Three months later

Maddie

Out of all the things I imagined doing on my wedding day, taking a pregnancy test wasn’t on the list.

My period was three weeks late. In the beginning I’d chalked it up to my stress level going through the roof with the wedding preparations. A week ago I started feeling nauseous in the mornings. I’d put it up to more nerves. But today I’d almost fainted while having my hair done. I’d sent Grace to buy a test right away.

The wedding was taking place in one of the finest beach hotels in the Los Angeles area. Landon and I each had separate rooms to dress in. He’d arranged for an entire team of hair and makeup artists to come here for me, and they’d worked their magic for hours. They were all gone now, though. It was just Grace and me.

“Maddie, come on! I’m dying here,” Grace exclaimed from the other side of the bathroom door. I blinked at the test, then blinked some more. Grace had bought me one of those that displayed “pregnant” or “not pregnant.”

Mine showed “pregnant.” I tried to blink back the tears of joy but couldn’t. My entire body was alive with happiness. I’d hoped from the first signs, even though it was unplanned. The test didn’t say how far along I was, but I was almost certain I could trace the date baby Connor was conceived to the evening Landon signed the papers for selling his company. It was a good thing construction on the new house had started already.

I opened the door, holding the test with the display toward Grace. She shrieked, jumping up and down.

“I’m going to be an aunt! Congratulations.” She hugged me tight, then pulled back abruptly.

“You can’t cry, Maddie. Your makeup—”

“I need to tell Landon.”

“Now?”

“Yes, now. I want him to know before we say our vows.”

“Okay. I’m going after the makeup lady. She said she’d drink a coffee in the lobby before leaving. You go to Landon’s room. But you only have ten minutes, tops. Then I need you back here so we can fix your makeup and get you dressed. I looked over the schedule Lori set up. There is no time for sexy activities. Or fixing post-sexy-activities hair.” My hair was styled in a half updo, with loose waves under an intricately twisted bun. No way would I risk that getting messed up.

Nodding, I fastened the white silk robe tighter around me, pocketed the test, and dashed out of the room.

Landon’s room was one floor below. As our wedding planner, Lori had decreed we couldn’t be on the same floor. What if we bumped into each other? Bad luck seeing the bride in her dress before the altar and all that. I suddenly hoped I wouldn’t run into Lori. She and Grace were scary today.

I could barely contain my grin when I knocked on Landon’s door. It swung open the next second... and I came face-to-face with Lori.

“What are you doing here?” she whispered. “Landon can’t see you.”

“I’m not wearing my wedding dress. And I need to talk to him.”

“Is everything okay? Your makeup—”

“Lori, who’s at the door?” Landon’s voice came from inside.

“Maddie,” I said loudly before Lori could channel Grace too much.

Landon appeared at the door in a blink. He was further along the dressing process than I was, already wearing his sleek black tux, his white shirt underneath. His green eyes stood out. God, was my man handsome. I wondered how many seconds it would take to peel it off him. Grace’s warning rang in my ears. Hmm, I could climb him even with the tux on, but could I risk wrinkling the shirt? Nope. No time.

“Maddie, what’s wrong?” he asked as I stepped inside.

“Nothing. I just need to talk to you real quick.” I looked at Lori. “Ten minutes, I promise. I know we’re on a schedule.”

“Okay. I’ll wait for you in your room. Actually, I’ll go find the makeup lady.”

The corners of my mouth twitched. “Grace is already on it.”

Lori took off with a nod. Once we were alone, my heart leaped into my throat. Traitorous little organ. How was I supposed to keep my voice even now?

I didn’t trust myself not to blubber while saying the words, so I took his hand and led him to the couch.

Then I retrieved the test from my pocket, holding it for him to read.

“We’re going to have a baby.” His voice broke on the last word. And then there were no more words. He brought his mouth down to mine and kissed me fiercely. I pulled him to me, needing to feel him flush against me.

“You have no idea how happy you just made me, Maddie.”

Oh, I did know. That’s why I’d wanted to tell him now.

He lowered a hand to my belly. “I will love both of you so much.”

I had no doubt, because no one had more love to give than Landon. I still couldn’t believe this was my life, that this wonderful man would soon become my husband, and that a little bundle of joy was already on his or her way.

“Are you hoping it’s a boy or a girl?” I asked, running my hands through his hair.

Since his face and hair were the only places I could touch him without ruining the wedding outfit, I planned to take thorough advantage. I settled more comfortably between the armrest and the backrest.

“I don’t have a preference. I just want it to be healthy.” On a frown, he added, “Is all that physical work you do safe for both of you?”

Oh boy. We had nine long months ahead of us if he was already flexing his protective muscles. I loved that side of him, but I couldn’t own up to that. I had the good sense to keep that tidbit of information to myself. Besides, Elise and I had formalized our business partnership last month. We were already in talks with David Hooper about a future residential project he had in mind.

“Yes, yes it is. But if you want to make sure I relax, might I suggest date nights?”

“Sure.”

Well, that was easy.

“Breakfast in bed?”

“Anything you want, Maddie.”

Now that was such a dangerous statement to make, really. He probably thought I’d exercise self-restraint or at least common decency in my requests. I planned on zero decency. He could forget restraint altogether.

He leaned in for another kiss. It was even fiercer than the first one. Hotter. Deeper.

I felt his hand skim up my thigh, and we both groaned when he reached the lacy frills of my panties.

Grace’s warning flew out of my mind, as did our time constraints. But a loud knock at the door brought both back into focus. We scrambled to our feet, trying not to look too guilty.

“Who do you think it is? I vote Grace,” I whispered.

Landon considered this for a few seconds. “Nah, I’m sure it’s Lori.”

It turned out to be Hailey. She was wearing a beautiful red silk dress, her hair hanging in waves on one side.

“You two are lucky I showed up here. You owe me for saving you from Lori and Grace.”

I barely managed to wave at Landon before she whisked me away.

My room erupted in cheers when Hailey and I entered. Val and Lori were grinning from ear to ear.

Grace gave me a sheepish smile. “Sorry, I had to tell them.”

“You had to, huh?”

Grace winked. “You try surviving a Connor ambush.”

They pulled me into a group hug, which lasted exactly ten seconds before Lori cried, “Time’s up. Her makeup needs retouching.”

Yep, hugs were timed too. The makeup artist, Sheila, was waiting in the same spot she’d applied my cosmetics first, next to the vanity in the corner of the room.

While she focused on my face, she interrogated the girls.

“None of you are married?” she asked. They answered in a chorus of “No.”

Sheila chuckled. “Wedding season is open now. Bet you’ll all follow in Maddie’s steps.”

I peeked open one eye, looked at the Connor girls and my sister.

“Well, it won’t be me,” Lori said. “I’ve got Milo to focus on. No place for another man.”

“That’s lousy logic,” Val said. I grinned, secretly agreeing with her.

“When’s the last time you were on a date?” Hailey asked.

Lori sighed. “Years. Years! But don’t tell Landon that. I might have misled him to think otherwise because he was nagging.”

I caught Lori looking at my engagement ring longingly. Mental note: What Lori says is not what Lori wants.

“Are the other brothers as handsome as the groom?” Sheila asked while reapplying my mascara.

“Oh, they are,” Hailey said. “We might be biased, but....”

Grace looked up from her phone, where I bet she was checking the schedule. “I’m not biased. And I can vouch for that. This family has great genes.”

Sheila smiled, finally releasing me. “Well, my job’s done here. But I bet I’ll be back for a new wedding in no time at all. I’ve seen that happen so many times. First one in a group gets married, then the rest fall like dominoes.”

“Okay, time to dress the bride,” Grace announced.

I smiled the entire time the girls helped me in my dress. I couldn’t stop touching it. It was so pretty, a trumpet silhouette with a sweetheart neckline covered in Chantilly lace. It was fitted around my body and flared out midthigh.

My nerves kicked in when I stepped out on the terrace where the ceremony was taking place. It was a perfect day. Sunny, warm, with a gentle breeze coming in from the ocean cooling my skin.

Our guests were already sitting on the white chairs arranged in straight rows. The sheer number of guests was huge, given how many cousins the Connors had. The entire Bennett clan had flown in from San Francisco.

I swept my gaze over to the wedding arch adorned with flowers and a white veil, and the man waiting beneath it. The anxiety melted away. When we made eye contact, he was all I saw.

My parents had flown in for the occasion, and Dad gave me to Landon, who kissed my hand, murmuring, “I love you, beautiful.”

The pastor welcomed everyone, starting the ceremony. Landon held my gaze the entire time. My heart was bursting with love for this handsome man standing before me, ready to tie his life to mine. The wind had ruffled Landon’s black hair, and I pushed two strands away from his forehead before we exchanged rings.

“And now the vows,” the pastor announced.

Landon held my hands firmly in his, joy dancing in his green eyes.

“Maddie, my vows to you are not just a promise, but a privilege. I vow to love and respect you my entire life.”

“I vow to be worthy of your love,” I replied.

“I promise to care for you and spoil you every day.” He kissed my hands, and emotion rose in my throat.

“Landon, I promise to be your best friend, your partner, your ally, your lover.”

“I promise to be right next to you when you chase your dreams.”

“I promise to be your biggest supporter.”

“I promise to out-stubborn you even when you give me your best.”

I grinned. “I promise to let you think you won an argument once in a while.”

The guests laughed, and even the pastor chuckled. We were both misty-eyed as he declared us husband and wife, and then Landon kissed me softly.

“I can’t wait to make you happy for the rest of our lives, lovely wife,” he whispered.

“I can’t wait to return the favor, husband of mine.”

We turned to face our guests, and I caught a glimpse of Lori watching us with tears in her eyes. She dabbed at the corners, smiling and whispering, “I love weddings.”

I smiled back, making a mental note to be sneaky when the time came to gather all the single ladies and throw my bouquet. I planned to throw it in Lori’s direction.

*** THE END ***

Dear Reader,

This is the end of Landon and Maddie’s story. Anything For You is also available as , narrated by Sebastian York & Andi Arndt. The next book will be Lori’s story, and it will be released in August.

***

If you want to meet the Bennett family (you got a glimpse of Ava & Sebastian in this story), you can find a link to the series .

They are a fun family, the romances are HOT and SWOONWORTHY. That series is complete, and each book can be read as a standalone.

***

Links to THE ENTIRE BENNETT FAMILY SERIES:

Links to individual books in the Bennett Family Series:

Book 1: Your Irresistible Love (Sebastian & Ava)

Book 2: Your Captivating Love (Logan & Nadine)

Book 3: Your Forever Love (Pippa & Eric)

Book 4: Your Inescapable Love (Max & Emilia)

Book 5: Your Tempting Love (Christopher & Victoria)

Book 6: Your Alluring Love (Alice & Nate)

Book 7: Your Fierce Love (Blake & Clara)

Book 8: Your One True Love (Daniel & Caroline)

Book 9: Your Endless Love (Summer & Alex)

***

Book 1 in the Series: Your Irresistible Love

Sebastian Bennett is a determined man. It’s the secret behind the business empire he built from scratch. Under his rule, Bennett Enterprises dominates the jewelry industry. Despite being ruthless in his work, family comes first for him, and he’d do anything for his parents and eight siblings—even if they drive him crazy sometimes. . . like when they keep nagging him to get married already.

Sebastian doesn’t believe in love, until he brings in external marketing consultant Ava to oversee the next collection launch. She’s beautiful, funny, and just as stubborn as he is. Not only is he obsessed with her delicious curves, but he also finds himself willing to do anything to make her smile.

He’s determined to have Ava, even if she’s completely off limits.

Ava Lindt has one job to do at Bennett Enterprises: make the next collection launch unforgettable. Daydreaming about the hot CEO is definitely not on her to-do list. Neither is doing said CEO. The consultancy she works for has a strict policy—no fraternizing with clients. She won’t risk her job. Besides, Ava knows better than to trust men with her heart.

But their sizzling chemistry spirals into a deep connection that takes both of them by surprise. Sebastian blows through her defenses one sweet kiss and sinful touch at a time. When Ava’s time as a consultant in his company comes to an end, will Sebastian fight for the woman he loves or will he end up losing her?

AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS. You can find the links .

***

Book 2 in the Series: Your Captivating Love

Logan Bennett knows his priorities. He is loyal to his family and his company. He has no time for love, and no desire for it. Not after a disastrous engagement left him brokenhearted. When Nadine enters his life, she turns everything upside down.

She’s sexy, funny, and utterly captivating. She’s also more stubborn than anyone he’s met...including himself.

Nadine Hawthorne is finally pursuing her dream: opening her own clothing shop. After working so hard to get here, she needs to concentrate on her new business, and can’t afford distractions. Not even if they come in the form of Logan Bennett.

He’s handsome, charming, and doesn’t take no for an answer. After bitter disappointments, Nadine doesn’t believe in love. But being around Logan is addicting. It doesn’t help that Logan’s family is scheming to bring them together at every turn.

Their attraction is sizzling, their connection undeniable. Slowly, Logan wins her over. What starts out as a fling, soon spirals into much more than they are prepared for.

When a mistake threatens to tear them apart, will they have the strength to hold on to each other?

AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS. You can find the links .

***

Book 3 in the Series: Your Forever Love

Eric Callahan is a powerful man, and his sharp business sense has earned him the nickname ‘the shark.’ Yet under the strict façade is a man who loves his daughter and would do anything for her. When he and his daughter move to San Francisco for three months, he has one thing in mind: expanding his business on the West Coast. As a widower, Eric is not looking for love. He focuses on his company, and his daughter.

Until he meets Pippa Bennett. She captivates him from the moment he sets eyes on her, and what starts as unintentional flirting soon spirals into something neither of them can control.

Pippa Bennett knows she should stay away from Eric Callahan. After going through a rough divorce, she doesn’t trust men anymore. But something about Eric just draws her in. He has a body made for sin and a sense of humor that matches hers. Not to mention that seeing how adorable he is with his daughter melts Pippa’s walls one by one.

The chemistry between them is undeniable, but the connection that grows deeper every day that has both of them wondering if love might be within their reach.

When it’s time for Eric and his daughter to head back home, will he give up on the woman who has captured his heart, or will he do everything in his power to remain by her side?

AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS. You can find the links .

***

Book 4 in the series: Your Inescapable Love

Max Bennett is a successful man. His analytical mind has taken his family’s company to the next level. Outside the office, Max transforms from the serious business man into someone who is carefree and fun. Max is happy with his life and doesn’t intend to change it, even though his mother keeps asking for more grandchildren. Max loves being an uncle, and plans to spoil his nieces rotten.

But when a chance encounter reunites him with Emilia, his childhood best friend, he starts questioning everything. The girl he last saw years ago has grown into a sensual woman with a smile he can’t get out of his mind.

Emilia Campbell has a lot on her plate, taking care of her sick grandmother. Still, she faces everything with a positive attitude. When the childhood friend she hero-worshipped steps into her physical therapy clinic, she is over the moon. Max is every bit the troublemaker she remembers, only now he has a body to drool over and a smile to melt her panties. Not that she intends to do the former, or let the latter happen.

They are both determined not to cross the boundaries of friendship...at first. But as they spend more time together, they form an undeniable bond and their flirty banter spirals out of control.

Max knows Emilia is off-limits, but that only makes her all the more tempting. Besides, Max was never one to back away from a challenge.

When their chemistry becomes too much to resist and they inevitably give in to temptation, will they risk losing their friendship or will Max and Emilia find true love?

AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS. You can find the links .