“What about me?” I asked with a pout.
“Well . . .” Molly opened the door and beckoned, and Duke peered around the door frame with a giant bouquet of pink gerbera daisies and baby’s breath in his hands.
“My brother said his bride had to have the best,” he said with a wink.
I clutched the flowers and took a long, deep breath of their light springtime fragrance. A small card was tucked into the blooms and I snatched it out, reading the words quickly.
Knock ’em dead, duchess. I’ll be up there waiting.
I smiled and tucked the card down the bodice of my dress for safekeeping. This was it—the big moment.
Molly and Valentina slipped from the room and I turned again, taking one last look in the mirror before the music changed, signaling my entrance. My father would be waiting outside the door for me, his arm outstretched, waiting to walk me toward the man of my dreams. Then Luke would be there at the gazebo with the minister, counting on me.
And he could count on me all he wanted.
Because when I got to his side? There was no chance of me going anywhere else in this whole wide world.
Moments later, we headed out, and three steps down the grassy path littered with flowers, my gaze met Luke’s. A warm shiver raced over my skin as the emotion in his eyes hit me. I’d never seen him filled with such awe—or such sheer happiness. And I knew in that moment that our life together would be beautiful. I could envision it all—laughter, love, passion, babies, and all the sweet whiskey kisses I could handle.
For ever and ever.
Acknowledgments
I would like to say a big ol’ country thank-you to author Elizabeth Lee for your guidance with this story. Thank you for providing some creative direction and only making fun of me a few times when I didn’t know the proper terminology to use. You are a sweetheart! I’m blessed to call you a friend.
My team is everything to me, and I couldn’t do this without you. I’d like to squeeze Danielle Sanchez, Pam Berehulke, and Alyssa Garcia. A big thank-you to Sarah Hansen and Sara Eirew, who provided the beautiful cover design and photography. This book cover is one of my favorites.
I wish I could give every single reader a tackle-hug! That is how grateful I am for you. I truly appreciate every review, read, and mention of my books.
Many thanks!
About the Author
A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than two dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over two million books, and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller list more than three dozen times. Ryan has been featured in publications such as USA TODAY, Newsweek, and In Touch Magazine. She lives in Texas with her husband and two sons.
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