An American Cinderella: A Royal Love Story
Page 23
As soon as our eyes met, my nerves vanished. This was where I was supposed to be. This was how my story was supposed to go. All the hardship and trials were to get me to this point. I knew there would be more. I knew that our life together would have its challenges and ups and downs, but I was ready.
I was ready because those challenges would be with Henry by my side.
Gus willingly gave me away to the man of my dreams. I could feel my father’s love through him as he gave me one last hug. My mother’s light filled my heart.
The officiant began the ceremony. I recited my lines without fault as I looked at Henry. He grinned like he’d just won the prize of a lifetime when he slid the ring onto my finger and promised to love me for the rest of his life.
The ceremony was a wonderful happy blur. I knew I said the words I wanted, but there was so much joy in Henry’s eyes when he looked at me that it was hard to think of anything else. I nearly missed it when the minister announced that he could kiss the bride.
I didn’t miss the opportunity to kiss him, though.
The bells of the abbey ran out a full peal as we took each other’s hands and walked out of the church as a married couple. The crowd inside the church clapped and cheered, but it was nothing compared to the crowd outside.
Between the bells and the cheering of the people of Paradisa, I couldn’t hear a thing. But, I had Henry’s hand in mine so I didn’t care. We were married.
I was a princess. I was his princess.
We hurried down the ancient stone steps to where a golden carriage sat waiting.
Brightly colored confetti rained down on the two of us as we stepped into the carriage. Four white horses pranced wearing the Paradisian colors, ready to take us into the future. Once we were both inside, they began to walk us down the street.
The crowds roared their approval as we passed.
“Well, my princess wife, are you happy?” Henry asked, taking my hand. He brought it to his lips and kissed my knuckles.
I nodded, my smile bright and only for him.
“Yes,” I replied. “I’m with you.”
Henry’s eyes sparkled with love as he leaned over to kiss me.
“Then we shall both live happily ever after,” he said before pressing his lips to mine.
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A Forever Kind of Love
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“I've wanted this all my life,” he said. “I want you.”
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Carter
Between running a company and a recent attempt on his life, billionaire Carter Williamson doesn't need any more stress. So when a trio of orphan children breaks into the Colorado ranch he's hiding out in, his first instinct is to just let the police handle it. That was before their spunky social worker Mia showed up.
Mia
Mia Amesworth has worked hard to make sure that the Smith kids aren't separated from each other, but she can only do so much. With her own body unable to produce children, the kids are the closest thing to a family she's got. When the handsome ranch owner offers to let the three troublemakers pay for the damages with hard work over the summer, she happily accepts. When he suggests they go on a date, she can't say yes fast enough.
Even though Carter's secret assailant keeps threatening him, he feels like he might be falling for the small town girl. And though Mia knows that a family might not be in the cards for her future, she longs to create a life with Carter.
And then, a miracle happens...
He smiled, then pulled back a little bit. “I do have one last surprise for you this evening,” he said.
He turned and put his hand back in his pocket as if he was going to make a phone call. Mia grabbed his tie and pulled him back in for another kiss, and he pulled his hand out of his pocket. “It'll have to wait,” she whispered into his ear.
“Yes, ma'am,” he said with a smile. She put her hand on his chest and kissed again, feeling his heart rate increase as she became more assertive. This time, she leaned toward him, and as she moved her hands to his sides, she made sure to catch his suit coat and move it off his shoulders, letting it fall to the floor.
Carter's hands moved to the bottom of his shirt, where he began to undo his buttons, all while still kissing Mia. When he got to the top of his shirt, he began to loosen his tie. Again, Mia grabbed his tie and stopped him. “Keep it on,” she said, surprised at her own tone.
He grinned from ear to ear and popped his collar, slipping the tie from the shirt to his skin. Then he took a step back, throwing the shirt off in a dramatic motion. For a moment, Mia marveled at the hard body in front of her. This was clearly a guy who not only rode horses but also spent a ton of time at the gym.
“Wow.” Her mouth watered at the sight of him.
He smiled. Then stepped forward and his hand touched the fabric of her dress, sending shivers through her. “You know, when I saw this dress, all I could think about was how good you'd look in it.” Mia smiled and blushed a little bit. He continued talking. “But now, I'm afraid the only thing I can think about is how good you'll look out of it.”
Mia couldn't help but giggle a little bit. She reached back to unclasp the back, but in a moment his hands were around her, reaching up her back. “Please, allow me,” he said as if he were the perfect gentleman for offering to disrobe her. She felt him deftly release the clasp, as sure of himself as when he uncorked the champagne. He moved the zipper down slowly, agonizingly slowly.
As soon as the zipper was at the bottom of her back, he leaned down and moved his lips to her neck, kissing down to her shoulder. She could feel his stubble against her skin, and it felt incredible. His hands moved to her shoulders, gently moving the straps of the dress.
With a whisper, the dress fell to the floor, leaving her in nothing but her panties. For a moment, she thought about covering herself, but she stopped herself. She knew this was coming and had never felt so comfortable in front of a man. She wanted to be seen by him...
* * *
A Forever Kind of Love
About the Author
New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Krista Lakes is a thirtysomething who recently rediscovered her passion for writing. She is living happily ever after with her Prince Charming. Her first kid just started preschool and she is happy to welcome her second child into her life, continuing her “Happily Ever After“!
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Thank you for supporting an indie author. Anything you can do, whether it be writing a review, or even simply telling a fellow reader that you enjoyed this, helps me out immensely. Thanks!
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Don't forget to join my mailing list as well for updates! (clickable link)
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Also, check out my new Youtube channel for promotional videos, exclusive content, and my smiling face reading my books!
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Krista would love to hear from you! Please contact her at Krista.Lakes@gmail.com, like her, or friend her on Facebook!
Further reading
Kinds of Love
A Forever Kind of Love
A Wonderful Kind of Love
An Endless Kind of Love
A Hopeful Kind of Love (novella)
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Billionaires and Brides
Yours Completely: A Cinderella Love Story
Yours Truly: A Cinderella Love Story
Yours Royally: A Cinderella Love Story
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The "Kisses" series
Saltwater Kisses: A Billionaire Love Story
Kisses From Jack: The Other Side of Saltwater Kisses
Rainwater Kisses: A Billionaire Love Story
Champagne Kisses: A Timeless Love Story
Freshwater Kisses: A Billionaire Love Story
Sandcastle Kisses: A Billionaire Love Story
Hurricane Kisses: A Billionaire Love Story
Barefoot Kisses: A Billionaire Love Story
Sunrise Kisses: A Billionaire Love Story
Waterfall Kisses: A Bil
lionaire Love Story
Island Kisses: A Billionaire Love Story
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Other Novels
I Choose You: A Secret Billionaire Romance
His Every Desire: A Billionaire Seduction
Wolf Six's Salvation: A Shifter Love Story
Burned: A New Adult Love Story
Walking on Sunshine: A Sweet Summer Romance
* * *
Check out my new Youtube channel for promotional videos, exclusive content, and my smiling face reading my books!
* * *
Don't forget to join my mailing list as well for updates! (clickable link)