Read Stealing the Groom Online
Authors: Sonya Weiss
Tags: #Fiction, #Romance, #General, #groom, #fake fiance, #cindi madsen, #Marina Adair, #Contemporary, #Small Town, #Julia London, #Arranged marriage, #wedding, #sweet, #Catherine Bybee
Chapter Seventeen
Two days later, a bright and sunny Saturday in June, Amelia waited with her sisters and Noah in a small room at the back of the little white church where her grandparents had married.
She didn’t feel any butterflies in her stomach this time.
Now here it was, finally ready to begin, the first day of her forever with Chad.
“You look beautiful,” Ann said, admiring Amelia’s wedding gown.
“Hold still.” Abby fussed over the veil that had been their grandmother’s, arranging it one more time.
“Will you stop?” Amelia laughed. “You’ve been fidgeting ever since we arrived.”
“That’s because she knows she’s next,” Noah said with a wink and a nudge.
Abby clicked her tongue. “You can stop that kind of thinking right in its tracks, Grandfather. I’ve been there, done that, and while I’m happy for Amelia and Chad, I have no intention of ever walking down the aisle a second time.”
When a knock sounded on the door, Abby twisted the handle and pushed the door open.
“I believe I’m to escort you down the aisle?” a familiar voice said. Nick stood framed in the doorway, an innocent expression on his face.
“No,” Abby said with a frown marring her face, “Eric is escorting me down the aisle.”
“Noah changed the arrangement,” Nick said, offering Abby his arm.
“Big mouth,” Noah muttered.
Abby gave him a murderous glance, then stiffly accepted Nick’s arm and allowed him to lead her from the room.
“So I guess I’m escorting you?” Eric said.
Ann accepted Eric’s arm. “This is my lucky day.” With a wink, she allowed Eric to lead her out.
Amelia exhaled slowly.
Almost there. In mere moments, she would be Chad’s wife, and she couldn’t think of anything that sounded more amazing.
The first poignant notes of the wedding march began and Noah steered Amelia to the door, tears springing to his eyes. “With your sunny disposition, you remind me so much of your grandmother. She was a lot like you, you know.”
“Thanks, Granddaddy.” She leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “You ready to do this?”
“Been ready, honey. This day’s been a long time coming.”
As they entered the rear of the church, Amelia couldn’t speak past the emotions clogging her throat. White roses were grouped at the ends of the pews and decorated with flowing white ribbons. In one corner the piano played softly, but Amelia didn’t have eyes for any of the decorations.
Chad waited for her at the altar. His blue eyes, as limitless as the Atlantic Ocean, were filled with a love as vast.
She floated down the aisle, barely registering when her grandfather lifted her veil, pressed a kiss to her cheek, and joined her hand with Chad’s.
The minister began speaking and Henry stood up. “Excuse me, but you are a
real
minister, aren’t you?”
The minister’s eyebrows raised. “Yes, I am.”
“Good. Just checking. Er…carry on.” Henry settled himself again and gave Chad a sheepish grin.
The minister shook his head and then picked up where he’d left off.
His words filled the air around Amelia, but she could see only Chad, hear only his heart as it joined with hers.
“You may kiss the bride.”
Chad bent his head and just before he pressed his lips to hers, he whispered, “I’m going to like our plan C.”
The minister smiled after they ended the kiss and said, “I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Chad Walker.”
The crowd cheered and Chad and Amelia walked down the aisle out into the sunlight where a limousine waited. Stopping on the front steps, he kissed her and said, “Today I feel like the richest man in the world.” He smiled down at her and gently wiped away the tears glimmering at the edge of her eyes.
“Good. We’ll need those riches to go on all of the adventures I have planned,” Amelia said.
He smiled that slow, sexy smile of his. “No skydiving.”
Grinning up at him she said, “Deal.”
Leaning close so that his lips grazed her neck, he whispered, “Falling for you was adventure enough.”
Their laughter echoed through the crowd as they climbed into the car and drove away.
* * *
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Acknowledgments
I would like to acknowledge the following people for their impact on my life:
Toni, my wonderful sister. I admire and love you deeply. I could never measure all the ways you’ve touched my life.
All the writers who constantly share their knowledge with others. Your help is appreciated.
Audrey Higgans, great poet, great writer, great friend who pulled an all night editing session and was still sane the next day.
Marry Wing, my lifelong friend who knows how to laugh and love. From the early years to college and back, your friendship has been amazing.
Judy Maurice-Steigert for the long talks, the coffee, and the joy you radiate.
Nicole Resciniti, agent extraordinaire, who works so hard on behalf of her clients. You are truly one of a kind.
Marisa Cleveland, for the chance. I will never forget that.
The gang at Seymour Agency for all their hard behind-the-scenes work.
Finally, Shannon Godwin. You have the ability to work wonders. I am amazed by your talent. Thank you!
About the Author
Sonya Weiss
is a freelance writer and ghostwriter. Her writing began in grade school when she would write on any scrap of available paper. She loves creating stories where happily ever after is just the beginning.
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