Free Bachelor's Bought Bride by Jennifer Lewis Page B

transformation into a blushing bride gave him obvious delight.
    “You’re breathtaking.” He came up behind her as she put the finishing touches on her lipstick. His face appearing next to hers in the mirror made her smile.
    “You’re pretty smashing yourself.” She glanced at his crisp, black satin bowtie. The elegant tuxedo only enhanced his matinee-idol good looks.
    “We do make a nice looking couple.” He slid his arms around her satin clad waist.
    “And we do fit well together.” She didn’t look at all big or ungainly next to him—at over six feet, he made her feel perfectly proportioned. She wriggled under his tempting, warm touch. “In fact, I rather wish we didn’t have to leave the room.”
    “It’ll be worth it.” He pressed a soft kiss to her cheek. Her skin, already hot and made up with blush, flushed deeper under his lips. “And we’ll have all night to celebrate.” Gavin’s throaty whisper echoed through her, a promise of sensations she was quickly becoming addicted to. “Are you ready?”
    “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
     
    Panic and excitement tingled to Bree’s toes and fingers as they stepped out onto the hotel’s terrace. Glorioussunshine lit up the simple gazebo where the officiant waited for them. Gavin tightened his reassuring grip on her hand, and shot her an encouraging glance. Petunias spilled from carved pots and planters, and ribbons festooned the table holding the official paperwork.
    The hotel’s manager walked up to them, followed by a pretty blonde holding a boutonniere for Gavin. “Welcome, and congratulations on your special day.” The speech sounded a little canned, Bree thought, then cursed herself for the petty thought. They were just being polite, and trying to make them feel at home.
    She glanced out at the impressive view over the bay, where sailboats scudded over the dark water. It was a lovely spot to get married. Perfect, even. Besides, the whole point was to join herself to this wonderful man and begin an exciting new chapter in her life.
    Still, her breathing came a little shallow as they walked toward the gazebo where the officiant stood waiting.
    Could something that came together this quickly and easily really be permanent? Despite Gavin’s strong and soothing hand in hers, Bree found herself pestered by doubts.
    Maybe Gavin thought he was marrying the ringleted temptress Elle had turned her into, rather than the real her. What would happen when he discovered he’d married a dull mouse rather than the exciting woman of his dreams?
    “I love you, Bree.” His whispered words banished her worries like a strong breeze.
    “I love you, too, Gavin.” She rasped the words back with conviction. How had he known to turn and reassure her at just the right moment?
    Because he was perfect—for her.
    A few pleasantries were exchanged, and before she had a chance to gather her wits, the ceremony was underway.
    “Do you, Bree Kincannon, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, to cherish and love, as long as you both shall live?”
    “I do.” She spoke the words clear and loud, determined not to let any lingering doubts become evident to the witnesses, even if they were strangers. Gavin said his vows with a reassuring, deep voice and an expression of honest enthusiasm that almost made her laugh aloud.
    “You may now kiss the bride.”
    In front of the assembled strangers, Gavin eased his arms around her waist, pulled her close, and kissed her—gentle, yet firm. Heat shimmered through her from head to toe.
    “We’re married,” he whispered. “I’ve never felt so excited and happy in my whole life.”
    “Me, either.” Bree spoke the truth. A whirlwind wedding to the most gorgeous man she’d ever met was unquestionably the high point of her quiet life so far. “It’s all happened so quickly, I can’t quite believe it.”
    “When something’s right, it’s like all the forces in the universe converge to make