It Might Be You by Jennifer Gracen (26)

Chapter One

Pierce Harrison looked around with something he’d only gotten used to feeling since he’d met Abby McCord: content satisfaction. It was a bone-deep, easy warmth, that contentment and sureness . . . and now the only person who’d ever enabled him to feel that way was about to become his wife.

He’d promised he’d give her the wedding of her dreams, and it seemed like it was going to be. So far, anyway. Everything had gone pretty smoothly, without much of the typical wedding planning drama he’d heard about from others. He’d simply given Abby carte blanche to do whatever she wanted. Being a millionaire had its benefits at times like these.

But his woman was no diva, and her friends and family were as down-to-earth as she was. There were times Pierce had actually had to insist that Abby choose the more expensive option if it was something she really liked, be it the entrée choices at the reception or the flowers for the tables. Abby had made his world a better place; he wanted her to have the wedding she wanted.

They’d gotten engaged the previous Thanksgiving, high on a mountain in Sedona. After a morning hike up the red rocks, under a crisp blue sky, he’d dropped to his knee and asked her to spend the rest of her life with him. Thankfully, she’d said yes and thrown her arms around him so hard, he’d fallen off balance and they’d gone crashing to the ground. They’d laughed and kissed and held each other in the red dirt, happy beyond measure. Every time he thought of it, he smiled again, infused with love.

The past nine months had flown by. She’d asked for an August wedding because she was a first-grade teacher and a summer wedding and honeymoon meant she wouldn’t miss even a day of work. It made sense. But that was Abby: sensible, focused, smart . . . how Pierce had gotten someone like her to fall in love with someone like him, he sometimes still didn’t know, but he thanked his lucky stars every day. This strong, grounded woman had seen past his bad-boy reputation, not cared about his tumultuous history—both in the English tabloids and within his own family—and seen the real him . . . the decent man he’d never realized was inside him until he met her.

Now he stood on the terrace of the bridal suite of the lavish, elegant Oceanview Hotel and Resort, drinking a bottle of his favorite IPA while admiring the panoramic view from seven floors up. Located in Westhampton, on the eastern end of Long Island, the five-star resort boasted magnificent lawns and grounds, with the beach and Atlantic Ocean fanning out only a few hundred feet beyond. He and Abby had arrived half an hour before, his idea. It was Wednesday afternoon and things were quiet. He wanted the two of them to have some time alone before all the friends and family descended.

There would be more than 120 guests coming to the wedding, most of whom were staying in the hotel at the resort. A select few—his older brother Charles and his family, for example—had rented some of the eight luxurious guest cottages on the property. The rehearsal dinner was Friday night and the wedding was Saturday evening. Afterward, there’d be a bonfire on the beach for the after-party and a brunch on Sunday morning . . . a long, busy weekend of celebration. Pierce had wanted to savor the last bit of calm before the storm.

Out on the terrace, he stared out at the ocean for a while, thinking about how different his life was now than it’d been before. Two years ago this month, he’d returned to Long Island with his life in shreds. Since leaving his professional football career in tatters and leaving England altogether, life in New York had been the 180-degree turn he’d desperately needed.

He had bought partial ownership of the New York professional soccer team and gotten immersed in management there. He was heavily involved in the Edgewater Soccer Club, the local kids’ league where he’d first met Abby. It was his way of giving back. Along with coaching and giving clinics, he’d been asked to join their board of directors for the new season and accepted, knowing he could make a difference. His relationships with his two older brothers had not only improved but he felt close to them, almost as solid as his always-strong bond with his sister, Tess. He spent time with his nephews and nieces . . . he was truly part of the family at long last, and it was more satisfying than he’d ever thought it could be.

And, of course, there was Abby. Loving her, and being loved by her, had been the single best thing that had ever happened to him. They now lived in a lovely four-bedroom house in Edgewater, right on the Sound, and only half a mile from her parents’ house—which was what they’d wanted, for whenever the family needed babysitting help for her nephew, Dylan. Abby loved her job as a first-grade teacher, still volunteered as a soccer coach for Dylan’s team, and was involved in community activities. Pierce couldn’t be prouder of her or more in love with her, and that just seemed to grow with every day.

If someone had told him two years before that this was what his life would be like, he would’ve laughed in their face. Small-town living? Getting married? No way.

He’d felt alone and misunderstood for most of his life. He’d acted out and rebelled in every way, even leaving the country altogether for over a decade. He’d found fame and fortune in England, living the fast life until he’d crashed and burned. And still, somehow, he’d ended up back on Long Island, with the support of his family, a career he enjoyed, and an amazing, special woman at his side. His life was richer, better, and so different from what he’d envisioned for himself. He was the last guy in the world he’d thought would have a happy ending . . . yet it was happening for him.

A soft breeze off the water ruffled the front of his dark hair, and he narrowed his eyes at the crashing waves, out to the horizon beyond. On the other side of that ocean was the life he’d left behind. He was very lucky to be where he was now, and he knew it. Small, quiet miracles . . .

He tipped back another swallow of beer, set the bottle down on the little glass table, and went back inside the bridal suite. It was elegant and lavish, all whites, taupe, glass, and chrome. A big, soft couch and plush armchairs, a tremendous flat-screen TV, a small bar in the corner . . . but no fiancée. “Abby?”

“Back here,” she called from the bedroom.

Was she still unpacking? Pierce crossed the wide front room to find out. The carpet was blissfully lush beneath his bare feet. He peeked into the bedroom to find her bent over as she rustled through a suitcase on the floor. The back of her pale blue tank dress lifted a little, showing the backs of her legs. Unable to resist, he moved in behind her, gripped her hips, and rubbed himself against her. The feel of her soft, sweet ass against his cock stirred his blood.

“Oh!” she gasped, rising up and whirling around in the circle of his arms. She laughed, her dark blue eyes sparkling as she wrapped her arms around his neck. “You’re naughty.”

“Damn right.” He grinned and squeezed her ass, pressing her close. Blood surged south and he ground his pelvis against hers as he quipped, “It’s one of the many reasons you’re marrying me.”

“Damn right.” She grinned back, running her fingers through the back of his hair, which was a drop shorter than usual, freshly cut for the wedding. Her fingertips caressing him sent a little shiver over his skin. “I’m so glad you wanted to do this. I mean, us getting here early, being alone today and tonight before the chaos takes over . . .” She brushed her lips against his and smiled warmly. “Even driving out here with you—the windows down, the scenery, just the quiet of it—was a pleasure. Thank you for thinking of it.” She kissed him, long and sweet, then looked into his eyes. He saw the deep affection there and it warmed his heart. “Thank you for everything,” she whispered and kissed him a little harder this time. “I love you.”

“I love you more.” Pierce pressed his lips to hers, savoring the feel of her. Of her sweet mouth, her silky blond hair in his fingers, her warm body against his. This woman was everything. All he wanted to do this long, special weekend was show her how much she meant to him. Remind her that the coming chaos was about one single thing: them. And their love for each other. Edging her backward as they kissed, he lowered her onto the bed, himself on top of her.

“Let’s get this wedding weekend started properly . . .” he whispered in her ear, nipping the lobe before he worked his way down her neck with hot, openmouthed kisses. A low hum of pleasure floated from her as his hands glided over her body. “I mean . . . I have to make the most of this.” He caressed her breasts with both hands, listening to her breath catch as his thumbs stroked over her nipples. “I only get to make love to my fiancée a few more times and that’s it.”

“Really?” Abby asked breathlessly. Her soft hands slipped under his T-shirt and she lightly raked her fingernails down his back, sending delicious shivers along his spine. “Why? What happens then?”

“Then I get to spend the rest of my life making love to my beautiful wife.” He kissed her hard, possessing her, and she met his heat with a matching fervor of her own. As their tongues tangled, he grasped the hem of her cotton sundress and pushed it up to bunch around her waist. “Which will make me . . .” He started moving down, dropping kisses everywhere as he went. “. . . the luckiest man on the goddamn planet.” He pushed her panties to the side and sealed his mouth to where she liked it the most.

* * *

Abby opened her eyes slowly. It was dark in the room; Pierce had pulled the blackout shade at some point during the night. He loved it as dark as possible when he slept. She’d gotten used to that quickly, but it always threw her for a few seconds when she first woke up because she had no idea what time it was. A glance at the glowing blue numbers on the nightstand told her it was 8:05 A.M. They’d spent the afternoon making love, then gone downstairs for a five-star seafood dinner. They’d walked along the beach as the sun set, sat on the sand, and talked with the waves as their background music. When it finally had gotten dark, they’d gone up to their suite and back into bed. By the time she fell asleep, it was only ten o’clock, but she was so tired she’d slept like the dead. Now, feeling refreshed and glad to be able to wake up at her own pace, she stretched and rolled over to look at her fiancé.

This beautiful man had given her everything. When she’d first met him, she’d immediately written him off as an entitled, self-involved player, everything the gossip tabloids had said about him . . . but she was wrong. Maybe that was who he’d been before she met him, but he constantly surprised her. He had more depth and heart than he showed to most of the world. A lifetime of having to protect himself, having to guard his feelings and heart, had hardened him. Beneath the swagger, the bad-boy rep, and the façade was a kind, thoughtful man who strove to be better every single day. He’d shown her that. She’d watched him struggle, then evolve. He’d proven to her he’d be the kind of man she wanted and needed. And she’d fallen head over heels in love with his genuine efforts, with his fierce devotion . . . with him.

Now they were getting married. Three mornings from this minute, she’d wake up as Mrs. Pierce Harrison. He’d be her husband. The word held weight, and the thought of it sent that familiar delicious thrill rolling through her. She’d fallen in love with him thinking even though he loved her back, he wasn’t the marrying type. Again he’d surprised her, turning her ideas about him on their head. He’d planned a romantic proposal on a Sedona mountaintop. He’d bought them a gorgeous house she could only dream about before, claiming he wanted to fill those extra bedrooms with kids someday. He’d bought it in her hometown because he knew how important her family was to her. He’d gladly, seamlessly found a way to make sure her parents, sister, and nephew stayed a top priority for her while not taking anything away from their growth as a couple.

He supported her, championed her, and loved her. She was marrying the man of her dreams, dreams she’d given up on before she’d met him. She was lucky and she knew it, always grateful for what she had, never taking it for granted.

She only hoped she made him feel as unequivocally supported, adored, and loved as he did her. He’d had such a lack of love and affection for most of his life; she was happy—almost eager—to give him what he needed because he’d given that to her.

Now her eyes caressed his features as he slept beside her. He was the most handsome man she knew and way sexier than his very handsome older brothers, in an edgier way, always hinting at sin—again, lucky her. Her fingers ran through his tousled dark hair as she gazed at the thick, black lashes that feathered over his chiseled cheekbones, his sensual lips, the dark scruff on his square jaw. Her hands trailed down over his strong, tattooed shoulders, his muscled, tattooed arms, his smooth chest, then slipped around his waist. She let her head drop to his chest as she snuggled close, wrapping herself around his sexy body. The sound of his slow, steady heartbeat beneath her ear soothed her now as it always did.

She had a lot to do. So much to do. Excitement whooshed through her as she thought of all the things ahead in the next three days . . .

Pierce’s hand moved up and squeezed her ass. Still mostly asleep, he kissed her forehead and turned so he could hold her closer. Her cluster of thoughts evaporated for a moment. He often had that effect on her: making her worries dial down from a bubbling boil to a low simmer. They wrapped themselves in a cocoon of intertwined limbs and warm flesh. She kissed his neck and sighed in pure contentment as they lay together in silence.

His cell phone rang on his nightstand. They ignored it. When the noise stopped, they both exhaled and snuggled closer.

A minute later, it rang again. “Fuck them,” he growled, his voice raspy with sleep. “Whoever’s calling me this early, fuck them.”

“That’s what voice mail is for,” she murmured into his skin. He grunted.

The room went quiet again. But a minute later, the phone rang again.

“Maybe it’s important,” Abby said. “Maybe you should answer it?”

Pierce groaned and didn’t even open his eyes as he reached for the phone. “Hello?” he ground out.

Abby watched as his eyes snapped open and his expression changed into an instant combination of surprise and anger.

“Mom,” he said. One small word, yet so many emotions conveyed.

Abby’s insides tightened for him. He’d been avoiding his mother as much as possible since their engagement had been announced. He didn’t want either of his parents involved with the wedding, or even in attendance.

She totally understood why he didn’t want his father anywhere near the wedding, and the truth was, she was grateful for that. She didn’t want the Harrison patriarch there either. He was nasty, harsh, and had made it clear from the start he considered Abby and her middle-class family to be beneath the mega-wealthy Harrisons. The relationship between Pierce and his father was toxic, and they weren’t on speaking terms. To have Charles Harrison II there was ludicrous, and the only person who’d thought otherwise was Charles II himself. Luckily, Pierce’s three wonderful siblings had run interference for him over the past months, doing damage control throughout the wedding planning. They’d surrounded their baby brother like knights or soldiers, and she knew it meant more to Pierce than he could express.

But Abby had never met his mother. She had heard about the infamous Laura Dunham Harrison Evans Baisley, who spent her time jet-setting from one tropical paradise to another. Charles II had divorced Laura and thrown her out when Pierce was only six. She’d left without looking back, barely staying in contact with her four children. In recent years, the contact had only lessened, and she hadn’t shown any interest in any of her grown children or small grandchildren. She hadn’t even been at Charles and Lisette’s surprise wedding a few months before; she hadn’t been called. Pierce’s mother, as he’d often said, was a mother in name only. She hadn’t raised him; the nannies had. He’d come to terms with that, but his resentment lingered, even now, as a thirty-three-year-old man.

Most of the time he didn’t talk about it, and knowing him as she did, he didn’t think about it. But Abby knew that deep down, the pain of his mom leaving him behind, combined with leaving him in the care of his father, who had no love for him and alternated between ignoring him and excoriating him, would be a deep wound forever. It was one of the reasons he’d opened himself to Abby’s family so readily; hers was a true, close-knit, loving family, and Pierce responded to that.

Even so, when he’d initially told Abby he wanted neither of his parents at the wedding, she wasn’t sure it was the way to go. She didn’t want him to possibly regret that decision later. But she stood by his choices 100 percent. If he didn’t want them there, fine with her, end of story. She wanted him happy.

“What do you want, Mom?” he half growled. “You woke me up and I’m not a morning person. Calling three times this early without just leaving a message is obnoxious. I don’t appreciate it.”

Abby’s insides tensed at the hardness of his voice, and how quickly he’d opened the gate to an argument. He had a temper he usually managed to keep under wraps. But when it flared, he was formidable, intimidating, a powerful force. She felt the tension now coiling in his body as she still held him. He closed his eyes and sighed while he listened to whatever Laura was saying, and Abby hugged him gently to show her support. His hand ran up and down her back in response.

“Stop it,” he spat into the phone. “You’re a piece of work, calling me this early, two days before my wedding, to lay a fucking guilt trip on me. Which just shows why I don’t want you here in the first place.” He laughed, a caustic, hollow sound, and Abby’s heart rate started to rise for him.

“Seriously, Mom? You really want to hear me say the words? Is that what it’ll take? Fine.” His eyes opened and he pushed away from Abby, as if the surge of anger was too much and he had to expend the burst of adrenaline. He threw back the covers, sprang out of bed, and began to pace the room as he spoke into the phone.

“You left me—you left us all—and you never looked back,” he said flatly. “No . . . no, you didn’t . . . holy crap, stop it. Don’t start with the phony tears and the blame and the bullshit. I don’t want to hear it . . . what? . . . Yes, Dad made it hard for you to see us. But you could have if you wanted to. You didn’t want to. That’s fine. But you don’t get to play spurned mommy now.... Yes, I know, you were hurt. Poor you. Like you didn’t have four kids who were hurting, who wanted and needed their mother. Luckily, we don’t anymore. . . no. None of us want you around and we sure as hell don’t need you . . . what? That’s harsh? It’s the truth . . . no. Fuck no. That’s one hundred percent on you.”

Suddenly, whatever Laura was saying made him stop in his tracks. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” His jaw clenched and he gritted his teeth, then said in a low, deliberate tone, “I’m warning you right now. Hear me. Do not show up here on Saturday. Do. Not. Am I being very clear?”

Abby’s eyes flew wide at that. Was Laura planning to come to the wedding? Whoa, she was ballsy.

“Because I’ll throw you out myself.” Pierce raked his free hand through his hair, pure frustration apparent as his marine-blue eyes flashed. “Oh, believe it. Try me . . . yes, I feel that strongly about it.... You really don’t get it. This only proves how selfish you are! . . . Yeah, Mom, it is selfish, actually. Because I’ve made it pretty fucking clear I don’t want you here. Don’t you think? . . . All right, enough. Stop. Here’s the deal.” He spread his feet, digging in his stance, as if she were there and he was telling her to her face. “You don’t get to come to my wedding, the most important day of my life, and parade around like you’re someone special. You aren’t. And I want no drama and no bullshit. You? Are pure drama and bullshit . . . yeah, you are.” He started pacing again as he listened, then burst out, “Only the people who mean something to me will be here to share in this, and that sure as hell isn’t you. So don’t waste your plane fare with a surprise appearance. You. Are. Not. Welcome. Here.”

Abby’s heart squeezed for him. She’d known he thought these things because he’d told her, in the calm quiet of their home, with her arms wrapped securely around him. But he’d never before said them out loud to his mother. Now his free hand clenched in a fist. Years of repressed rage were pouring out and the air around them had gone electric with it. She sat up as she watched him pace furiously, aching for him.

“No, Mom. Sorry, but no.” He snorted out a laugh. “It’s really a lot simpler than that. The way I see it, if you weren’t around for me in my bad times—hell, around at all—you don’t get to be with me for the good times. That’s all there is to it.”

He glanced over at Abby for a second. It was all she could do not to go to him, take the phone out of his hand, throw it off the terrace, and hold him tight. But she knew him well enough to let him get it out and just be there. Her presence was enough.

“Yeah? Really?” His voice was lethal. Abby hadn’t seen him this angry in a long time. “I haven’t heard from you in months. But you call me two days before my wedding to get at me and I’m supposed to feel bad that you’re hurt? I don’t . . . no, in fact, I’m glad it’s all out there and you know exactly how I feel. It’s cathartic really . . . right. That’s right. Okay, then. We’re done now. Buh-bye.” He ended the call and threw the phone across the room with all his might. It sailed through the air and hit the pillows. He swore violently and raked his hands through his hair, then scrubbed them over his face as he swore again.

“Pierce,” Abby said. “Take a deep breath.”

He looked at her, his eyes wild and bright.

“You’re okay.”

He snorted, the angst coming off him in waves.

“She won’t come here,” Abby said gently. “Neither of your parents will. Everything will be fine.”

“I gotta get outta here.” He strode to the dresser and rummaged through the drawers. “I’m sorry, babe.”

“Don’t be. I understand. Go ahead.”

“I need to go for a run. I just . . . I gotta go.”

“Good idea,” she said. “Go run on the beach. Pound at the sand.”

“That’s where I’m going.” He yanked on his clothes with hard, jerky motions, his jaw clenched tight and his face flushed. Then he went to the closet, found where Abby had put his sneakers, and got them on. “I’ll see you later.”

She watched him, her heart beating fast. His stress was hers. His pain was hers. “I love you,” she said.

He was halfway to the door but stopped cold at her soft words. Then he came to her, stroked both hands over her hair, and dropped a kiss on the top of her head. “Thank God for that.” He kissed her mouth, a quick peck. “I’m too fired up. Let me go let off steam. When I get back, I’ll be fine. I’m not going to let her ruin our day. Promise.”

“Go,” she said, stroking his cheek.

He practically flew out of the room. She heard the slam of the door and sighed. Damn his parents, both of them. What a stellar job they’d done. They’d never done right by their youngest son and they still had the power to upset him, even now that he had his own life. It tore her apart to know he was hurting, and he was. Even talking to either of his parents seemed to bring back all the unresolved hurt and anger with only a few words. Abby could only hope it wouldn’t be like that forever. For his sake.

She swallowed back the anger and bitter sadness, then went to take a shower and start the day. If Pierce could find a way to sweep their sins aside, she had to do that too.

Chapter Two

Pierce knocked on the door of the guest cottage closest to the hotel. He could hear sounds on the other side of the door, his nephews’ voices, loud and wild. The door opened and his oldest brother stood there, looking slightly harried.

“Hey! Great to see you.” Charles affectionately clapped his shoulder and brought him inside. Pierce saw Thomas and Myles running around the front room, circling the leather sofa with Nerf guns and yelling as Ava sat with her head down over her tablet.

“Barely controlled chaos,” Pierce remarked.

“As usual,” Charles said. “I was about to take the boys to play outside, but I’m waiting for Tess to get here. I thought you were her.”

“She’s here?” Pierce asked, waving hi to Ava as she looked up at him and smiled.

“She should be,” Charles said. “She said she’d be here by noon because we were planning to be. She’s been great about helping Lisette with the baby. Comes over almost every day.”

Pierce nodded. Their sister was one of the kindest people he’d ever known. That Tess would take time out of her schedule to help with their newest niece, even though Charles had hired a new nanny and had a full household staff, didn’t surprise him one bit. “Well, you want me to get the boys out of here before they wreck the place?”

“That would be great, actually.” Charles sighed and pushed his hand through his dark, wavy hair, then adjusted his black-rimmed glasses. “Maybe you could just take them out front, onto the grass? And I’ll join you guys as soon as Tess gets here. I just don’t want to leave Lisette here alone with the baby in case she needs anything.”

As if on cue, there was a knock on the door. Charles practically raced to it.

“Oh, thank God,” he breathed, hugging his sister hello.

“That bad?” Tess asked with a laugh.

“The kids are stir-crazy,” Charles said. “And I didn’t want to leave Lisette alone.”

“I’m here, you’re free, ’bye now,” Tess singsonged. She swept back her long mane of dark curls as she walked in, then realized her younger brother was standing there. “Hey! It’s the groom!” She embraced Pierce tightly. “How are you holding up?”

“Truth?” Pierce asked. “I was fine until early this morning.” He saw both his siblings’ faces change to expressions of concern and rushed to add, “I’m okay now. Just . . . still a little edgy.” He briefly told them about the phone call from their mother.

“I’ll handle it,” Charles said firmly, immediately shifting into oldest brother protective mode. His eyes flashed with cool fury. “I don’t want you to think about anything but your wedding and Abby. You leave the family drama to me, all right?”

“And me,” Tess said. She put her hands on Pierce’s shoulders. “We’ve got this. Don’t waste another thought on her. Go be happy.”

“I will. But first, I’m going to help Charles with these rowdy kids.” Pierce leaned forward to scoop up little Myles into his arms as he ran by.

Myles laughed and wiggled. “Put me down, Uncle Pierce!”

“Nope. Outside, you rugrats!” Pierce joked. “Let’s go!” He shifted the seven-year-old over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes and headed for the door. Charles opened it for him and they went outside.

“Come on, you,” Charles commanded his other son, and Thomas followed. He looked over to his daughter. “Ava? Want to come outside with us for a while?”

“No,” Ava said, not lifting her eyes from the tablet in her hands. “I’ll stay here with Aunt Tess and Lisette. And Charlotte.”

Charles grinned. Ava was over-the-moon in love with her new baby half sister, and he was grateful for that. “Okay, sweetie. But if you change your mind, I think we’re going down to the beach. Feel free to join us.”

“Mm-hmm.” Ava didn’t look up.

He chuckled, then looked to Tess, and the grin fell away. “So. Let’s talk for a minute about Mom.”

Tess hissed out a disdainful breath. “I’ll call her now.”

“No, I’ll do it when I get back. I’d do it this second, but the boys—”

“Stop. I’ll do it.” Tess moved closer and dropped her voice so Ava wouldn’t hear. “You’ve been running interference between Pierce and Dad for months. You had to listen to her squawking when she found out you got married and didn’t let her know until after it’d happened. Let me take this one. Share the burden.”

He held her gaze for a long beat, then sighed in acquiescence. “All right.” Charles patted her arm. “Family drama tag. You’re it.”

She snorted out a laugh. “It never ends, does it?”

“I thought we had it handled with my keeping Dad away from all this. But Mom? Goddammit. If she shows up here . . .” Charles drew a deep breath, as if to re-center himself. “No. She won’t. We’ll see to that.”

“That’s right. So go. It’s a gorgeous day out, this property is gorgeous, and we’re all here to have a nice time,” Tess said. “Go enjoy the kids, have fun. And keep Pierce’s mind off it too. That’s what you can do right now. You have your orders.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He gave a jaunty salute. “Lisette’s with the baby, last bedroom in the back, down the hall. They were trying to take a nap, but the boys were so loud, I don’t know if they actually fell asleep or not.”

A few minutes later, Tess tiptoed into the master bedroom at the back of the three-bedroom cottage. It was a lovely room, decorated in white, taupe, and sky blue, a beach motif. The king-size bed had gauzy white fabric draped over the four wooden posts. Lisette lay on her side toward the edge of the mattress, very still, within arm’s reach of the small white bassinet beside the bed. Tess was glad to see her sister-in-law was asleep. Like any new mom, Lisette hadn’t gotten much sleep since giving birth to Charlotte only three weeks before, even with the help of a new nanny, Charles, and Tess herself. She’d made a point of going there for a few hours almost every day.

Tess moved around the bed to the bassinet and peeked inside at Charlotte—also asleep. Her heart smiled. There was her tiny new niece, the precious, perfect sweet pea, cute as could be as she slept on her back. Tess watched the newborn’s chest move up and down, up and down, mesmerized. She had fallen head over heels in love with this baby. Charlotte was eight pounds of pure love and joy. It was all Tess could do not to pick her up and hold her, but she would never disturb her as she slept. She gazed down at her for another minute, then tiptoed toward the door.

But as she got there, as if on cue, Charlotte squeaked in her bassinet. Tess rushed back, hoping to get to the baby before she woke her mother.

Lisette stirred, her eyes opening halfway, weary and clouded.

“I’ve got her,” Tess whispered as she reached into the bassinet. She lifted Charlotte into her arms and held her close to her chest, cradling her. “Get some sleep; you need it. I’ve got her, it’s fine. Go back to sleep.”

“Thank you so much,” Lisette murmured, and her dark eyes slid closed.

Tess’s heart gave a little pang for her. Lisette usually woke up when Charlotte did, ready to care for her even if she was tired; if Lisette had given in that easily, she must’ve been truly exhausted.

Even though Charlotte was such a newborn, and Pierce and Abby had made it clear they understood if Lisette wasn’t up to coming to the wedding, Lisette had brushed that off. There was no way they’d miss it. And with the added benefit of the family being cozily ensconced in their own private cottage—away from germy strangers and not having to worry about the noise of a newborn at all hours—Lisette had insisted on the whole clan going for the long weekend. Tess admired her tenacity but sympathized with the truth of how drained she must be. Tess was more than happy to help them out however she could.

Charlotte squawked and fussed. Her tiny cries sounded like the mewling of a kitten, and Tess left the room holding her before Lisette woke up again. She walked into the next empty room—the one the boys were sharing—and rocked Charlotte gently as she shh-shh-shhed her. In a minute, the baby was fast asleep on her aunt, her little face pressed to the exposed skin at the base of Tess’s neck. Tess moved to sit on one of the two twin beds, leaning against the wall for back support as she held her precious niece close.

She ran her fingers ever so lightly over the baby’s dark hair, then her back, then up and over again. She inhaled her sweet baby smell and listened to the wondrous sound of her breathing. Holding Charlotte made Tess’s ovaries ache. She wanted this. She wanted a baby of her own so badly. The more time she spent with her new niece, the louder her biological clock seemed to tick. She was thirty-seven now, with no prospects for a loving partner, much less a baby daddy. The now familiar pangs of longing and sadness hit her heart and sank in their claws once again.

Maybe one day, hopefully much sooner than later, she’d meet someone. She used to yearn to find a wonderful man to fall in love with, have a family with . . . that hadn’t worked out. Nowadays, she merely longed for the family part. She’d always wanted kids. Was it in the cards for her? Time would tell.

Swallowing a sigh, she held Charlotte close and savored the feel of her.

* * *

On Thursday night, Pierce and Abby sat together as they watched some of their friends and family hang out. The resort had a separate cottage, right on the beach, equipped with a manned bar, a billiards table, flat-screen TVs and Xbox One games, and a karaoke machine. Pierce and Abby’s guests had all but taken over the whole resort; the rest of the guests would make it a complete occupation on Friday and Saturday.

Pierce’s brother Dane and his wife, Julia, had arrived about two hours before. Dane had commandeered the billiards table, taking on first his wife, then her son, Colin, and now Troy, Pierce’s best friend. He laughed as he heard their trash talk. Pierce had met Troy at fifteen, when he’d started a new private high school after being thrown out of an elite prep school. Pierce was all about making trouble back then, the very picture of a rebellious teen acting out against his father. Pierce and Troy, a whip-smart kid from a normal, middle-class family, were the two best soccer players in the school, even as sophomores. But instead of becoming fierce competitors, they’d become fast friends, a force to be reckoned with. When Pierce left for England right after high school graduation, he and Troy had stayed solid. After all, Pierce hadn’t had many true friends in his life—it was hard to find and trust kids who liked him for who he was, instead of what perks the Harrison name could bring. He wasn’t going to let that friendship fall by the wayside. He could be himself with Troy, and that was a gift. Now, Troy was his best man for his wedding; that way, he hadn’t had to choose between his two older brothers. They were his two groomsmen instead.

The wedding party was small, for which Pierce was grateful. Bigger wedding parties meant bigger potential for drama, and he had no patience for that. Abby’s maid of honor was her older sister, Fiona, and her two bridesmaids were her best friend, Allison, and Tess. Ava, Pierce’s niece, would be their flower girl, and Dylan, Abby’s nephew, would be the ring bearer. That was it. It was a close-knit family affair, which was what both Pierce and Abby had wanted. The closest thing to a drama queen in that mix was feisty Fiona, but she’d been nothing but supportive throughout the wedding planning. All had gone smoothly and well.

The only drama, Pierce mused as he reached for his beer, had come from his side. From his obnoxious parents. He knew Charles had basically put himself in front of their father like a stone pillar, blocking his attempts to get at Pierce or interfere in any way. Pierce was more grateful for that than he could express. But now, just when he’d been at ease knowing his father wouldn’t crash the rehearsal dinner or wedding, to get a call as he had from his mother that morning . . . man, had that pissed him off. He’d gone for a run on the beach, pounding the sand beneath his feet, not happy until he felt the burn in his muscles and his lungs. Why had she rattled him so hard? He wasn’t sure why. And more than that, he still hadn’t shaken it off completely.

“Hello?” Abby waved her hand in front of his face. “You didn’t hear a word I just said, did you?”

“No,” he admitted. “Sorry, zoned out there.” He slid an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “What’d you say?”

She leaned in closer and whispered in his ear, “Your best man keeps stealing glances at my maid of honor.”

He pulled back, his eyebrows lifting in surprise. “Seriously?”

“Totally.” Abby tried to suppress a grin and failed. “Your bestie’s hot for my sister. Should we do something about it?”

“Like what?”

“I don’t know . . . help them along?”

Pierce snorted out a laugh and sipped his beer. “No.” He watched Troy from across the room, playing pool with Dane. Fiona was sitting with Tess and Julia, talking and laughing. Pierce waited . . . waited . . . there it was. Sure enough, Troy discreetly darted a glance over at Fiona. Pierce knew that look. Shit, the guy was burning for her. Busted.

“I’ll be damned,” Pierce murmured, more amused than anything.

“You know,” Abby said, keeping her voice low, “if they hooked up, I’d be more than fine with it.”

“Oh yeah?” Pierce laughed. “I’m sure Troy will totally go for it now, knowing he has your approval.”

Abby pinched his thigh under the table, making Pierce yelp.

“Smart-ass,” she muttered with a chuckle. “But really. Think about it. They have a lot in common. They both grew up in Edgewater, even though they didn’t know each other because they went to different schools.”

Pierce sat back, sensing she had a list.

“They’ve both been divorced for a long time,” Abby continued, “so it’s not a rebound thing. He has a daughter, she has a son, close in age—so they both understand what it’s like to be a single parent. They’re both really nice. And they both probably really need a hot fling. So why not?”

Pierce gave her a long, bemused look. “You’ve been thinking about this, huh?”

“Well yeah, ever since I caught him checking her out last week. But it’s adorable.” Abby’s voice dropped to a whisper. “They’d be great together. We should work on this.”

“Ha! Um, no. The only thing I want to work on right now,” Pierce said, “is getting married.” He dropped a quick kiss on her lips. “Besides, Troy doesn’t need any help. If he wants her, and he wants to do something about it, he will. He’s a big boy.”

“I hope so,” Abby said. “Because now that I can picture them together, I really want it to happen.”

“Leave them alone, Abby.”

She huffed out a sigh. “Fiiiine. Excuse me for wanting to play matchmaker.”

Pierce chuckled and drew her in for another kiss. “You’re such a sap.”

“I am a sap,” she admitted. She looked into his eyes. “I’m happy, so I want everyone around me to be happy too.”

“A noble desire. But not realistic.”

“Why not?” Abby’s dark blue eyes sparked as she added, “You know what? My sister is fabulous; she really is. And she got a raw deal in the love department. I just want her to find someone who makes her happy, someone who loves and supports her.” She touched his scruffy cheek. “Like what I have with you.”

“Aww.” He was teasing, but his heart warmed from her words. “You’re gonna make me blush.”

“I mean it,” she said. “You think I’m being a Pollyanna.”

“Maybe a little. But I know you mean it. You have a huge, wonderful heart. And sometimes, when you say things like that, it’s easier for me to tease you because . . . it hits home.” He trailed the backs of his fingers along her soft cheek as she looked back at him. “You say things like that and it reminds me how lucky I am. How lucky we are. That we found each other and made it work. I look at us now, think of where we’re going together, and . . .” He swallowed hard. His throat had thickened with a sudden rush of emotion. “I’m so glad I make you happy. That means the world to me. You mean the world to me, Abby.” He stared at her, sifted through her golden hair with gentle fingers, and took her mouth in a deep kiss, hoping it conveyed what he felt.

Chapter Three

Pierce started Friday morning with a run on the beach with Dane at his side. His brother was six years older than him but was as serious about staying in shape as he was. Since Dane had moved to Blue Harbor and Pierce had moved to Edgewater—only a few miles apart—they often met for morning runs by the Long Island Sound. Pierce no longer had to be as fit as when he was playing pro soccer but found he felt sluggish and off when he didn’t keep up some kind of fitness routine. Dane claimed the same. That, and his running joke: that he had “a sexually insatiable wife he needed to stay in shape for.” Julia always laughed as she smacked him for that, but Pierce noticed she hadn’t once denied it.

The brothers dropped to the sand after roughly six miles, panting and sweating. They gulped water and did cool-down stretches.

“Still can’t believe you’re getting married tomorrow,” Dane said with a grin.

“Me neither,” Pierce admitted. He glanced out at the ocean from behind his sunglasses, taking in the fantastic view. “Can I ask you something? I’ve always been curious.”

“Sure.” Dane adjusted his baseball cap to keep the sun out of his eyes.

“When you proposed to Julia . . . you were totally sure about it, right?”

“Without an ounce of doubt.” Dane peered at his brother. “Why, are you having doubts?”

“No. No, not at all,” Pierce assured him. “I was wondering why you eloped.”

“Aha.” Dane grinned. “Because once I proposed and she said yes, the thought of having to wait a year to throw a big wedding . . . it wasn’t what I wanted. She didn’t want a big wedding either. So, we wanted to be married, decided the other stuff wasn’t for us, and that was it.” He shrugged as he added, “Also, I’ve always had a bit of a problem with impulse control.”

Pierce laughed. “You and I share that trait.”

“We share more than a few, actually,” Dane remarked. “You and me . . . we were the serial daters.”

“I didn’t even date,” Pierce said quietly. “I slept around. Hit and ran.”

“And Abby changed all that.”

“Well . . . I was trying to change it just before I met her, but yeah, once I met her . . . I didn’t want anyone else. I knew she was it for me.” Pierce kicked at the sand in front of him. “I sound like a sap, don’t I?”

“Nope. Either that or I did too, because that’s exactly how I felt when I fell for Julia. No one compared.” Dane leaned in. “They still don’t. My wife is extraordinary.”

“I feel that way about Abby.”

“Good. You should. Means you’re doing the right thing.” Dane stared at his younger brother for a long beat. “You’re gonna do okay, you know.”

Pierce met his gaze. “I worry sometimes. I think about Mom and Dad and . . .”

“I know. I get it. I did too.” Dane nodded, then lightened his tone. “But if I can carry this marriage thing off with such panache, so will you. Abby is an amazing woman. She’s grounded and she keeps you grounded. You’re already involved with her family, who are a really decent, good group of people. Not only am I not worried about you, I’m thrilled for you.” Dane put a hand on his brother’s forearm and added kindly, “I hope with them—the McCords, I mean—you’re feeling the kind of extended family love and support you never had growing up.”

Pierce blinked in surprise. “Yeah, I didn’t, but I feel it now. Always had Tess, but now I have you and Charles too. And your wives and his kids. That all matters. A lot.”

Dane nodded. “Good. Good, I’m glad.”

“I know you’ve all been keeping Dad away from the wedding too.”

“Well, Chuckles gets most of the credit for that, really.”

“You and Tess helped. I know that. I’m trying to say I’m grateful.” Pierce rubbed the back of his neck as he thought. “I was thinking the other day how different my life is now from just two years ago. It’s a total one-eighty, you know?”

“Yeah,” Dane said. “Because you worked hard for it. That credit goes to you.”

“I guess. I just . . .” Pierce looked out at the water again. “I’ve just been very aware lately of . . . how lucky I am. I’m so damn grateful for Abby and the life we have. It’s, um . . . a little overwhelming sometimes.”

Dane nodded slowly, seeming to take that in. Then he murmured, “You deserve this good life, Pierce. You hear me?”

Pierce’s eyes flew back to his. He didn’t say anything.

“You deserve this happiness,” Dane said. “You deserve Abby, you deserve what you’ve built together, and you deserve peace. I thought you knew that by now.”

Pierce swallowed hard. His throat had thickened and his mouth had gone dry. “I don’t want to let her down,” he whispered.

“You won’t,” Dane assured him.

“I don’t want to suck at this,” Pierce said. “It’s too important.”

“You feel that strongly about it,” Dane said, “you won’t.”

Pierce licked his dry lips. “I hope so.”

“Look. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Marriage takes work. There are boring times. There are hard times. But it’ll also transform your life. Because . . .” Dane paused, searching for the right words. “Guys like us? Who thought we’d never settle down, like getting married was a fate worse than death? When we found the right women, it changed us for the better, right? We changed. We grew. We’ll keep evolving and growing. And we’re gonna fuck up sometimes because we’re human, and that’s okay. As long as we keep trying.” Dane snorted out a laugh as he added, “We’ve got the prime example of what we don’t want: Mom and Dad. So use that. Learn from their mistakes. Whatever they did, do the opposite.”

Pierce chuckled at that. “Good tip.”

“It’s true, though.” Dane took off his cap, scratched at his damp curls, then put it back on. “They were both selfish. Never put the other one first. Demanded everything and gave each other nothing. So when in doubt, I remember that. And I love Julia so much, it’s easy to want to give and listen and work at it, because she makes me want to. You have that with Abby, from what I’ve seen and what you’re telling me. She also happens to love you as much as you love her, also from what I’ve seen. So stop worrying.” Dane squeezed his shoulder in support. “You’re gonna be fine, bro. I know it.”

“Thanks.” Pierce nodded and exhaled. “I think . . . I think you were the one I needed to have this talk with.”

“I get that. Like I said, we have a lot in common.”

“Nah, you’re nicer than me,” Pierce joked. “Not as surly.”

“So true,” Dane joked back. “I’m also wiser, more stylish, better-looking, and infinitely more charming. Don’t forget all that.”

“Like you’d let me.” Pierce smiled wide. “But hey, you’re also older. Like so much older. You just turned thirty-nine . . . before we know it, you’ll be forty. Geezer.”

Dane grimaced. “All right, shut up, you. And get off my lawn.”

* * *

Abby floated back up to her room at one o’clock. She’d just come from the spa, where she’d enjoyed one of the best massages she’d ever had in her life. It had been a gift from Tess: massages for Abby, Fiona, and their mother. Tess was always so thoughtful and generous. Abby adored her.

After all, Tess was the one person who’d always watched over Pierce and made him feel like someone cared about him, from when they were small kids all the way through adulthood. Tess was the one family member Pierce trusted and counted on, back before he’d restored his relationships with his brothers. When Pierce’s soccer career tanked and he needed a safe haven to lie low while he licked his wounds, he’d gone to the one person and place in the world he felt secure: to Tess. If he hadn’t come back to Long Island to stay with his beloved sister, he and Abby would never have met. Tess and Abby both adored Pierce and had bonded over that. Needless to say, Tess held a special place in Abby’s heart.

Abby sat on the plush couch that faced the back wall, with its wide windows and magnificent views of the property and the beach and the ocean just beyond. As she sighed in contentment for the umpteenth time, she picked up her cell phone and texted a gushing thanks to Tess for the massage, then texted her fiancé. Hey there, handsome. Where are you?

Pierce’s text came back immediately. At the pool with Charles and the kids. Come on down!

Sounds good, she wrote, but no thanks. The massage left me boneless. I’m basking in the afterglow, melting into a puddle of happy goo in our suite. Might take a nap. You enjoy.

I’ll be up soon, he responded. Might want to take advantage of you in goo mode.

Stay if you’re having fun! she wrote back. Seriously, I might fall asleep.

Abby put down the phone to enjoy the view of the sea and sky for a few minutes. When her eyes grew heavy, she got up and went into the bedroom to burrow into the luxurious bed. As if on cue, there was a knock at the door.

She wasn’t expecting anyone, but anyone coming to see her was friendly, so she opened it without hesitation.

“Miss McCord?” said a hotel employee from behind a tremendous bouquet of colorful flowers.

“That’s me.”

“Then these are for you.”

“How nice! Come on in.”

Abby watched as the young man placed the bouquet on the glass table in the middle of the sitting area. She thanked him, closed the door behind him, then went to the flowers with an enchanted smile on her face. The flowers were beautiful, and she dipped her face down to smell them before plucking the small white card from its holder.

Abby was so shocked she dropped the card. Pierce’s father had sent these? He’d made no attempt to hide his distaste for her from the beginning. His words floated through her head as she recalled some of his choice phrases: “gold digger . . . blue collar . . . nothing special.” She’d disliked him for his disparaging comments about her, but they didn’t really matter. What she hated him for was the way he’d purposely tried to drive a wedge between her and Pierce simply because the man couldn’t stand to see his son happy. It’d almost worked too. But his attacks had only served to draw them closer together.

Pierce . . . oh God. Abby frowned hard. When he saw the flowers and the card, Pierce would not be happy. In fact, he might go ballistic.

Abby stared at them, thinking about what she should do. Do nothing and keep the flowers? Send them back? Get rid of them? She just wanted to keep Pierce happy. The wedding was only twenty-eight hours away now . . .

Her phone dinged with a text and she went to check it. It was from Tess saying, I’m so glad you loved it! That makes me happy. Mission accomplished!

Could you call me? Abby wrote back. I need to ask you something.

The phone rang in fifteen seconds. “What’s up?” Tess asked.

“Umm . . . I don’t want to sound like a drama queen,” Abby said, “or possibly be making a big deal out of something that isn’t a big deal. But . . . I just got a huge bouquet of flowers, here in the room. From your father.”

“Oh God,” Tess groaned. “Pierce will flip out.”

Abby exhaled. “That was my exact reaction. I feel better now. But what should I do? I don’t want to hide anything from him, but he was already upset yesterday by your mother’s call. I’m thinking if he sees this now . . .”

“I’ll be there in a few minutes,” Tess said. “I’ll take them back to my room. Done deal.”

Relief washed over Abby. “I’m not overreacting, then?”

“Nope. Pierce has a short fuse when it comes to our parents on a good day. Seeing those flowers today could make him blow up. He’s already a little high-strung because of the wedding.”

“I noticed,” Abby said. “I mean, the whole time he’s been so laid-back about everything. All the wedding planning, you know? Until we got here. Now . . . I thought I’d be the one who’d be tense with all the last-minute things, but he’s the one who’s tense.”

“It’s not about you, if that’s what you’re thinking,” Tess assured her. “It’s that he desperately wants everything to be perfect. For you. He wants to give you the wedding of your dreams . . . and his parents are reminders of his unhappy past. He doesn’t want that—or them—touching this weekend. He wants perfection. They remind him of how far from perfect he was before he found you. Does that make any sense?”

Abby sighed. “I suppose.”

“I’m so glad I texted when I did,” Tess said. “I’ll be there in two minutes.”

While Abby waited, she thought over what Tess had said. The rehearsal dinner was only a few hours away. Getting him alone might be difficult. But at some point, she needed to have a heart-to-heart talk with her soon-to-be husband.

Chapter Four

Abby looked around, utterly enchanted with everything she saw. Their rehearsal dinner was being held out on the massive back patio, on a deck canopied by trees that went right up to the edge of the beach. Six round tables were topped in cream-colored linens, bright flowers, and candles. Music played from some hidden sound system, soft acoustic guitar over ethereal keyboards. Paper lanterns hung from the surrounding trees and thousands of tiny white lights had been strung everywhere, making the twilight sparkle and shimmer, transforming the space into something magical. She couldn’t help but sigh in sheer delight.

Pierce slid his arm around her waist to pull her closer and murmured into her ear, “You like it?”

“I love it,” she gushed. “It’s beautiful. I can’t believe it.”

“I’m so glad it’s how you hoped it’d be.” He pressed a kiss to her temple.

She turned into him for a long, tight hug. Her head rested on his chest as their arms wrapped around each other. “I love this,” she said. “And I love you.”

“Oh, good. I mean, because we’re getting married tomorrow and all.”

“I can’t wait.” She pulled back to smile at him. “We were standing there during the rehearsal and I kept staring at you and thinking, ‘This time tomorrow, it’ll be real. We’ll be married.’ And Pierce . . . I can’t wait.”

He smiled down at her, his fingers caressing her cheek, before he lowered his head to press his lips to hers. “Me too, baby. Me too.” He kissed her again, long and sweet. Her arm curled around his neck to hold him as they kissed.

“All right, all right, enough of that.” Dane’s jovial voice broke into their moment. “Come on, you lovesick kids. Time to eat, drink, and be merry. You can get it on later.”

Pierce shook his head and snorted, giving his brother’s arm a light punch as he passed. Dane grunted and rubbed his arm, then kept walking to join his wife.

The sixty guests mingled, enjoying the evening as the sun fell farther into the horizon. Soft breezes blew off the ocean, bringing its salty scent. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres were passed around, people talked and laughed, and music played.

Pierce glanced around, taking note of where his nearest and dearest were situated. Charles and Lisette had the table closest to the wall. Dane and Tess were with them; Dane had tiny Charlotte in his arms, making silly faces and trying to charm their newest family member. Tess laughed at whatever he was saying to the baby, her smile radiant. Julia was by the railing with Abby and her sister, talking and looking gorgeous. Charles’s three kids and Abby’s nephew, Dylan, all sat in a huddle at the edge of the deck. Thomas held a tablet in his lap and they were watching a video or playing a game or something. While Pierce felt bad because the kids were likely bored at something like this, he was glad his niece and nephews had made Dylan feel so welcome, instantly a part of them. Abby’s parents sat at one of the tables with her aunts and uncles, talking and laughing. Various friends filled in the spaces. Seemed like everyone was enjoying themselves. Pierce allowed himself to exhale.

Troy came up to his side and said, “You still throw a good party.”

“Thanks,” Pierce replied, “but I can’t take credit. Abby planned all this, chose everything.” He smirked. “Besides, this is really nice but tame. Too elegant for you to think I planned it.”

“Good point.”

“I mean, it’s not like I can really let loose with my soon-to-be in-laws here.”

“Another good point.”

“The bonfire on the beach tomorrow night, after the wedding? That’ll be fun.”

“Want tequila shots there?”

“Sounds like a plan.”

“I’ll make sure to bring them, then.”

“You’re the best best man ever.”

They clinked their beer bottles and sipped.

“Still can’t believe you’re getting married,” Troy said. “But I have to say . . . I’ve never seen you so . . . well, content. Like you’ve finally found peace.” He looked across the deck to where Abby and Fiona stood as Julia walked away from them. “I’m happy for you, man. Seriously.”

“Thanks.” Pierce gazed across the deck to his fiancée. Abby’s straight blond hair swayed as a breeze lifted the ends. The same breeze made the hem of her gauzy sky-blue dress seem to float around her ankles. She smiled broadly at something Fiona said. “It’s all her,” Pierce murmured. “Everything.”

“I know,” Troy said. “Well, we Edgewater folks are pretty damn awesome.”

“That’s the truth. Speaking of Edgewater folks . . .” Pierce lifted a wicked brow at his best friend. “Fiona’s pretty nice to look at, huh?”

Troy blinked, then huffed out a breath. “Shit. Am I that obvious?”

“Only a little.” Pierce chuckled. “Fiona’s gorgeous, no question. Smart, with a good heart. You have some things in common. Could be fun. Could be more than fun. But I’m warning you, she’s feisty as hell. Think you can handle her?”

“I’d love to find out.” Troy took a swig from his bottle.

“Well, then.” Pierce fixed him with a look. “You gonna do anything about it this weekend?”

“Hell yes.”

“Attaboy.”

* * *

After the salad plates had been cleared away, Dane turned, scanned the length of the wide patio, and realized his wife still wasn’t there. Maybe she’d slipped away to use the restroom? He nabbed a waiter and ordered another beer. After he got it, he chatted briefly with Abby’s parents. They were nice people, smart, down-to-earth. Dane could see where Abby got such a good base from, and a wave of sentimentality whopped him. He’d found himself expressing personal thanks to them for welcoming Pierce into their family as warmly and completely as they had. Carolyn and Jesse had seemed genuinely moved by that. It was a nice talk . . . but then he’d realized he’d almost finished his beer and Julia still hadn’t returned.

A glance at his watch showed she’d been gone for almost half an hour. Where the hell was she?

Determined, he left the deck and went into the hotel. His long legs carried him down the hallway toward the restrooms. Never shy, he pushed open the door to the ladies’ room just a few inches and called out, “Red, you in there?”

“Dane?” Tess emerged from one of the stalls and gave him a strange look. “What are you doing?”

“Looking for my wife, obviously.”

Tess went to the sinks to wash her hands as she said, “I thought I saw her go down to the beach. Figured she was meeting you there or something. But that was a while ago.”

“Well, at least I know she’s not in here,” he quipped. “Thanks, Tesstastic. Catch you later.”

He cut through the hotel, out to a side door, around to one of the staircases. From the grass, he could see the enormous raised back patio a few feet away; the sounds of the rehearsal dinner floated on the air. He walked until the lawn beneath his feet ended at the sand, then kicked off his shoes to step onto the beach. The crashing waves of the ocean sounded nearby, just beyond, hidden in the black of night. His eyes hadn’t fully adjusted to the dark yet, but he scanned the area as best he could.

“Julia?” he called out. “Are you out here?”

“Yes. Over here.”

He turned at the sound of his wife’s rich alto, peering harder into the darkness. “Can’t see you, babe. Where are you?”

“Walk straight about another eight or ten steps, then turn a tiny bit left.”

He did as she said, squinting in the night, and found her sitting on the sand, her dress floating around her, her knees drawn up and her arms around them. “There you are.”

“Yup,” she said plainly. “Here I am.”

He dropped to the sand to sit beside her, then studied her. Julia sat very still, her thick red hair drifting off her shoulders from the breeze, her gaze out on the ocean. She would likely seem relaxed to someone who didn’t know her well. But he knew her better than anyone. “What’s wrong, Red?”

A hint of a smile flitted across her face because she knew he knew her too well. “Just thinking. Needed some quiet.”

“And you’ve had it. I’ve been looking for you for a while now.” He reached for her hand in the dark and found it, intertwining his fingers through hers. Her skin was warm, soft . . . home. He affectionately caressed the top of her hand with his thumb. “It’s not like you to just leave a party like this. So I know something’s up. Talk to me.”

She kept staring out at the ocean for a minute. He let her, waiting patiently even as concern stirred his blood. Moonlight glimmered on the crests of the waves, the whooshing sound soothing, hypnotic. By the time his eyes had completely adjusted to the dark, he recognized sadness in her expression, tightening the lines of her face. He squeezed her hand. “Come on, Red,” he murmured. “Please talk to me.”

She finally looked back at him. “I need you to tell me something and I need you to be a hundred percent honest with me. Even if you think it’ll hurt me.”

His brow furrowed as his gut hummed with intuition. “I always am, Julia.”

“I know.” She drew a deep breath, then asked, “Do you ever wish you had kids of your own?”

Something in his chest tightened. But not for him; for her. “No,” he said succinctly. “No, I don’t. Not really.”

“What does that mean exactly?” She leaned in a bit, her eyes locked on his.

“It means once in a rare while,” he said, “I wonder what a baby you and I made together would have looked like. Which is natural, I think. That curiosity.”

She nodded and said, “Of course. I’ve wondered that too.” But he saw her wince the tiniest bit before she looked away, back out to the ocean.

“Hey.” He squeezed her hand, willing her to meet his eyes again. “I don’t long for kids, Julia. I told you that and I meant it. I can visit my nephews and nieces any time if I need a kiddo fix. Then I get to go home. To you.”

“Is that enough?” she whispered.

“More than enough,” he said firmly, edging in closer. “You’re my family. You’re all I need, all I want.” With his free hand, he stroked her hair back from her face, then cupped her chin. “Not everyone needs children to feel complete.”

“I know that.”

“So what’s going on?”

“I saw you holding Charlotte,” Julia said quietly. “You looked like you were in love. And I . . . I felt that pang. The one I get when I wonder if I . . .” Her voice trailed off.

“If you what?” He gentled his voice but was insistent. “Tell me.”

“If I should have let you marry me,” she whispered. “You won’t have children of your own because of me. Most of the time I’m okay with that. But sometimes . . .”

His stomach wobbled at her words, and the forlorn tone of her voice. “Julia Shay Harrison, you listen to me. Right now.” He gripped her chin again, firmer this time, a demand that she meet his gaze. “First of all, let me marry you? No one lets me do anything; I do what I want. And no one could have stopped me. I wanted you. I chose you. And I knew, when I did that, that we wouldn’t have kids together.” Something like desperate frustration bubbled inside him. “Because we talked about this, at length. Don’t you remember that night? Out on the boat, a month before I proposed?”

She nodded, but she also sniffled, and it tore at him.

“We made that decision together,” he reminded her calmly. “I asked you if you wanted another child. You said no.”

“I didn’t,” she whispered. “Besides, I was too old.”

“I said it then and I’m saying it again now: that’s bullshit.”

“No, it wasn’t. I was already forty-two when we got married.”

“You weren’t too old,” he insisted. “I said we could have our own or adopt if you wanted. But you really didn’t want any more kids. And I didn’t want any. We agreed on that.” He paused, then asked, “Or . . . did you lie to me?”

“No!” she said staunchly.

“Okay. Well, I didn’t lie to you either. I meant what I said.” He kept holding her face, caressing her skin with the pad of his thumb. “I like my freedom. Always have. I just wanted you. Us.” He dipped his head to look deeper into her troubled hazel eyes. “We covered this. We’ve been great. So where is this coming from? I don’t understand.”

Her shoulders lifted and fell in a listless shrug and she wouldn’t look at him. “I admit it. Once in a blue moon, I think if you married someone else . . . someone younger than you, instead of older than you . . . you could’ve had that, and I feel guilty. Like, maybe if you’d gotten another wife pregnant, you would’ve warmed to the idea of having kids and been fine with it. So when you married me . . . I wonder if I . . . if I was selfish to ask that of you. Or to let you agree to what we agreed to.”

His blood rushed through him as powerfully as the crashing of the waves. “If I married someone else, I’d be miserable,” he said firmly. “Because you are my soul mate. My other half. My everything. Are you hearing me?”

Her eyes filled with tears.

“Jesus. Oh, honey . . .” He pulled her closer, wrapped his arms around her shoulders. His heart pounded as he brushed her hair back so he could rest his cheek against hers. He murmured right into her ear, “You don’t need kids to be a family. You are my family and I’m yours.”

She nodded against him but said nothing.

He struggled to stay calm. He’d never known she’d thought these things, occasionally racking herself with guilt over them. Even if it was once in a blue moon, it was too much. And knowing she was hurting over this, beating herself up about it, tore him up inside. “I really, really love our life together, Julia. Everything’s the way I want it to be. Not having kids gives us a certain freedom others don’t have. We have freedoms Charles and Lisette will never know. Our life is ours. We travel, we go out whenever we want, we do things—”

“I know. And yes, it’s great. But . . .”

“But nothing. Besides, hello, you have a son. And Colin is a great guy.”

“Yes, I have a son.” Her eyes shone in the moonlight. “I missed fifteen years of his life, but yes, I have a son. You don’t. And tonight, I just . . .” She drew a shaky sigh. “I saw you with Charlotte and it just hit me. That one day you might regret that you don’t have children of your own.” A tear rolled down her face and she swiped it away as she added in a whisper, “And you’ll resent me for it.”

His heart lurched. “Julia. Jesus, honey. Hear me.” He tipped her chin back up so he could meet her glassy eyes. Holding her face, he vowed, “I have no regrets. And I never will. I could never resent you—you’re the single best thing that’s ever happened to me. Ever.” He wiped away the tears that rolled down her face. “I love our life. I knew when I married you what the deal with kids was and I was one hundred percent fine with it. I swear that to you.”

“Okay.” She sniffed back the tears and nodded. “I believe you. I do.”

“Promise?”

“Yes. Yes. Thank you for reassuring me.” She sighed and sank into him, letting her head drop onto his shoulder. “Truthfully, I usually don’t think about this anymore. I haven’t in a long time. It just walloped me tonight. I don’t know why. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry. You need reassurance, I give it freely.” He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close and tight. “But I hope you really believe what I’m telling you. Tonight, once and for all, beyond the shadow of a doubt, so you’ll never have this pang or worry again. Seriously. All right?”

She huffed out a long exhalation and nodded again. “Yeah. Just had a weak moment. Sorry.”

He watched as she worked to compose herself. “Julia,” he murmured. “Baby.” He cupped her cheek, making her look into his eyes. “You’re my family. My home, my heart.” He kissed her lips with exquisite tenderness. “You’re everything to me.”

She smiled faintly. “Same here. On all of that. Honestly.”

“Good.” His thumb stroked her velvety skin. “Know what? I’m going to be one of those creepy people who dies the day after his spouse because he couldn’t live without her. Just dies of a broken heart.”

“Well, I am a few years older than you,” she quipped, “so it’s likely I’ll kick off before you do. Sure you want to hold yourself to that?”

“Yup. Because I don’t want a life without you in it. I don’t want a day without you in it. I love you that much.” He stared into her eyes, saw that his words had taken hold, then grazed his lips across hers.

“I feel the same way about you.” She deepened the kiss, her warm mouth opening to welcome him. They kissed for a while, reconnecting and luxuriating, before she finally relaxed. He felt the tension leave her body, and again her head dropped onto his shoulder.

Running his hand down the thick curtain of her hair, up and down her back, they held each other tight. They sat that way for a long time, sharing closeness in the dark, the sounds of the waves crashing beyond, soothing them as they settled down.

“One last thing,” he said softly. “If this ever crops up again . . . I hope it doesn’t, but if it does, please tell me. And I’ll reassure you again. I will as many times as I have to, if you need me to. Just promise you’ll never slip away to cry in the dark by yourself over this, ever again. You come to me instead. Okay?”

She hugged him tightly and whispered, “Okay.”

“I love you, Red.”

“I love you too, Boss.”

He snorted and said, “That nickname’s gotta go. I’m not the boss here; you are.”

She laughed softly and snuggled in closer, dropping a kiss on his neck. “No. We’re equals. A total partnership, a team. That’s why we work.”

“That’s right.” He kissed her lips, nipped at the bottom one. “And don’t you forget it.”

She kissed him again and ran her hand down the front of his button-down shirt. “So . . . wanna have a hot quickie here on the beach?”

His return grin was wicked. “Like you have to ask.”

* * *

Pierce and Abby stepped out of the elevator. As they walked down the hallway, he reached for her hand and intertwined their fingers.

“It’s this one,” Abby said, stopping in front of a door at the end of the corridor.

He huffed out a sigh of exasperation. “I still don’t see why you have to do this.”

“I want to do this,” she said with a grin.

“I know, but still. We live together. Have for a while. Now you’re going all old-fashioned on me?” He snorted out a laugh. “It’s a little late for that.”

“I like the premise.” Abby leaned into him, her dark blue eyes sparkling as she reached up to lock her arms around his neck. “I like you not seeing me until I walk down the aisle tomorrow. A tiny last bit of anticipation.”

“You just want me to miss you.” His hands ran down her sides to rest at her waist as the side of his mouth curved up in a playful grin. “I will, you know.”

“I love that.” She kissed him. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Coach.” He winked.

Her grin blossomed into a radiant smile.

“Have fun with your sleepover with your sister.”

“Thanks, I will. Hey, at least it’s not with my parents.”

“Your dad would drive you bonkers.”

“That’s right. That’s why I’m staying with Fiona.”

Pierce huffed out another sigh and an exaggerated pout. “I can’t see you at all tomorrow?”

“That’s the idea. So don’t be late.” She quirked another grin. “You know. Down at the beach. Five o’clock sharp. You, me, wedding ceremony. Be there or be square.”

“You didn’t really just say that.”

“Actually, I did.”

“You’re too damn adorable.” He lowered his head to take her mouth in a sumptuous kiss. They stood there kissing for a minute before she pulled away.

“What will you do tomorrow?” she asked.

“Run on the beach in the morning,” he said. “Go for a swim. Eat things. I’m sure Troy and Dane will be around. Maybe even hang out again with Charles and the kids; it gives Lisette a break while she’s taking care of the baby. I’ll take a nap at some point.” He tweaked the tip of her nose. “I won’t be bored while I’m missing you, don’t worry.”

“I’m not worried. Not at all. About anything.” She caressed his cheek and smiled a dreamy smile. “This time tomorrow, we’ll be married, dancing at our fabulous reception with everyone we love. I don’t have a worry or a care in the world.”

“That makes me really happy,” he murmured, then kissed her good night.

Chapter Five

Abby woke to a bright, sunshiny day on Saturday. Looking out the wide-open window beyond, feeling the breezes on her skin, it seemed like the weather was perfect; warm, but not too hot, and there wasn’t a cloud in the clear blue sky. The wedding weather gods had smiled on them and she was overjoyed.

She looked across the room; her sister was still sound asleep in the other double bed. They’d stayed up talking until almost one in the morning. Abby smiled as she recalled some of their funnier moments, and some of the heartwarming ones. Fiona was more than her older sister; she was her best friend and she cherished her.

It’s my wedding day, Abby thought. It’s my WEDDING DAY!

Excitement rushed through her. Smiling brightly, she rolled over to grab her cell phone off the nightstand between the beds. She intended to send Pierce a good-morning text, but there was one already waiting for her. An hour before, he’d written: Good morning, Miss McCord. This time tomorrow, I’ll be waking you up by making love to you as I say, Good morning, Mrs. Harrison. Hope you slept well. Love you.

Jesus Christ, she loved that man. She texted back: I love you more.

He didn’t answer right away. She figured he was either on the beach or in the pool, as he’d said he would be. So she got out of bed and crossed the room to the terrace. Sliding open the glass door, she stepped onto the balcony, leaned on the railing, and tipped her face up to the sun. Seagulls screeched as they soared overhead, and the crashing waves of the ocean ebbed in and out. Abby smiled, closed her eyes, and took a long, deep breath. Life was beautiful. Today would be a wonderful, wonderful day.

* * *

After his shower, Pierce wrapped the towel around his waist and walked into the large sitting room. The suite felt empty without Abby. He really did miss her. Knowing she was with her family somewhere on the resort property appeased him somewhat, but still . . . He’d hated going to sleep without her and hated waking up without her. Holy shit, was he a changed man. Good thing I’m marrying her, he thought with a wry grin.

He was supposed to meet Tess, Dane, and Julia for lunch at noon down at the outdoor restaurant. After that, he’d try to catch a catnap before the festivities kicked in. Whistling as he strode across the room, the knot of his towel loosened and dropped to the floor. With a snort of a laugh, he bent to pick it up, but something under the coffee table caught his eye. Looked like a business card or something, and two pink flower petals. He reached for the card with his left hand, then snatched up the towel with his right. His eyes ran over the words on the card . . . and the grin fell off his face.

“What the actual fuck?” he murmured as his heart rate ratcheted up a notch. He glanced around the room. There were no flowers anywhere. So what was this? Had his father sent flowers? Or contacted her? Why wouldn’t Abby tell him about that? Why would she hide it from him? Why would she hide anything from him? His gut churned.

By the time he entered the restaurant for lunch, his mood was shit.

“Hi!” Tess smiled as she greeted him at their table, reaching out for a hug. Immediately she stopped, her hands gripping his upper arms instead. “You don’t look right. What’s wrong?”

“I need to talk to you,” he said tightly.

“Sit,” Tess commanded, and they both did.

He pulled the card from the pocket of his shorts and handed it to her. “I found this about half an hour ago. Under the coffee table in my suite.”

Tess looked at it and sighed deeply. “Oh dear.”

“That bastard’s trying to contact her behind my back?” he ground out. “And she didn’t even tell me?”

“I told her not to tell you,” Tess said. “Calm down.”

He felt a muscle jump in his jaw. “When did this happen?”

“Yesterday afternoon. He sent her a big bouquet of flowers.” She folded her hands on the tabletop. “They’re lovely, actually. They’re in my room.”

Pierce sat there, seething.

Tess sighed again. “She called me when they arrived and asked what she should do. I took them back to my room and told her not to mention it until after the wedding. Guess the card fell out.”

“Oops.” It came out as a snarl.

“Stop it,” Tess said firmly. “We decided it was best not to tell you so you wouldn’t get upset. You’re only proving us right. Look at you.”

“I think I have a right to be upset.”

“Really? Why?”

Pierce practically gritted his teeth. “Are you fucking kidding me? My parents are awful people; that’s why I don’t want them at my wedding. And they keep popping up their ugly heads anyway. They want to ruin the day.”

Tess leaned in close and looked her younger brother right in the eye. “The only one who could ruin this wedding is you. If you let them get in your head and upset you. And hey . . . look what’s happening.”

Pierce scowled.

“Charles has done a damn good job of keeping Dad away from you, from the wedding, from Abby, all of it. Believe me, he’s been a gatekeeper all these months.”

“I know,” Pierce admitted in a low voice.

“Dane and I have pitched in too,” Tess continued. “Both with him and with Mom. All three of us called her separately yesterday and lit into her, by the way.”

Pierce let out a heavy sigh. “I appreciate that.”

“They’re not going to be at the wedding. Which is what you wanted.” Tess reached for his hands and gripped them. “We love you. We’ve got your back. Mom and Dad . . . they never did right by you. No one can undo a miserable childhood. The damage was done. I’ve tried to compensate for that your whole life and these past few years, your big brothers finally caught up and have done the same. We didn’t have it nearly as bad as you did, and yes, we’ll always feel residual guilt about that, even though all of us know it wasn’t any of our faults.” Tess stared hard. “I know you know all this.”

Pierce nodded, but his eyes flashed and his jaw still held tight. “I do know. And what you especially have always done for me, and now them too . . . it means more to me than I can ever express. Honestly.”

“I know that.”

“But . . . this isn’t about you guys. Abby’s going to be my wife. She hid this from me . . . dammit, she can’t hide things from me.”

“This isn’t some big lie,” Tess said. “It was a little white lie, for a short time. She didn’t want you upset before the wedding. That’s all. She was going to tell you after. C’mon, Soccer Boy. Take some deep breaths. I thought you were past the days of letting your temper get the best of you.”

Pierce sat with that, working to take it down from a boil to a simmer.

“Pierce. Sweetheart . . .” Tess’s voice was quiet and gentle as she gazed at him, still holding his hands. “You haven’t been insecure like this in a long time. Talk to me. Maybe I can help.”

He blinked. “Is that what this is?”

“I think so. I think you’re scared.”

“I want to marry her more than anything. I’m not scared of marriage to her.”

“I know. But once you get married . . . there’s a lot more to lose. And you’re scared to lose her. And the reminders of Mom and Dad, so close to the wedding . . .” Tess grimaced sadly. “They trigger you. Push your buttons. Remind you of how lost and scared you felt when you were young, and how bad their marriage was, and of everything you fear most. Triggers are wreaking havoc on you.”

Pierce went very still. His heartbeat seemed to slow in his chest. “Jesus, that went deep.”

“I know you very well. I understand you better than just about anyone.” Tess gave his hands a squeeze. “Psychological triggers are a powerful thing. You just . . . you have to fight them, remind yourself things are different now. That you’re a grown man, with a good life you’ve worked hard to build for yourself. And an amazing, wonderful woman is about to become your wife, and she understands you too. She loves you as much as you love her. That’s why things are going to work out. And because you can’t remind yourself of that at this moment, I’m here to remind you. I’ve got you.”

His mouth went dry and a lump rose in his throat.

“Our parents really suck. That’s the sad truth. But they can only get to you if you let them,” Tess asserted gently. “Don’t let them.”

“I usually don’t,” Pierce finally said. “Not anymore. I’ve been good. But I guess . . . what you’re saying has merit.” His stomach churned as he thought about it. “I just want this to be perfect for her. I don’t want them tainting it in any way . . .” His throat thickened as he got out the rest. “. . . and make her regret marrying me. Choosing me.”

“Never happen. Can I remind you of something?” Tess asked, rubbing his hands. “The very first night you introduced her to the family, at that disastrous wedding party Dad threw for Dane and Julia. Dad attacked you viciously in front of everyone, and he attacked her too. What did she do?”

“Gave it right back to him,” Pierce said quietly. “Stood up for me. And for herself.”

“That’s right. That’s no shrinking violet you’ve got there. Dad can be intimidating as hell. She told him off her first night out.” Tess smiled. “She’s got guts, she’s really smart and insightful, and she has a big, warm heart.”

He nodded. “She’s the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. Other than you, of course.”

Tess grinned before continuing. “That night, she made it clear she had your back. But you were so thrown by it all, you tried to push her away. Even got her to break up with you.” Tess squeezed his hands as he winced, remembering. “You almost did irreversible damage. You had to really work for it, beg her to come back. And she did. Because she knew, deep down, why you’d done it in the first place. She knew you that well, even then. She chose you too. Right?”

Again Pierce nodded, releasing a shaky breath.

“She knows you, she understands you, she chooses you, and she loves you. Not she loves you anyway, Pierce. She just loves you. Do you get the distinction?”

He nodded yet again and said, “I’m the luckiest bastard on earth that she does.”

“She’s pretty lucky too. You’re a great guy.” Tess’s voice dropped to a fervent whisper as she asked, “When are you truly, truly going to believe that? I know Mom left you and Dad abused you. But you are worthy of love and worthy of Abby and worthy of the good life you have now and will continue to have. Believe that.”

It was like she’d gut-punched him. Jesus, if she was wrong, it wouldn’t have hurt. Her astute words wouldn’t have stolen his breath or made tears sting his eyes.

“Oh, honey.” Tess rubbed his hands, gripped them harder. “The triggers did this to you. Fight. You’re a fighter. So understand what’s getting to you and work on overcoming them. But don’t be upset with Abby over this little thing.”

“That’s what Dad wanted,” he said, realizing it as he said it out loud. “For me, and her, to be upset on our wedding day, even if only for a few minutes.”

“Right,” Tess said on a sigh. “Look, she didn’t lie to you. She’s not always hiding things from you. She hid this one little thing because she was protecting you. Because she loves you so much. Like you would do for her if the situation was reversed.”

Unable to speak, he nodded again. His throat had thickened and he swallowed hard. His jaw clenched.

Tess rose and pulled him to his feet. When he stood, she moved close and hugged him tight. He hugged her back, sighed, and rested his head on hers.

“You’re getting married tonight,” Tess said in his ear. “This should be the best day of your life. Don’t let Dad or Mom or anyone take that away from you.”

“You’re right,” he said, squeezing her back. “Absolutely right.”

“Well, I’m the smartest of the four of us,” she reminded him cheekily.

“God, that’s so true.” He smacked a kiss on her curly hair and pulled back to look at her. “Thank you. So much.”

She reached up to hold his face in her hands and said, “I will always be here for you. You have Abby now, but that will never change. I’ve always got your back.”

“For which I will be forever grateful.”

Tess rubbed his scruffy jaw. “You’re going to shave before the wedding, right?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Okay, good.”

He grinned but said quietly, “I didn’t know I was doing that. The things you said.” He huffed out a sigh and rubbed the back of his neck. “Jesus Christ, Tess.”

“Lifelong, ingrained habits are very, very hard to break,” she said. “A few steps forward, a few steps back. No damage done. Cut yourself some slack.”

He nodded. “I’m a work in progress, I guess.”

“We all are, Pierce. We all are. We stop growing and learning, we’re dead in the water.” She moved to sit down. “Now, let’s get you fed before we get you married.”

As Pierce sat, Dane and Julia approached the table. “Sorry we’re late,” Dane said as they all kissed one another’s cheeks in greeting. “Did we miss anything?”

“Nah,” Pierce said and reached for his water glass. “It’s going to be a great day.”

Chapter Six

Several months before, it had taken a long discussion and half a bottle of whiskey when Abby told her parents she wouldn’t be getting married in a church. She’d sat them down and, despite their misgivings, got them to understand she wanted to be married out on the beach. Outside, by the ocean, with nothing above her but the sky.

Her dad had growled. Her mom had frowned. But, as always, they’d listened to her and ultimately come around to supporting her unequivocally.

“You better pray it doesn’t rain,” Jesse had said. “Or you’ll wish you did it the traditional way, with a roof over your head. Marrying an untraditional guy, now this . . .” He sighed and shook his head, then wagged a finger at her in mock exasperation. “Whatever you want, that’s how it’ll be.”

Abby had hugged her father tight. “You’re still gonna walk me down the aisle, right?”

His grizzled expression had softened at that. He’d reached up, touched her cheek, and said with pride and deep affection, “You kidding? Been waiting to do that since the day you were born. No one on earth could stop me.”

Now, as Abby stood in the resort, fully dressed and waiting, she placed her hand in the crook of her father’s arm and said, “I’m so glad you’re here with me, Dad.”

He smiled down at her. “Nowhere else I’d be, sweetheart.” He straightened the jacket of his navy suit, then leaned in to kiss her on the forehead. “I can’t get over you. You look like an angel. A princess. All those unearthly beautiful things. Really.”

Jesse McCord didn’t give mushy compliments often. She was moved. “Thank you.” She drew a shaky breath and tried to stay calm over the fluttering of her heart.

“Abby.” Her father spoke quietly. “Listen. I, uh . . . just wanna say, I know you two are going to be good. In your marriage. Pierce is all right. I gave him a hard time at first, sure. He deserved it.”

Abby snorted out a giggle. “You were brutal.”

“I’m a man with two daughters, that’s my God-given right,” he said without apology. “But I’ve gotten to know Pierce pretty well, and you were right. He’s a good man. Got his rough edges, but . . . hell, so do I.” Jesse cleared his throat. “I’d take you out of here right now if I thought you needed me to. You know that, right?”

She blinked at him. “I don’t need you to. I love him, Dad.”

“I know. I said if I thought you needed me to. Just reminding you how I’ll always, always have your back.”

Her throat tightened a bit. “I know that, Dad. Thank you.”

“You’re fine. He loves you. From what I’ve seen, he probably loves you a little more than you love him, and that’s a good thing. He’s good to you, and he’s always gonna be good to you. Besides, I’ll kill him if he’s not. So don’t be nervous. Enjoy everything today.” He patted her hand on his forearm. “I’m right here.”

“Oh, Dad . . .” Tears stung her eyes and she swallowed hard. “Don’t you dare make me cry now.”

“Well, then, don’t cry, that’s all.”

She smiled through the tears. “Yes, sir. I love you so much.”

“I love you too.”

Marla, the resort employee who was their wedding coordinator, approached them with an excited smile. “Are you ready? Because we all are if you are.”

Abby sniffed hard and nodded. “I’m ready.”

“Let’s do this, then . . .” Marla reached up for Abby’s veil, lowering the front part over her face. “Want to help her with that, Dad?”

As Marla sprinted off to set things in motion, Jesse fixed the veil, making sure it was correctly in place. He gazed down at his daughter with something like wonder in his eyes. “You’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen,” he said. “Well, except for your mother. Sorry, that stands.”

“Thanks, Dad.” She smiled as she gave his arm a squeeze, then reached over with her free hand to pick up her bridal bouquet. The white, yellow, and orange flowers were vibrant. “God. These are so gorgeous, but they’re actually a little heavy!”

Jesse chuckled.

Marla moved to the glass doors and opened them. The wedding party was already out on the lawn, moving toward the beach.

“You got this,” Jesse said, looking out before them.

Abby took a deep breath and looked out too. Excitement and exhilaration soared through her, lifting her heart. “Yes, I do.”

* * *

As John Legend’s “Stay with You” started to play over speakers aimed at the beach, the wedding party started their walk. They were brought to the edge of where the great lawn ended at the sand and made their way down the makeshift aisle, a boardwalk that stretched down the beach. Over 120 guests sat in white folding chairs on either side of the aisle, which was lined with white ribbons, glass jars with candles inside, and sunflowers hearty enough to withstand the soft breezes that blew off the ocean.

Pierce walked first, by himself, smiling a deeply contented smile. Striking in his light gray suit, white dress shirt, and gray striped tie, the wind gently ruffled his dark hair as he reached the standing canopy at the end of the aisle, mere feet from the ocean. He shook the hand of the wedding officiant, then turned to face the crowd. He flashed another smile and watched the wedding party come down the aisle.

Troy walked with Fiona, then Charles with Tess, then Dane with Allison. The men were handsome in their slate-gray suits and sky-blue ties, the women lovely in their sky-blue sheath dresses. Then came Dylan; Abby’s nine-year-old nephew half-jogged down the aisle, a wide, excited smile on his adorable face, bringing warm laughs from the guests. Ava looked so pretty, older than her ten years. Her dark hair in a French braid and her slim frame in a dress resembling the bridesmaids’, she was poised as could be as she let white and yellow flower petals flutter from her fingers. Lastly, Carolyn beamed as she proudly made her way down the aisle; the attractive mother of the bride was gorgeous in her sparkly ice-blue gown. Going off script, she went to Pierce and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Touched by the impulsive gesture, he hugged her quickly before she took her seat at the end of the front row.

An anticipatory hush fell over the crowd. John Legend’s heartfelt, romantic song was perfect as it continued playing.

Pierce narrowed his eyes as they locked on his bride. A vision in white floating on the arm of her tall father, Abby’s long, gauzy veil blew back in the breeze as they made their way from the grass to the sand and started down the aisle. As she got closer, and he could see her better, Pierce’s breath caught. He knew she’d be a beautiful bride, but seeing her like this . . . she was extraordinary. She literally took his breath away.

His eyes traveled over her. Her silky blond hair, usually so pin straight, had been curled at the ends, now barely touching her bare shoulders. The sides of her hair had been pulled up, tucked somewhere in that veil. Her strapless gown had a curved top and was fitted down to her knee, where it softly flared out into waves of gliding, billowing layers, down over her feet and in the back, forming a train. Sunlight caught in the fabric, making it shimmer and sparkle as she moved. She was luminous. The whole look was elegant, classy, and timeless, with a hint of sexy and a dash of sassy . . . just like Abby herself. Pierce had never seen such perfection in his life and she was walking down the aisle to him. Love overwhelmed him, rushing through his entire body.

He smiled so wide his cheeks started to hurt. She smiled back, meeting his eyes as she got closer . . . and the world fell away. All he saw was her. His woman, this wonderful gift of a woman; his best friend, his lover, his partner, his rock. His heart pounded with the depth of emotion that flowed through him.

When she reached him, he stretched out his hand to her. Her smile widened, and if he wasn’t mistaken, her eyes were glassy. Jesse took her hand from the crook of his elbow and kissed the top of it before placing her hand in Pierce’s. It was the first time Pierce had ever seen her dad too choked up to speak.

“I’ll take good care of her,” Pierce promised in a husky whisper.

Jesse nodded and patted his shoulder. Then he kissed the side of Abby’s head and went to sit with her mother in the front row. Fiona leaned in to take Abby’s bouquet. Finally, Abby turned to Pierce, and they clasped hands, intertwining their fingers as they smiled at each other.

“You’re absolutely stunning,” Pierce whispered. “My God, Abby. Wow.”

Yup, she was tearing up. “Thank you,” she whispered back.

“Let’s do this.” He grinned as he dropped a wink.

She nodded and smiled tremulously. “Yeah, let’s.”

* * *

While the guests enjoyed a lavish cocktail hour on the wide expanse of lawn behind the resort, the wedding party posed for photos on the beach. The sun’s angle had shifted, just starting to deepen the blue of the sky. The ocean was a perfect backdrop as the photographer snapped a million pictures. At the end of the hour, Pierce announced, “I’m starving. And we need drinks. Time to celebrate!”

The wedding party all started to march back up the beach toward the resort. Abby grabbed Pierce’s hand, stopping him. “Wait.”

His brow furrowed as he looked down at her. “You okay?”

“I’m amazing,” she said with a smile. “I just wanted a minute alone with you before we go to the reception.”

Smiling back, he turned and pulled her into his arms. “That sounds perfect.” He kissed her lips lightly. “You’re perfect.”

“I’m not,” she said, even as she pressed herself closer into his embrace.

“You are. You’re perfect for me.” He kissed her again. “And I can’t stop staring at you. You’re off-the-charts beautiful, Abby. I’m the luckiest man alive.”

Her smile deepened. “Thank you for that.” She hugged him, resting her head on his shoulder. “The ceremony was perfect.”

“I don’t remember half of it,” he admitted. “I just couldn’t take my eyes off you.”

She laughed. “Typical.”

“I’m sure it was great,” he went on with the joke. “I bet it was meaningful, right? Lots of nice things said?”

She pinched his ass and he yelped.

“I was there, baby,” he assured her. “I was there. I’ve rarely felt so present in my life. I just . . .” He tipped her chin up so they could look into each other’s eyes. “I’m going to give you a good life. We’re going to have everything. I promise.”

“I’m going to give you a good life too,” she said. “We’re in this together.”

They kissed tenderly, holding each other close as the waves crashed beyond.

“I love you,” she said. “Husband.”

He grinned. “I love you too, wife.”

“We’d better get to the party,” she murmured.

“I know.” But he kissed her a few more times before taking her by the hand and bringing her along.

* * *

The reception was held in the spacious event room, with dangling crystal chandeliers and high glass walls that displayed panoramic views of the ocean and beach. Tiny white lights strewn everywhere and endless amounts of flowers added to the atmosphere, making it opulent. The DJ played all the best songs, magnificent food and endless drinks were served, and the guests talked and danced the evening away.

Midway through, Pierce sat at their dais as he watched Abby dance with her father. She’d chosen Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” as their song, and if Pierce wasn’t wrong, Jesse looked a little glassy-eyed as he twirled his daughter in his arms. The man was a grizzly bear, but when it came to his family, he was just a big mush. For a second, Pierce thought of his own father . . . having that traditional dance of the groom and his mother . . . then willfully batted the images away. He had his own family now. Abby.

“Hey there.” Charles came up behind him and clapped him on the shoulder.

“Hey.” Pierce rose to stand beside his oldest brother. He grabbed his half-empty beer and took another sip.

“She’s stunning,” Charles remarked, his eyes resting on Abby as she danced.

“I know.” Pierce nodded and looked at her too. “She really is.”

“She’s . . . glowing. From the inside out.” Charles quirked a grin. “I’ve rarely seen a more joyful bride. You did that, you know.”

Pleased, Pierce could only grin back.

“You having a good time?” Charles asked.

“Hell yeah. You?”

“I am. You guys planned a beautiful wedding and a great party.”

“Well, I only do a great party,” Pierce joked. “Still got a rep to uphold.”

They chuckled together. Then Charles said, “It’s the first time we’ve been to a big party as the six of us.” His gaze flicked over to his wife and went soft with adoration. “Lisette is enjoying herself. She’s tired, of course, but she will be for a while—like a few years. So I’m glad she’s here; she needed some fun.”

“Glad you’re all enjoying it.” Pierce shot a glance over to the table where the entire Harrison clan sat. Lisette looked pretty in a royal purple dress, her dark hair pulled off her face in a slick ponytail that tumbled down her back. She did look relaxed, smiling leisurely, and Pierce was glad for her. Seated next to her, Tess had the baby in her arms, rocking her and cooing at her. Ava, Thomas, and Myles were eating and talking. Dane sat beside Julia, a knockout in emerald green. The woman didn’t have it in her to be anything but eye-popping. They held hands on the tabletop as they talked with her son, Colin. Now almost twenty-four, he was a quiet, reserved, but friendly young man. Pierce liked him.

“That’s a great group over there,” he murmured.

“Who?” Charles followed his gaze. “You mean our family?”

Pierce nodded. Suddenly a lump formed in his throat, and he swallowed it down. He cleared his throat and said, “If you’d told me two years ago that I’d be living on Long Island, getting married, and happy to be in the fold with my family, I’d’ve told you to stop smoking crack. I’d have laughed in your face.”

Charles nodded slowly, considering. “Well, you were a hot mess when you came back here two years ago.”

At that, Pierce barked out a laugh. “True. That’s true. Thanks.”

“Look how far you’ve come.” Charles’s voice wasn’t needling but warm.

“I just did and it almost knocked me on my ass.” Pierce sipped his beer to ease the tightness in his throat. “Growing up, I thought you and Dane didn’t care about me. Only Tess. You guys were off doing your things. I hated you for that.”

“I know,” Charles said quietly, the remorse evident. “We were much older than you, but still . . . I’ll always regret that period of time. I wish I could go back and—”

“I know. But that’s all in the past. I’m not bringing it up to guilt you. I’m saying, look at everything now . . . look at that table. My whole family is here for me. And I wanted you all to be here. And I’m happy to be married. And it’s just . . .” Pierce shook his head in wonder. “Funny how life works out, that’s all.”

“Indeed.” Charles reached up to squeeze his brother’s shoulder. “Listen . . . quick married life tip.”

Pierce’s brows shot up. “Really? Didn’t you just get married in May?”

“Hey, wiseass, it’s my second marriage. I know some things. Shut up and listen.”

“I’m all ears.”

“You’ve already started heading in that direction,” Charles began, “but the fact is, you’re likely going to spend more time with Abby and her family as time goes on. It’s a natural progression. The wife usually dictates the social schedule and her family usually takes precedence. Especially when that family is as close as the McCords are.”

Pierce nodded, listening.

“Luckily for you, they’re really good people. I’m grateful to see they’ve taken you in as they have. It’ll help make things even easier for you as a couple, especially when you have kids someday. But . . .” Charles rubbed his jaw as he chose his words. “You’ll always have a place with the Harrisons too. Just don’t forget that. No guilt here, no pressure—you come around when you can. But do come around, okay? We’re here. We love you. Both you and your wife.”

Pierce blinked. Charles wasn’t usually an openly emotional man, but he had definitely softened since Lisette had entered his life. And though the brothers had grown closer over the past year or so, this was one of the most heartfelt declarations Charles had ever made to him. Pierce was so moved, he almost couldn’t speak. “Thanks. I won’t forget.” He stared at his oldest brother. “Listen, I know you’ve been totally on guard behind the scenes . . . keeping Dad away from us and the wedding all these months. Maybe Mom too. This is me officially thanking you for that.”

Charles shrugged, nonchalant. “My pleasure.”

“No, seriously. It means a lot,” Pierce said. “It’s, uh . . . it’s nice to have a powerful, protective big brother.”

“You have two, actually,” Charles reminded him.

“I know. Yeah. But you . . . our past has been . . . I just really appreciate it, man.”

“You’re very welcome.” The side of Charles’s mouth curved in an affectionate half grin. “I’ll always have your back. And I know you have mine too.”

They stood in silence for a few seconds. Then Pierce set his bottle down and threw his arms around Charles, clasping him in a hug. Charles was jolted for a second in shock but immediately embraced him, giving him a clap on the back for good measure.

* * *

As the resort employees wheeled the wedding cake away, Pierce kissed a last tiny drop of icing off Abby’s lips. “Mmm. That was good.”

“I guess we can finally sit down now,” she said and turned to head back to their dais at the front of the glass-walled room.

“Um . . . wait. I have a better idea.” He grasped her hand and led her across the dance floor, then out of the room altogether.

“Where are we going?” she asked.

“An idea got in my head,” he said, “and now it’s a moral imperative.” He flashed a wicked smile that promised pure sin, then pulled her down the wide hallway.

“We are so not doing this.” Abby giggled.

“We so are.” He kept looking around, intent on his search.

“I never knew you had a wedding dress fantasy,” she said.

“I never knew I did either ’til I saw you in that.” He stopped and yanked her against him, kissing her hard and hot. His tongue plundered her mouth as his hands went around to squeeze her bottom. “I wanna push up that dress and drive myself into you,” he whispered in her ear. He nipped the lobe, making her breath hitch. “I won’t be satisfied until I watch you come apart, feel you shudder, hear you gasp my name while you’re in this dress.”

“You’re dirty,” she breathed, shivering as he licked the side of her neck.

“I wanna dirty you up right now,” he said. “C’mon.” He grabbed her hand again and led her down the corridor.

“We could just go up to our suite,” she pointed out.

“Nah, not as fun,” he said. “We need, like, quick and hot broom-closet sex.”

“In the middle of our wedding day?”

“Hell yeah, on our wedding day!”

Both laughing, he stopped short in front of a door marked “Supply Closet” and turned to her with a wide smile of victory. “The gods are with us,” he declared and pushed the door open.

Inside, a couple was locked in a hot and heavy embrace against the wall. All four of them gasped at the same time. It was Troy and Fiona.

Abby’s jaw dropped and her eyes flew wide. She barked out a laugh, then clapped her hand over her mouth.

“Oh my God,” Fiona groaned, flushing bright red.

“Um, we’re a little busy here,” Troy growled. His ire was a bit less fearsome with his light brown hair tousled and Fiona’s lipstick smeared on his lips.

Pierce gave a quick nod. “As you were.” He shut the door quickly, then turned to look at his wife in surprise. They dissolved into laughter.

“I think that just killed the mood for me,” Abby said as they walked away.

“I think I’m now more determined than ever,” Pierce vowed.

When they returned to the reception eighteen minutes later, after a fast, hot romp in an empty coat room, Pierce and Abby were the very picture of a put-together bride and groom, not a hair out of place.

They walked around the room, hand in hand, chatting up every single guest who’d attended as they all ate their main course. They both made sure to keep straight faces as first Fiona reentered the room, then Troy a few minutes later. They gladly accepted the glasses of water Julia pushed into their hands, the hugs from their niece and nephews, the well-wishes of everyone they spoke with.

Toward the end of the evening, the sun outside dipped farther into the horizon, morphing the sky into a blend of blues, hot pink, and marmalade orange. Pierce took the microphone from the DJ, stopped the music, and asked for a moment. Standing across the room with her parents, Abby looked at him quizzically, with no idea what he was doing.

“Hi, everyone.” Pierce flashed a ridiculously charming grin, the one that had grabbed Abby the very first time they met. Even now, it gave her heart the tiniest tug.

“I just wanted to thank you all for being here with us today,” he said, his marine-blue eyes scanning the room as he spoke. “We’re glad you were able to share this day with us. And we especially want to thank our families and the wedding party . . . you’ve been there for us, and Abby and I really do appreciate it.” His gaze landed on her, and when it did, his smile turned warmer. “My beautiful Abby . . . my God, people, have you ever seen a more beautiful bride in your life? I know I haven’t.”

The crowd oohed and ahhed, and a few people applauded. Flattered, Abby felt herself blush but only smiled back at him, curious to hear what else he had to say.

“When Abby and I started dating, at first I messed it up. Badly. But I was smart enough to beg, and she gave me another chance. I thank God for that every day,” Pierce murmured into the mic. He stared at her, talking directly to her now. “Abby, I’ve become a better man because you came into my life. I’m not overstating that.” He smirked as he added, “Ask my family; they’ll tell you. Some louder than others.”

His siblings chuckled audibly.

He grinned at their response but continued to talk to her. “You’re the best person I’ve ever met. You’re smart and passionate and strong. You give so much to everyone. You’ve given me so much . . . strength and purpose and support. You’re the home I always looked for. You’re everything to me, baby. I love you so much.”

Her eyes stung with tears and her breath caught. Never had she expected such an open declaration like this; it wasn’t his style . . . but there he was, saying these things in front of everyone they knew. I love you too, she mouthed back.

He smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling. He looked around the room and said, “So. The second time we were dating . . .” The crowd laughed. “I heard this song one night on the radio, after I dropped her back home. I started listening to the lyrics and it moved me so much I had to pull over. Because the words had described me, and my life before I met Abby, perfectly. It also described what I wanted for the future perfectly. It was, um . . . one of those epiphany moments, you know? I was just frozen, sitting in my car. Because I heard this song . . . and I imagined dancing with her to it at our wedding.”

Abby lost it. Tears rolled out of her eyes, right down her face.

“So, Abby? I know it’s not our official wedding song—we did that already—but will you please come have this one special dance with me?” Pierce held out a hand.

The crowd murmured, some people breaking into applause as Abby crossed the ballroom to go to him. She flung herself at him and held tight. His arms wrapped around her.

“I can’t believe you,” she sobbed.

“I know, I’m ruining your makeup.” He pulled back to wipe her cheeks. “Sorry.”

“I’ll never forget this as long as I live,” she whispered. She raised her hands to hold his face. “You’re amazing. That was beautiful. I love you so much.” She pressed her lips to his. As they kissed, the guests applauded, and the song Pierce had asked for started to play: “Forever in My Life” by Prince. He pulled her into his arms and pressed his cheek to hers; her arms slid around his waist and she closed her eyes.

As the quiet ballad played, Pierce and Abby danced in the center of the room. All eyes were on them, but it was as if they were the only ones there. They held each other close, swaying gently to the music, as Pierce sang every single word into her ear along with the song.

For those few minutes, a hush fell over the room, as if a spell had been cast. The song played and they danced and he whispered every word to her and Abby held him close. As her love for him battered her like a tidal wave, she clutched at him, holding on to him to keep her steady and upright.

When the song ended, the room broke into thunderous applause. He took her face in his hands. “See why that song means something to me? That was me, Abby. That was me until I found you.”

She sniffled hard, and he kissed her lips gently.

“Remember that date we had,” she said, her voice still quavering, “when you bought like two hundred dollars’ worth of sushi and I said you might have gone a little over the top?”

He nodded.

“And you said, ‘I excel at over the top. It’s one of my special gifts,’” she quoted.

He grinned. “Sounds like me.”

“Yup. Well, it’s true. You’ve had a lot of those over-the-top moments,” she said, sniffling again. “Proposing to me on top of a mountain in Sedona . . . surprising me with wanting to buy that wonderful house . . . making sure Fiona had your credit card so she could plan an extravagant bachelorette party at that spa for me. Those were pretty over-the-top things. Nice things. But all of that pales compared to this.” She shook her head. “I don’t think you’ll ever be able to top this moment,” she said. “This was the single most romantic thing you’ve ever said or done. I’ve never been so moved, so touched, in my entire life.”

“Aww, babe.” He lowered his head and kissed her, long and sweet. “I’ll never stop trying to top it, though.”

“Because you’re so competitive,” she said on a laugh.

“No. Because you’re worth it.”