The Davonshire Series 2: Loving Words (24 page)

The wedding at the lake house was remarkable. Elena had outdone herself with classic decorations that made the familial estate appear to belong to the Rockefellers.  Willie avoided her mother, who constantly made comments like, “I can’t wait to do this for you, darling.”

The whole affair put Willie in a sour mood.  David was married and Halley had just entered her 30th week and expecting a family any time now.  Will was now married and expecting three additions to his family.  And everyone was looking at her as if they expected some form of miracle.  She didn’t date.  She didn’t have time. 

I am a mogul. 

I run an empire. 

I am famous
.

She was powerful, rich, drop dead gorgeous, and lonely.  She felt as if she was the only family member at the wedding who was not having a good time. She was ecstatic for her brother, who for the first time in 10 years had cut his hair.

Everyone else was having fabulous fun and Elsie was completely glowing.  The family was deep in the midst of celebrating when a mysterious stranger clad in a custom-fitted Seville Row suit walked into the festivities.  Elsie had gathered all the ladies to toss the bouquet, which went over her head and landed in Willie’s lap, who immediately threw the flowers to the floor as if they had scalded her thighs.

The stranger walked over to her, retrieved the tossed bouquet and said, “I think you may want to hold on to these.”  Willie looked up into the crystal blue eyes of Nigel Strathmore.  Both Wilfred and David gave each other high fives. They were the only ones in the room, sans Chuck, who knew the man and was aware that Wilfred had called him with a personal invitation.

“Nigel, what are you doing here?” Willie asked him, angry, frustrated, and happy at the same time.

“I was invited, my dear.  It would be rude to make an appearance otherwise, now wouldn’t it?” He handed her the flowers.  “And besides, I vaguely recall you issuing a personal challenge to me.”

No one had ever seen Vanity Devons be all soft and swoony, but she had turned all girly as she spoke with the handsome man.  “
Mr. Strathmore
, I think you are going to have to refresh my memory. There have been several conversations between us in the past few months.”  Willie started to name the conversations on shipment dates, quantity, color, bulk orders.

He gave her a coy smile and she absolutely loved his British accent.  “I seem to recall the challenge you made not only in person, but our last phone conversation, challenging me to cross the pond.”

She refused to give in and needed, no, wanted him to admit why he was really here.  “I am a busy woman, Mr. Strathmore, you will need to be far more specific than what you are currently saying.  I don’t deal in vague generalities.  So tell me
Your Grace
, why did the Brit cross the pond?”

He took the flowers from her hand.  “I not only crossed the pond, I crossed the states to come and collect the rest of that kiss … and to marry you.”

Before she could argue, Nigel swept her into his arms and planted a soulful kiss on her that curled her toes.  David Sr. walked in and heard all the oohs and ahhs, and allowed his eyes to search the room to see what the commotion was about. 

His wife was leaning against the wall, wiping away tears. 

His sons were giving each other high fives and his beautiful daughter was in the arms of some strange man.  A strange man that was kissing his pure, sweet, innocent baby girl!

David Sr. looked for his gun as he screamed out, “What is going on in here and who is that man that has his mouth on my baby?”

-Fin-

1. Have you ever experienced deep seated fear?
   
2. Did you understand Will’s fear of the outside world?
   
3. Each employee at the ranch had their own story. Which story touched you most, Jaelon’s, Maria’s or Rita’s?
   
4. Both Will and Elsie were afraid to love and trust… where do you think the turning moment came for both characters?
   
5. What do you think of Elena Devonshire?
   
6. Will believed in the happily ever after—do you question why it took others to get him to go after the woman he loved?
   
7. Do you think Elsie really loved him… or…was it timing, convince, or Divine Intervention.
   

Olivia Gaines is the author of numerous bestselling novellas and books, including
Two Nights in Vegas
,
A Few More Nights
, and has had several number one best sellers with
The Blakemore Files
including
Being Mrs. Blakemore
and
Shopping with Mrs. Blakemore
.

She lives in Augusta, GA, with her husband, son and snotty cat, Katness Evermean.

Connect with Olivia on her Facebook page at http://on.fb.me/1eorEAr or her website at
http://oliviagaines.com
.