Ember gave a quick nod and climbed into the cab. “I’m ready.”
As they drove, the sun began its nightly journey toward the horizon, showing off a vast array of pinks and oranges. Thirty minutes later, they parked alongside the river near the old, massive oak tree, she now dubbed The Sanctuary.
Ember wasn’t certain how many times she and Nash slept overnight in the massive tree, at least a dozen maybe more, but it quickly rooted its magic into her heart.
Mr. Montgomery zipped around the truck and opened her door, assisting her from the vehicle. He gathered her hands in his and cleared his throat.
“I know your daddy is might proud of you and so am I. If you were my own daughter, I couldn’t be any prouder.” He scraped the side of his index finger over his grey whiskers. “That’s all I’ve got to say about that.”
A rush of pride danced through her veins, striking her heart with an unmeasurable amount of honor. Her free hand flew to her heart, fingers splayed wide as if attempting to hold back powerful sentiments.
Mr. Montgomery reached into the back seat. “I’d be in all kinds of trouble if I forgot these,” he said, retrieving a cascading bouquet of sunflowers and white roses.
Her hand trembled adjusting the top of her strapless gown before taking hold of the beautiful arrangement. She beamed up at him. Nerves swam through her shaky breath and a smile flooded her cheeks. With a nod of his bone-colored hat, he looped her arm through his and started for the tree.
As the ceremony came into sight, Ember’s eyes darted through the blur of family and friends. Anticipation and excitement tumbled through her like stones in the river. June and Chloe waited for her with wide smiles and a basket of white and yellow petals.
June swept her long, dark layers to the side, wrapping Ember in a full embrace, pressing kisses to each cheek. Pulling back, she fanned her face with an open hand as if willing away the tears. “This is it, baby g—"
“Ember…holy heck! You look so pretty!” Chloe shouted.
A hush of amusement filled the sticky air.
Heat seeped into her cheeks, flooding them with color. Ember bent placing a kiss to the little girl’s cheek. “Thank you. You look very beautiful too. And I think I hear a little Texas accent in there.”
Chloe shrugged her shoulder to her chin, blessing her with a bashful grin.
As Ember raised her gaze, her eyes landed on Nash. He stared straight at her wearing a smile big enough to put the state of Texas in. Sentiments flooded his blue eyes.
Ember could scarcely breathe. The thrumming of her heart turned erratic, and she tingled all over from head to toe.
Twinkle lights dotting the tree above surrounded him in a warm, romantic glow. His charcoal suit highlighted his solid frame and trim waist. She’d never seen him look so handsome.
The song “Then” by Brad Paisley prompted an easy nudge by Mr. Montgomery.
In a blur, Ember grasped to the bouquet as she hooked one hand through June’s arm and the other through Mr. Montgomery’s. Following Chloe’s lead, they made their way down the aisle.
Ember’s lashes bounced and fluttered desperately trying to hold back the onslaught of happy tears. Choosing the processional music was the only detail of the day that Nash was adamant about, and he insisted on keeping it a secret from her. Her heart burst with every lyric. Emotions on high, it was no use holding them back, so she let the tears fall.
Mr. Montgomery stopped in front of the minister. So entranced in the moment, she barely heard him ask, “Who gives away this woman?”
“I do,” June said, showering her with another kiss on the cheek.
Mr. Montgomery cleared his throat as he placed Ember’s hand in Nash’s. “Well, seeing how I’m standing in for Mr. Walker, I do too.”
Nash tangled her fingers in his. Their eyes locked sharing a look between them. Love, passion, understanding, all on display.
Touching his forehead to hers, his eyes drifted shut. “How did I get so lucky?”
She brushed her nose to his, drowning in bliss.
Nash opened his eyes. Raising their conjoined hands, he pressed a long kiss to her fingers. “My God, you look stunning.” His words came out in a throaty murmur. His eyes, full of blue heat, drank in every essence of her being. “I love you, my little gypsy woman.”
“Love you too,” she replied in a whisper. Ember leaned to the side, peering around his backside to inspect the goods. Lip tugged between her teeth, she wiggled her brows. “Love the suit too.”
Another round of laughter rode through the light breeze. Radiant blue light filled the horizon.
“Are you ready?”
She nodded in rapid succession. “I’m ready.”
“Let’s do this.”
Oh yes, let’s!
The End.
If you enjoyed meeting JC and Reed, you can read their epic love story in Surviving Broken.
Also by Beverly Preston
Thank you so much for reading Catching Ember! I hope you enjoyed Nash and Ember’s story.
BUCKLE UP and get ready for book two in the series, Resisting Travis.
* * *
If you enjoyed meeting JC and Reed, you can read their epic love story in Surviving Broken.
* * *
The Mathews Family Series
No More Wasted Time
Shayla’s Story
The Perfect Someday
Surviving Broken
The Matthews Family Boxset
**Each book is a standalone but reads best if read in order for maximum enjoyment.
Beyond the Mathews Family
A Taste Of Summer
The Italian
**Each book is a standalone and can be read out of order.
Acknowledgments
Don, thank you for being my romance inspirator, my hero, my hand holder, my tear drier, my everything. The last six years have been difficult, to say the least. I wouldn’t have made it without you by my side. After thirty years, you still know how to love me just right.
Big thank you to my best friend and daughter, Caylee, for your valuable input, gorgeous covers, and being the amazing woman that you are. Thank you for being my glue at times when I felt shattered. Love you. xx
Special thanks to my amazing edit and proofreading team. Virginia Tesi Carey. Courtney DeLollis. Lara Petterson, thank you for always making me do all the things. Your encouragement, support, and friendship mean the world to me. I would be lost without you! Jennifer Haren, you always seem to have all the right answers! Thanks for always believing in me. Francine Petro, thank you for keeping up with the BPR page and your endless support.
My love and appreciation to family, friends, and the book community for showering our family in love the last few years. Words cannot express our gratitude.
To my readers, THANK YOU for your patience.