Page 98 of Second Chance Wedding
Ana’s bubbly, tearful laugh filled him with a happiness and joy unmatched by anything else. He squeezed her tighter and cradled her closer and used his hold to claim her lips again as the wheel spun round and round and whirled them out of the past and into their new beginning.
Epilogue
Ana pressed a hand to her stomach in a futile effort to combat the nerves threatening to take her down for the count. She could only imagine how Quinley felt at the moment, and one peek at themassivenumber of people mingling in the hotel lobby on their way to the spectacular terrace for the wedding left Ana feelingallthe nerves.
Her best friend was holed up in a penthouse suite prepping for the big day, and Quinley had tasked Ana to run an errand. Thankfully Cole was nearby since his brother Elias was driving the limo today while Gage held down the rental business. When she’d texted Cole about the request, he’d offered to meet her in the lobby and accompany her.
“Hey, baby girl.”
She turned at the sound of Cole’s deep voice, a thrill sliding through her when she took in his tall, dark, and tuxedoed form.
They’d celebrated Christmas together. And despite the fact they’d only been seeing each other a few months, come New Year’s Eve, Cole had given her a gorgeous emerald engagement ring surrounded by diamonds. She didn’t even mind that they moved so fast because this time around, things felt right, like the natural, easy slide of a puzzle piece fitting into place with a perfect snap.
“You look beautiful.”
Cole bent and kissed her, careful of her lipstick, but she fisted his lapel and tugged herself up to her tiptoes for a longer, harder kiss. One he returned with a smile on his too-tempting lips.
She couldn’t help it. Cole was special. And hers. He grounded her when she got a little manic, held her when life seemed scary and made her feel safe. Who could fault her for wanting more? They were both strong-willed and used to getting their own way, but she’d never felt happier or more loved or content. He both excited her and gave her peace and that was a heady combo.
When she ended the kiss and lowered herself, his big hand collared her neck, his thumb lightly rubbing over her pulse.
“Nervous?”
“This isinsane. Guests started arriving two hours early to get seated outside like it’s a concert and,” she lowered her voice, “I swear I think I saw Oliver Beck. Like, just walking around.”
Cole chuckled at the mention of the well-known actor. “He’s here. I’ve seen him as well.”
“Andwhile I waited for you just now, Sasha texted me to say his wife wasinthe boutique earlier and told Sasha she would like to send clients there to be dressed for their dates. She’s a professional matchmaker witha huge following, and she’s going todress them in my clothes.”
Cole’s eyes reflected his amusement as he smiled down at her.
“Well, hopefully that means you’ll have less for me to take off you when the time comes then.”
His teasing brought a heated flush to her cheeks, but she couldn’t help her excitement. She knew a lot of success stories that had come from influencers who’d taken a liking to something and made it go viral as a result. If Marsali Jones-Beck liked her boutique and put the word out, who knew where that could lead?
“So what’s this errand Quinley wants you to do?”
Ana frowned because Quinley’s request was a strange one. “She’s addicted to this off-brand drink and insists I go get her some. Would you mind driving me?”
“It’s that far away?” Cole asked as he glanced at his watch. “The music has already started.”
“Iknow,” she said. “But Quinley insists she has to have some. She says it’s the only thing that’ll settle her stomach. They have it at the gas station near the marina.”
“You’re making me drive you to the competition?” Cole questioned in a teasing tone.
“It’s that, oryouanswer to Quinley.”
“Competition it is,” he said quickly. “Everyone knows not to mess with a bridezilla on her wedding day.”
Thankful she’d already put on her black maid of honor dress and was ready to walk the aisle, Ana hurried along beside Cole. He’d parked himself so they skipped the valet, and Ana fought back nerves as Cole raced to the gas station.
As soon as she got back, she needed to do a last minute check on her hair and makeup and get Quinley downstairs. She’d tried to volunteer Cole for drink-duty, but Quinley insisted Ana go because Cole or anyone else would get the wrong kind.
Ana ran into the gas station, bought three bottles of soda, and ran back out to where Cole waited in the car.
“What’s wrong?” he asked the moment she climbed in.
“I don’t know. Just hurry. Let’s get back to the hotel.”
