“Would you help me hook it on?” She held out her hand, and Hannah placed the strands around her wrist.
From behind her, Bri cleared her throat. “He has his moments.” She was obviously talking about her brother.
Macy smiled, more touched than she could say. “Yes, he does.”
A knock sounded on the door and Macy called, “Come in!”
Jaxon’s uncle Paul, who was walking Macy down the aisle, stuck his head in. “Everyone ready?”
Macy nodded. As ready as she’d ever be.
Everything next was a blur. The bridesmaids and groomsmen lining up. The music causing her stomach to flutter with nerves. Them walking down the aisle ahead of her.
Then, hooking her arm into Paul’s, she readied herself to take the stroll down the aisle to the handsome, sexy man in a tuxedo waiting for her at the end.
And that was what she held on to – Jaxon’s reassuring gaze and the hot way he appraised her.
“That’s the expression of a man in love,” Paul said to her quietly.
“What?” Love? No. This was an arrangement, but she couldn’t tell Paul that.
Even if a part of her wished his words were true, she understood reality and took that first step, gliding to his side. She passed everyone in the audience staring at them, even a bored-looking Lilah, whose invitation had been to appease Hannah, nothing more.
Jaxon grasped her hands and he grounded her. “You look spectacular,” he said softly. “Gorgeous.”
Her stomach tumbled over at his words. “Thanks. You’re pretty hot yourself.”
He grinned just as the ceremony started. She wasn’t sure how much time passed when they were pronounced husband and wife. “You may kiss the bride.”
Jaxon’s eyes locked with hers, he wrapped his arm around her waist, and everything nervous inside her calmed to be replaced with pulsing desire that only he caused.
His lips came down on hers, and he tilted her backwards, putting on a show for everyone in the audience. But all she could focus on was his strength and his perfect kiss, his tongue swiping over her lips and gliding inside her mouth too briefly. Straightening her to a standing position, he held on as everything spun around her.
“Are you good, Mrs. Prescott?” he asked at last.
Her equilibrium restored, she nodded. “All set, Mr. Prescott.”
They walked back down the aisle and the guests clapped in celebration. Afterwards, the blur of time continued, dancing, eating, smiling, and talking to family and friends, and at some point they’d gotten separated.
“I wish you the best,” Bri said, her indigo eyes, similar to her brother’s, matching her purple dress.
“And I appreciate it, you know that.”
From across the room, Macy heard Hannah’s voice. “I don’t understand. You said I could sleep at the hotel with you!”
Macy winced. “Sounds like there’s an issue. I’ve got to go see what’s going on.”
Before she made it halfway across the room, Jaxon was back by her side. “Hannah sounds upset.”
She nodded and together they approached. While Macy was to be on her honeymoon, Hannah had planned to stay with her mother for the weekend instead of with a friend. Despite not wanting to do it, Macy had given Hannah the choice, again trying to seem reasonable prior to dealing with a judge.
“What’s wrong?” Macy asked.
“Mom said I can’t stay with her while you’re gone. Something came up.”
Macy narrowed her gaze. “It’s two nights, Lilah. The plans are made.”
“And something came up that can’t be changed.”
“Come on, Hannah. Let’s go call a friend and get you settled,” Jaxon said, leaving Macy to deal with Lilah.
“Really? This is how you show your daughter you love her? And you spring it on us at the last second when we’re leaving soon?” Macy’s blood roared in her ears. “Are you trying to make things more difficult?”
Lilah shook her head. “Life happens, Macy. It can’t be helped.”
“Care to fill me in on what suddenly came up that’s more important than taking Hannah?”
“Not really,” she said between sips of champagne. “It’s my business.”
That Macy hoped Jonathan Ridgeway would uncover. In the meantime, she needed to make sure Hannah was safe for the weekend, but before she could go looking for her sister and Jaxon, they returned.
“All set. Ruby’s mom is going to pick Hannah up before you and I leave,” Jaxon said, a reassuring smile on his face.
“All good, Hannah?” Macy asked.
She nodded, looking at her mom through hooded eyes.
“I’ll make it up to you next weekend,” Lilah promised.
“We may be busy moving. We’ll have to let you know,” Macy said, then turned to her sister. “Come on. Let’s make sure your bags are ready,” she said, despite knowing Hannah was set to go. She wanted to separate her and Lilah.
Hannah remained silent, obviously hurt by her mother’s actions, and Macy wouldn’t be around to make it better. But she wasn’t giving up a honeymoon with Jaxon. Once Hannah got involved with her friend, she’d be fine and busy.
“I have no doubt it’s a man that’s got Lilah tied up,” Macy muttered to Jaxon.
He nodded. “I already texted the lawyer. Don’t worry. We’re on top of it,” he said as if they were a team, and she was beginning to feel like they were. “By the way, I hope it’s okay, but I arranged to have yours and Hannah’s things moved to my house while we’re gone. I don’t want you to have to stress about it.”
Despite warning herself not to get used to the feeling of being taken care of, she couldn’t deny she needed him now. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”
After getting Hannah settled and out to her friend’s car, Macy turned to Jaxon. “I thought I’d change before we left.”
His gaze darkened. “I was kind of hoping to peel you out of that sexy dress.” Those gorgeous eyes slid over her, causing her nipples to tighten and her panties to grow wet.
“It’s a little crazy to travel in formal wear.”
“Just make sure I can peel you out of your clothing and I’ll be a
