Page 61 of By The Book
October sunsets werespectacular in Carolina Cove, and as Claire stared out at the water near Marsali’s home, she thanked God for the beauty He’d gifted them with for their special day.
The last four and a half months had held a lot of changes. She’d sold the Virginia house and moved, gotten Tommy settled in school. Fallen head over heels in love and started a business as a virtual assistant.
Claire turned and spotted her father as he approached her from across the yard. Two hours ago, she’d accepted his arm for the walk down the aisle to where Denz and Tommy waited, both tall and handsome in their suits.
She hadn’t been able to look away from her gorgeous fiancé—Oliver’s new head of security—as she’d moved past the small group of friends gathered behind Oliver and Marsali’s new home.
Her new home.
Due to Denz’s new position, Oliver had offered to sell the small guest house at the end of the street as part of Denz’s employment package. After all, it couldn’t hurt to have someone like Denz actually living next door.
Denz’s comprehensive security plan and Oliver’s job offer had led Denz to create his own security firm. His company now handled security for all of Oliver’s film ventures as well as their personal security in Carolina Cove, plus a rapidly growing list of clients in the area.
While Denz’s job still involved an element of danger, he was more businessman, logistics engineer, and coordinator than bodyguard, and he did his job exceedingly well. Especially since he knew what was involved to guard someone so closely.
Another change had been Denz contacting his father. The man had come for a visit a month ago and decided to move from Savannah to Carolina Cove. As of Friday, he lived in the apartment above her father’s garage, and George and her father had become fast friends.
Her gaze shifted and settled on her son, seated at a table beside his plus-one, a pretty brunette girl from Tommy’s school. Tommy had reminded her of what she’d said about no one wanting to go to a wedding alone, and that’s when she’d realized her son had his first crush.
Tommy caught her watching them and smiled shyly. Tears flooded Claire’s eyes, but they were happy ones born out of a heart ready to burst because it was so full of love.
Tommy had made a huge turnaround since they’d come here. He’d settled into school, was doing great in therapy, had joined the lacrosse team, and his grades were back up. She was so proud of him, and she loved the relationship Tommy and Denz shared.
They had their “guy time” at the gym four days a week, and Denz encouraged Tommy’s interest in computers due to the security aspect and job potential for cybersecurity. Tommy loved the idea and, as of now, considered it his future career.
She inhaled as her father grew closer, and used the moment to imprint the view in her mind because the yard held all of her favorite people.
Eliza had insisted on gifting Claire and Denz with her services, and when added to the beautiful backdrop, Claire felt their intimate wedding was the most breathtaking of all.
“You know, I’ve never seen you this happy. Ever,” her father said.
She shifted her gaze and realized her big, tough father struggled to hold back tears. “I…don’t think I’ve ever been this happy,” she said, admitting that the life she’d shared before was good—but it wasn’t the same as this.
It was amazing what time and maturity could do when it came to opening one’s eyes.
“Well, I’m happy for you both,” Tom said, giving her a hug. “You were a beautiful bride, Claire. I’m glad I got to see it this time,” he said with a wink.
Music started to play and she felt Denz’s presence behind her. She turned and watched him approach. “Hi, husband.”
“Wife,” he said with a dip of his head and a too sexy smile. “Dance with me?”
She placed her hand in his and let Denz lead her to the center of the beautiful travertine patio. He drew her into his arms and they began to sway back and forth.
“Have I told you how beautiful you look today?”
She closed her eyes and rubbed her temple against his chin, loving the feel of his skin. “Hmm. Several times. And just so you know, you clean up pretty well yourself. This day couldn’t have been more perfect, could it?”
Denz stopped moving and she stared up at him, loving the love she saw in his mahogany gaze and the tender way he looked at her.
She smiled at him and rose onto her toes to press a soft kiss to his lips, relishing the moment because her tough guy struggled to express himself. “I know,” she said softly, still amazed by the fact his temporary status had turned into something so permanent. “Me, too.”
