The wedding of an ex-fiancé should never be fun. Belle found her seat, and two state senators swarmed to gather around her, and the governor introduced himself. Peter excused himself to go find his sister and walk her down the aisle.

Belle nodded at everyone until she realized she sat in front of the former president of the United States. Her job in Washington never had her in front of the important people. She held onto the pew so she'd stay on her feet.

The entrance music for the bride started, and she stared at the aisle.

First Colt came out with John, Peter's brother, who stood right next to him at the front of the church.

All gazes returned to the back and waited for Vicki to make her grand appearance, though she stared at Colt.

Belle's heart felt nothing. He was her friend first, and his smile said he was happy. She swallowed and stared at the bride again.

Jennifer, the woman who had confronted her at the party the other night, passed her in the aisle. Their gazes met, and Belle assumed the woman knew Peter well. It was the gleam in her eye and the coldness that rushed through her that gave it away.

She took a deep breath and saw the next woman walk out. John's wife, Alice had a smile that would start the Fourth of July fireworks. Belle hugged her stomach. She'd never been as happy as that woman was.

Then the march began. Belle's mouth fell open as she stared at how Peter walked with his sister. The blonde, blue-eyed woman's gaze stayed on Colt, but Belle couldn't blink at the bride for more than a second. Peter Morgan was handsome. Butterflies grew in her stomach as he passed her.

This was a dream. He then took a spot on the altar next to John.

The bride and groom held hands, and the priest spoke about love.

Belle's mouth watered as she stared at Peter's lips. Part of her wanted to give in and let herself see where the spark inside her would lead. She was old enough, though her mind clouded with the thought that she should hold off until he confessed whatever it was he planned to tomorrow. There was something she hadn't put her finger on yet that mattered.

As she sat, she crossed her legs.

The governor said, "Is it true you represent Century Arms?"

"It is. I work on the Hill for them and secure the best possible weapons for our military."

"Not the type of girl I expect to see with Mr. Morgan."

“Peter’s a smart man.” Another reminder that they didn't match. She nodded but then her gaze returned to Peter. He stared at her, and her entire body seemed to float in air.

The priest then said, "You may now kiss the bride."

Belle licked her own lips and stared at Peter. Tonight, she'd ask for the kiss and more. Caution was for every other day of her life.

The bride and groom raced down the aisle and people clapped.

She lost sight of Peter in the rush. Everyone filed out of the church so she followed the crowd.

A moment later, Jennifer stood at her side. "I see you and Peter are still talking to each other."

This woman clearly had intentions. Belle hardened her stance. "It's not your business."

Jennifer whispered in her ear, "Peter has issues being faithful. It's why I moved on."

Belle stepped away from being that close to her. She crossed her arms and protected her personal space. "So you and he are no longer together?"

Jennifer winked. "He has money, but he has trust issues with women. You'll find out."

Her foot tapped, and it echoed on the church floor. "Thank you for your advice. Talk to you later."

Jennifer invaded her personal space as she leaned closer. "Don't give him your heart. He'll break it and not look back."

At the party, Jennifer had been with another guy. Belle shook her head. "I should go find my friends. It was nice talking to you again, Jennifer."

"Jennifer, Rafe is looking for you." Peter's arm brushed against her back, and Belle turned toward him. "Is everything okay here?"

"Perfect."

Again those butterflies grew inside her as she stared at his profile. He wrapped his arms around her waist and dragged her away from Jennifer.

"You still smell like apples."

"I smell like apples?" She sniffed the air and didn't smell anything fruity. All she smelt was his woodsy scent.

As they crossed the threshold and stood on the church steps outside in the sun, Peter dropped his hand from her waist and took her hand.

"Let's head to the reception. I'm looking forward to that dance."

Right now, she'd agree to anything. She licked her lips. Her heart echoed in her chest that she needed to seize today.

"Peter, whenever you feel the moment, if you feel it that is, I would like for you to kiss me again tonight."

His lips parted, and he led her back inside the church. Others filed past them, and Peter stopped to nod his head in hello.

He kept the pace as best he could and said, "Come this way."

Her cheeks tingled as they maneuvered in the mob. "Yeah."

He led her inside a small side door, where the noise of the hallway lessened. Adrenaline pumped in her veins now, but it shifted a pang in her heart as she stared at his broad shoulders.

"Why do you say that when we're in a crowd?"

Makeup, hairspray and every other type of female product lay around the room. Her gaze narrowed. "Where are we?"

He wrapped his arms around her sides again and every cell in her body came alive.

"The bridal suite. My sister's gone now."

Her lips puckered and she inhaled his manly scent. "Why?"

His mouth was less than a fraction of an inch from hers. "I wanted to kiss you in private."

Something inside her burst as she kissed him. Her hands wrapped around his waist, and it felt like she flew to a different planet. Her heart soared.

He rested his head on the top of hers and hugged her. Their heartbeats was all that she heard. The church sounded quiet and undisturbed outside the door now.

Despite how she wanted to take him to her hotel and have her way with him, she sighed. "Let's get going."

His hand brushed against the fabric of her dress. If she had her way, he'd take the whole outfit off her, but that was silly. Now was not a good time. He licked his lips as she detangled herself.

"I'd like to stay here with you."

“You can’t.” Responsibilities mattered, and her brain screamed at her not to trust him, not yet. Her heart constricted and she let go. She straightened her dress and checked her hair. "I'm sure you have to have to dance with your sister. Can I ask a personal question?"

He nodded and adjusted his own tuxedo. "Sure."

Once she settled her appearance, she took his arm. If he didn't trust women, the problem likely stemmed from his childhood.

"What happened to your mother?"

His entire body stiffened. "She left us."

The thunder in her heart slowed her step. She massaged his arm as she knew she found his emotional sore spot.

"What?"

They went outside again, and they were the only ones left in the church. He led her town a path.

"Before Vicki turned one, Mom walked away. We never saw her again."

She covered her lips. "That's horrible."

He shrugged. "What about your parents? Are they still alive?"

She had figured her turn was next, and that he'd want to change the topic. She started the conversation. They followed a gravel pathway that led to a patio made of stone. Servants wore white jackets and people were already on the dance floor.

"My dad is on a cruise with my stepmother."

He patted her hand as if offering her comfort. He was sweet as he asked, "And your mother?"

She brushed her hair behind her ear. "She died."

"I'm sorry."

The low softness of his voice said he meant it. She swallowed. Peter Morgan was the opposite of what he said about himself.

She licked her lips. "Why? I don't remember her. For a long time, it was just the two of us."

They walked up a few stone steps and joined the party. A waiter offered them champagne on a platter. "It sounds like you like your father."

Jennifer glared at them, and Belle turned her head so she wouldn't see her. The last thing she needed was doubt. She kept her hand on Peter's arm.

"He did his best with me."

Peter walked them to a table and set the drinks on there. She let go of her glass, so he could do the same with hers as he said, "My father did what was in his own best interest."

Her lips parted. "That's horrible to say."

Peter's lips curled as he stared over her head. "It's true. Everyone says I'm just like him. He raised me to be."

Her heart echoed in her chest. "I didn't know your dad. How am I supposed to see you?"

"Self-serving, controlling, vengeful, manipulating, ruthless and cunning."

"Absolutely untrue." She licked her lips. "Peter Morgan, you are way too hard on yourself."

He hugged her waist. His hands on hers distracted her. "I like that you say that."

She wrapped her arms around him and squeezed. "You're a good man. One day I'll have to prove it to you."

He stepped forward, and she shifted away. "For now, can I have that dance?"

She twirled out of a hug and followed him. "Absolutely."

The soft sounds of an orchestra played in the fading sunlight. The nighttime would be here soon. Then all that would be left was the two of them. Right now she spun in his arms and that was all that mattered.