinned the cuff of Ben’s trousers. “No. Now hold still before I have to redo this.”
He shifted, coming dangerously close to falling off the platform where he stood. “Why not?”
His voice alone was almost enough to make her say yes—crooning and velvety and unmistakably British, her biggest weakness. “How about because we’ve never even been on a date?”
“Is that all?” He let his hands smack against his legs. “Well then have drinks with me.”
“No.” She couldn’t keep the smile from creeping back across her face.
He was unbearably handsome. Over six feet of pure seduction. Long, muscular legs, impossibly slim hips, broad, smooth chest, a face that could have been chiseled out of stone, all topped off with a mop of blond hair that was begging to be touched. This was the third fitting he’d had with her over the past three months—the first two for concerts for his band’s Northeast tour and this one for a photo shoot with GQ. She knew every inch of his perfect body. Well, nearly every inch. Her gaze drifted up toward his crotch, a tempting few inches from her face. A heated flush swept across her cheeks as she realized what she was doing. Jesus, Jules, be a little professional, would you?
“How about a burrito?” he asked.
“What?” The twinkle in his blue-gray eyes was unmistakable. Dammit, he can tell he’s wearing me down.
“I’m in the mood for Mexican. Come with me.”
The way the last words purred out of him almost made her fall over.
A smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “It’s just a burrito. Something smaller, perhaps, if you feel a burrito is too much of a commitment. Maybe just some chips and salsa?”
Say no, say no. “Fine,” she said, unable to control the electricity that zipped through her when he grinned. Heartbreak, here I come.
Ben watched as she placed the pins back into the box and gently draped his newly marked clothing onto her worktable. Her hands slid over the fabric in a way that made him shiver. He rocked back on his heels, waiting for her to finish so they could go.
Her large eyes darted back and forth, scanning the room, and he couldn’t help but wonder if she was trying to think of an excuse to cancel. That was the last thing he wanted. He’d been thinking about her for weeks. He ignored the irregular beating of his heart and sauntered toward her. “Ready?”
He was right in front of her, close enough to smell the delightful scent she always wore—honey mixed with lavender and a hint of something he couldn’t quite identify. Perhaps just her. Her eyelashes fluttered, making his pulse beat double time, then she gazed up at him. Her pupils dilated, leaving the ring of blue around them a shade akin to violet. The porcelain skin of her cheeks pinked and, for the first time, he was certain she wanted him as much as he wanted her. He placed a hand on the curve of her lower back. “Shall we?”
Julia plucked her purse off the swivel chair and looped the handle over her arm. She swayed against his palm, sending tingles throughout his body. What is it about her? He held the door as they m
ade their way onto the dusky Manhattan street. SoHo was his favorite New York neighborhood—picturesque and without all the towering buildings of midtown.
“So,” she said, “where are you taking me?” Her brow furrowed but her lips showed a hint of playfulness.
“Just a few blocks.” He shoved his hands into his jeans pockets to keep from touching her, as he had the distinct impression she might bolt if he tried. The crisp fall air felt refreshing against his overheated body. “It’s right up ahead.” He nodded toward the Cantina sign on the next block.
“Oh, I love that place.” Julia stepped out into the street without looking just as a taxi careened around the corner.
Ben swooped her into his arms, yanking her back to the safety of the curb.
“Oh my God.” The shock registered in her face. “I didn’t even see him coming. Thank you.”
Ben was shaken, both from watching her nearly get run over and from having her in his arms. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”
Her head tilted in response, her eyes drawing him in, the curve of her full lower lip beckoning Instead of pulling away, she leaned forward, going up on her toes and placing a breathless kiss on his cheek. He wanted to pull(draw?) her close, plant his mouth on hers and let his body show her all the things he’d been thinking. Instead, he curled his fingers tighter around her waist and smiled. “Come, I’m starving.”
Ben guided Julia to a small booth at the side of the restaurant. A waitress appeared within seconds, her eyes glued to Ben. Oh brother. Julia had dated a few minor celebrities when she’d first started working fashion shoots. She’d quickly learned it was not her thing. Watching the guy she was with flirt with other women made her nauseous. Ben didn’t give the waitress a second glance.
“Would you like to start with a margarita?” His eyes were focused on Julia’s, making it hard for her to think about anything but their sultry color.
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