Enchanted Enough, page 27
Emily walked in and set down a basket of flowers. “I can’t believe this is our last summer delivery. Did Beck tell you how many people signed up for fall jars?”
Nodding, I forced myself to keep my tears at bay. Our subscription flower service had been a huge hit over the summer, and so many people had signed up for our fall subscription that we had to close the sign-up form. And we even hired two people who helped us both make the Mason jars and deliver them.
“I never in my life thought this would turn out to be such a huge success,” I said as I picked up a couple of flowers and trimmed them before placing them into a Mason jar.
“I didn’t either.”
Glancing at her, I asked, “Does it feel like this summer just flew by?”
She giggled. “Yes!”
The workshop door opened, and Beck and my brother Bradly walked in. “It smells so good in here,” Beck said as he walked up and kissed me. “Hi,” he said, his blue eyes sparkling with what I could only guess was a memory of this morning. His dimple was on full display, and I tried to ignore the way my body came to life when he was near me. “You slipped out of bed without saying goodbye.”
Turning in his arms, I glanced over to see my brother chatting with Emily. “You, sir, fell back to sleep, and I didn’t want to wake you up.”
The corners of his eyes crinkled. “That was because you woke up so early and had your wicked way with me.”
“My wicked way?” I asked with a laugh.
He winked, and I felt my stomach do a little dip.
Looking around the room at all the jars, he said, “I still can’t believe how fast this has grown.”
“Me either. And when you suggested flowers for special occasions, it was a brilliant idea.”
When Lily and Maverick had their daughter, Maggie Ray, on her exact due date of June 21st, Beck had suggested that we deliver Lily a Mason jar in the hospital with balloons and the little outfit I’d asked Morgan to design for me. Lily had loved it so much, as did everyone else, that Beck talked us into offering special orders. They took up more time, so we limited them each month. But they’d turned out to be a massive hit.
We did the same thing when Rose and Bryson had their son, Greg Bryson. For him, Morgan had designed a little baseball uniform.
“I have a meeting with Morgan this afternoon to discuss some new designs she was thinking of for baby outfits,” I said, turning and focusing back on the flower bouquet. “I had a few ideas I sketched out for her that I thought would be cute to offer.”
“Remember what I said, don’t offer too many options; it’ll just overwhelm people.”
I smiled at him over my shoulder. “I remember.”
“What time is your meeting?” Beck asked.
“Not until five-thirty. The shop closes at six.”
Beck looked around. “How many more do you have to make?”
“Not many more. Why?”
He wore a sexy smirk as he asked, “Can you slip away for an hour or so? I have something I want to show you. It’s a surprise.”
“A surprise! You know how I love those.”
Laughing, Beck nodded. “I do.”
The door to the workshop opened again, and Mackenzie walked in. She looked as if she’d just come back from a spa. Her cheeks were flushed, she wore a huge smile, and there was…something different about her. My mother and father walked in after her.
“It’s a busy day in here today.” Beck chuckled.
“What brings you guys by?” I asked, catching a glimpse of Emily, who was clearly trying to keep something to herself.
Mackenzie walked over to Bradly, who put his arm around her.
“Well, sis, we were hoping to talk to you about getting some flowers for a small get-together.”
My eyes scanned everyone, and I couldn’t help but notice how my mother seemed to be blinking back tears.
“What kind of get-together?” I asked.
Mackenzie held out her hand—and I saw the stunning round diamond solitaire on her finger. My hands covered my mouth to muffle the scream I let out at the same time Emily did.
Jerking my eyes to my brother, then back to Mackenzie, I yelled, “You’re getting married?!”
She laughed and nodded. I threw myself at my brother, then hugged my future sister-in-law after Emily stepped away, wiping tears from her eyes.
“My God! It’s about damn time!” I said, as I punched my brother on the shoulder.
Everyone laughed.
“When are we thinking of doing this?” I asked.
Bradly exhaled. “Not to sound like we don’t want a memorable wedding, but we’d like to make it rather quick, and then go on a honeymoon to Italy for about a month.”
My eyes went wide. “A month!”
Bradly gazed at Mackenzie, who was simply glowing. “I promised Mackenzie a trip to Italy.”
Her cheeks flushed, and she looked away shyly.
“Just tell me and Emily what you guys want, and we’ll take care of everything.”
“Yes! The flowers are a done deal,” Emily added.
Mackenzie asked her sister, “Would you stand up with me as my bridesmaid?”
Emily started to cry again. “Yes, of course, I will!”
We spent the next few minutes talking about the wedding. Bradly and Mackenzie wanted to hold the ceremony in the barn on the farm, where they’d first met. It would be family only. They wanted to keep it as low-key as possible, with Mackenzie just buying a wedding gown off the rack, which was going to make Morgan have a heart attack.
“Can I be in the room when you tell Morgan about your dress? Please?” I asked.
Mackenzie giggled. “I’ll do you one better; you can actually tell her. I don’t even want to see the look on her face when she finds out.”
After some more planning, Beck took my hand and asked if we could slip away. I quickly said my goodbyes to everyone and followed Beck out to the Ford F-250 he’d bought not long after moving to Montana.
Before I got in, he handed me an eye mask.
Looking at the mask, then back to him in confusion, I asked, “What in the world is this for?”
“Surprise, remember?”
I giggled and allowed him to put it on me, then help me into the truck. Once he got in, I asked, “Do I get a hint?”
“No.”
“Beck! Come on.”
He laughed. “No, Avery. You need to wait. It will be worth it, I promise.”
It felt like Beck drove around forever before I heard the crunch of a gravel road. “Okay, we’re not in town.”
“No, we are not,” he said, turning off his truck.
I waited for him to come to my side. He opened the door and helped me out. “Let me get your jacket, since it’s a little chilly outside.”
Holding my arms out, I let Beck put the light jacket on me.
“Okay, now let me guide you, since the ground is a bit uneven.”
I could feel a bubble of excitement building up. Beck’s last surprise had been the workshop, and that had been a pretty massive surprise. I couldn’t imagine anything bigger than that.
He stood behind me and I fought the urge to lean against his body. Warm breath tickled the area under my ear as he whispered, “Are you ready, sweetheart?”
Bouncing on my toes, I nodded. “Yes! Take it off!”
I could feel his hands on the mask, then he started to lift it. When it was off, it took a second for my eyes to adjust…and I stared at the sight in front of me.
“Welcome to our future home, Avery.”
My eyes went wide as I took in the huge, surveyed area of what was clearly going to be a house.
“Our home?” I whispered, my shaky fingertips touching my mouth as my eyes scanned the area. “You put it in the spot your father wanted to build a house for your mother.”
“Yes I did,” he said, wrapping his arms around me as I finally leaned back against him.
“Oh, Beck. It’s going to be so beautiful!”
We’d been discussing ideas for homes from sketches Rose had done for us. I’d thought it was all just dreaming for now, especially with me just having started the new business. Every dime Emily and I made went back into it.
“Beck, the money…”
My voice trailed off when he squeezed me. “Avery, how many times do I have to tell you that what’s mine is yours?”
When Beck left Texas, he told me about the trust from his mother. Money would never be a problem for him, and I was glad, because his grandfather had essentially cut Beck out of his life. And though he didn’t need a job, once he got settled in Montana, moving into the apartment with me, he started working on the Shaw Ranch. He loved it so much, and I was so happy to see him in his element. In his spare time, he helped with the flower subscription business as well.
“The only thing we have to do for now is pick the design we like. Rose said she can recommend an architect and builder. I’d like to start as soon as possible, before winter hits.”
Turning to face him, I wrapped my arms around his neck. “This feels like a dream, Beck. All of it.”
He lowered his mouth to mine and kissed me. “It’s not, sweetheart. It’s our dreams coming true.” His eyes lifted, and he looked over my head. They filled with tears, but he didn’t cry. “And their dream as well.”
I knew he was talking about his parents.
Reaching up, I kissed him once more. Then I spun around after breaking the kiss and looked back at the site. “Let’s go see it!”
“Avery, one more thing…”
I was practically skipping as I started toward the area that would soon hold our home. Our home. The place where Beck and I would make beautiful memories, and hopefully a baby or two!
“Avery!” Beck called out again. Laughing he said, “Will you stop? I have something else.”
Turning, I started to walk backward. “What else could there…”
My words disappeared as I saw Beck, down on one knee, holding a little red box.
I instantly came to a halt, nearly stumbling and falling on my ass. Bringing my hands to my mouth, I slowly made my way back to him.
“Avery Grace Littlewood, would you do me the greatest honor of marrying me?”
At some point, my feet stopped moving. Dropping down to my knees, I buried my face in my hands and started to cry. But Beck was there, drawing me toward him. His strong arms wrapped me in an embrace as he asked, “Are those happy tears?”
“Yes!” I mumbled into his jacket. “So happy!”
He leaned back some and placed his finger under my chin, lifting my head so our eyes met. “I love you so much, Avery. I thank God every morning and night for bringing you into my life.”
I sniffled and resisted the urge to wipe my nose with the arm of my jacket. “I love you too, Beck. You have no idea how much. You’re making all my dreams come true.”
Lifting a brow, he asked, “Is that a yes?”
“Yes!” I cried out, throwing my arms around him. He held me tight, then let me go. He pulled the ring out of the box and held my hand as he slipped it on.
“Beck,” I whispered. “It’s beautiful.” It was a square diamond with two square sapphires on each side, all set in what looked like a platinum band.
“The sapphires reminded me of your eyes.”
I slowly shook my head as I stared at it. “It’s stunning.”
He took my hands and we stood. Cupping my face, Beck captured my mouth with his, and I felt my body melt. I loved his kisses, and the way they made me feel so loved and cherished.
When we broke apart, we were both breathing a little heavier.
“You’re going to make an enchanting bride.”
Smiling, I looked up at him. “What did you do when you realized Bradly had asked Mackenzie to marry him today as well?”
He winked. “I already knew. Bradly went with me to help pick out the ring. I asked him if he minded if I asked you today, because I wasn’t sure how long I could hold off, having this ring and not asking you.”
I laughed. “I hope you don’t think you’re getting away with a small wedding like Bradly.”
Lifting his brows, he asked, “How big are we talking?”
I chewed on my lower lip, smiled, and asked, “Have you ever been to France?”
Epilogue
JOSH
Eighteen Years Old
My eyes scanned the large room as I searched for Nathan. If I knew him, he was off with someone doing who knows what. The fact that we were in France for our cousin Beck’s wedding to Avery, our other cousin, who wasn’t blood-related, didn’t deter Nathan from flirting with as many women as he could, regardless of whether they spoke English or French.
I sighed as I saw one of Avery’s friends from her days of living and modeling in France make her way toward me.
“There is no escaping this one.” A soft female voice came from my right. I turned to see it was Juliette, Avery’s good friend from when she lived here. Her English was excellent, even with her French accent.
With a smile, I winked. “Trust me, I’ve had plenty of practice.”
She laughed. “You seem very much like Nathan, but more talk and no action. Nathan loves the women, no?”
It was my turn to laugh. “He does. And don’t get me wrong, I love women as well. I just don’t make a habit of…you know.”
A single brow rose. “Sleeping with them?”
Pointing to her, I nodded. Since it was legal for me to drink here, I picked up my drink and finished it off.
Juliette leaned in. “She’s almost here. Shall I derail her?”
Before I could reply, she stood, reached her hand out, and said something in French. I could see why Nathan was tempted; the language was romantic.
The model slowed, and when I stood, took Juliette’s hand, and led her to the dance floor, the other women seemingly vanished.
I watched as Juliette walked to the dance floor. She was tall and lean and had a nice body. Her ass in the dress she wore accented her finer points. Especially her breasts that were pushed up in the corset dress she wore.
My body reacted, but not enough to tempt me into doing something other than admiring her from a distance.
Turning, she waited for me to draw her into my arms. Once I did, we started to dance slowly to the French song. I glanced around and saw Beck and Avery dancing. The way they looked at one another, you could practically see the love ebbing from them. I grinned.
“They’re perfect for each other, are they not?” Juliette asked with a heavy French accent.
I nodded. “They are.”
“Do you have a special someone at home, Josh?” she asked, a slight purr in her voice.
It would be easier to lie and say yes. Then she would stop flirting, I wouldn’t have to turn her down, and we would sleep better that night.
“If I do, I haven’t found her yet.”
She smiled. “Well, whenever you find her, I hope she realizes what a special man you are.”
I drew my eyes away from the people watching and looked into her gaze. “Thank you, Juliette. That is very kind of you to say.”
With a shrug, she said, “I speak what I see.”
The song ended, and it was announced that Avery and Beck would leave and start their honeymoon in France, Italy, and Spain.
Three weeks of visiting Europe didn’t sound appealing to me. I was happy back in Hamilton, Montana, the town I had grown up in and still live in.
“Thank you for the dance,” Juliette said as I brought her hand up to my lips and gently kissed it.
“The pleasure was all mine.”
Her cheeks stained slightly pink before she turned and walked to where everyone was gathering.
I was suddenly propelled forward a bit when Nathan walked up and hit me on the back. He ran his hand through his hair and looked around.
Taking one look at him, I rolled my eyes.
“You couldn’t even keep it in your pants at our cousin’s wedding?”
He grinned, and I swore I heard a few women around us gasp.
“Let me tell you, Josh, the women here can do things with their tongues that American women cannot. Or they don’t realize how sexual their tongues can be.”
“I’m going to pretend I didn’t just hear you say that.”
He laughed. “It’s true. I just had the best blow job I’ve ever had. Came so fucking hard I think I might have passed out.”
My hands slid into the pockets of my black dress pants, and I rocked back and forth on my feet. “Another detail you could have left out.”
Chuckling next to me, Nathan leaned closer. “When are you going to give up this whole, I’m saving myself for a woman I love and care about, nonsense?”
I turned to look at him. I hadn’t been entirely innocent. The women I had dated, I’d pleasured them while they pleasured me, but with their hands. There was something too personal about letting someone put their mouth on my dick just for the pleasure of it. I could do that with my hand.
“Someday, Nathan, you’re going to meet a woman who will make you wish you had waited for her.”
A bark of laughter slipped free. “Trust me, Josh. The words regret will never pop out of my mouth when it comes to sex with women.”
I gave a half-shoulder shrug. “Want to make a bet on it?”
We both turned and looked at one another before he frowned and asked, “You want to bet me that someday I’m going to regret that I didn’t wait for the woman I marry?”
“Or you meet a woman who makes you regret you didn’t wait for her.”
He narrowed his eyes at me before a wide smile erupted across his face. “How much?”
“A thousand.”
Without even thinking twice about it, he reached his hand out. “It’s a bet.”
I turned to watch the happy couple get ready to depart and smiled. It would be one of the easiest thousand dollars I’d ever make.
Perfect Enough coming fall of 2024
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