Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 96460 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 482(@200wpm)___ 386(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96460 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 482(@200wpm)___ 386(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
Jason’s home was a gorgeous, Bavarian chalet nestled between ancient trees. The shuttle drove around the side of the home, passing another shuttle headed back out, and then pulled to a stop in front of a woman in a black business suit who stood on a stone patio.
She gave a warm smile then directed us to follow the path to the entrance to the tent. First in German, then English, then other languages Ethan would probably know but I did not. The red heels Kara’s assistant had sent over last minute carried my unsure feet across the stones and into the enormous white tent that had been set up in the back yard.
The interior was draped in layers of white fabric, and an enormous chandelier hung in the center, but it wasn’t the only light. Tall candelabras lined the aisle and were decorated with flowers, their greenery spilling down the sides. A temporary floor had been put down, making the large space feel like a room, and it was so stunningly beautiful, it stole my breath.
It was warm inside the tent, and I was grateful for the coat check they’d offered. There were space heaters, but also quite a crowd had already gathered, and the buzz of conversation was loud and jovial. Part of that could have been due to the silver trays of Osterhägen beer and flutes of champagne that were circulating.
It was ridiculous, but I scanned the crowd for a certain six-and-a-half-foot tall man. But he wasn’t there, and I knew that. Was he thinking about me as often as I was thinking about him?
I’d finished my first glass of champagne when Jason appeared from inside the house, and the crowd of two hundred or so began to quiet and take their seats. The younger Dunn brother wore a tuxedo, and once again, the clothing fit him perfectly—but looked wrong. Like polished leather shoes with workout clothes.
Behind him, the groom seemed the opposite. Like he’d been born in a tuxedo. He wore black tie with the same ease as one of his custom-made suits. Some of the women around me straightened at the mere sight of Shawn. He was attractive on a normal day, but tonight he was made even more attractive for what he was about to do.
A commitment to the woman he loved. There was a power in the air, clinging all around. Power and love.
My gaze, along with everyone else’s, followed the groom as he went to stand at the front, nodding hello to guests as he trailed behind Jason. The string quartet in the corner began to play, and at the back of the aisle, a woman in a black dress stepped forward, clutching a bouquet of red roses. Light brown hair was pulled up and set at the crown of her head, so her big, blue eyes were striking.
The ballerina from the picture, although now she was a brunette.
Laurel was girl-next-door-pretty, and she moved with a dancer’s grace down the aisle toward her husband and brother-in-law. When she reached the end of the aisle, she turned and looked back, waiting for her sister to make an entrance.
Which Kara did.
The white dress was elegant and sophisticated, finding that perfect balance between classy and sexy. The lace on the bodice parted so it could plunge deep in the front, revealing her slender neck and just the right amount of cleavage. Then, the lace gave way at the waist to silk that looked like liquid, pouring over her curves.
While everyone was focused on Kara, I snuck a glance back at Shawn. Seeing his reaction to his bride made my goddamn knees weak.
For a moment, his eyes clouded, and then it was blinked away, but the emotion remained on his face. Unabashed love.
Uncomfortable feelings welled up in my chest. Coming to this wedding had been a really bad idea. This evening would have side effects. Was this part of Ethan’s plan?
The ceremony was short, but Shawn’s kiss at the conclusion was less so. A few people chuckled while others raised eyebrows, and when he finally let his new wife come up for air, her face flushed to match the flowers she carried.
I had to get out of there. Halfway through dinner, seated at a table with everyone twice my age, I began to plot how I was going to escape. The other guests were family, friends, or business connections, and although they were welcoming to me, it was lonely.
I needed to offer my congratulations to the newlyweds and slip away as soon as dinner was over. I’d rather be lonely at my apartment in pajamas, instead of dressed up and lonely around all these people who were in love.
Once I’d finished my slice of cake, I rose from my seat and worked my way closer to the bride and groom to position myself for the goodbye. But a wall of a man stepped in front of me. Jason. His pretty wife was at his side, her blue eyes curious as she gazed at me, and a baby in her arms.