The clincher: it had a red carpet.
Scott Warren had worked his magic on her behalf over the last few months, and now that she was signed with three major companies, one of them American, she had enough money for a down payment. She had then called Andrew for advice on getting a loan based on her large but uncertain streams of income. He had surprised her by offering to co-sign until Blake learned about the house. “I don’t own anything in the suburbs. It’ll add diversity to my portfolio,” he had said with a hint of snobbery Neela knew was far from authentic.
Once they understood the severity of Blake’s injury and the unlikelihood of a full recovery, it was also Andrew who had suggested that Blake speak to RugNZ about continuing his relationship with them at the corporate level.
Three months after Blake’s last match, Chris Hansen, the CEO of RugNZ, offered him a position in the legal department. Blake’s role included advising players on their rights and responsibilities when they sign on to play for their country. In addition to any legal advice, he offered the unique perspective of someone who had been through it all himself. One of the perks of the job was that Blake could live anywhere in the country, which meant he often showed up for Neela’s matches wearing brightly colored shirts with odd buttons.
When Leila moved back to Auckland, it only made sense for him to move in with Neela. He excitedly took charge of the wedding planning and used his law degree when called on to mediate between his mother, Andrew, and Rieann. Though neither of them was particularly religious, the pastor said he would be pleased to marry them in the church that Neela’s parents had been married in.
That appealed to Neela’s father almost as much as having Blake Stanton as a future son-in-law. It would seem that Neela and Malcolm’s relationship could get past their unspoken problems— until she announced that she wanted to walk down the aisle alone. Had it not been for her stepmother’s gentle intervention, Neela wasn’t sure her father would be attending today’s wedding.
Now, she stood in front of the full-length mirror one more time. The red dress her sister had picked out almost a year ago was finally being worn. A crystal and pearl-encrusted hairband kept her face clear of any loose hair. Her precious pearl studs matched the pearl and diamond necklace Blake had given her for her birthday.
She gently smoothed out the custom-made bolero jacket which allowed the dress to be appropriate for the church part of the day. If the weather stayed warm, she’d be able to take it off at their reception by the beach, which would feature cabanas and a row of barbecues (which Sam insisted he’d be in charge of) to feed the appetites of family and two rugby teams.
A dessert table would offer the newly launched “Stanton cupcakes” along with chocolate covered-strawberries from their favorite food truck.
When she had brought up the idea of wearing a red dress for the wedding, Blake simply said, “It’ll match the fire in your eyes, darl.”
He didn’t faint when she walked up the aisle, alone but far from lonely. As they exchanged vows, his eyes never strayed from hers. She didn’t doubt his promise to love, honor and cherish. In truth, that was how he had always treated her, from the time they had first met, on a rugby field, in primary school.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
“Always You” wouldn’t have seen the light of day without so many people cheering me on:
Fantastic critique partners, especially Suja Sukumar and Emile Horne. Your insights and thoughtful comments were valuable and spot on.
The many participants from The Writing Gals FB group – my 24-hr Emergency Help Line!
Beta readers, proofreaders, and the wonderful readers from “Always There” whose feedback and enthusiasm encouraged me to keep going, especially on those long days when a single word seemed impossible to write.
My parents, sisters, cousins, and friends who enthusiastically bought AND spread the word of my books, even when they “don’t usually read romance!” I’m truly humbled by your support.
And finally, my family, who didn’t mind when their mom/wife shut the door on them to spent time with those characters in her head.
* * *
Coming in Fall 2019: the third book in the Rugby Brothers series - “Always and Forever.”
Will retired rugby player Mano Palua and swimmer Eden Pak believe they deserve their second chances at love and a shot at sports glory?
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Also by Tiara Inserto
Rugby Brothers
Always There
Always You (Coming Soon)
Watch for more at Tiara Inserto’s site.
About the Author
Tiara Inserto lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and four children.
Born in Singapore, she is a graduate of Marymount College (Palos Verdes), the University of San Francisco, and Exeter University.
“Always You” is her second novel.
Read more at Tiara Inserto’s site.
Always You Page 26