By the time, I got home, Brett was feeding Maddie dinner. Her face lit up when she saw me, and my heart swelled.
“Did you find something?” Brett made the choo-choo sound of a train as he slipped the spoonful of food in Maddie’s mouth, making me smile.
“Yes, my girls and I are all set.”
“Great. My family is thrilled, as are Alex and Tyler. I already called the minister, so we’re good to go.” He wiped Maddie’s hands and stood to kiss me.
I took Brett’s hand. “I’m going to ask Mark to walk me down the aisle.”
“I think that’s a great idea.”
Our wedding day was finally here. Our home was transformed thanks to my mother and a decorator she’d hired. The women were getting ready at Aubrey’s while the guys were here. Even Luca was present—in the form of a life-size cardboard cutout of him and Jenifer Aniston's wax figure. His card had said, I wish we could be there in person. We hope you both have a lifetime of happiness and love. All our best. Love, Luca and Rachel.
“So how are you holding up?” Bentley asked as I attempted to make a perfect knot in my tie for the fifth time.
“I wish she was here. She calms me down, and this fucking tie looks like shit.” I glanced in the mirror and pulled it apart again.
“Brett Chambers, you do not need to use such language.” My mom stood in front of me and tied a perfect Windsor knot in about five seconds flat.
Bentley chuckled, then I heard the rest of the guys join in.
“Sure, you all laugh. Wait until it’s your day,” I said.
Alex put up his hands. “Hey, don’t lump me in with them. I’ve been there, and I know what you’re going through. These other clowns”—he gestured between Mark and Tyler—“they’ll get theirs someday, and Bentley is already engaged, so he can’t say much.”
Mark didn’t say a word, but Tyler shook his head with a sarcastic laugh. “No way, man. This clown is fine without a ringmaster.”
I chuckled. “Sure, that’s what I thought not too long ago. You just wait.” I grinned. “I did tell you that you’d be escorting Lyn down the aisle today, right?”
We all turned and faced Tyler.
My mom shook her head. “Boys, leave him alone, and don’t bring your cousin into this, Brett.” She excused herself and left the room. I’m sure she didn’t want to hear what else we had to say.
Mark looked at Tyler. “Lyn is pretty hot. If I didn’t have Val, I’d offer to be her escort.”
Tyler’s eyes shot daggers at Mark, but when he realized we’d all caught his glare, he shrugged it off. “Hey, your call, man. I’ll take Val for the day.”
All humor left Mark’s face.
“Okay, guys, let’s put our clubs and loincloths away and go wait for the ladies,” Alex said, always the voice of reason, while I checked my tie.
We made our way to the living room, which was now lined with white chairs and a makeshift altar. The minister had arrived, and I made sure he had everything he needed. Then I heard a car door shut, and my heart stopped. My mother made me turn around as she ushered the women through the living room to the kitchen, but not before Aubrey handed a sleeping Jackson to Alex, who brought him to Maddie’s room.
“This is a big day, son. Your mother and I are proud of you.” My father shook my hand.
“Thanks, Dad. I’m pretty proud of myself too. Julie and I will be very fortunate to have the kind of love that you and Mom have.”
Before I knew it, my mom was calling my dad.
He looked at me. “And so it begins.”
Soft music played and my parents took their seats in the front row. My eyes went to the back of the room. Bentley escorted Andi, who was carrying a sleeping Maddie. Julie had bought her a buttercup-yellow dress, and she looked like a ray of sunshine. They sat next to my mom as I nervously waited to see my bride. I took a deep breath as Alex and Tyler made their way down the aisle and took their places next to Bentley.
Val turned the corner and walked toward us, followed by Lyn. I glanced at Tyler. He was staring at Lyn, and I laughed internally. When Aubrey headed our way, I nudged Alex. If his smile was any wider, it would have been touching his ears.
Then the music changed, and so did the beat of my heart. When Julie came into view, tears pricked my eyes. She took slow steps toward me with her arm hooked in Mark’s. The closer she got, the more difficult it was to breathe. Her hair was pulled up, exposing her beautiful neck and shoulders. She never wore a lot of makeup, and today was no exception. She looked like my Julie—beautiful.
As she took her place next to me, Mark gave her a kiss on the cheek and whispered something that made her eyes water as she looked at me. Then he shook my hand. “You’re a fortunate man to be marrying my best friend. Take care of her and make her happy.”
I nodded, and he took a seat. “You’re beautiful, Julie.”
She beamed. “You’re not so bad yourself.”
The minister cleared his throat and smiled. “Let’s begin. We’ve come together to witness the commitment of Brett Chambers and Julie Michaels. Today, they will recite vows they have written to bind their hearts in marriage. This commitment they make in front of family, friends, and God should not be entered into lightly. Life is full of bumps in the road, and at times, love is tested. Brett and Julie have filled this room with you, their family and friends, not only to share their special day, but to know that you’ll be there for them during good times and bad and to help smooth over any bumps that may come their way.” He turned toward me and nodded.
Julie and I faced each other, and I took her hand. “Jules, I can’t believe this day is finally here. When I think back to the first time I saw you, the first time I heard your voice, and our first kiss, I suppose I knew then that you were the one for me. It took me a while to get here, and I can’t thank you enough for standing by my side.” I looked at Maddie, who squeaked to remind us she was in the room. “By our side.”
My eyes filled as I looked at Julie’s face, so full of love. “I promise to hold you when you’re happy, sad, have a bad day, or just want to be in my arms. You are my soul and my reason for breathing. I promise to never make you cry unless it’s in a fit of laughter and to make all of your dreams come true.” I winked, and she bit her lip as her cheeks turned a light shade of red. “There isn’t anyone in this world I’d rather have by my side to grow old with and to raise a family with. You’re my best friend, my Skippy…” I smirked, and she giggled. “Thank you for giving me your heart. I promise I’ll never break it. I’ll hold it, cherish it, and honor it for the rest of my life and beyond. Thank you for picking me to share your life with.”
Julie’s eyes leaked tears as she looked into mine. “Well, that’s not fair that you went first.”
Everyone laughed, and the ladies wiped their eyes.
“You, Brett Chambers, are an incredible man, father, and friend. I too remember the first day we met. I knew then there was something special about you, beyond your striking good looks, and even though I couldn’t pinpoint it, I most certainly can now. When you love, you do so with your entire heart and soul. I promise to love you forever, to hold you when you’re happy, sad, or simply want to be in my arms. I promise to keep you calm when that first boy comes to pick up our daughter.”
His brows lowered, and he shook his head, which made me snicker.
“I’ll do my best to be the best wife, mother, and lover. I know it took us a while to get here and our journey wasn’t an easy one, but we’re stronger because of it, and for that I’m grateful. Thank you for asking me to be your wife. I’ll cherish that title forever and do my best to never let you down. I’ll love you for all eternity.”
I softly said, “Thank you, Jules.”
“We’ll now exchange the rings.” The minister took the rings from Alex. “The wedding band is a circle which has no end, like the love you two have for each other.” He handed mine to Julie and hers to me.
I took her left hand and slid the ring down her
slim finger. “With this ring, I thee wed.”
Julie slid my ring down my finger. “With this ring, I thee wed.”
The minister closed his book and said the words I’d been waiting to hear. “By the power vested in me by the state of New York, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss your bride.”
Her emerald eyes sparkled like diamonds.
I placed my palms on her cheeks and stared at her. “I’m going to kiss you now, Mrs. Chambers.”
She smiled. “I think I’d like that, Mr. Chambers.”
Our lips met, and I savored the moment. I knew I’d always cherish our first kiss as man and wife. When we broke apart, our family and friends cheered. Julie bounced on the balls of her feet. Aubrey handed her the bouquet of white roses—without thorns—which she raised over her head like an Olympic champion.
Before we left the altar, the minister signed our marriage license. I spun my wife around, took Maddie from Andi, and held my family in my arms. I vowed to never let go.
It took about two months for me to plan Julie’s surprise, but tonight was the night. Maddie was having a sleepover at her grandparents’, so we didn’t have to worry about our daughter. I pulled into a small private airfield and parked next to a fairly large building.
“Are we going somewhere?” She looked at me, and fear flashed across her emerald eyes.
If she only knew the places I planned on taking her tonight—and we wouldn’t even leave the ground. I linked our hands together and walked her into the building.
She gasped and covered her mouth with her free hand. “Oh my God, Brett.”
The airplane hangar had been transformed into a romantic rendezvous exactly as I’d wanted it to be. A small square table covered with white and silver linens and decorated with candles glowed in the center of the hangar. A canopy of light blue silk and twinkle lights over the table gave the appearance of a clear sky. Soft music played, adding the perfect touch. The look on her face made me realize this was all I needed.
“Welcome to your dream.” My arms snaked around her middle, and I drew her close to me. “I love you, Julie, and I promised to make all of your dreams come true.”
Her brows lowered as she looked at me, then the light bulb went off. “Oh! My airplane hangar dream.” She leaned back and beamed. “I can’t believe you did all of this.”
We walked toward the table. Her fingers glided along the silver fabric while she looked up and smiled.
I pulled out a chair. “For you, my lady.”
She sat down and giggled. Then she looked to her left and laughed. “What do we have there?” Her eyes narrowed, and she shook her head at the makeshift bed covered in fluffy pillows.
After I finished smiling like a fool, I tossed her a wink. We were served our dinners by Anthony, a waiter I’d hired from the Italian restaurant I’d bought our dinner from. He poured a bit of red wine into my glass, and after I gave him a nod, he filled Julie’s glass and mine.
I held mine up by the stem, and she did the same. “To many more nights of making dreams come true.”
Before she clinked hers against mine, she cleared her throat. “I have something to say. This goes above and beyond anything that I could have dreamt of, and I’m not just talking about what you did to transform this space or the beautiful atmosphere you’ve created. You, Brett, you’re so much more than I ever thought I wanted or needed in my life. I guess you never miss what you don’t have, but now that I have you, I’m so glad I’m not missing out any longer. If I didn’t have you, I know, in the very depths of my soul, that I wouldn’t be complete. You have surpassed any fantasy, thought, or vision I could have ever conjured up, asleep or awake. Thank you for this perfect day. I love you.”
We tapped glasses as I forced myself to breathe. This woman took my breath away, and I couldn’t have agreed with her statement any more if I’d made it. “Buon appetito.”
“Grazie.”
Our dinner was perfect, and after our plates had been cleared, I excused Anthony.
When we were alone, I took my girl’s hand and brought her to her feet. “Dance with me.”
We swayed to the soft instrumental music. My hands went to the small of her back, and she brought hers to my neck. The feeling of her fingers caressing the back of my head combined with the occasional tug on my hair was about to send me over the edge. I cupped her cheeks. Her green eyes caught the twinkling lights perfectly, making them look like emerald stars.
Our lips met. At first our kiss was tender and sweet, but when I felt her tongue glide against my lips, I opened my mouth and gave her access. I was ready to devour my wife. What could be more perfect?
She broke the kiss and lowered herself onto the pillows and blankets. Her body shimmied up the bed, and she pulled a pillow under her head. “You look deep in thought. Care to share?”
I lay down next to her, rolled onto my side, and propped my head up on my hand. “I was thinking how perfect we are for each other and how I never thought I’d meet someone who understood me the way you do. I love how confident and poised you are and, most of all, how understanding you are.”
“That I am. Now stop talking and kiss me. I believe the best part of my dream is still to come.”
She was like a gem in an oyster—you know it’s out there, but it’s hard to find. Julie was my pearl, and now that I had her, I would never let go.
This part of the book is always difficult for me. There are so many people who stand behind me and support me while I stay holed up in my office. I hope I don’t forget anyone and if I do, please know it wasn’t intentional.
First and foremost, I’d like to acknowledge my family. Thank you for putting up with me and my craziness while writing. You three are my world, and I wouldn’t be able to do what I love to do without your love and support. I love you more than anything.
My beta readers, Amanda Wilson, Ann Marie Madden, Julie Deaton, Lauren Collins, Lisa Paul, Virginia Carey and Yamara Martinez, 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.
Thank you to my wonderful friend and awesome author, Ann Marie Madden, for “lending” me Ben Stone from Stone Walls to help Brett. Love you sorella!
Lisa Paul, 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.
My friends who always have my back, thank you for supporting me. Without all of you, I know I wouldn’t be where I am today – losing my mind, so thanks for that! (Just kidding.) You all do so much, and I don’t even think you realize it. Just by telling me you enjoy my writing and my characters makes me happy.
To my “Rockin’ Reader Group”. You ladies are the driving force behind this book. Thank you for believing in me and for pushing for Brett and Julie’s story. I hope you enjoyed it.
Thank you, thank you to Yamara Martinez. You’ve helped me keep my sanity during this journey, although it’s your fault for all my “Brett stress”. I value your friendship and support more than I can say. I think you’re wonderful and I’m honored to call you my friend.
To Jesey Newman at Sassy Savvy Fabulous, PR. Thank you so much for all your assistance and support. I think you rock!
To all the bloggers, thank you for everything that you do. I truly appreciate all your support. I wish I could list all of you, but that would add several more pages! 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.
Special thanks to my editor, Cassie Cox and proofreader, Devon Burke.
Sommer Stein from Perfect Pear Creations, a thank you isn’t enough. You create the most amazing covers. I adore you and I look forward to working with you in the future. I am over the moon for this cover, you’re the best.
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 to 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.
Incumbent: The Prescott Series (Book 1)
Website: www.joanneschwehmbooks.com
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Unexpected Chance (Chance #1)
My Chance (Chance #2)
Ryker
The Critic
Joanne Schwehm is a romance author who was born and raised in Western, NY. She despises being cold, but she warms up either writing or reading sexy romantic books.
Her favorite things are spending time with her family, having fun with her friends, reading, and of course writing.
Joanne is a true romantic at heart and believes everyone deserves romance, modern day fairytales and breathless moments.
Table of Contents
dedication
Part One
chapter 1
chapter 2
chapter 3
chapter 4
chapter 5
chapter 6
chapter 7
chapter 8
chapter 9
Part Two
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
A Heart's Forgiveness Page 27