Always have always will, p.25
Always Have, Always Will, page 25
“So we don’t have to watch the twins tonight?”
“No, we don’t. Everyone will be here for dinner in a little less than an hour.”
Given our short time frame, I can’t ravish her curves in our newly completed shower or kiss her from head to toe on our new queen-size bed. Instead, I kiss Caroline until we’re both breathless and interrupted by Collette and Xavier ringing the doorbell with dinner.
Once they’re settled in the kitchen, our guests start arriving. Aside from our home being complete, it appears there are a few more announcements Caroline was prepared for.
Sam and Savannah, who are set to get married in three weeks, are the first to arrive with Emerson toddling beside them. Soon thereafter, Billie and Peter join the party. Something is up with Billie. Caroline drags her into the office as soon as she arrives. When I step near the door, they both clam up.
Cash, Noelle, and the girls are next, followed closely by my father and Eloise. My father is hiding something as well. I push my worries aside and give everyone a tour.
“It’s gorgeous,” Noelle comments. Her sentiments are echoed by the rest of my family.
Under thirty minutes later, Collette calls us to the dinner table. I thank her profusely and also let her know she doesn’t have to cook for us. She reminds me we’re friends and I would do it for her if asked. She’s right.
The first to spill the beans is Peter. “Congratulations on your restaurant and your new home. Billie and I would like to share our own announcement. We’re having a baby boy in the summer.”
Cheers erupt around the table. Sam turns to Savannah, who nods slightly. “We were going to wait until after the wedding, but we’re also having a baby this summer, a girl.”
Tears well up in my father’s eyes. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him cry before. “If I may, I’m grateful to all of you for inviting Eloise and me to this housewarming party. I’m also overjoyed you’re willing to look forward instead of to the past. I’m thankful to be included in your lives, and I’m looking forward to meeting all my grandchildren and maybe even assisting with some babysitting. I’m sure Eloise would be willing to help me.”
Eloise nods beside him.
My father takes her hand. “In the interest of sharing all the good news, Eloise and I are planning to move to the area within the next six months.”
Smiles and well wishes sound around the table. There is only one more announcement to be made. “I guess it’s my turn to make an announcement. Caroline and I have set a date. We’re getting married in six weeks. We want it to be simple, a gathering much like this with a few local friends.”
With everyone’s good news shared, we dig into Colette’s scrumptious meal and spend a nice evening with family.
Epilogue
Caroline
I have been dreaming about this day since I was ten years old. I wrote my first name with Auggie’s last name more times than I’m willing to admit. We want a small ceremony, one with Cooper but not my parents or Margaux. Our ceremony will be joyous with no distractions. My parents have not come around about my relationship with Auggie since I left the city. In fact, I haven’t seen or heard from them since their unannounced visit to the Perk. Deep down I was hoping they would come around, but they haven’t.
I choose a lace gown with a V-neck. The back is sheer with covered buttons. It’s fitted at the waist, flaring slightly over my hips, with a medium-length train. Billie finishes the buttons on her custom-designed dress while Savannah and Noelle look on.
“Ready, Caro?” Billie asks.
“Almost. Could you bring Nana to me?”
“Sure.”
I hug Savannah and Noelle before they take their seats. We opted to skip the bridal party, mostly so Auggie didn’t have to choose between his brothers for his best man.
Shortly thereafter, Billie brings Nana into the bridal suite.
“Oh, my sweet girl. You look beautiful,” Nana exclaims.
“Thank you. I asked you here to thank you. Not once did you ever question my choices. You have always been willing to hear me out when I had a problem. On a deep level, given your love for Papa, you understand Auggie is the one for me. I’ll never be able to repay you for your confidence in me and your unflinching support. Will you give me away?”
Tears instantly flow down her cheeks.
“Don’t cry, Nana. You’ll ruin your makeup.”
She laughs softly and blots her tears with her handkerchief. “I would be honored.”
Arm in arm we walk through the house to our backyard. There are rows of chairs and an arbor adorned with white calla lilies. I started making progress with my dislike of flowers mostly because I know deep within my soul Auggie will never betray me.
“Ready, sweet girl? He’s been waiting for you since you were ten.”
“Yes. I was waiting for this moment too.”
Nana escorts me down the white runner. When we’re halfway, I look up at Auggie. He pushes out a huge breath and maintains eye contact with me until we reach the arbor.
“Who gives this woman to be wed to this man?”
“I do,” Nana says proudly and kisses my cheek before addressing Auggie. “Young man, the two of you have something special not many couples have, a deep foundation of friendship and love. I wish you a lifetime of happiness.”
“Thank you, Nana.” He kisses her cheek before taking my hand.
Sam rises from his chair and escorts Nana to hers. Our ceremony is short and sweet. We exchange our vows and rings.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
Auggie draws me against him and brings his lips to my ear. “I love you, Mrs. Morgan, always have, always will.” Pulling back to look me in the eye, he wipes away the single tear falling from my eyes before kissing me breathless. We turn to our family and friends and walk down the runner toward our future—together.
Thank you so much for reading Always Have, Always Will!
I hope you love August and Caroline, the last of the Morgan brothers to find happily ever after.
A new series featuring the Cappelli Family in the York Beach universe will be released soon. Preorder Chasing Forever. Will Luca find his forever?
Start the York Beach Series with Genevieve and Joseph’s love story A New Beginning with You
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York Beach Novels
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My Books
York Beach Series:
A New Beginning with You
Taking A Chance on Me
Just One More
Kiss You Like You’re Mine
Only with Him
My Once in a Lifetime
Morgan Brothers Series:
One Unforgettable Favor
Until I Kissed You
Blackthorne Security
Protecting My Forever
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Nicole Vidal, Always Have, Always Will
