Even though Corinne was only a few feet away from him as she stood behind the bride, Xavier still felt naked without her on his arm. Last night had been the craziest night of his life. He’d witnessed a real phenomenon, and it had nothing to do with Corinne’s stalker Carlos. Xavier stared at Corinne from behind his best man’s position aside Hunter, and although he heard the vows his brother spoke, in Xavier’s mind it was his words with Corinne on the receiving end. Never in a million years would he have recognized himself in this position; with wanting to love someone for eternity like he desired with Corinne.

He was sure after Nadine, that wouldn’t happen, not a chance in hell. But fate had something entirely different in his stars, and it settled in his heart and spiraled through him like an enchanted spell. Xavier was in love, and his forever stood so close he could taste her… again. After leaving the club last night, he’d placed her in the safety of his car and asked, “Come home with me, please.”

“You don’t have to ask, just take me with you,” she responded.

It was his pleasure. After speaking to the owner of Jazzy’s, the police, and updating everyone at the bridal and bachelor parties, the two never left each other’s side, showering together and locking around each other limb to limb throughout the night. It was ecstasy, but at the same time, last night’s events made Xavier realize that life was short. Hunter was right, tomorrow isnt not promised, so he wanted to make sure Corinne knew just how much he loved her with every moment they breathed.

“I do.”

The sanctuary went up in applause and a thunderous stomping after Hunter spoke those words. Xavier pulled from his musings and slapped a firm hand against Hunter’s shoulder.

Tears ran down Camilla’s face as she repeated his declaration.

“I do,” she said.

Another round of stomping coursed through the building, and some of the bridesmaids shouted beside her garnering a laugh from Camilla and Hunter.

“By the power invested in me, I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Valentine.”

The applause was deafening. Hunter lifted Camilla’s veil and slipped his hands to her neck, pulling her in for a mouthwatering kiss. The crowd had gone so wild that the building shook, and the bride and groom turned together and side by side took a bow.

When they took their walk down the aisle, celebratory confetti was thrown at them, and the couple made their exit hand in hand. Coming to also stand by each other’s side, Xavier and Corinne held a loving eye on one another. Xavier lifted his arm and Corinne slipped hers through.

“I know this is Hunter and Camilla’s wedding, but I have something for you.”

Corinne arched a brow. “A gift?”

Xavier rubbed his beard with one hand. “Of sorts,” he said. I can’t really call it a gift.”

Corinne was intrigued.

“You’ll see what I mean.”

“Where is this non-gift?”

Xavier chuckled. “At the reception.” He motioned toward the exit. “Shall we?”

Corinne smiled and nodded, then the two headed for the soiree.

“I’d like to propose a toast.” Xavier stood to his feet and cast a glance around the expensively decorated room. “To the bride and groom.” The attendees repeated after him.

“To the bride and groom!”

Xavier went on. “May you have more love than you can possibly contain.” He glanced at Camilla. “Camilla, you’re a great addition to this family, and I couldn’t be happier to have you as a sister. You and Hunter will take the world by storm and become a bigger power couple than Beyoncé and Jay-Z.”

A round of laughter cruised around the room, and Camilla and Hunter smiled and laughed with them.

“Thank you!” Camilla said. “I guess I can now call you brother.”

They laughed again, noting that the Valentines didn’t call each other by name but referred to one another as “brother.”

“On that note,” Xavier said, glancing to Hunter, “brother, it’s not every day that you find the woman of your dreams.” Hunter nodded. “And you truly have a gem in Camilla Augustina Valentine.” Snickers went about, and Camilla interrupted him.

“Drop the Augustina, it’s just Valentine baby!”

Another round of rambunctious laughter coursed throughout, and Hunter leaned over to kiss Camilla’s cheek. She blushed, and whistles carried throughout the room.

“You’ve got me there, I stand corrected,” Xavier said. “Congratulations to you both.” He took his eye across the table where the bridesmaids sat, particularly to Corinne Thomas. “You know, last night, Hunter, you said something that stuck with me and haunted me all through the night.” Corinne’s expression turned quizzical as Xavier glanced between her and Hunter.

“What was that, brother?” Hunter asked.

“Tomorrow isn’t promised.” Xavier paused and Hunter nodded, remembering the conversation. “You were right.” Xavier’s chest tightened as he thought about what he’d shown up to the club to witness, and his gaze sauntered back to Corinne.

“Bella… a month ago I’d spoken with you on the phone. At the time, I felt an urgency so great to be with you that I asked you to meet me halfway between where you are and where I am, right now.” Corinne smiled, recalling the request. “I was determined to get to you, but you were in Anguilla, and there wasn’t a logical way for us to come together in a timely manner.” He cleared his throat. “I didn’t know it then, but I know now that I’ve loved you from the very moment we met.”

Corinne’s eyes lurched, and she gasped along with everyone else in the room.

Xavier glanced around to her parents, Brenda and Daniel Thomas, who he’d had a lengthy conversation with before making the toast, then his gaze traveled back to Corinne. “I know, sounds impossible, right?” he chuckled. “Well I’m here to tell you, that nothing’s impossible when it comes to the matters of the heart. And I’m here to ask you again, baby, if you will meet me halfway between where you are and where I am right now.”

All eyes turned to Corinne, and her heart tumbled in her chest. She blinked and rose to her feet, the chair behind her scrapping across the floor. As she moved, so did Xavier, and everyone watched on as they met in the center of the floor.

“There’s something in my pocket I’ve been dying to get out.” He gripped her hands and went down on bended knee.

Corinne’s eyes widened, and her mouth opened. “Xavier!” she screamed, her nerves rattled before he could ask her the ultimate question.

“Bella Anima, will you do me this honor and spend the rest of your days, afternoons, and nights with me?”

The ring he removed was in a gold box and when it opened, a glimmer cruised through the princess cut.

“Oh my God, yes!” she shouted. Tears ran down the corners of her eyes, and Xavier stood and lifted her into his arms. He twirled her, and their faces mashed as their lips joined in a hot titanium kiss.

The building rattled as the thunderous applause shook the structure and Xavier squeezed Corinne tight slowly sitting her to her feet. She squealed as he put on the ring and a voice nearby cut into their celebration.

“Congratulations.”

Corinne turned to the person who’d spoken. The young girl’s face held familiarity, but Corinne couldn’t pin it.

“I hope you don’t mind me joining your festivity.” Her voice held a deep accent. “But I wanted to introduce myself. I’ve been waiting a long time to meet you.”

Corinne glanced at Xavier who held her with a resplendent grin.

“Who are you?”

“Natasha Kaweme,” she said.

Corinne’s mouth dropped, and a rush of tears streamed down her cheeks.

“You’re kidding!”

Natasha smiled. “I’m afraid I am not.”

Corinne glanced back at Xavier, her mouth open unable to take in a breath properly. Looking back at Natasha, Corinne threw her arms around the girl and hugged her so tightly she could feel Natasha’s heartbeat. Laughter poured from their mouths, and tears mixed on their shoulders as they embraced.

When Corinne pulled back, she stared at the face of the girl she sponsored long ago. She was still young, possibly early twenties, but it was her face nonetheless.

“I wanted to let you know,” Natasha began, “that your donations help feed my family and me. I also had a chance to go to school and now I’m a missionary, traveling the globe to help others. So I just want to say thank you so much. You are like my second mother.”

Corinne cried so hard she could’ve fainted. She couldn’t even respond, only pull Natasha back in while reaching for Xavier. The three of them hugged so tight it was scorching, and everyone who looked on also held tears in their eyes.

“Thank you so much,” Corinne cried, speaking to Xavier. “You have no idea how much this means to me.” Her voice trembled, and Xavier tightened his grip.

“I love you,” he said, “and I wanted you to know that your uncle Bennie is an asshole.”

Corinne shouted out a laugh and tittered to the side. Xavier looked at Natasha. “We would love it if you could stick around for a while, even if it’s just to catch this live band.”

Corinne peered at him, and Natasha nodded, saying, “I’d love to!”

Xavier kissed Corinne on her temple then released them both and walked to the stage. When Hunter, Lance, and DeAndre followed, everyone moved forward to hear them play. Corinne threw her head back and laughed again before grabbing hold of Natasha as they rejoiced in watching A Band of Brothers serenade them all.

Did you enjoy A Risqué Engagement? Subscribe to my or join my to get updates from me, the author! Stay tuned for the pre-order on the next installment featuring Lance Valentine and Allison Sullivan in: Give Me a Reason.

Thank you so much for reading A Risqué Engagement, In the Heart of a Valentine, book two. I hope you enjoyed Xavier and Corrine’s story! Reviews are the lifeblood of independent writers. The more reviews we get, the more Amazon and others promote the book. If you want to see more books by me, Stephanie Nicole Norris, a review would let me know that you’re enjoying the series. If you liked the book, I ask you to write a review on Goodreads, or wherever you go for your book information. Thank you so much. Doing so means a lot to me.

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