“You’ll see.”
***
“Say again, Felix.” Brock spoke low as he waved through the surprise guests in the lobby. They beamed as they rushed to his side.
“Wait, got something coming in,” Felix murmured. “That’s affirmative.” To Brock, he said, “Just in. Dallas PD nabbed Lyle two miles away at a bus stop, ready to jump on and come here. Got him, boss!”
Relief surged through Brock. It was over. “Mission accomplished.” Wait, it was over. That meant Ash and him were over, too. Something hard and sharp dropped to the pit of his belly.
***
Dizzy from the whirlwind events that just took place, Ashley found herself in tears. Her besties had broken their single’s pact and she couldn’t be happier for them. As for herself, the weight in her chest sat like a cold, hard stone. Dislodging it meant getting over Brock.
“As if!” she muttered, repeating one of Rico’s phrases.
“Last dress,” he cooed, taking her arm and steering her to the makeshift changing area. “Makeup!” he snapped.
“I’m...a mess.” She hiccupped.
“You’re strong. Why, look at all you’ve suffered through. Not to say, I haven’t either, by the way. Surviving the madman taxi driver, being dumped in a deserted parking lot, finding our way out in the dark, dashing to the church—”
“Been there. Done that. Do not want to go back.”
“Ashley, get a grip!”
His stern command brought her to attention.
“Now, you listen to me. You are going out there with your chin up high. You will walk that runaway like the supermodel you are.”
“Or another words, hello, Ashley Moore, this is your wake-up call,” she said, finally coming to life again. “I have a job to complete.”
“Girl, that’s it!”
“Well, Rico, what are we waiting for?”
“That’s what I just said.”
***
A hush fell. The spotlights swung over the packed crowd. Many wore their military uniforms. Civilians were dressed to the nines. The drum roll sounded.
At the back of the stage, Ashley stood. Alone.
Her glittery, silvery fairy-tale wedding dress hugged her in all the right places. The diamond tiara sat atop her newly styled updo. The matching delicate diamond earrings dangled from her earlobes. Lacey had redone her makeup to perfection. And Heather had placed the bouquet of flowers in her shaking hands.
“I’m here for you, girl,” Rico whispered. “Break a leg. Not really, but you know what I mean.”
His words brought a smile to her lips.
“And now, ladies and gentlemen, it is our pleasure to bring you the highlight of our charity event. Please welcome our very own hometown supermodel, Miss Ashley Moore!” The male announcer’s voice boomed.
The lights came together and blasted down on her. A collective gasp burst from the attendees. Wild applause followed.
Tender and bruised on the inside, Ashley walked with as much grace and elegance as her mother had taught her. A twinge of regret rippled through her core at her parents not being there. They would have been so incredibly proud. Mom, Dad, wherever you are, this is for you. For us!
The crowd soared to their feet. Whistles and cheers followed.
She walked to the end, standing in one position as the cameras clicked all around, flashbulbs nearly blinding. Turning slightly, with her hand on her hip and shoulder back, she presented another angle.
As trained, she performed a half turn, showing the audience her back and then another half turn to return to her original position.
Her gaze swept over the front rows, spotting a joyous Charlie and presumably her entire family, celebrating and happiest of all.
Gratitude at what she’d been given washed over her. She’d started her career in Dallas, traveled the world, and now she was back home again. The King’s contract was the first in what she prayed were more to come.
On impulse, she curtsied low, bowing her head.
The audience erupted in a louder bellow of clapping and cheers.
She fought back tears, slowly rising again.
“That’s my girl!” The shrill sound of a whistle cutting the air that followed was unmistakable.
“Dad? Mom?” She found them easily as they came forward and into the arch of light. They were a wonder to see, in their fancy duds and beaming. “How?”
Her mother blew kisses. “Stunning! Love you!”
“Love you, too.” They were the best sight she could have ever seen at the moment. She wished she could hug them close right now.
Jerking her head up, she sought and found the only man who could have possibly arranged this. Brock, strong and solid, stood there.
But, he was supposed to have gone. Far. Away.
Her heart tumbled over and over. He’d given her the sweetest gift of all. “Brock,” she whispered, “you didn’t leave.” Yet.
He’d brought them home to her. Ash lifted her hand and gave him that awkward wave.
The lighting crew trained a beam on him. A ripple of renewed excitement swept over the attendees. He didn’t wince or flinch at the unwanted attention. In fact, he walked to her, the light covering him as he drew near.
She swallowed hard. The butterflies fluttered in her middle as his dark, fathomless eyes held her gaze.
“May I?” He didn’t wait for an answer; he hopped up on stage.
The noise died down. Another hush settled.
“You’re gorgeous.”
Women gasped.
“You do that a lot? Climb things?” Ash pointed to the height of the stage. “You’re so big, yet graceful.”
“The size? Again?”
Giggling, she pressed a hand to her mouth.
Murmurs grew.
“I think they like you,” she teased, still shocked he was there. Looking down at the gown, she said, “Much better than the peachy-orange dress, don’t you think?” Her hands shook more and she gripped the thick bouquet stem tighter.
“I’m staying in Dallas, for some time. There’s this security consulting position for King’s I’m signing up for.”
“Son of a biscuit!” He’s not going?! Hope lurched in her chest.
Drawing near, he halted a few feet away. “Your picture. Yeah, the one I’ve been holding onto for dear life. It got me through my last hellish tour, Ash. You got me through. You’ve occupied so many of my dreams—awake and sleeping ones. I can’t walk away.”
“Why? Duty?” Paying it forward? Or back?
“Uh, she said doodie!” Peg snorted, getting a hearty round of laughter.
“Good one! Such a cutup, Pegster,” Rico cried out.
“Just so you know, they’re with me,” she explained, shrugging. Take me with all of my baggage or not.
“Wouldn’t have it any other way, Ash.” Brock’s mouth tilted up at the corner and she melted.
She put up her hand. “Ah, back one. Why again?”
“My heart won’t let me.”
Hers beat faster. “To protect me, Brock?”
“No, to love you. Now and always.”
A collective ahhhh went up.
“Good answer,” she choked out.
She went to him, meeting him halfway. He scooped her up in his arms and twirled her around. “I, Barrett Rockdale, take you, Ashley Moore, to be the love of my life. Will you be my bride?”
Kissing him, his cheek, his jaw, his lips, was her dream come true.
“I think that’s a yes for the bodyguard and the bride, everyone!” Rico cried out.
A swell of cheers rose, sounding like music to her ears. And that kiss of his—yeah, well, she tingled all over and she’d savor the details for later.
Pulling back, Brock smiled that sexy way of his. His warm, dark eyes, lit from within, captured her stare and trapped the air in her lungs. “What do you say, Ash—ready to get married to me tonight?”
THE END
About The Author
Bestsel
ling author Laurie LeClair writes romantic comedy, contemporary romance, and contemporary women’s fiction. Laurie’s habit of daydreaming has gotten her into a few scrapes and launched her to take up her dream of writing. Finally, she can put all those stories in her head to rest as she brings them to life on the page.
Laurie considers herself a New Texan (New England born and raised and now living in Texas). She lives in Central Texas with her husband, Jim. She loves to hear from readers.
You can contact me at:
www.laurieleclair.com
https://twitter.com/LeClairbooks
https://facebook.com/laurieleclair.75
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Books by Laurie LeClair:
A Very Charming Wedding Series
The Bachelor And The Bride – Book 1
The Boss And The Bride – Book 2
The Bodyguard And The Bride – Book 3
***
Once Upon A Romance Series:
If The Shoe Fits – Book 1
Waking Sleeping Beauty – Book 2
Taming McGruff – Book 3
The Reluctant Beauty – Book 4
Awakened By A Kiss – Book 5
Tangled At First Sight – Book 6
Finding Mr. Just Right – Book 7
Making A Splash – Book 8
Hoodwinked By A Wolfe – Book 9
***
Wanted: Fairy Godmother
***
The Sweet Spot Series:
The Dating Dilemma – Book 1
***
Tempted By A Texan Series:
The Callahans – Prequel
Travis – Book 1
Cassie – Book 2
***
The Heart Series:
Secrets Of The Heart – Book 1
Crimes Of The Heart – Book 2
Lies Of The Heart – Book 3
***
The Bounty Hunter Series:
Murphy’s Law – Book 1
Riley’s Rules – Book 2
***
The Long Journey Home
***
Runaway Wife
***
Sweet Summertime
***
An Angel Mountain Novel:
The Heart Remembers
Table of Contents
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
About The Author
Books by Laurie LeClair:
Table of Contents
Title Page
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
About The Author
Books by Laurie LeClair:
very charming wedding 03 - bodyguard and the bride Page 9