“There’s no need for you to be nervous,” he said. “Everyone here loves you; you’re family.”
Family. Would I ever get used to that?
“You know that Gretchen is going to be thrilled,” he added, “and believe me, she’ll want to help plan the wedding. You may want to elope.”
Drake chuckled, but the thought of having his sister want to help me was comforting. Although an elopement might have sounded exciting a couple of weeks ago, it no longer did. I wanted the world to know I was marrying the most amazing man on the planet.
He jumped out of the car and came around to open my door, and then held out a gallant hand for me. “Let’s do this, future Mrs. Prescott.”
I smiled as I took his hand, but was nervous just the same.
When Drake opened the front door, the house seemed empty. We were about to head to the backyard, but then Jack stepped out of the kitchen, holding a glass of red wine.
“There you are. Nice to see you two. It’s been a while. Everyone is out back.”
Family pictures were scattered throughout his parents’ home, and the love that filled the room warmed me more than the sun that peeked through the French doors. The streams of light created what looked like rainbows on the white marble floor we were walking on. Before we stepped outside, Drake brought my hand he was holding to his mouth and kissed the back of it.
“You ready to let them in on our secret?”
“Definitely.”
He gave my hand a quick squeeze, and we headed out back.
His mom came up to greet us, followed by Rick, Gretchen, and Josh, but Dane was nowhere to be seen. Drake would be disappointed if he wasn’t there, but then he came around the corner wearing a pair of low-slung swim trunks and a towel around his neck. Droplets of water that should have been freely running down his body were halted by the rippling muscles on his torso.
Never in my wildest imagination did I picture a golfer having a physique like his. He definitely didn’t seem like your typical plaid-wearing golfer, but nothing about Drake’s brother was ordinary.
“Hey, lovebirds.” Dane shook Drake’s hand. “Sorry, I was in the hot tub. My muscles needed a break, and I didn’t have time for a massage.”
Dane shifted his attention to me, and although he was definitely sexy, I wasn’t attracted to him. But that never stopped him from using me to poke at his brother.
“My, my. Don’t you look particularly beautiful today, Lucy.” Dane’s deep brown eyes scoured me from head to toe. Then he leaned in and gave me a swift kiss on the lips. “Blue is definitely your color.”
“I really wish you’d stop kissing my fiancée.” Drake nudged his brother, who snapped his attention back to Drake with wide eyes.
“Your fiancée?”
Gretchen shrieked as she ran up and threw both her arms around us. “Oh my God! I knew it! I told Josh you two would end up together! I’m so excited! When’s the wedding? Am I in it? Please say I’m in it! This is going to be so much fun!”
Her enthusiasm and rapid-fire questions made me laugh. Drake gave me a look that clearly said I told you so.
“Does Mason know?” she asked. “Is he coming back to celebrate?”
“He does, and I’m not sure,” I said with a smile. “We haven’t talked about it yet.”
“I’ll text him later and ask,” Gretchen said, which surprised me. I didn’t know they kept in touch, but was happy they did.
Rick welcomed me to the family, but when his mom hugged me, I felt it down to my toes. Her embrace was motherly, heartfelt, and pure; everything a mom should be.
Tina swiped a tear away and hugged her son. “You made a fantastic choice.”
“There isn’t anyone who I’d rather spend my life with. Lucy is my other half,” Drake said before he kissed his mom on the cheek.
Jack and Josh gave their brother enthusiastic congratulations, and then Dane walked up to Drake. He held out his hand, and Drake shook it. “I’m happy for you, big brother,” he said, and they embraced.
“Lucy, I couldn’t be happier that you’re going to be my sister-in-law,” Gretchen said, and squealed as she gave me another hug.
Rick brought out a bottle of champagne while Tina carried glasses. Once we each had a flute filled with bubbly, he stood at the end of the table and raised his glass.
“To my son, Drake, and my future daughter-in-law, Lucy. May your lives be filled with every happiness, and may your hearts always be filled with love. We all wish nothing more than for all your dreams to come true.”
After we’d all clicked glasses and had taken a sip of the sparkling wine, Josh called out, “Who’s ready to eat?” He went back to the grill to take the steaks and chicken off the heat, and piled them on a large platter he placed in the center of the table.
The food tasted as good as it looked. Josh was an excellent cook, and if he weren’t needed in our wedding party, I’d have him cater the reception.
“Bro, this is fantastic. It’s so much better than the food I’ve had lately.” Dane shoved a piece of bread in his mouth.
Josh smiled. “Thanks, but aren’t you eating at some of the best country clubs?”
Dane shifted in his seat but didn’t answer.
Jack leaned forward and caught his eye. “So, Dane, what’s her name?”
We all stilled and looked at Dane as his tanned face darkened, taking on a red tint. He didn’t say anything at first, but then after more sibling prodding, he finally said, “Which one?” with a chuckle.
When Jack didn’t buy it, Dane’s shoulders slumped a little as he said, “Beverly. I met her at a party I had to attend, and there was just something about her.” He glanced at me as he added, “She’s a teacher too.”
I smiled at him, but Dane shrugged. “But I’m not in the position to have a girlfriend, nor am I looking for forever.”
“Sure you’re not.” Drake chuckled. “I hate to tell you this, buddy, but even when you aren’t looking for it, that doesn’t mean it won’t find you.”
“Well, I don’t want to be found.” Dane ignored his champagne and grabbed a beer instead.
“Sometimes it isn’t up to you. When you meet the one, you’ll understand what I mean.” Drake looked at all his siblings. “You’ll see.”
We had a great time that day with his family . . . my new family. It was so wonderful to be surrounded by people who genuinely cared about one another.
My own mom tried to contact me after the press conference I’d crashed, but I didn’t reply to her message. It was odd hearing her voice, but the word “sorry” was never spoken. She did, however, say that the local media had tried to interview them, and that she was mortified that our personal business had become so public.
I briefly thought about calling her back and giving her a piece of my mind, but I refrained. It wasn’t worth my time or effort. Not once did she say she was happy that I was okay and with a good man; it was always about her . . . about them. Her call only reinforced my conviction that I made the right decision when I left.
Life is nothing more than a series of choices, and I’ve learned the hard way that the decisions we make can impact not only our life, but the lives of others. Through our mistakes and successes, we not only learn right from wrong, but how to cope and how to heal. We may not be able to choose the life we’re born into, but if we make the right choices, we have the chance to create the life we want.
I’m so thankful to those who’ve paved the way before us, the brave men and women who fight the battles that make us stronger as a country. Thanks to them, Drake and I are able to live our dream and create a history together we can be proud of.
Drake Prescott will always have my vote. He will forever be my incumbent, and no other can take his place. He taught me that love is the only vote that counts.
THE END
COMING SOON