Total pages in book: 132
Estimated words: 127249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 636(@200wpm)___ 509(@250wpm)___ 424(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 127249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 636(@200wpm)___ 509(@250wpm)___ 424(@300wpm)
My smile is wistful. No. When I married Dante, it didn’t feel right.
“I mean,” she continues, “when you’re in love, it seems to be the right thing to do. But it’s the aftermath that matters.”
“Can you picture yourself growing old with him?”
“Absolutely.” She turns her eyes toward the sky. “We’ll drive each other nuts in a good way.” She hurries to add, “But he only found out I can fix old car engines yesterday.”
I raise a brow. “Because you disconnected his spark plugs.”
She pouts. “He deserved it.”
“For suggesting you invite your mother?”
“I did,” she admits with averted eyes. “She preferred to sip margaritas with her new boyfriend in Mexico.”
“Oh, Jazz. I’m sorry.”
“That’s okay.” She looks back at me. “I didn’t expect her to come. It’s probably for the best. You know how we fight. She would’ve totally spoiled my day.” Picking up steam again, she rushes on. “But the point is, shouldn’t we know each other before taking such a big step?”
“I think you do know each other.” I fix a curl that escaped her updo. “You know everything that matters. If his actions are anything to go by, he definitely loves you.” I give her a soft smile. “Very much.”
“He is very supportive of my career,” she muses.
“That, he is.”
“He’s not meddling.”
“No, he’s not.”
Jazz got the leading role in Moulin Rouge on her own merit. Reviewers are raving about her talent. She’s just signed a contract for a role in a new musical that’s being written especially for her. There’s no higher accolade for a Broadway actress.
She nudges me. “I guess we’re famous.”
I grin. “I guess you could say that.”
The home organization business grew so much last year that I turned it into a franchise. When a reality television show producer approached me, I decided to give it a go. The show is doing well. It’s been breaking viewership records since the start of the first season. People love to see a fresh look on a decluttered house. My agent has just negotiated a multi-million dollar-deal for the coming year.
She shifts her feet. “I think I need a drink.”
“Jasper Everson, are you delaying because you’re having wedding jitters?”
Her expression sobers. “I’ll admit I’m a little scared.”
“That’s normal. We’re all scared of love.”
She wrinkles her nose. “Are we?”
“We’re scared of getting hurt. But if you don’t try, you’ll never know.”
She squares her shoulders. “You’re right. I’m being a coward. I’ve been running from commitment my whole life because I don’t want to end up like my parents.”
I put a hand on her shoulder. “Trust me, you won’t. I know your parents, and you’re nothing like them.”
Taking another deep breath, she faces the door. “I’m ready now.”
Just as I’m about to move forward, she twirls toward me. “No, wait.” Throwing her arms around my neck, she hugs me tightly. “I love you, Tiana. Thanks for always being there for me.”
“Love you too, Jazz.”
We laugh as my bump gets in the way. On cue, the baby kicks.
Her eyes widen. “I felt that. Was that…?”
“Yes.” Another laugh bubbles over my lips. “She’s very active this afternoon.”
Her blue eyes soften. “When our turn comes, he’ll be a good dad.”
“A great dad.”
“Do you think he survived Dante’s lecture?”
“Barely. Dante told him in detail how he’ll suffer if he doesn’t treat you right.” I motion at the door. “The wait won’t help his nerves.”
She wiggles her shoulders and tilts up her chin. Closing her eyes, she says, “Just give me a moment.”
While Jazz finds her composure, I take in the sight of the familiar church. Using the profits from Teszner Agglomerate, I donated the money for the necessary renovations. It seemed like the right thing to do. My mom would’ve wanted that. Except for Dante, I never told a soul about the necklace my mom had hidden behind the altar.
I was surprised when Jazz said she wanted to get married here. I suppose she likes the romantic feel of the small building that looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. She came with me when I met with the bishop about the renovations and fell in love with the place. She’s been an ardent follower of the restoration ever since.
“Right.” She opens her eyes and adopts a determined look. “Now I’m really ready.”
I open the door a crack and nod at the guard. When he pulls the heavy door open all the way, I follow Jazz inside.
Reino stands in front of the altar with Dante and Sav flanking him. If Jazz had any reservations about Reino’s feelings for her, she only has to look at his face. The way he’s staring at her leaves no doubt in anyone’s mind that he’s crazy about his bride.
I meet Dante’s eyes. He’s assessing me with so much unconcealed possession and heat that flames erupt over my cheeks. At the sharp arrow of untimely desire that pierces my belly, I have to look away quickly.