“What happened to what’s-his-name?”

  “Neil.” Ash rolls her eyes. “He’s so last month. And so boring in bed. Hell, I’ve seen toothpicks better equipped to do the job.”

  That’s my bestie, never shy with her opinion. “Maybe you’ll meet Mr. Right while you’re on the island.”

  “I’d settle for Mr. Hung. Does Xavian have any hot friends?”

  “Not that I noticed. But hey, Riley is still single,” I tease.

  “Oh, hell no. I could never stand that cock bag.”

  Thankfully, my ex left Maui the morning after he confessed to colluding with my brother for cash. Good riddance. I can’t believe I ever saw anything in that self-centered troll. I can’t believe I ever thought I was in love with him.

  Thankfully, Xavian agreed to be my fake fiancé. I’m fortunate he made me realize I was settling, and blessed that he asked me to marry him for real. Our last couple of months together have been idyllic. I’m so ready to call him my husband.

  Echo bustles closer, long hair in some elaborate twists that furl up into a bun. Her pregnancy doesn’t show yet, but her bridesmaid dress is a bit tighter than at our last fitting. Still, she looks amazing as she hands me my bouquet. “Five minutes. You okay?”

  I swallow and feel my unsettled stomach pitch. “Trying.”

  She sends me a sympathetic glance and races to turn on a nearby fan. “I know, honey. Nerves had me in knots on my wedding day.”

  Harlow returns with crackers, Keeley in tow, who’s carrying a lemon-lime soda. “Try these.”

  “Thank you both.” Gratefully, I eat a saltine and sip the bubbly drink.

  “Better?” Harlow asks.

  “Much.” I imbibe more of the soda.

  “You sure?” Keeley says. “You still look peaked.”

  “I’ll be fine.” Now that morning sickness is subsiding and the ceremony is about to start, I really am feeling better.

  A knock sounds. Harlow opens the door to admit Maxon, whose gaze lands on me. “You look beautiful.”

  I smile. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. Let’s hope Xavian makes it through the ceremony without dragging you off to a dark corner to have his wicked way with you.”

  “I’m sure he can manage twenty minutes without me.”

  “The way he’s wearing a threadbare path in the carpet with his pacing?” Maxon raises a brow. “I’m not.”

  Another knock sounds, then Griff’s pretty blond wife, Britta, pokes her head in. “Time for everyone to get in their places. Ready, doll?”

  “Beyond.” I smile back at her.

  After a quick kiss on my cheek, Keeley rushes for the door. “It’s going to be perfect. Deep breaths. You’re marrying the right man.”

  “I know.” I’m convinced of that from my head all the way down to my toes.

  Ashlee passes me the lipstick, which I quickly refresh. Echo fluffs the tulle of my veil while Harlow helps me with the soft train of my dress. Then I turn to leave the room, taking my final steps as a single woman.

  When I return to this room, I’ll be Xavian’s wife.

  Together, we line up at the back of the house for the walk across the lawn and to the private beach, where the white arch laced with plumeria and baby white roses stands against the backdrop of the gentle blue ocean. In front of it, Xavian stands, Hayes by his side, along with their buddy Graham. The spot to Graham’s left is empty, just waiting for Maxon.

  Gracefully, Echo walks up the aisle toward the rest of the wedding party to the slow strains of an instrumental ballad. Harlow follows with the jaunty step of a woman who’s both incredibly comfortable in her skin and happy. Then Ashlee makes her way down the soft runner, looking stunning in her strapless dress.

  It really is a shame she can’t find a guy she loves, one who would change her mind about marriage. She’s too sweet, funny, and loyal to spend her life alone.

  “Our turn,” Maxon says beside me, holding out his elbow. “Let’s make you an official part of the family.”

  I wrap my fingers around his arm. “Thank you so much for welcoming me with open arms.”

  He smiles. “I can’t imagine the Reed clan without you anymore.”

  Since my parents are gone and things with my brother are still on the mend, I’d asked Maxon if he would give me away. He said he’d be honored. It was so kind of him to agree to be both Xavian’s groomsman and play the traditional father-of-the-bride role. Still, I’d hoped Parker would come around. I should have known better. My brother almost never admits he’s wrong.

  I tear up as I wait for the song to end and mine to began, so I can walk down the aisle, the way we rehearsed last night.

  “Ninny?” an all-too-familiar voice murmurs behind me.

  I spin to see my brother coming through the back door, heading directly toward Maxon and me. “Parker?”

  Beside me, Maxon stiffens.

  My brother glances his way with an apologetic glance, then he focuses on me. “Can I talk to you?”

  “Now?” I have maybe thirty seconds before my music starts. “If you’ve come to persuade me not to marry Xavian—”

  “Nothing like that. I’ve watched the two of you since I arrived on Thursday. After a couple of restless nights, I did a lot of thinking. I know you love him.”

  “More than you understand.”

  “I know. And last time I saw you, he told me he loved you. I didn’t quite believe him. But everything I’ve seen in the last two days tells me his feelings for you are real.” Parker sighs. “He’s not the same man he was in college. And I acknowledge that we both played a role in the awful things that happened all those years ago.”

  My heart stops. It’s not exactly an admission of guilt, but for my brother, that’s very close. “What are you saying?”

  He swallows. “I tried to be protective and I clearly went overboard. I meant well…and I’m sorry. I hope you both can forgive me someday.”

  I want to. This would be the perfect day to do it, but I can’t sweep everything that happened under the rug. “You did a lot of damage to my husband-to-be’s reputation. He almost lost out on two vital business opportunities that would have cost him millions.”

  Parker has the good grace to look chastened. “I heard he gave you nearly every dime he’d saved to expand your business instead.”

  “He offered it to me, yes. Ultimately, I gave it back to him.”

  Once I moved into Xavian’s Maui home, I no longer had any need to buy a new house of my own. Between the money I banked from the influx of orders and giving up my expensive rental in LA, I had enough money to expand. Besides, it meant more to me that his dream of going into business with his family comes to fruition. Finally, it is. The day we return from our honeymoon, he’ll be announced as Bethany and Clint’s full partner and he, Maxon, and Griff will put out a statement announcing their new Pacific-based property venture. Everyone is over the moon, especially me.

  My brother nods as I hear the last of the music signifying the end of the bridesmaids’ processional ending.

  “We’ll have to talk about the rest of this later.”

  “I want to walk you down the aisle,” he blurts.

  Multiple thoughts pelt me at once. Why did Parker wait until the last minute to ask? Why does it suddenly matter to him? Why should I let him after all he’s put me through?

  “Corinne?” Maxon asks beside me. I don’t see a shred of judgment on his face, probably because I know this man—like all the Reeds—has learned the value of family the hard way.

  Maybe my brother has finally learned that lesson, too. It doesn’t really matter that he waited or that the timing is inconvenient. What matters is that he’s willing to accept part of the blame, along with my decision to marry Xavian. The past is in the past, and the future will be brighter if we all find ways to forgive and move on. Yes, I’m always the peacemaker, but I’m convinced we’ve come to the point in our lives where fighting, accusations, mudslinging, and vengeance serve no one.

  I turn to Maxon. “Would you be okay?”

  “If you cut my wedding duties in half?” He smiles. “Yeah. Your fiancé and the rest of the family just want you to be happy. If your brother is willing to walk you down the aisle and that’s what you want, go for it.”

  The opening strains of “I Could Not Ask For More” begin. That’s my cue. I only have a split-second to decide. But is there really any choice?

  “I will. Thank you. My brother can take it from here.”

  “It seems fitting.” Maxon cups my shoulder softly, then nods Parker’s way before jogging to join the other groomsmen.

  My brother offers me his elbow. “Thank you for being the bigger person and accepting me back.”

  “You’re welcome. You won’t disappoint me again? You know I’m an adult who will make her own decisions?” I phrase that as a question, but it’s really not. Xavian has rubbed off on me, and I’m much better about setting expectations up front now. It’s served me well in business, which is still growing by leaps and bounds.

  “I do.” He smiles ironically. “Now let’s get you down the aisle so you can say those words to Xavian.”

  I wrap my fingers around his biceps. “I’m ready.”

  As Keeley begins to sing the heartfelt ballad first crooned by Edwin McCain, we begin our march toward the altar and my groom. Everyone stands. My queasiness returns and my knees start knocking. What if Xavian objects to this new development? What if he and my brother exchange words? Or punches?

  But I shouldn’t have doubted the man I love. He looks confused at first, but when he sees me staring back with unabashed love and happiness while Parker guides me toward him with a beaming smile, he smooths his furrowed brow and feasts his eyes on me.

  When we reach the end of the aisle, Xavian steps up. His eyes glitter with excitement. His face is full of love. I tear up again.

  “You look beautiful,” my groom whispers for my ears alone.

  I smile and sniffle. This really is the happiest day of my life.

  Then Xavian meets my brother’s stare. They exchange a glance. Understanding passes between them. Will they ever be close friends again? I doubt it. Parker torched that bridge in a fit of immaturity and self-righteousness. But in that moment, I know they’ll be tolerant and civil. For me. Because each wants what brings me peace and joy, and they both know that’s harmony.

  As the music fades, the officiant, a large man with a dark beard and a loud Hawaiian shirt who introduced himself yesterday as Lono, welcomes everyone to the ceremony and thanks them for bearing witness to this affirmation of our love and the joining of our lives. Then he recites some beautiful thoughts about marriage that move me. I’m still clutching my brother’s arm, but I want to touch Xavian so badly, to share this profound moment with him. He turns his gaze to me. The matching emotion on his bold, masculine face seizes my heart.

  Finally, Lono smiles Parker’s way. “Do you give your blessing to this couple and support their union?”

  My brother clears his throat. “I do.”

  Once more, I tear up. I’m barely able to hold back as he faces me and lifts my veil, then kisses my cheek. “Be happy, Ninny.”

  I’m so choked up, I can barely speak. “I will.”

  “I know.” He puts my hand into Xavian’s, then nods my groom’s way. “Take care of her.”

  “Always.”

  As my brother retreats to sit in the front row, the man I’m minutes away from calling my husband squeezes my hand. Excitement leaps.

  Together, we face Lono, who addresses us about the joys and responsibility of marriage, along with the sanctity of the promises we’re about to make. Our vows fly by in a blur, Xavian reciting his in a strong, sure voice that makes my heart flutter. I eke out the most important words of my life in between tears, which my beloved groom gently thumbs away. Then he’s sliding a band on my finger, beside the giant rock he gave me when he agreed to be my fake fiancé. I settle his ring in place, on his left hand, closest to his heart. Finally, we’re kissing, my heart racing, our lips clinging, our love flowing. In every thought and word, I feel my husband’s passion and devotion. I’m humbled—and blessed.

  “For the first time, I give to you Xavian and Corinne Costa, everyone. Congratulations!”

  The man I’m now married to turns to me with a blinding smile that sears itself in my brain. I’m overjoyed, my lips curling, my tears flowing. He presses his lips to mine again in both reassurance and promise before we dash back down the aisle, hand in hand, heading toward the small reception on Maxon and Keeley’s lanai.

  In a row of chairs about halfway back, I spot Arthur Belmont, the elderly man Xavian and I helped the day I arrived in Hawaii. He’s gripping his wife’s hand and grinning.

  I don’t know exactly how Xavian found him or how he persuaded the couple to come, but I pause to press a kiss to his cheek, then take his wife’s hand. “Thank you for coming.”

  “Are you kidding? We wouldn’t have missed this for the world. I had a feeling about you two.”

  As Xavian laughs beside me, my smile widens. “So did I.”

  Admittedly, I was afraid at first. So afraid. My attraction to Xavian was unlike anything I’d ever known. More than once, sanity told me it would be so much easier to run. Something just wouldn’t let me. At the time, I wasn’t sure what. Now I’m pretty sure that something was my heart.

  We’ve finally come full circle, and as we race toward our reception, the announcement of our precious forthcoming bundle planned, I’m convinced life is now perfect.

  “Happy, Mrs. Costa?” My husband asks once we’re alone.

  “Beyond.” I sniffle again. “Even if my makeup is a mess, I don’t care. How can I ever give you back the joy you’ve given me?”

  He caresses my face, then drops his hand to my belly. “You already have. Just keep giving me your love—”

  “Always.”

  “That’s all I’ll ever need, princess.”

  I pursued her for a distraction. I’m capturing her so I can make her mine forever.

  * * *

  Ready to meet the alpha male determined to tame Ashlee? Preorder MORE THAN CAPTURE YOU here! To receive more information about this upcoming book (and others!), subscribe to my VIP newsletter.

  * * *

  Want more exciting books in the Reed Family Reckoning series? Click here for a complete list of characters and titles.

  If you’re new to the Reed Family Reckoning world, welcome! You’ve read a little about a lot of characters. Below is a guide in case you’d like to read more about those you may have missed in other books:

  Reed Family Reckoning: Siblings (complete)

  More Than Want You (Book 1)

  Maxon Reed & Keeley Kent

  I hired her to distract my enemy. Now I'm determined to have her for my own.

  More Than Need You (Book 2)

  Griffin Reed & Britta Stone

  I discovered my ex’s secret. Now I’ll do anything to win her back.

  More Than Love You (Book 3)

  Noah Weston & Harlow Reed

  I’m a high-profile athlete who needs a temporary girlfriend. Now I’ll do anything to claim her forever.

  * * *

  Reed Family Reckoning: Bastards

  More Than Crave You (Book 4)

  Evan Cook & Nia Wright

  I need to hire a wife. But I only want my assistant.

  More Than Tempt You (Book 5)

  Clint Holmes & Bethany Banks

  I romanced her for revenge…but what if she’s not the enemy after all?

  * * *

  Reed Family Reckoning: Friends

  More Than Dare You (Book 6)

  Trace Weston & Masey Garrett

  I dared her to spend a hot, no-strings night with me. Now I’m determined to keep her forever.

  * * *

  More Than Hate You (Book 7)

  Sebastian Shaw & Sloan O’Neill

  I seduced my rival for a deal. Now I’ll do anything to claim her for good.

  * * *

  Reed Family Reckoning: Novellas

  More Than Pleasure You

  Skye Ingram & Stephen Lund

  Can I convince her our hot but temporary engagement should last forever?

  * * *

  More Than Protect You

  Amanda Lund & Tanner Kirk

  Can I keep the gorgeous, gun-shy single mother safe—and prove I’m the man for her?

  * * *

  More Than Possess You

  Echo Hope & Hayes Elliott

  Can I persuade my innocent best friend that I should be her first?

  * * *

  Happy reading!

  Shayla

  Love a sexy, suspenseful bad boy meets good girl story? Wicked as Sin kicks off the addictive, nail-biting Wicked & Devoted series!

  * * *

  WICKED AS SIN

  One-Mile and Brea, Part One

  Wicked & Devoted, Book 1

  by Shayla Black

  NOW AVAILABLE!

  Click here to purchase!

  * * *

  The good girl wants a favor? She’ll pay in his bed.

  * * *

  Pierce “One-Mile” Walker has always kept his heart under wraps and his head behind his sniper’s scope. Nothing about buttoned-up Brea Bell should appeal to him. But after a single glance at the pretty preacher’s daughter, he doesn’t care that his past is less than shiny, that he gets paid to end lives…or that she’s his teammate’s woman. He'll do whatever it takes to steal her heart.