Page 136 of Hunters and Prey

Chapter 21

Cailyn’s voice came out in a startled shriek when she called out to Asher.

Connor’s eyes darkened as he looked at her former fiancé.

Cailyn didn’t care. She dropped her clutch of Connor’s arm.

No one else mattered at that moment.

Asher was like a beacon of light and hope. Seeing him stand before her in a black tux surprised her. His blond hair looked to be professionally styled. Smooth cheeks and chin meant that he’d also shaved; something he normally neglected.

Asher’s smile gave her butterflies. That smile was for her. He reached a hand out, beckoning her.

Am I dreaming?

She dared to believe that she was forgiven.

Cailyn’s lips parted as she stepped to him, her eyes full of so much love that she hoped he could see it.

“Hi, baby,” Asher said, both of them ignoring Connor.

As if floating on air, Cailyn took Asher’s hands and allowed herself to be pulled so close to him that their chests pressed together.

Looking into his eyes, Cailyn felt tears sting hers.

“Asher,” she said in a soft voice. “What are you doing here?”

He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her deeply.

“What is going on here?” Connor took a step to Cailyn but was stopped by a perfectly manicured hand.

Cailyn glanced back, shock filling her eyes as she watched her mother lock arms with Connor.

“Mother?”

“Evening, dear.” Cecilia gave her a wink and returned her attention to Connor, who looked furious.

“Listen now, Connor,” Cecilia whispered. “Let’s not make a scene in front of the entire town of Haven Cove.”

Connor’s scowl faded as he looked around to see that everyone in attendance quieted and stared at them.

Cailyn couldn’t help but smile when Huntley and Olivia entered the room, hand in hand, and dressed in Regency-era attire.

They smiled at her, nodding.

Connor noticed them as well.

“Someone better answer me,” he said through clenched teeth. When his eyes flickered from Cailyn to Asher, his face reddened almost as bright as his hair.

Cailyn watched him clench his jaw and turned back to Asher to see what everyone stared at.

Seeing Asher on one knee before her sent her tears streaming down her cheeks. She didn’t care that she was ruining her makeup. She wanted this more than anything in the world.

“Cailyn,” Asher said. “I’m not leaving without a fight. I will fight for you.”

Sniffling, she went to her knees with him. She clutched his hands in hers, never wanting to let go again.

“Do you still love me?” Cailyn asked.

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