Page 100 of The Red-Hot Stakes

Derek’s dark curly hair was artfully disheveled as always. His blue eyes sparkled, staring past me toward the spot Avery would appear any moment. He shifted side to side, as if he was a tad bit nervous.

Then I found Liam, and I forgot everyone else. His white shirt showed off the tan he’d collected over the last couple days. It clung to his muscular chest and biceps just the way I liked it, his tattoo visible below his sleeve. He lit up when he saw me. The adoration that spread across his face as he took in my outfit made me feel beautiful and loved.

How had I gotten so lucky? Maybe the curse was broken, or maybe Liam was right that this had all been a series of crazy missteps and choices. Whatever it was, I was here, despite all odds.

And no one possessing the love of that man could call themselves cursed.

I made it to the front without mishap, then we all turned as one when the music changed. Avery stepped into the walkway, simply glowing. I couldn’t stop smiling at the sight of my beautiful friend. She’d come so far from the hurt girl who’d been too scared to believe in love.

She walked confidently up the aisle, her gaze locked with Derek’s. And I saw him swallow as he beheld her. Saw him touch the corner of his eye as if he couldn’t believe this was really happening.

I took Avery’s bouquet so she could join hands with Derek. The minister led them through their vows and, as they promised to love and cherish one another, I couldn’t help glancing at Liam. He was looking at me. Their ‘I do’s echoed between us, sending my heart stuttering.

When the minister paused and glanced at Liam, he nodded to an unseen someone. Liam winked at me, walking over to take a microphone from an employee who rushed in with it. He cleared his throat, as Derek and Avery watched with confused expressions.

Liam smirked. “Yeah, I know I don’t need a mic for the huge gathering we have here, but you’ll see in a minute.”

I gasped, trying to cover my mouth with my hand and getting a mouthful of flowers.

“You two are perfect for each other. Derek, you’ve always been there for me, man. And Avery, I can’t tell you how much it means that you’ve got Derek’s back. You’re part of the family now. I love you, both. This one’s for you.” He nodded again to the unseen person off stage and the opening bars of Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud started.

Though his voice was deeper, Liam sang it perfectly. Avery gaped at first, turning to me and glaring when she saw I knew of his talent. Then she stared up at Derek, melting into him as the sweet words about growing old together washed over us. I watched them fade into each other, the rest of us disappearing.

Liam’s cashmere voice draped over my body, his silken notes caressed me and I couldn’t look away from him. A smile played on his full lips as our gazes locked. I blew him a kiss, and he winked again.

When the song finished, the minister smoothly took over, not even giving Avery time to scold Liam for his secrets. Next was the exchanging of rings, and the minister explained how the ring was a symbol of infinity. How, just like the love Derek and Avery had for one another, it too had no end.

Then he announced proudly, “Mr. and Mrs. Derek Elgin.” The minister turned to Derek. “You may now kiss your bride.”

Derek dipped Avery backward, kissing her soundly as we cheered. She came up with flushed cheeks, grinning ear to ear.

“Who’s ready to party?” she yelled, holding up their joined hands and admiring her ring. After we cheered some more, she went right to Liam, her finger in his face. “What was that?”

He smirked. “Surprise?”

Then she whirled on me. “And you knew!”

Liam slid an arm around my waist. “You didn’t think I was showing up at her bar just for the drinks, did you?”

A light dawned on Avery’s face. “Oh my gosh. You’ve always been a sucker for a guy who can sing.” Her glare intensified. “I cannot believe you didn’t tell me!”

“It wasn’t my secret to tell.” I smirked, glancing at Derek across the way. I had no qualms about throwing him under the bus. “Derek knew, though. He used to hear him sing with Piper all the time.”

Avery gasped, stomping off to yell at her new husband.

Liam chuckled. “Remind me not to get on your bad side.”

I grinned, tilting my chin up for a kiss.

After pictures, we had our own private buffet in the pavilion with unending champagne. I brought out sashes that read Bride and Groom, draping them over the appropriate people’s heads.

Avery grinned. “All right, ladies. I paved the way. Who’s next?”

I shook my head. “No way. I’ve had enough excitement to last me a while.”

Rhonda’s cheeks went pink as she ducked her head. She wasn’t usually one to blush, so my curiosity piqued. “We weren’t going to say anything, because we didn’t want to take away from your celebration. But Greg asked me last night, and I said yes!”

Avery and I squealed, rushing over to hug and congratulate her. The guys took turns thumping poor Greg on the back.

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