The Mistresses Collection. Оливия Гейтс

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       Epilogue

       Nine months later

      Surrounded by a sea of smiling faces, Trinity felt like a princess standing beside the man who had stolen and would always keep her heart. As they cut through the bottom tier of their soaring wedding cake and enthusiastic applause went up in the Denver Dirkins-Harrison Hotel ballroom, she let out a laugh of sheer joy and lifted her face to accept a kiss from the handsome groom. Although they’d planned this special day for months, brimming with emotion now, Trinity couldn’t quite believe this dream had come true.

      When the applause and flashes finally died, looking dynamic in his tuxedo, his dark hair combed back and onyx eyes sparkling, Zack broke the kiss but stayed close to murmur against her cheek.

      “Are you tired of smiling for the cameras yet?”

      She snatched a kiss from his strong jaw, drank in his familiar masculine scent and confessed, “I don’t think I’ll ever stop smiling.”

      Today she’d not only said “I do” to the most wonderful man on the planet, she’d also been formally welcomed into his family. She’d almost cried she’d been so moved by Dylan’s speech announcing how pleased all the Harrisons were to have her join their fold. Zack’s parents and siblings, in-laws and their children had also welcomed in another lucky person, a beautiful shining soul she and Zack fell more in love with each and every day.

      Since their attorney had finalized the open adoption, Belinda—or Bonnie Bell as she’d become known—had stayed full-time with them in their Colorado cabin. But Maggie was welcome whenever and as often as she pleased. They never wanted their baby girl to forget her biological mother—a young woman who grew stronger every day and was doing so well, via Harrison sponsorship, at a nearby college studying law.

      Maggie had been invited today, but casting a quick glance over their guests now, Trinity couldn’t spot either Maggie or Bel. Zack must have read her look.

      “There’s Maggie.” Zack gestured to the wedding gift table where Maggie was speaking with Sienna, who had been thrilled to be a bridesmaid. “But I can’t see the baby.”

      “You look down that way and I’ll take this end.”

      Before she could shoot off, he cupped her bare shoulders and peered patiently into her eyes.

      “Honey, we’re among friends and family. Not to mention security personnel manning the exits.” A gate-crasher measure more than anything. “I’m sure someone has Bonnie at their table, telling her how pretty she is as she totters around on those new little shoes she loves.”

      Trinity nodded and found a smile. “Guess I’m feeling a little anxious—” guilty “—over leaving her for a whole week for our honeymoon in Italy.”

      “She’ll be with Maggie and my mother, too.” He lifted her hand and dropped a tender kiss on the sensitive underside of her wrist. “She’ll be so spoiled we’ll have to put her in baby boot camp when we get back.”

      Trinity laughed but couldn’t pretend she didn’t already feel that “something missing” sensation, the one she’d first experienced the second day they’d spent cut off from the rest of the world in his cabin. The unease must have shown on her face.

      He brought her hands folded in his to his chest. “Trin, you haven’t got a neglectful bone in your body. You’re an amazing mom. That little girl’s face lights up whenever you’re around.”

      Trinity melted. “She’s pretty fond of you, too.”

      The music faded at the same time MC Dylan clicked on the mic to make an announcement. It was time for the bridal waltz.

      The lights went down and a show of slow, spinning lights rotated around the floor as the twelve-piece band kicked off a moving song they’d both chosen. Their audience sighed as he took her in his arms and, with expert skill, moved her around beneath the “stars.”

      With everyone watching, but for her ears only, Zack said, “I thank my lucky stars you jumped into my cab that day and found us.” Trinity’s breath caught high in her chest at the depth of feeling shining in those intelligent dark eyes. “I can’t bear to think of never having met you, of missing out on knowing and loving you both. I’ll miss Bel, too, when we’re on our honeymoon, but a week will fly by.”

      “And next vacation, we’ll take her.”

      “This time Italy. Next vacation, what about Disney World?”

      Her heart leaped. “Oh, Bonnie will love it!” So would she.

      He laughed. “Disney World it is.”

      Without warning, he caught her waist and, next minute, her feet were off the ground and her voluminous fairy-tale skirt whooshed out as he spun her around. The crowd clapped and more flashes went off before he set her gently down and his focus shifted.

      “There she is.”

      Trinity СКАЧАТЬ