Page 55 of Jilted
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Amy said.
And that’s when Ginny finally lost it. She flung her arms around Amy and cried with joy. “Oh, Amy, dear, welcome to the family, officially.” She released Amy and turned to Brett, smacking him on the arm. “It took you long enough.”
Brett smiled. Ginny definitely reacted better to this engagement announcement than she had to his previous one. His father stood and enveloped him in a hug, whispering congratulations. Brett stood and watched as Amy and his mom talked about the wedding. Amy’s smile lit up his life, made him feel happier than he’d ever felt. And she was all his. Now. Forever.
“Okay, this calls for a celebration,” Ginny said, clapping her hands. “Dean, go to the cellar and get a bottle of champagne. I’ll go get the glasses.”
Brett pulled out a chair and sat next to Craig. Amy walked over and sat on Brett’s lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. He nuzzled her and whispered, “Are you happy, baby?”
She smiled. “I’ve never been happier.”
He framed her face with his hands and kissed her softly. “I love you,” he said against her lips.
“Love you, too,” she whispered back, and then engaged him in another kiss.
Craig groaned. “Get a room.”
Amy laughed, but she didn’t get off Brett’s lap. “Oh, Craig, it’s okay. You’ll find someone, too.”
“Yeah, I know.” Craig grinned.
“I hear Amy’s sister is single again,” Brett said, putting his arms around Amy’s waist and massaging her lower hip.
“Lucy?” Craig asked.
Amy gently elbowed Brett. “Don’t play matchmaker.”
“Yes, dear.” He winked.
Brett was starting to wish he’d told his parents over the phone instead of coming here in person because he’d do just about anything right now to be alone with Amy. He craved her worse than a drug addict craved drugs. She was his undoing.
Chapter Twenty-Three
One Year Later...
* * *
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Craig whispered, playfully nudging Brett with his shoulder.
“I’ve never been surer of anything in my life,” Brett responded as he looked around.
He was back on Tri Pinnae Island, back on the secluded beach where he’d first told Amy he’d loved her. Only this time, he was surrounded by his parents, his brother, and Amy’s sister. And he was standing beneath a flower arch, waiting for Amy to walk down the aisle toward him, toward their future together.
This island was where they’d found each other, so they’d agreed it was where they’d vow their love to each other, too. And it couldn’t have been more perfect. Brett had even managed to get the same exact bungalow they’d stayed in last time. Their family was staying all the way on the other side of the island, giving Brett and Amy a little bit of privacy.
“It’s not too late to call this off,” Craig teased.
Brett laughed. “Not a chance in hell.” He turned to look at his brother. “In fact, you’ll probably have to hold me back so I don’t run down that aisle and grab her.”
Craig flung his head back and laughed. “You’ve got it bad.”
Yes, he did, but he didn’t care. The small island band began to play, and Brett’s heart momentarily stopped. This was it. He clutched his hands in front of him and twisted them, his nerves getting the best of him. Blowing out a breath, he tried to calm himself. This was Amy – his best friend, the love of his life – she would walk down that aisle. She would.
And then she did.
Brett couldn’t stop smiling. God, she was beautiful. Dressed in a knee length white dress, sandals, and a large flower tucked behind her ear, she was absolutely stunning. She stole his breath and his heart all over again. It felt like it took forever for her to finally reach him, but when she did, he took both of her hands into his and looked into her eyes. She smiled at him, and he swore his knees were going to give out.
“I understand you’ve written your own vows?” said the man who was officiating over the wedding.
