Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 105868 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105868 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
May turned her wrist and felt the cool weight of the stone against her pulse. The bracelet was solid and steady, not delicate. It suited her. She lifted her chin, squared her shoulders, and met her reflection steadily. The woman staring back looked stronger than she had a year ago, steadier, and very much where she was meant to be.
The music started, and she stilled. Ace was out there. In a tuxedo.
She walked out into the sanctuary with her friends.
The church was full. Not politely full. Packed. Fishermen in clean shirts sat beside women in floral dresses. A couple of tourists slipped in and looked delighted and confused, including the Thompsons, all wearing new flannels. They were flying out the next day but had already rented one of the homes for the same time next year.
Christian stood at the front with his brothers.
And there he was. Ace in a tux. May’s knees actually wobbled. He wore it like he’d been born in one, not like a man who preferred boots and worn denim. The black jacket cut clean across his shoulders, the white shirt sharp against his skin, and his bow tie perfectly tied. His hair was combed back but not tamed.
When his gaze landed on her, his expression changed and his eyes warmed. A lot. His gaze moved from her face down the length of her dress and back up again, slow and appreciative.
Heat settled low and steady in her stomach. She continued her walk down the aisle and then took her place opposite him as Amka walked down to “Here Comes the Bride.”
“You look good,” he mouthed.
“So do you,” she mouthed back.
“I know.” His lips curved.
She almost laughed.
The ceremony was short and real. Christian’s voice shook when he said Amka’s name. Amka steadied him by gripping his hand. When they kissed, the entire church exhaled at once and then applauded like they were at a hockey game.
Outside, Main Street had transformed.
Long tables stretched from one end of town to the other, white cloths pinned down against the breeze. Lanterns hung from light posts. Kids ran barefoot between chairs. Gus had commandeered two grills and hired a bunch of the teenagers to serve.
It was absolutely perfect.
May slipped off her heels within ten minutes.
Ace appeared at her elbow as she reached for a glass of champagne.
“You gonna behave?” she asked.
He looked down at her bare feet. “No promises.”
She bumped his shoulder with hers.
“You all right?” he asked quietly.
She met his eyes. There was no shadow in them tonight. No tightness. “Yes.” After giving their statements to the troopers, they’d spent the last two days sleeping and healing. Brock had managed to fish Peter out of the river, and now he and Kyle were already in Anchorage, sitting in cells. Jack’s body had been delivered to the medical examiner for an autopsy. The charges had been dropped against Ace. “I’m feeling fantastic.”
He studied her a second longer than necessary. “You sure?”
“I’m not fragile,” she said.
“I know.”
“Stop hovering.”
He leaned closer. “I will not.”
She smiled.
They moved through the reception easily. Daisy cornered Christian for a legal joke no one else understood. Damian was deep in conversation with three elderly women who looked delighted, although his gaze kept scanning the various crowds. Looking for Stella, no doubt. Brock stood near Ophelia, not saying much, just watching her like he always did.
The first dance began under strings of lights.
Christian held Amka carefully at first, then she rolled her eyes and pulled him closer. The town laughed.
Ace’s hand settled at May’s waist. “You ready for a spin, Doc?”
“Absolutely.” She moved into the dance with him, leaning into his strength.
He held her even closer. “I talked to Smitty yesterday.”
She blinked up at him. “You did?”
“Yeah.”
“And?”
“I’m not done,” he said. “With flying.”
Her heart warmed right up. “I didn’t think you were.”
He searched her face carefully. “Smitty thinks I should take some time before making any big life decisions.”
Probably good advice. “Okay.”
“Smitty’s wrong. I’m moving on with my life.”
“What are you thinking?” she asked.
He twirled her and then pulled her back. “I’m starting a floatplane service with charter runs. I can do medical transport if needed.”
She grinned. “That’s convenient.”
“And I’m moving forward with my personal life.”
Her heart stuttered. “You have one of those?”
He kissed the tip of her nose. “Yeah. You’re it. Oh, we’re going to date, have some fun, have our first fight, make up, and all of that. But at the end of this year, you’re gonna be wearing my ring.”
Whoa. He sure didn’t play games. She leaned up and kissed his already shadowed jaw. “We’ll see just how romantic you can be.”
“Challenge accepted.” He took her mouth, easily moving with the music. They finished that dance and moved into another, in the middle of Main Street.
The music shifted to a faster beat. Kids pulled Amka into a circle. Someone started clapping off-beat.