“The problem is, my earlier deal stands,” he said.
“You had a deal with my father?” What secret angle had she missed? She braced herself for what he was about to reveal.
“My deal was with you.”
She didn’t respond. He was talking in riddles.
“Vegas,” he continued. “The deal was that I’d keep you safe from Gerhard by marrying you in Vegas.”
“Is that a joke?”
“But I don’t think I presented it right,” he said.
She was growing more confused by the minute. “It was pretty straightforward.”
They got married and foiled Vern’s plan.
“No.” Jackson shook his head, taking a step forward to bring them close together. “It wasn’t straightforward at all. What I should have said back then was I love you, Crista Corday. Will you marry me and spend the rest of our lives together? Let’s do it in Vegas, because I can’t wait another second for you to be my wife.”
His face went blurry in front of her and she blinked, realizing her eyes had teared up.
“What did you say?” she rasped. “You’re not playing me?”
“I’m not playing you.” He cradled her face with his palms. “I’ve never been more serious in my life.”
“Because—” Her voice broke. “Because I couldn’t take it if you were. Money I can lose.”
“Trust in this, Crista. I love you with all my heart.”
He kissed her, and joy sang through her chest. It was long minutes before he broke the kiss.
“I love you,” she answered, breathless. “And I’ll marry you in Vegas or anywhere else you want.”
His arms went around her, and she hung on tight.
“You love me?” he asked.
“More than that. I trust you. I trust you with my heart, my soul and my life.”
There was laughter in his voice. “And the diamonds, because the diamonds are very real.”
“The diamonds aren’t real.” How many times did she have to say it?
“Maybe you’ll believe it when you start turning them into jewelry designs.”
“Maybe.” If diamonds showed up in her workshop, she’d concede they were real.
“In the meantime, my friend Tuck is waiting at the airport with his jet.”
“Oh, right. Your friend Tuck who has a jet.”
“I told him he could be the best man.”
“And you brought Ellie for maid of honor?”
“I brought Ellie. Though I don’t know what you’ll do for dresses and flowers.”
“They have stores in Vegas.”
“That they do. I’m sure we can find anything our hearts desire in Vegas.”
She burrowed against his shoulder, drinking in the solid warmth of his body. “The only thing my heart desires is you.”
He rocked her back and forth. “I am so monumentally glad to hear that.”
The motel room door opened.
“Are we going to Vegas?” asked Ellie.
Crista grinned. “We’re going to Vegas.”
“Bachelorette at the Lion Lounge,” Ellie sang.
“You’ll have maybe an hour before the wedding,” said Jackson. “I’d suggest you spend it shopping.”
“You will need a dress.” Ellie sounded disappointed.
“So will you,” said Mac, his arm going around Ellie. “Something slinky. I’ve always had a thing for bridesmaids.”
“Too much information,” said Jackson.
Mac just grinned.
“I hope you have a thing for brides,” Crista whispered to Jackson.
“I have a thing for one particular bride,” he whispered back. “From the first second I saw her, I knew she had to be mine.”
“But this time,” she said, smiling up at him. “It’ll be my dress. My wedding. But with you, Jackson. Forever.”
* * * * *
Pick all the books in the CHICAGO SONS series from New York Times bestselling author Barbara Dunlop.
Men who work hard, love harder, and live with their fathers’ legacies…
SEX, LIES AND THE CEO
SEDUCED BY THE CEO
A BARGAIN WITH THE BOSS
HIS STOLEN BRIDE
Available now from Harlequin Desire!
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ISBN-13: 9781488001840
His Stolen Bride
Copyright © 2016 by Barbara Dunlop
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His Stolen Bride (Chicago Sons) Page 19