Finding Forever (14 page)

I
can’t believe this
day has arrived. It seems to have taken forever and yet gotten here in the blink of an eye,” Liam told Brayden as he helped the boy get his tie on correctly — no clip-ons for this occasion!

“I love my aunt so much, though I didn’t always show it,” Brayden said. “She’s been almost the only good thing in my life since I lost my mom and dad. I don’t think Ally or I could have made it through everything if she hadn’t been there to take care of us.” Then he smiled up at Liam. “And now we have you and Grandpa. Just when I thought everything was over forever.”

“Whitney is one of a kind, Brayden. We’ll all be a family and take care of each other now.” Liam stopped fiddling with the tie and placed his hands on his nephew’s shoulders.

It tugged on Liam’s heart to see how much Brayden resembled his father, just as Ally did. It made Liam miss his lost brother a great deal, but it also comforted him to know that Vincent would live on forever through his children.

“We’ve got to get all this sappy stuff over with,” Brayden said, trying to pull himself together. “Today is a happy day.”

“I agree with you on that,” Liam told him. “Just know that if you ever need anything, I will always be here for you. I can’t replace your father, and I wouldn’t want to try, but I can be the best uncle you’ve ever had.”

“You’ve already proved that,” Brayden replied.

They gave each other a long hug before they finished getting ready for the wedding. It wouldn’t be long until Whitney arrived, and she probably wouldn’t be happy if the groom and best man weren’t in place. And yet she had put up with a lot from both of them.

“May I join you?”

They turned to find Frederick walking into the room, looking suave and more relaxed than Liam could ever remember him.

“Of course, Dad.” Liam was growing used to the term.

“I know I haven’t always been the best parent,” he began. When Liam tried to stop him, Frederick held up a hand and his son let him continue.

“I haven’t always been the best father — I’ve made so many mistakes over the years. But I’m grateful to have time to make up for them now. I’m brokenhearted that my beloved Vincent won’t ever get to see these changes …” He suddenly coughed, but no one was fooled by his obvious attempt to cover up his breaking voice.

“He can see us, Grandpa,” Brayden assured him. “He’s watching over us.”

“Thank you, young man. I appreciate that,” Frederick said, and he gave the boy a wobbly smile. And then he turned back to his son.

“In spite of my missteps, Liam, you’ve given me new hope. You’re a wonderful man with a big heart, and though you’ve faced adversity, you still managed to find something in your life, a rare something, that not all of us are allowed to experience.”

“I wasn’t always so wonderful, Father, and you’re well aware of that fact. But Whitney makes me a better man.”

“Well, today is a day to share what little wisdom I can. It’s a fatherly duty to roll out sage advice to his son. Treat her like a queen, and always have her at your side.”

Liam smiled at his father. He didn’t need that particular lesson. He already loved his soon-to-be wife to the point of bursting, but he wasn’t going to steal this stirring scene from the old guy.

“Don’t ever take her for granted,” Frederick continued. “Every single day that you have together is precious. Remember that even on those days that you think the universe is conspiring against you, take a moment to thank her, even if it’s just to thank her for loving you. So often we don’t appreciate what we have until it’s gone.”

“I can’t imagine that there will ever come a day I could forget how much I appreciate her,” Liam told him.

“Ah, because you’re newly in love. Time makes these feelings seem to fade, though they are always inside us. Don’t let time erase what comes in the beginning. And that includes respecting her. If you don’t respect her, you can’t respect yourself.”

“Aunt Whitney has said that same thing to me many times,” Brayden admitted.

“That’s because she’s a wise woman,” Liam told him as he ruffled his hair.

“Only two things more,” Frederick said. “Communication is key to it all. Listen and be heard. Don’t dwell on the small stuff, but embrace everything about her. She’s unique and you’re lucky to have her, as she’s lucky to have you.”

Liam felt he was coming out far more ahead than Whitney was, but he kept that to himself. He didn’t want to admit to the weakness he felt in his knees when it came to this woman.

“I will, Dad,” Liam promised.

“Here’s the most important thing you can do as a husband. Show your future children how much you love their mother. That will teach them how to treat their spouses later in life. I’m sorry I didn’t do that for you.”

“You did the best you could. And what matters now is who you are today. I love you, and your grandchildren love you. And I promise to love my wife forever.” Liam stepped up and hugged his father, something he hadn’t done since he was a very young boy.

“Now, my son, let’s go and get you married.”

“That’s the best piece of advice you could ever give me.”

W
hitney tried to
catch her breath. Passing out at the altar wouldn’t make for a great impression.

It was her wedding day — unbelievable. Less than two years ago, after losing her sister, she’d never thought she’d be able to feel joy again.

The ceremony and reception had taken six months to plan. Liam Felton was too much of a business celebrity to allow this event to come together quickly. And she’d had to suffer through so many interviews that she felt as if a faux smile were permanently fixed on her face.

But Liam promised her that things would slow down after all the hoo-ha. He was going to take her on a month-long honeymoon to a private island, far away from cameras and reporters. Would he really stay away from work for that long? Probably not. But she could still hardly wait.

All the final primping had taken her two days, and she missed Liam desperately. But knowing he’d be waiting at the end of the long aisle would get her through this chaos.

There was a knock on the door and she froze. She wasn’t ready yet to face the crowd. Face the wedding march.

“Your carriage is waiting,” Darcy said as she stepped through the door. “You truly are a vision.” The maid came up and adjusted the already perfect bridal headpiece.

“I’m having trouble breathing,” Whitney had to say.

“The wedding itself will soon be over,” the maid replied, “and then you’ll have the rest of your lives.”

The once stern woman had become quite soft in the time Whitney had known her. The bride-to-be couldn’t help but throw her arms around the woman and give her a hug.

“Thank you for everything you’ve done for me,” Whitney told her with emotion crackling in her voice.

“Now, now, don’t start ruining your makeup,” Darcy said, but the tears in her own voice took away any harshness from the words.

“Okay, I’m ready.” Whitney lifted her chin in determination.

The maid led her from the room, down the long staircase, and out the front door. Sitting in front of the mansion was a beautiful horse-drawn carriage, with a footman waiting outside.

It took several people to help her inside because of the long train of her wedding gown. She had been intimidated by all the silk and lace when she’d first seen the exquisite dress, but it floated on her, and she could barely feel the yards of fabric.

The bodice and skirt gleamed with thousands of pearls and crystals, and the gown hugged her tightly down to her hips, but then cascaded into a full skirt. Before the train was attached, she had twirled in a wide circle, loving the way the layers of silk flared out as she moved — it reminded her of when she was a little girl and dreamed of being Cinderella. The buttons up the back of the dress had taken many, many long minutes to be fastened. Whitney smiled, thinking how crazed and frustrated Liam would be when it came time for the gown to come off.

Her long hair was up in a chignon, with sparkling gems throughout. She knew she would glow when Liam took her into his arms on the dance floor.

The carriage started off on its journey, and after half an hour’s ride, it finally entered the small town square. She’d grown so attached to the beautiful town, where almost everyone she’d met was kind and helpful.

And then the carriage arrived at its destination, the beautiful old church. It was where Frederick had been married, and where his two sons had been baptized. It was where her sister should have married Vincent.

No, Whitney refused to go there — not now. She would allow no sadness on her wedding day.

The door opened and Mr. Smotter was waiting outside to help her from the carriage. She took his hand and stepped onto the red carpet rolled out before her.

“You look enchanting, Ms. Steele,” Mr. Smotter told her.

She beamed at him and replied in hushed but affectionate tones, “Thank you, Mr. Smotter.”

Attendants came forward and straightened her train so it was flowing on the carpet behind her.

“Aunt Whitney, you look like a princess,” Ally said as she came barreling through the doors, looking adorable in her beautiful blue dress, with her hair almost identical to Whitney’s.

“You’re so beautiful, Ally. I do love you, but you know that,” Whitney said, and she bent down to take her niece in her arms. She ignored the murmurs from the attendants, who were grumbling about having to redo her wedding train. She needed to hold her niece.

“I have a basket full of roses I’m going to drop on the floor,” Ally told her aunt with a big smile. “Uncle Liam says you’re so beautiful that you should walk on rose petals every day of your life.”

“Your uncle is quite the romantic, isn’t he?” Whitney felt such warmth in her chest.

Ally just looked at her, clearly uncomprehending. Whitney hugged her again and then let the attendants get the two of them into position.

“It’s time,” someone said, and Whitney’s nerves spiked.

No, no. She could get through this. It was only a couple of hours more and then she’d have Liam all to herself. She took a large breath and began walking behind Ally, keeping her eyes set steadily forward.

She glided into the historic church, everything a blur, and she didn’t even see the people in the pews, though they were all standing and watching her every move. Once she approached the altar and caught her first sight of Liam, it took everything in her not to rush forward into his arms.

Though he turned her legs to jelly and her stomach inside out, she also felt a calming deep down inside. This amazing man would be her husband in mere minutes.

Once the minister came to that critical point in the wedding service — no, no one broke in to object — the couple repeated their vows and lit a candle, unifying them as one. And then it was over in a flash. They were pronounced husband and wife.

Liam pulled her close and pressed his lips softly to hers, making her tremble when his tongue slipped out to rub against her bottom lip. Her first kiss as Liam’s wife couldn’t have been more perfect.

They pulled apart when they heard some throats clearing, and Whitney felt her cheeks heat up with embarrassment, but the kiss had been well worth it. As their guests called out their congratulations and goodwill, Frederick led them away.

The newlyweds rode back to the mansion. The reception there was another incredible fairy tale. Whitney’s laughter rang out as she cut the cake with Liam, and he kissed away the extra frosting from the piece he fed her. Cameras snapped and reporters fired off the usual questions, but she floated along in her own perfect bubble.

When it came time for her first dance as a married woman, she glided into Liam’s arms. There was still too much expensive material separating them, but soon they’d be alone.

“Thank you for becoming my wife,” he told her, a look of pure love flashing in his eyes.

“Oh, Liam, becoming your wife is an honor. You’ve been so good to me and the children, and I can’t imagine how I ever existed before you,” she replied.

“I feel the same, as if I were simply sleepwalking before I met you. Now, I’m alive and well, and so happy.”

“I guess we’re going to live happily ever after,” she said with a twinkle in her eye.

“I insist on it,” he told her.

And as the two of them walked through two lines of well-wishers, Whitney had no doubt that they would keep that promise to each other.

Eight years later

W
hitney walked toward
the hoots, the guffaws, and the giggles coming from behind their house. Liam had to be up to no good with the children. Yup. When she turned the corner and went out through the patio doors, she didn’t know whether she should laugh or run for cover.

Brayden was home for the summer. He called home regularly, but he loved college and was on the honor roll. He’d already bragged to his uncle about his many girlfriends, which made his uncle proud of him, but worried his protective aunt. He was only nineteen, far too young to be dating, dang it, at least in her humble opinion. Too bad that you could never get any young man to listen.

Ally was thriving in high school. She was so beautiful, it took Whitney’s breath away. The girl reminded her so much of her sister, and Whitney dreaded the time —too near! — that this child would also leave for college.

“Mama, we’re having a water fight!” Little Vincent came running up to her, soaking wet and with a gigantic grin on his face. The boy seemed to be growing a few inches every day. He’d been conceived during the honeymoon, and the newlyweds both wanted to name their firstborn son after Liam’s brother. Frederick was naturally delighted.

“I see that, Vince,” Whitney said. “Are you having fun with your cousins?”

He giggled in answer and dashed away. She spotted Frederick sitting in what she assumed was a safety zone, since he was holding her two-year-old daughter, who was now fast asleep in his arms.

“Good afternoon,” she said, kissing both him and her daughter on the cheek. “I’m surprised you’re not in the middle of all this excitement.”

“Ah, my precious granddaughter wanted to cuddle here with me, and then she fell asleep. I couldn’t disturb her.”

Whitney wasn’t surprised he’d rather hold little Lynn. They’d been close since she was born.

“Has Liam given you the good news yet?” Whitney asked Frederick.

He just stared at her.

“I was just getting around to that when my nephew decided to tag me with a water balloon,” Liam said as he walked up and kissed his wife. “I had to pay Brayden back first — we men have our ingrained codes of honor.”

Even after all these years together, he had the ability to take her breath away. He was still so damn fine.

“Well, don’t keep an old man waiting,” Frederick demanded. He knew only too well that once those two got distracted, the rest of the world faded away.

“Sorry, Dad. We’d hardly want to do anything to upset you,” Liam said. “After all, you tend to feign illness whenever you want to get your way.”

“That’s nonsense,” Frederick almost sputtered.

“We’re delighted to tell you that we’re going to have another baby,” Liam said. He placed his hand against Whitney’s still-flat stomach and beamed with pride.

“Oh, that’s wonderful news indeed.” Frederick got up slowly from his seat, laid Lynn in her portable bed, and hugged both his son and his beloved daughter-in-law.

Whitney looked at the patio, filled with her family, and she counted her many blessings. And it wasn’t for the first time.

If you liked Finding Forever, continue reading for an excerpt from the first book in the popular Billionaire Bachelors: