Resounding Kisses (12 page)

Ivy stood in the back of the tent overlooking the rows of guests. She held a gorgeous bouquet of white Calla Lilies mixed with lilacs in her hand, ready to walk down the aisle in a few minutes.

The last two weeks had passed in a flurry of activities. Her soon-to-be sisters-in-law Reese and Sam as well as her sister Sequoia and her best friend Bella had been extremely helpful with the wedding planning of their wedding.

Thanks to Sam, her wedding would take place in the garden of the Velveteen Kitchen. The restaurant owner – a friend of Sam’s – had been super accommodating and had erected a large tent complete with heaters and lights to accommodate the wedding and the reception to follow.

Reese had offered to take care of the flowers and finding caterers to handle the reception. Unfortunately, the restaurant crew wasn’t able to handle that portion of the wedding, because with the holidays just around the corner, they were over worked and understaffed.

Sequoia had taken care of the invitations and had helped all the guests to arrange places to stay. Between the three women, everything was in place with plenty of time to spare.

Bella had asked her boss and owner of the fashion magazine
Fashion Now
to borrow a wedding dress from their extensive clothing archives. Funnily enough, it had turned out Sara Shaw neé Newsome was distantly related to Sam and as an advocate of true love, she’d happily granted her permission.

They’d found her the perfect wedding dress, and a gorgeous lilac bridesmaid gown for Bella. Ivy’s older sister Thalia, a seamstress, had made the necessary re-fittings of the two gowns.

Ivy smoothed her hands down the silky cloth of her stunning wedding dress. It was champagne-colored with Italian lace covering the bodice and draped in soft folds from her hips, accentuating her curves in the most elegant way.

Thalia nervously plucked the skirt into form until Ivy said, “Thalia. Stop it now. You’re making me nervous.”

Thalia giggled. “It’s just. Oh Ivy. I’m so happy for you.” Then she burst into tears and Ivy had to swallow back a lump in her throat. “Shush. Or you’ll make me cry too.”

“Okay.” Thalia brushed her tears away and took one of the lilacs from the bridal bouquet and secured it in her hair. “I love when you wear your hair down. It makes you look so posh, so radiant. Terrence is a lucky man.”

“I’m a lucky woman.”

The music changed and everyone stood as Thalia gave her a nudge and she began to walk down the aisle. Alone. She kept her eyes fixed on the man she loved. While she would have loved for her father to walk her down the aisle, he’d made it clear that while he’d allowed her to marry Terrence, he still didn’t think he was the best choice for her.

On her way down the aisle, she noticed her brothers, Corbin and Barrett, with their wives and four kids combined. Sequoia was sitting beside an empty seat that probably belonged to Thalia, who’d preferred to fuss over her in the back of the tent.

The entire Paxton clan had cleared their schedules to attend the wedding and they all beamed with pride, happiness and love. She’d received such a warm reception from everyone in his family down to little Jackson; it brought tears to her eyes.

She looked over the rows of guests and tried to remember everyone’s name. Russell and Allison with their toddler Jackson dressed in the cutest suit, including a makeshift tie. They’d get married in a few weeks from now.

Sitting behind them were Grant and Sam and then Reese and Nikos. Ter’s twin was a professional organizer and Ivy had watched in awe how she pulled this wedding together in record time. Nik, her fiancé and the heir to the Petridis shipping empire had turned out to be as nice and down-to-earth as everyone else.

Ethan and Hazel sat next to them. Hazel, a hairdresser, had offered to do Ivy’s hair for the wedding and she’d outdone herself. Ivy had never felt more beautiful – and desirable – if the look in Ter’s eyes was anything to go by. The way he devoured her with his eyes sent a warm feeling of love from her heart into every last corner of her body.

Yes, he’s the one. No doubt.

His parents, Mitch and Bridget, were sitting in the front row. Chase and Pearl, both competitive athletes were next to them. Her own parents were on the other side, next to Bella’s parents.

Her mother turned around to look at Ivy and she could see tears in her eyes.
What was it with everyone crying today? I hope I’ll make it through the vows without my voice faltering.

Bella was already standing at the front of the tent with Ter’s best man Jason from the band. Electric Flow would later on provide the dance music for the reception, which was a guarantee for everyone to have a good time.

Ivy made it through the ceremony without crying, exchanging simple vows and rings, and everything else faded into the background when the minister said, “You’re now husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

Their kiss seemed to go on forever and she didn’t care about the other people, or the applause, or her stone-faced father in the first row. Now she officially belonged to Ter until death do them part.

Friends and family lined up to congratulate, and soon they retired to the head table. Everyone except her father – who was determined to have a bad time and remain unhappy – moved about the tent. She knew he only wanted what was best for her, but he had a strange way of showing it.

Ivy looked up to see members of the band taking their places on the makeshift stage. They had been playing a mixture of soft ballads over the PA system, but now it was time for some live music and some dancing.

Right before Electric Flow played, Ter escorted her to the open dance floor and grabbed a microphone. “Hey, if I could have everyone’s attention for the first dance. Several months ago, I wrote this song about a beautiful woman who had completely turned my world upside down. Today, I’m proud to call her my wife. I’d like to dedicate this song to her as we share our first dance as husband and wife.”

When the music started and he sang “You’re All I Ever Want”, tears sprang to her eyes. As they reached the chorus, he handed the microphone to one of his band’s backup vocalists and told them to carry on. He pulled Ivy into his arms and began to twirl her around the floor.

Once the song ended, everyone applauded and Ivy saw tears on more than one face. Their wedding had been a magical day, and she felt blessed to be surrounded by such loving families.

“I love you, Mrs. Paxton,” he whispered in her ear.

Ivy tipped her head back. “I love you too, Mr. Paxton.”

Ter nuzzled beneath her ear and then whispered, “What do you say we sneak out of here?”

She looked shocked, but then giggled. “Can we do that?”

“Leave it to me. Hey, here comes your sister. Make it quick so we can get away.”

“Promise. I’m just as eager to have you alone as you are.”

Sequoia hugged her. “You are the most beautiful bride ever.”

“Thanks, sis.”

“I wanted to tell you that. I also wanted to tell you that I overhead Mother and Father speaking a few minutes ago.”

“Sequi, you know you shouldn’t eavesdrop.”

“How else am I supposed to find out what’s going on?” Sequoia pouted and put her hands on her hips.

“You know what I mean. Anyway, what did you hear?”

Sequi rolled her eyes. “After the song Ter dedicated to you, Father said maybe he isn’t such a bad man after all.”

Ivy smiled and was still doing so moments later when Ter wrapped his arms around her waist. “What’s put that smile there, lovey?”

“This was such a good idea. Me marrying you.”

“You think so?”

“I do. Gee, that’s the second time I’ve said that today.”

He kissed her and then backed her out of the tent. “Let’s make our escape while we can, Mrs. Paxton. I feel the need to have you all to myself.”

Nothing could possibly make her happier than she was in this very moment. “How about you stop talking and start doing?”

Ter lunged for her, sending her into a fit of giggles as he carried her from the tent. They had some celebrating to do.

***The End ***

This was the fifth book in the
Love in Sandy Beach
series. The next book will follow up the story of Karen and Robert in the Falling for Him series. It’s about time those two get their happily ever after.

Coming soon…..
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to get an email reminder as soon as it is released.

Want to know, how everything started with the Paxton siblings? Read EXPLOSION OF LOVE, a story of friends to lovers. Grant Paxton and Samantha Armstrong have been friends forever, until she comes running to him for consolation. Heat rises and soon they’re confronted with a totally different kind of relationship.

EXPLOSION OF LOVE

Thank you for taking the time to read RESOUNDING KISSES. If you enjoyed it, please consider telling your friends or posting a short review. Word of mouth is an author’s best friend.

Thank you,

Please enjoy a preview of the story of Samantha and Grant

EXPLOSION OF LOVE

The Armstrongs, Book Six

Jessica Gray

Samantha Armstrong grabbed another handful of tissues from the box in a futile attempt to get a grip on her running nose and her streaming eyes. The box fell to the floor with a bang, and she left it lying there. She had bigger problems to worry about than a stupid tissue box. Her world had just turned upside down, in more areas than one.

At the age of twenty-four, the world should be her oyster. She was a highly sought-after top model in New York, but today, she’d probably lost it all because of her temper, and the underhanded dealings of someone who’d said he cared about her. A
fter today’s debacle, you’ll be lucky if you can land a job advertising dog food.

She gave in to her tears for another few minutes and wallowed in self-pity. But if she was honest, she had to blame herself and her lack of self-control for what had happened. She pushed away that insight and dug through the pile of magazines, receipts, and other contents that had spilled from her purse, in search of her cell phone. Why did that stupid cell phone always have to hide somewhere?
The whole imbecile world is conspiring against me!

When she located it, she scrolled through her contacts until she found the one she wanted, her best friend Grant Paxton.

“Hello, Sammie. Long time no talk.” Grant answered the phone with a smile in his voice.

He was the only person in the world she let get away with calling her
Sammie.
Not even her brothers were allowed to do that. But with Grant, she actually liked the way he pronounced it, sweet and fun at the same time. Just like him.

“Hi, Grant.” Samantha heard his cheerful tone, but it didn’t penetrate though her sadness and despair. Not today. She struggled not to unload her sorrow on him right then and there. He’d take it in stride, but it wouldn’t make her feel any better. She needed a hug in the worst way.

Making a rash decision, she told him, “I’m coming to Chicago. Can you pick me up at the airport?”

After a slight pause Grant replied, “Sure, Sammie. When do you arrive?”

Sam mumbled something into the phone, while opening her laptop to search for a flight, and trying to dry her tears at the same time.

“I didn’t catch that. What time does your flight arrive?”

“I’m working on it.”

“What do you mean? You haven’t scheduled your flight yet?” Grant asked in disbelief.

As he spoke, she booked the last remaining seat on a flight leaving in over an hour. “I’ll be there around 6:40 tonight.”

“Say that again. Sorry, I dropped the phone and only caught the last word.”

Samantha repeated the time of her arrival, a little louder this time, but there was no way to disguise the huskiness in her voice, left behind by her tears. She’d just given herself away.

Grant’s sigh echoed over the phone line. “What is it this time?”

Damn, I can’t hide anything from him.
Sam blew her nose and answered his question on the verge of breaking out into tears: “I broke up with Craig.”
And I need you to make me feel better.

“Again?” Grant asked.

This wasn’t the first time she’d called him after breaking up with the slime bag, but it would definitely be the last one. She felt stupid because she hadn’t seen through Craig before. How stupid could a girl be and go back to the same unworthy guy time and again?

“Yes. But this time it’s for good.”

Grant said nothing, but she envisioned the eye-roll her comment produced.
He might not believe me right now, but I’m serious this time.

“So, how long are you staying?” Grant asked, moving away from the subject of her breakup. He’d made his opinion of the man known a time or two, and now she wished she’d listened to him – or to her brothers. If she wasn’t so stubborn, she might have taken their advice and kicked that guy to the curb years ago.

“I’m not sure…”

“You’re not sure.” Grant repeated her words as if there was a mystery he needed to solve. “Aren’t you a busy supermodel, who’s booked out for weeks in advance?”

“Yeah, but not right now.”
And maybe never again. I more than likely ruined my career. After my temper tantrum today, nobody will want to work with me ever again.

“Well, you know I love seeing you. Text me your flight number and I’ll pick you up. Take care.”

Samantha hung up the phone with a small sense of relief. Grant always had that special way of making her feel good. Secure. She didn’t spend much time analyzing it, but given the choice between running home to her family, or to Grant, she would always choose Grant.

The thought of her family had her trying to remember where all of her siblings were, and she sighed in relief at the realization that only one or two of them were in Chicago at the moment.

Whew! I don’t need them breathing down my neck right now.
Sure, they’d be sympathetic to her plight, threaten bodily harm to Craig for his actions, but it wouldn’t stop there. No, it would continue, becoming more than she was willing to put up with in her frame of mind.

She wasn’t up for the lectures she would more than likely receive from her brothers. They had never liked her ex-boyfriend, and as much as she hated to admit it, they’d been right all along. She just hadn’t wanted to see it or to listen to anyone. But today, she couldn’t handle even one “I told you so” from them. Getting her nose rubbed in her failures was the last thing she needed.
I need a shoulder to cry on and someone to make me feel good about myself. I need Grant.

Before rushing off to the airport, she tossed a few clothes into her suitcase, packing the essentials and nothing else. She needed out of New York, and away from the possibility of running into her ex. Fast. That douche bag had just officially ruined her career. As far as the fashion world was concerned, she was as good as dead now.

Samantha put on her huge sunglasses and hailed the first taxi to pass by her building, instructing the driver to take her straight to the airport. She’d been lucky enough to secure a seat on the last flight to Chicago this afternoon, and hoped it wouldn’t take her too long to get through airport security. With one carry-on bag, and already checked in online, she should be able to make it in time for boarding.

It’s not like you’re prepared for any instant photos anyway. If the media gets wind of what went down today, you’ll be sought after, but for the wrong reasons.

That unpleasant notion had her rehashing recent events in her mind. Again. It seemed that was all she’d done for the last few hours: replay the events of earlier today over and over in her mind. No matter how many times she rehashed things, they didn’t make her actions look any better the twentieth time around.

It hadn’t been enough for Craig to put his needs before hers. No. He’d had to destroy her in the process.
Lying piece of…

Samantha started sobbing again, drawing the attention of the taxi driver. Thankfully the driver was too occupied with rush-hour traffic, navigating the numerous cars trying to get out of the city and home for the evening, to start a conversation with her.

When the taxi arrived at the airport, she attempted to mop up her face with the soggy tissues in her hand. She swallowed several times before she stepped out of the taxi, taking the suitcase the driver was holding for her and handing him a roll of cash. “Thanks.”

She entered the terminal, eager to get on the plane and home to Grant.

Grant would know what to do. He always knew.

They had been friends for as long as she could remember. As they grew up and became adults, their friendship had stayed strong. She trusted him. He’d always had her best interests at heart, even though his brutal honesty was often a lot to cope with. Especially when he pointed out things she knew but didn’t want to admit. Like her lack of self-control, or that Craig wasn’t the right guy for her.

Their close friendship had been one of the things she’d missed most in New York. Since she’d left the Windy City four years earlier, they’d seen each other once or twice a year, at the most, and she’d missed him. A lot.

(End of Sneak Peak)

To continue reading, pick up the book of Samanta and Grant:

EXPLOSION OF LOVE