“Put your hands together and let’s welcome our couple for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. Babel!”
The crowd at Sunfish roared and clapped as her beautiful sister stepped through the doorway, hand in hand with her new husband. Tears blurred Sierra’s eyes as they walked into the center of the room for their first dance. Brick gathered Aspen in his arms, gaze locked on her with such intense love, the guests seemed to all sigh at once. Head tilted up to look at him, veil floating behind her, Aspen whispered something in his ear. He laughed. And the music started.
“I can’t believe he’s a closet Swiftie,” Kane murmured. The song, This Love, played in all its glory as the couple moved together, lost in their own world. “When we get married, I want something cool and old school. Maybe Love Song by the Cure.”
Sierra laughed and bumped his shoulder. “Stop making fun of Brick. And no, we will not be dancing to the Cure.”
“I like Imagine Dragons, too.”
She rolled her eyes. “Stop teasing. I need to take photos.”
Sierra heard him chuckle as she snapped nonstop to capture the moment. The dance ended, and everyone cheered as the crowd surged and swallowed them up. She sighed with satisfaction at the joy filling up the room just by being close to such a beautiful love.
Maybe she had a bit more of Mom than she thought. Since Kane reentered her life, her thoughts had become quite poetic.
“What thought put that smile on your lips?”
She looked at the man she loved. He was almost too beautiful to look at, in his sleek white tux, hair neatly tamed, beard trimmed to accent his full lips, emerald eyes sparking with mischief. “Always you.”
His face softened but arousal spiked the air. “Good. I can’t wait to ruin your lipstick later. You’re so damn beautiful.”
His promise made her immediately wet between her thighs. His chuckle told her he knew. Not one to easily lose, she leaned close. “And I can’t wait to stand in front of you in nothing but these heels.”
His pupils dilated and he looked suddenly uncomfortable, shifting his weight.
Sierra laughed wickedly and dove into the crowd. Her sister’s veil was askew and as maid of honor, she had to go fix it. She also needed to calm her nerves. His mention of marriage had gotten her a bit dreamy and she couldn’t lose her focus on Aspen. This was going to be a perfect day and she was honored to be the one be by her side.
Mom and Dad would be so proud.
Of both of them.
The past few months had been a whirlwind of change. Kane had been right. The deal with Benny and Stealth had gone down a few weeks later, and Flirt was officially closed. Turning the lights off and saying goodbye to the empty space had broken a piece of her heart, but Sierra knew it was the beginning of a new chapter. Kane took some major heat from trying to blow up the deal, but Duncan stuck to his word and backed him up. Watching Kane learn to trust another male mentor figure was special. In the midst of saying goodbye to her store, there were other gifts received.
Gossip spread about Kane’s actions, and he became a bit of a hero. When he got approached by a local luxury real estate firm to see if he’d be interested in selling homes, Sierra noticed him light up. He’d been diving deep into the industry these past few months while working for Duncan.
It took her a while to stop worrying he’d regret his decision. Kane simply showed up and proved himself daily. Slowly, Sierra realized the final barrier of trust between them crumbled to ruins.
He’d chosen her.
Sierra was in her own growth period. She opened a web store to test the waters, but realized quickly she liked the one-on-one interaction with clients. A few of her pop-up stores were a big hit, but the locations were only temporary. For now, she was experimenting with various venues, but making enough money to take her time.
She sensed she was waiting for something meant for her.
Until then, she threw herself into this new life that offered no guarantees except one.
Kane loved her more than anything.
Her thoughts were interrupted when she ran into a distinguished southern gentleman with white hair, white mustache, and kind blue eyes. “Sierra, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Duncan Allen.”
Her eyes widened with recognition. “How lovely to meet you! Kane has spoken so highly of you. I cannot believe we haven’t met before this.”
His laugh was robust. “I could say the same. He comes to the office with a spring in his step, which I know is all you. And my wife, Jessica, was a regular shopper at Flirt. I’m truly sorry about the loss of your shop.”
Duncan’s obvious empathy was soothing. “Thank you. I’m grateful you offered Kane the support he needed. We owe you a lot.”
“Nonsense. Us locals have to stick together.” His bushy brows lowered in a thoughtful frown. “I didn’t intend to talk business at your sister’s wedding, but wondered if you had a few minutes to chat? We can bring Kane over.”
“Of course, I’d love to chat. Let’s go outside where it’s quieter.”
