Tai laughed. “You’re right. When I see something I want, I go after it and I don’t let anything get in my way or stop me. You should try it.”
Meredith rolled her eyes. “Well, you are engaged to Cleo and she’s so in love with you it’s ridiculous.”
Tai smiled complacently. “If you want Asher, then go get him. It’s not that hard or complicated, Meredith. If more people would just be direct and honest about their feelings the world would be a happier place.”
Meredith blew out a breath. “So easy. Step one, step two, step three. But there’s all that rotten fear getting in the way of all those beautiful feelings. And for me, that’s kind of a big hurdle.”
Tai shook his head in exasperation. “You’re going to let fear control your life and steal your happiness? That’s so dumb. Call him up. Right now.”
Meredith shook her head. “The Valentine’s Dance is tonight at The Iron Skillet. He’s busy today. I can’t confront him about everything today of all days.”
Tai looked confused. “It’s the one day a year that we celebrate love. Why ever not?”
Meredith took her last bite and stood up, taking a few bills out of her purse and laying them by her plate. “Because I’m a chicken, that’s why. Are you coming tonight to the dance?”
Tai nodded. “Cleo is insisting. I’ll be there and I hope I see you talking to Asher.”
Meredith smiled sadly. “Don’t count on it. But thanks for the advice and the food.”
She walked back home and took a big nap until it was time to get ready for the dance. She walked over to her closet and flipped through everything, coming back to a simple black dress she’d bought last year when she’d gone shopping in Seattle with Jane. It was to her knees, in a soft velvet material with a simple scoop neck and flowing design. She slipped it over her head and did her hair and makeup as usual. She stared in the mirror and wondered how she could look so good on the outside and feel so bad on the inside.
She drove over to the restaurant and helped Brogan and the waiters and waitresses move the tables back and decorate. She hung so many silver and pink hearts that the restaurant looked like a completely different place. Brogan hung a strobe light from the middle of the room and the sound crew showed up to get the music ready for the DJ they’d hired. Kit, Layla and Jane showed up with the cupcakes and she made a point to speak to everyone, but she was being called in so many directions, she didn’t have much time for conversation.
Rob, Wren, Bailey and Kam along with Taryn were next, making sure the appetizers were ready to go and that the wait staff was fully prepped for the evening. And before she knew it, people began pouring through the doors and the restaurant was filled with laughter, conversation and music. They were keeping things low key tonight. They’d had a lot of games at the Ice Rink, but tonight was meant for dancing, music and romantic conversation. She made it a point to mingle and if anyone looked like they were on their own, or shy or hiding in the corners, she pulled them out and introduced them to people.
For the most part though, everyone looked like they were having a good time. Pule finally showed up and gave her a hug.
“Save a dance for me,” he said and walked off towards the food.
Tristan tapped her on the arm next. “Some girl from your site told me she wanted to meet me tonight. She said she’d be wearing a black dress but everyone is. Even you,” he said grumpily.
Meredith smiled. “She knows what you look like. She’ll find you. Do you have a picture of her? Show me and I’ll keep my eye out for you.”
Tristan pulled out his phone and showed her the picture. Meredith smiled. The girl was blond and pretty in a simple, elegant way. “Cute. As soon as I see her I’ll point her in your direction,” she promised.
Tristan growled and walked away. Meredith sighed. Maybe if she stayed busy enough she wouldn’t think so much or so often of Asher. It seemed like he was the first thing she thought of when she woke up and the last thing she thought of when she went to sleep. He was taking over her mind and she was scared she was becoming obsessed. She had to figure out a way to fix this mess or she was going to lose it and go insane. She either had to jump in with both feet, if he’d have her or walk away. But how could she do that when she loved him?
“You look beautiful tonight.”
Meredith turned around to find Taryn looking at her kindly. “Uh, thanks. So do you. Is that a new outfit?” she asked, noting that Taryn had begun wearing maternity clothes.
Taryn smiled and put a hand on her growing stomach. “A Valentine’s gift from Brogan. He’s such a sweet man. So looks like tonight is going to be another success.”
Meredith smiled and nodded as she glanced around the crowded restaurant. “Looks like it. We have a few clients now from Seattle who are driving down. We’re getting bigger and bigger. We’re looking at expanding to having social mixers in Seattle and Olympia. We’re going to have to hire a few more people soon.”
Taryn nodded and glanced over her shoulder at Brogan. “He loves it. The idea of creating a website that brings people together so they can fall in love is right up his alley. He’s such a romantic. He loves nothing more than seeing people as happy as he is. Speaking of which. How are things with you and Asher?”
Meredith’s eyes went big and she smiled brightly. “Great! Things are great with Asher and me. He should be here soon as a matter of fact.”
Taryn tilted her head and looked at her doubtfully. “BFF’s don’t lie to each other. You should talk to him tonight. It’s silly how you’re ignoring each other.”
Meredith blushed and hugged herself, wishing she was at home watching Netflix with a carton of Ben and Jerry’s. “Yeah, well life doesn’t work out the way we want it to sometimes. Just ask your mom. By the way, how is Anne? I’ve been thinking about her.”
Taryn sighed and looked at her feet for a moment. “She’s surviving. That’s the best word I can come up with. I guess age has nothing to do with passion or love. She’s trying as hard as she can to get over her ex, but it’s been a struggle. She knows he’s no good for her, but her heart doesn’t care. Thank goodness she’s listening to her head on this one.”
Meredith swallowed sickly, wishing she could follow Anne’s example. But like Anne, her heart had a head of its own.
“Tell your mom I said, hi. And thanks…for um, being my friend. I know I’m not the easiest person to be friends with so I’m grateful.”
Taryn’s face softened and she reached over and hugged her quickly. “You and me both.”
Meredith blushed as a smile lit up her face. “Well, I’ve gotta mingle. Have fun, tonight,” she said and knew she meant it. Taryn might be scary, but she’d rather have her for a friend than an enemy any day.
She found her own dark corner and grabbed a plate of appetizers. Since she’d cleared them all out, they were now free for her to hide in. No one would miss her if she took ten minutes to herself. She nibbled on bruschetta as she scanned the crowd, knowing she was looking for Asher and Maya to show up. As soon as they did, she’d have to leave. There was no way she could stand there on Valentine’s Day and watch Asher stare tenderly down into his new girlfriend’s eyes as they danced around the floor. She’d have a breakdown right there if they did. And with her luck, there’d be a news crew there to film it. Or twenty million cell phones which was actually worse.
She heard the beginning chords to Give Me Love by Ed Sheeran and felt her heart twist painfully. Ed Sheeran was her favorite musician and his love songs ripped her heart out these days. This one especially felt like it was written just for her.
She sighed and closed her eyes as she leaned her head back against the wall, wishing she was anywhere but here. The lyrics filtered through her misery and the words pounded through her head and into her heart. Give me love like never before, 'cause lately I've been craving more, and it's been a while but I still feel the same, maybe I should let you go, you know I'll fight my corner, and that tonight I'll call ya.
S
he wiped a tear off her cheek as she opened her eyes. And then suddenly it was Asher’s voice singing and his guitar she was hearing. Meredith gasped and stood up, turning around to see that while she’d been talking and hiding in the corner, Asher had been setting up his guitar. He was singing. He always sang back up with the band, but she’d never heard him sing a solo. His voice was amazing.
She found herself walking towards the stage, pushing past everyone, frantic to see him as he sang. She pushed to the front and he was there, standing alone as he sang Give Me Love. And he was staring right at her. When he got to the pounding middle part where the words, My, my, my, my, oh give me love, were sang over and over again, she could feel the pounding in her heart and she stepped closer as he stared right into her eyes.
She could feel her heart beat faster and the whole world fade into shadow as she stared at the face of the man she loved and then suddenly it was all silly. It was all ridiculous. Her fears about telling him she loved him didn’t matter anymore because what she was feeling was too big to contain. And if she tried, it would suffocate her and she was tired of not breathing and not feeling. She stared into Asher’s face and as soon as the song was over, she rushed into his arms and threw her arms around his neck, holding him tightly.
“I love you,” she whispered in his ear as she held on tight. “I love you more than anything or anyone. I love you so much I’m dying from it.”
Asher pulled back and shook his head. “Live for love. You don’t die for it,” he said and crushed his lips to hers as the sound of clapping and cheering filled the restaurant.
Meredith ignored the sound and clamor and focused on one thing. Asher Murphy. She was never letting go this time.
When Asher pulled back and touched her cheek with his hand he grinned down at her. “I just have one question for you.”
Meredith shook her head and grabbed the microphone out of the stand. “I’m way ahead of you,” she said and turned to face the crowd of curious people still staring at them.
“Everyone? I’d like to make an announcement. This man, Asher Murphy is my boyfriend. We’re in an exclusive, committed relationship and I love him. I love him. I love him. So anyone else who thinks they’re a match for him better think twice. He’s my one and only and there’s no more discussion on the matter,” she said and put the mic back right before Asher pulled her into his arm and kissed her again, and this time, he wasn’t stopping.
She finally pulled back, gasping and laughing as the wolf whistles grew deafening. “Happy Valentine’s Day,” she said, grinning into his bright blue eyes that were glowing with happiness.
Asher stood up straight, his arm still tight around her waist. “It’s the best Valentine’s Day I’ve ever had because you’re finally mine.”
Meredith sighed, feeling joy bubble up inside of her. “I love you, Asher Murphy,” she said one last time, enjoying the way the words felt on her tongue.
Asher’s eyes softened as he brought his nose to the tip of hers. “I love you, Meredith Jensen. But I want more.”
Meredith frowned and glanced at him curiously. “More? What more could you want. I’m all yours, baby.”
Asher shook his head and signaled the DJ to turn the music off. Every head swiveled in their direction as Asher took the mic again.
“As most of you know, we started Your One and Only dating website so that we could help bring people together. Who knew that starting our business would bring us together. Ladies and Gentlemen, it would be my honor to start out our first annual Valentine’s Day Dance with a proposal.”
Meredith watched in shock as Asher knelt down on the floor in front of her and pulled out a black, velvet jeweler’s box.
“Meredith, my one and only, will you be my wife forever?” he asked, his voice cracking with emotion as the entire restaurant went unnaturally quiet, waiting for her response.
She looked helplessly around all the faces staring at her and paused on all of her friends who were grinning at her and giving her the thumb’s up sign. She saw Taryn staring at her and looked at her imploringly, needing advice.
Taryn smiled at her and nodded her head before mouthing the words, Say yes, you idiot.
Meredith laughed and let out a long breath as she turned back to Asher. “Yes, Asher Murphy, I would be the luckiest woman in the world to be your one and only. Yes!” she yelled again for good measure just as Asher pulled her into his arms and kissed her again before slipping a beautiful princess cut diamond ring onto her left hand.
She stared down at the massive stone and looked in shock at her fiancé. “You didn’t rob a bank, did you?” she asked under her breath.
Asher nodded. “Embezzled a few thousand here and there from a few clients but you’re worth it.”
She choked while he laughed at her. “Of course I didn’t rob a bank. You and I happen to be well off now which you’d know if you ever opened up any of the emails I sent you.”
Meredith laughed in relief and shook her head. “Sorry, it was too painful. I thought you’d left me for Maya.”
Asher stared at her as if she was insane. “Maya is a great girl, but you’re the woman I love. You’re the only woman I’ll ever love,” he said softly before kissing her again.
The rest of the evening passed by in a whirl as she spent most of the time eating and kissing Asher in between congratulations from everyone. Garrett and Rayne and Becket and Ivy even showed up so they could celebrate with them. Brogan took over MC duties and she and Asher left the restaurant early. Asher drove them to a look out where they could look out at the moon over the water.
He turned to her in his car and held her hands in his, staring down at his ring on her hand and smiled so sweetly at her she felt her breath catch.
“Our life together starts now, Mer. I promise you, I’ll be the best husband I can be to you. I’ll do everything I can to make you happy and feel safe and loved.”
Meredith smiled and ran her hand through his hair. “And if you don’t, I’ll remind you,” she said smiling at his expression. “But I want to make you the same promise. I know I’m feisty and stubborn but I want you to know that when it comes to you and loving you, I realized something tonight. Nothing is more important. Not my pride, not my plans, nothing. Our relationship is more important than business or money or anything. I love you and I want you to know I’m putting you as priority one in my life. And I’m sorry. I’m sorry I was so confused and messed up for so long. I’ll never keep you at arm’s length again,” she promised.
Asher sighed happily and leaned his head back against the seat. “Remind me to sing to you more often.”
Meredith grinned. “If you’d gotten out your guitar and sang to me months ago, we’d already be married.”
Asher laughed. “Good to know. Good to know.”
They spent the next few hours talking and planning their future. And when Asher dropped her off, late that night at her doorstep, she realized she’d finally be able to plan a wedding.
Her own.
Acknowledgements
As always, thanks to Jessica Guymon and Christina Tarbet. Cover Credits Photo: Wavebreakmedia (Sean Prior) Depositphotos.com Cover Design : Sherry Gammon WordpaintingsUnlimited.com
Biography
I live in Utah with my six children and I’m the author of thirty-three books so far. I also write YA Paranormal Romance under my pen name, Katie Lee O’Guinn. I enjoy the outdoors, reading and being with my children. I’m a huge believer in happy endings. Scarlett really should have been happy with Rhett and it’s a darn shame Leo and Kate didn’t float safely into New York on the Titanic. Don’t even get me started on Romeo and Juliet. To find out the latest on my books, check out my blog at www.shannonguymon.blogspot.com or www.katieleeoguinn.blogspot.com. You can purchase all of my books at www.amazon.com. I’m also a supporter of Operation Underground Railroad. Check out their website here: https://www.ourrescue.org/
Books by Shannon Guymon
The Love and Dessert Trilogy
I Belong With You (Book 2)
My Sweetheart (Book 3)
The Love and Trust Trilogy
Come to Me (Book 1)
Be Mine (Book 2)
Tough Love (Book 3)
The Love and Flowers Trilogy
Falling for Rayne (Book 1)
Dreaming of Ivy (Book 2)
A Passion for Cleo (Book 3)
The Love and Weddings Trilogy
My One and Only (Book 1)
Books by Katie Lee O’Guinn
The Lost Witch Trilogy
Freak of Nature (Book 1)
Blood Rush (Book 2)
Fate Changer (Book 3)
Taming the Wolf Series
Werewolf Dreams (Book 1)
Werewolf Rage (Book 2)
Werewolf Revenge (Book 3)
Werewolf Betrayal (Book 4)
Chasing the Wolf Series
Hunted (Book 1)
Taken (Book 2)
Sneak Peek at Free Fallin’, Book 2 in the Love and Weddings Trilogy – Available now on Amazon
Chapter 1 – The New Girl
Pule Matafeo was not a man to sit back and be told what to do. Unless it was his mom doing the telling. Then yes, he was definitely that man. But Meredith Jensen was not his mother.
“I don’t care if Cleo needs even numbers. I’m not escorting Maya, the amazon goddess, anywhere.”
Meredith closed her eyes and breathed in deeply as she clenched her fists. Pule hid his smile and sat back to enjoy the show. Now that she was engaged to Asher, she’d turned over a new leaf and was trying to work on her patience. It wasn’t going well.
My One and Only: Book 1 in the Love and Weddings Trilogy Page 20