Gripped (Prescott #2)
Page 27
He smiled at me and offered me his arm. “You look beautiful.” When I looped my arm through his, he leaned over to give me a chaste kiss.
I glanced back to see Tina give Katie her flower-girl basket, and when Dane followed my line of sight, he waved to Katie. She gave him a grin and waved back at him as Tina slipped past us to take her seat up front.
My heart was pounding as we walked down the aisle, and when I saw Drake, I couldn’t help but tear up. His eyes were glassy as he did his best to look past me to try to catch a glimpse of Lucy. Dane kissed my hand as we separated at the end of the aisle and we took our places.
About fifty people or so filled the room, all turned in their seats to watch the processional. From what Lucy had told me, most were either Drake’s colleagues or friends of the family. He’d wanted his cousins there, but they couldn’t fly out of Utah because of bad weather in the West.
Next down the aisle was Gretchen, with Jack and Josh flanking her. Drake beamed at his little sister and gave her a wink as she split off from her brothers at the end of the aisle.
Katie walked faster than the rest of us, practically skipping down the aisle as she dropped white and red rose petals. Everyone watching chuckled at her excitement as she took a seat next to Dane’s parents.
The music changed to an instrumental version of “Marry Me” by Train as Lucy and Mason stepped into the doorway. The minister lifted his hand, giving everyone the signal, and the audience stood and turned to watch.
There was no way I wasn’t going to keep my focus on the groom, and I was glad I made that choice. Drake’s eyes leaked silent tears as his bride strode slowly toward him. Lucy was glowing, and her smile never faltered.
The minister welcomed everyone and asked them to take a seat. After a brief homily, he led Drake and Lucy through the exchange of vows, throughout which Gretchen and I sniffled and clutched each other’s hand.
After the bride and groom had exchanged rings, the minister said, “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”
Drake took Lucy’s face between his hands and said, “Finally.” When they kissed, cheers and applause rang out in the room, and I dabbed at the tears that finally fell free.
• • •
Jack’s home was the perfect setting, not only for a wedding but for a reception. After the ceremony, we were ushered into a room I’d never been in before, very spacious with a high ceiling. A band was set up on the far side of the room behind a small dance floor, and round tables set for an elegant dinner filled the rest of the room.
After dinner, the bride and groom mingled, being sure to speak to each of the guests, while waiters passed around champagne.
Dane and I were dancing when he noticed Gretchen sitting by herself at her table.
“She looks sad,” he said, and I glanced over to notice her fingertips were strumming the white linen tablecloth. “We should go see if she’s okay.”
When I nodded, he laced our fingers and we made our way over to her.
“Gretch, are you all right? Where’s Scott?”
She shrugged, then brought her champagne flute to her lips and drained the contents. “No. Scott isn’t here.
Dane dropped my hand and scowled, crossing his arms. “Why? Where is he?”
“He flew out this morning. Something about a work emergency in Michigan.” She motioned for the waiter, who brought her another glass of champagne.
Dane stiffened, but softened his expression. “I’m sorry.”
His sister took another long sip. Her voice was tight as she said, “He told me to pass along his congratulations and to have fun.”
Dane reached for her hand and pulled her up into his arms. “I’m sorry, Gretch.”
I was so happy he didn’t add anything like we told you he was an asshole, even though that must have been what he was thinking. I knew I certainly was.
When they broke apart, she snagged another glass of bubbly from the tray of a different waiter who happened to pass by.
Dane looked at her glass and said lightly, “I think you’ve had enough to drink.”
Gretchen brushed his comment aside and took a sip before saying, “You know what? I think I want to dance.” She wobbled a bit as she set her glass on the table.
When Dane held out his hand, she shook her head. “No, big brother, not with you. With him.” She lifted her chin toward Mason, who was talking to Lucy.
Before either of us could say anything, Gretchen had somehow made her way over to her target. After a brief exchange, they headed for the dance floor.
We watched as Mason smiled and took her into his arms. From what I knew of him from Lucy, he wouldn’t take advantage of Gretchen. Not just because he was a good man, but because he was a smart one.
Dane pulled me close and nuzzled my ear. “Let’s get Katie and head home. I’ve been fantasizing about peeling you out of this dress all night.”
• • •
Once Katie was snuggled in her bed and Cinderella was put back on the shelf, Dane said, “It’s your turn.”
I grinned as we walked into our room. “Do I get a bedtime story too?”
“Of course,” he said, waggling his eyebrows. “Let’s get into bed and I’ll tell it to you.”
I nodded and slid on a nightshirt, which was one of Dane’s T-shirts, and he left his boxers on. We climbed into bed, and heat radiated from him as I tried to steady my heart. Shifting into my favorite position, I nestled my head in the crook of his arm.
“Once upon a time,” he said, adopting the proper fairy-tale-telling tone, “there was a fair maiden who met a gorgeous prince. She didn’t like him at first, but he was determined to have her.”
I let out a breath and crinkled my nose. “A fair maiden?”
“Okay, a hot-as-fuck princess.”
I sucked in a breath and he smirked, playing with the ends of my hair.
“Is that better?” When I didn’t answer, consumed by the heat rising in my cheeks, he said, “May I continue?”
I caught my lip between my teeth before I said, “Yes, I’m sorry. I won’t interrupt again.”
“Thank you. Now, where was I? Oh yeah. He knew when he first saw her that he had to have her, that he needed her in a way he never thought he would need anyone.”
Dane shifted us so we were lying on our sides and facing each other. I rested my head on top of my hands and continued to listen.
His eyes darkened as he scanned my face and said softly, “But he wanted more.”
My eyes narrowed. “More?”
He grinned and placed his index finger over my lips, shushing me. “Yes, he wanted more. This woman was perfect for him. She was great in bed . . .” he said with a wink, and I blushed. “As I was saying, she was his lover and his best friend, and he wanted her to be his wife.”
My eyes filled with tears. Did I hear him correctly?
When he sat up, reached under his pillow, and pulled out a small black box, my entire body began to tremble. I sat up and pulled my feet beneath me, watching as this gorgeous man, the most wonderful man I’d ever met, laid out his heart for me.
“Beverly, there is no one in this world I’d rather spend the rest of my life with.”
He opened the box, and nestled in the white satin inside was a gorgeous ring, a radiant-cut diamond surrounded by small emeralds. With a trembling hand, I covered my mouth, so stunned I simply gazed at him wide-eyed.
“When I saw this ring, it reminded me of your eyes, of how they sparkle when you’re happy, and I want to make them sparkle for the rest of our lives.” As he said the words I never thought I’d hear, I swiped away a tear. “Beverly Whitfield, will you marry me?”
My heartbeat thundering in my ears, I choked out, “Yes, Dane Prescott. I’d love to marry you.”
Our lips met in a sweet kiss. His tongue swept into my mouth, marking me, claiming me, and I wanted nothing more.
When I was completely out of breath, Dane pulled away and looked at me. “I didn
’t finish my story.”
“Oh! That wasn’t the end?”
“No, babe. That’s just the beginning.”
The End
COMING SOON
Charmed: The Prescott Series (Book 3) (Gretchen’s story)
Stiffed: The Prescott Series (Book 4) (Jack’s story)
Matched: The Prescott Series (Book 5) (Josh’s story)
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
There are so many people who stand behind me and support me while I hole up in my office and write. I hope I don’t forget anyone, and if I do, please know it wasn’t intentional.
First and foremost, my family. Thank you for putting up with me and my craziness while I’m writing. You three are my world, and I wouldn’t be able to do what I love without your love and support. I love you more than anything.
My favorite golfer—my husband. Thank you for introducing me to golf. I know I get annoyed sometimes, but that’s just because I want to beat you one day.
To my beta readers Ann Marie, Robin, Lauren, Angel, Lisa, Erin, Carey, and Yamara, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to read for me. Your feedback, comments, suggestions, and more importantly, your honesty, were incredibly helpful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Ann Marie, thank you for always being there and for your honest opinion and advice. Thank you for reading Gripped chapter by chapter. Also, thank you for loving the Prescott men. You truly are my sorella, and I’m so happy to know you.
Lisa, thank you for being my sounding board, but more importantly, for being a great friend! I always know I can count on you, and that means the world to me.
The ladies in FTN, thank you for being there with words of encouragement, making me laugh, being a sounding board, and much more.
Thank you to Kiki Chatfield and the ladies at The Next Step PR. I appreciate your support and guidance. Love you!
To all the bloggers, thank you for all the time you spend supporting authors and reading our stories. You take time out of your personal lives, and I am thankful.
Sommer Stein at Perfect Pear Creative Covers, you never cease to amaze me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for another beautiful cover. I can’t wait for the next one.
Pam Berehulke at Bulletproof Editing. You’re an amazing editor and an even better person. I truly appreciate you from the bottom of my heart. I look forward to working with you again.
Tami at Integrity Formatting, you’re always a pleasure to work with. Thank you for making my book pretty.
My awesome reader group, Joanne’s Book Junkies, thank you for the fun, laughter, chats, and for supporting me. I think you all rock.
Most importantly, I’d like to thank the readers. We all love to read and talk about the books and characters we love, and I am so thankful for all of you. Thank you for taking the time to send supportive messages. Your enthusiasm keeps me going, and there isn’t a thank-you big enough for that. xoxo
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Joanne Schwehm is a wife and mother who loves to write and read romance. She loves watching baseball, especially the New York Yankees, and enjoys playing and watching golf.
Joanne believes everyone should have romance in their lives and hopes her books bring joy and happiness to readers who enjoy modern-day fairy tales and breathless moments.
STAY IN TOUCH
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BOOKS BY JOANNE SCHWEHM
The Chance Series:
Unexpected Chance
My Chance
A Heart’s Forgiveness – A Chance Novel
Standalone Novels:
Ryker
The Critic
The Prescott Series:
Incumbent
Gripped
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
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Coming Soon
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Stay in Touch
Books by Joanne Schwehm