My One and Only: Book 1 in the Love and Weddings Trilogy (23 page)

              She found her own dark corner and grabbed a plate of appetizers. Since she’d cleared them all out, they were now free for her to hide in. No one would miss her if she took ten minutes to herself. She nibbled on bruschetta as she scanned the crowd, knowing she was looking for Asher and Maya to show up. As soon as they did, she’d
have
to leave. There was no way she could stand there on Valentine’s Day and watch Asher stare tenderly down into his new girlfriend’s eyes as they danced around the floor. She’d have a breakdown right there if they did. And with her luck, there’d be a news crew there to film it. Or twenty million cell phones which was actually worse.

              She heard the beginning chords to
Give Me Love
by Ed Sheeran and felt her heart twist painfully. Ed Sheeran was her favorite musician and his love songs ripped her heart out these days. This one especially felt like it was written just for her.

              She sighed and closed her eyes as she leaned her head back against the wall, wishing she was anywhere but here. The lyrics filtered through her misery and the words pounded through her head and into her heart.
Give me love like never before, 'cause lately I've been craving more, and it's been a while but I still feel the same, maybe I should let you go, you know I'll fight my corner, and that tonight I'll call ya.

             
She wiped a tear off her cheek as she opened her eyes. And then suddenly it was Asher’s voice singing and his guitar she was hearing. Meredith gasped and stood up, turning around to see that while she’d been talking and hiding in the corner, Asher had been setting up his guitar.
He was singing.
He always sang back up with the band, but she’d never heard him sing a solo. His voice was amazing.

              She found herself walking towards the stage, pushing past everyone, frantic to see him as he sang. She pushed to the front and he was there, standing alone as he sang
Give Me Love
. And he was staring right at her. When he got to the pounding middle part where the words,
My, my, my, my, oh give me love
, were sang over and over again, she could feel the pounding in her heart and she stepped closer as he stared right into her eyes.

              She could feel her heart beat faster and the whole world fade into shadow as she stared at the face of the man she loved and then suddenly it was all silly. It was all ridiculous. Her fears about telling him she loved him didn’t matter anymore because what she was feeling was too big to contain. And if she tried, it would suffocate her and she was tired of not breathing and not feeling. She stared into Asher’s face and as soon as the song was over, she rushed into his arms and threw her arms around his neck, holding him tightly.

              “I love you,” she whispered in his ear as she held on tight. “I love you more than anything or anyone. I love you so much I’m dying from it.”

              Asher pulled back and shook his head. “Live for love. You don’t die for it,” he said and crushed his lips to hers as the sound of clapping and cheering filled the restaurant.

              Meredith ignored the sound and clamor and focused on one thing. Asher Murphy. She was never letting go this time.

              When Asher pulled back and touched her cheek with his hand he grinned down at her. “I just have one question for you.”

              Meredith shook her head and grabbed the microphone out of the stand. “I’m way ahead of you,” she said and turned to face the crowd of curious people still staring at them.

              “Everyone? I’d like to make an announcement. This man, Asher Murphy is my boyfriend. We’re in an exclusive, committed relationship and I love him. I love him. I love him. So anyone else who thinks they’re a match for him better think twice. He’s
my
one and only and there’s no more discussion on the matter,” she said and put the mic back right before Asher pulled her into his arm and kissed her again, and this time,
he
wasn’t stopping.

              She finally pulled back, gasping and laughing as the wolf whistles grew deafening. “Happy Valentine’s Day,” she said, grinning into his bright blue eyes that were glowing with happiness.

              Asher stood up straight, his arm still tight around her waist. “It’s the best Valentine’s Day I’ve ever had because you’re finally mine.”

              Meredith sighed, feeling joy bubble up inside of her. “I love you, Asher Murphy,” she said one last time, enjoying the way the words felt on her tongue.

              Asher’s eyes softened as he brought his nose to the tip of hers. “I love you, Meredith Jensen. But I want more.”

              Meredith frowned and glanced at him curiously. “
More?
What more could you want. I’m all yours, baby.”

              Asher shook his head and signaled the DJ to turn the music off. Every head swiveled in their direction as Asher took the mic again.

              “As most of you know, we started Your One and Only dating website so that we could help bring people together. Who knew that starting our business would bring us together. Ladies and Gentlemen, it would be my honor to start out our first annual Valentine’s Day Dance with a proposal.”

              Meredith watched in shock as Asher knelt down on the floor in front of her and pulled out a black, velvet jeweler’s box.

              “Meredith, my one and only, will you be my wife forever?” he asked, his voice cracking with emotion as the entire restaurant went unnaturally quiet, waiting for her response.

              She looked helplessly around all the faces staring at her and paused on all of her friends who were grinning at her and giving her the thumb’s up sign. She saw Taryn staring at her and looked at her imploringly, needing advice.

              Taryn smiled at her and nodded her head before mouthing the words,
Say yes, you idiot
.

              Meredith laughed and let out a long breath as she turned back to Asher. “Yes, Asher Murphy, I would be the luckiest woman in the world to be your one and only. Yes!” she yelled again for good measure just as Asher pulled her into his arms and kissed her again before slipping a beautiful princess cut diamond ring onto her left hand.

              She stared down at the massive stone and looked in shock at her fiancé. “You didn’t rob a bank, did you?” she asked under her breath.

              Asher nodded. “Embezzled a few thousand here and there from a few clients but you’re worth it.”             

              She choked while he laughed at her. “Of course I didn’t rob a bank. You and I happen to be well off now which you’d know if you ever opened up any of the emails I sent you.”

              Meredith laughed in relief and shook her head. “Sorry, it was too painful. I thought you’d left me for Maya.”

              Asher stared at her as if she was insane. “Maya is a great girl, but you’re the woman I love. You’re the only woman I’ll ever love,” he said softly before kissing her again.

              The rest of the evening passed by in a whirl as she spent most of the time eating and kissing Asher in between congratulations from everyone. Garrett and Rayne and Becket and Ivy even showed up so they could celebrate with them. Brogan took over MC duties and she and Asher left the restaurant early. Asher drove them to a look out where they could look out at the moon over the water.

              He turned to her in his car and held her hands in his, staring down at his ring on her hand and smiled so sweetly at her she felt her breath catch.

              “Our life together starts now, Mer. I promise you, I’ll be the best husband I can be to you. I’ll do everything I can to make you happy and feel safe and loved.”

              Meredith smiled and ran her hand through his hair. “And if you don’t, I’ll remind you,” she said smiling at his expression. “But I want to make you the same promise. I know I’m feisty and stubborn but I want you to know that when it comes to you and loving you, I realized something tonight. Nothing is more important. Not my pride, not my plans, nothing. Our relationship is more important than business or money or anything. I love you and I want you to know I’m putting you as priority one in my life. And I’m sorry. I’m sorry I was so confused and messed up for so long. I’ll never keep you at arm’s length again,” she promised.

              Asher sighed happily and leaned his head back against the seat. “Remind me to sing to you more often.”

              Meredith grinned. “If you’d gotten out your guitar and sang to me months ago, we’d already be married.”

              Asher laughed. “Good to know. Good to know.”

              They spent the next few hours talking and planning their future. And when Asher dropped her off, late that night at her doorstep, she realized she’d finally be able to plan a wedding.

             
Her own.

              As always, thanks to Jessica Guymon and Christina Tarbet. Cover Credits Photo: Wavebreakmedia (Sean Prior) Depositphotos.com  Cover Design : Sherry Gammon WordpaintingsUnlimited.com

              I live in Utah with my six children and I’m the author of thirty-three books so far. I also write YA Paranormal Romance under my pen name, Katie Lee O’Guinn. I enjoy the outdoors, reading and being with my children. I’m a huge believer in happy endings. Scarlett really should have been happy with Rhett and it’s a darn shame Leo and Kate didn’t float safely into New York on the Titanic. Don’t even get me started on Romeo and Juliet. To find out the latest on my books, check out my blog at www.shannonguymon.blogspot.com or www.katieleeoguinn.blogspot.com. You can purchase all of my books at www.amazon.com. I’m also a supporter of Operation Underground Railroad. Check out their website here: https://www.ourrescue.org/

              The Love and Dessert Trilogy

                            You Belong With Me (Book 1)

                            I Belong With You (Book 2)

                            My Sweetheart (Book 3)

              The Love and Trust Trilogy

                            Come to Me (Book 1)

                            Be Mine (Book 2)

                            Tough Love (Book 3)

              The Love and Flowers Trilogy

                            Falling for Rayne (Book 1)

                            Dreaming of Ivy (Book 2)

                            A Passion for Cleo (Book 3)

              The Love and Weddings Trilogy

                            My One and Only (Book 1)

              The Lost Witch Trilogy

                            Freak of Nature (Book 1)

                            Blood Rush (Book 2)

                            Fate Changer (Book 3)

              Taming the Wolf Series

                            Werewolf Dreams (Book 1)

                            Werewolf Rage (Book 2)

                            Werewolf Revenge (Book 3)

                            Werewolf Betrayal (Book 4)

              Chasing the Wolf Series

                            Hunted (Book 1)

                            Taken (Book 2)             

              Pule Matafeo was not a man to sit back and be told what to do. Unless it was his mom doing the telling. Then yes, he was definitely that man. But Meredith Jensen was not his mother.

              “I don’t care if Cleo needs even numbers. I’m not escorting Maya, the amazon goddess, anywhere.”

              Meredith closed her eyes and breathed in deeply as she clenched her fists. Pule hid his smile and sat back to enjoy the show. Now that she was engaged to Asher, she’d turned over a new leaf and was trying to work on her patience. It wasn’t going well.

              “Look, this is Cleo’s big day and she does not need this aggravation. Just show up in a tux, smile and escort Maya down the aisle. How hard is that?” she asked in exasperation as she did the final edits on her wedding invitations. With Cleo’s wedding being that weekend and everything was practically done, she was now able to work on her own wedding preparations.

              Pule sighed loudly as Asher massaged Meredith’s shoulders and grinned at him.

              “Dude, she’s gorgeous. Why are you putting up a fight? Every man there will be jealous of you.”

              Meredith stopped what she was doing and turned slowly to stare up at her fiancé with narrowed eyes. Asher cleared his throat and kissed Meredith’s cheek. “I meant to say, everyone but me, because I’ll be your escort and to me you’re the most beautiful woman ever born,” he said in a low, tender voice.

              Pule watched as Meredith’s face softened and she pulled Asher’s face down to hers where he was subjected to a quick but passionate kiss that made him sigh for real. He wasn’t necessarily jealous, but … yeah, he was jealous. He was surrounded by people in love, getting married or having babies constantly and it was starting to wear on his psyche.

              “Cut it out,” Pule griped.

              Meredith rolled her eyes and pointed at him. “You’re doing this, Pule. Besides, Maya told Cleo the other day that she thought you were hot. You’re always complaining about your social life. Well, here we are helping you out. You’re single and gorgeous. Maya is single and gorgeous. What. Is. The. Problem?” she said slowly and with enough sass to send Pule’s eyebrow rising.

              “She’s too perfect, okay?” he said grouchily as he rested his head in his hands. “I always feel weird around her like my hair is out of place or I might have something in my teeth.”

              Asher laughed. “I know exactly what you mean. When I dated Maya I…” Asher stopped suddenly and began whistling as Meredith glared at him.

              Pule grinned. “Stop being jealous, Mer that was all for your benefit and you know it.”

              Meredith shook her head as she unclenched her jaw. “My benefit, my behind,” she grumbled.

              Asher walked over and sat down on the couch. Probably so he could be out of hitting range. “Look, the point is, Maya is a great girl. She can’t help it if she’s perfect. Just escort her to the wedding and you never have to be with her again,” he said reasonably, as he changed the subject smoothly.

              Meredith’s expression immediately cleared and Pule rolled his eyes. “I’m going to be so tense from hanging out with Maya I’m going to need a massage afterwards.”

              Meredith closed her laptop as she stood up. “And there will be hundreds of girls there volunteering for the job. Just because you have to escort Maya doesn’t mean you have to be glued to her side the entire night. What’s going on? You’re so moody lately. Is something going on at work or at home you’re not telling us about?” she asked, looking at him with concern.

              Asher narrowed his eyes as he studied his friend. “Pule, you and I promised to tell each other everything. If something’s bothering you, then you have to tell us.”

              Pule blinked in surprise and tried not to smile. Asher Murphy took his role as best friend seriously. He needed to remember that.

              “Everything’s fine, guys. Really. Being a police officer is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love wearing the badge.”

              Meredith raised an eyebrow. “What about Tate? Is it hard working for you cousin? Is he harder on you than everyone else? Are you being bullied?” she asked softly.

              Pule stared at her in shock and then laughed. “Bullying? Mer, come on. Tate’s like my brother. He’s always looking out for me. No, working with Tate is incredible. The man brings me one of Jane’s cupcakes every day. No, work is amazing. I guess I am a little stressed at home though. My uncle Sefe just moved here from California and the house is already crowded. I feel like I don’t have my own space anymore. The man throws his clothes all over my bed. I’m about ready to shoot him,” he said, already clenching his teeth as he thought about his uncle.

              Asher’s face relaxed and he laughed. “I met your uncle last week at The Iron Skillet. Huge guy, larger than life and the biggest smile I’ve ever seen. He seems like a fun guy.”

              Pule sighed and ran a hand over his face. “Yeah, it’s a party all the time with Sefe. He’s my dad’s youngest brother and he was just hired on at Foss High School to coach the Football team.”

              Meredith’s face lit up. “Is he single? Because he needs to join Your One and Only.”

              Pule waved his hand in the air. “Yeah, yeah, Meredith. We all know.”

              Meredith narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously. “Has your subscription run out? You know all I have to do is ask Brogan and he’ll tell me.”

              Pule smiled brightly and stood up. “And on that note, I’ll be on my way. Tell Cleo that I’ll be happy to escort Maya down the aisle,” he said and smiled as Meredith clapped her hands and jumped up and down.

              “Thank you, Pule!” she yelled and then threw her arms around his neck as she gave him a big smacking kiss on the cheek.

              Pule grinned and hugged her back before lifting a hand to Asher. “You two coming to cheer me on tomorrow?”

              Asher stood up and slapped him on the back. “Wouldn’t miss it. Seeing you crush bones is one of the highlights of my life.”

              Pule laughed and pretended to punch Asher and tried not to enjoy the automatic wince. He waved goodbye and glanced at his phone as he walked outside. He had an hour before work. Just enough time to stop by the bakery and pick up a snack. Tate had today off and he didn’t want to go without a cupcake.

              Five minutes later, he was pushing through the doors. He paused and closed his eyes as he took in the smell that was so uniquely Belinda’s Bakery; chocolate, vanilla and burnt butter.

              “Heaven,” he said softly and then opened his eyes to see a girl he didn’t recognize staring at him with wide, glazed eyes. Meth addicts. They were everywhere.

              “Hey,” he said with a smile and walked over to the display cases. “Is Jane around?”

              The girl blinked as if she was in a daze. “Jane?”

              Pule chuckled. This must be her first day. “Jane Matafeo? Part owner?”

              The girl made a high squeaky sound that might have been a giggle and turned bright red. Pule watched curiously as the girl wiped her hands on her white apron and shook her head, sending her long, rich brown hair, pulled back in a ponytail swinging crazily.

              “She’s upstairs with Tele. If you need her I can run up and get her though.”

              Pule shook his head and gestured to the case. “Nah, don’t bother her. Tele needs his mama. Where are all the Matafeo cupcakes?”

              The girl was staring again. He waited for a few seconds and then asked clearly in a louder voice. “The Matafeo cupcakes? They’re gone. Did Jane make any today?” Maybe she was hearing impaired, he wondered with a frown. Or, she really was high on something.

              The girl jumped and blushed again. “Oh, Tate’s uncle Sefe came in and bought all of them. He said he wanted them for his team. He coaches the football team at Foss High.”

              Pule rolled his eyes. Of course Uncle Sefe would take all of his cupcakes. The man was taking over his life. He ground his teeth and sighed. “Fine, give me one of those One and Only cupcakes and I’ll take a strawberry shortcake one too,” he said with a frown. He’d been looking forward to that burst of caramel and toffee all day.

              “Dang, Sefe,” he muttered under his breath as the girl continued to stare at him.

              “So, um… so, what’s your name?” the girl asked, lifting her chin bravely.

              Pule glanced at her and then did a double take. She wanted to know his name? Have mercy. The girl was so young looking. She had cute little freckles on her nose that made her look like she was in high school. She also had gorgeous, big green eyes and high cheek bones. Her mouth was wide and generous but it was the look in her eye that had him taking a step back.

              “Pule Matafeo, at your service. And who might you be?” he asked politely.

              The girl swallowed before answering as she stared at his arms. “I’m Posey Tyler and I just moved to town this week. So you’re related to Tate then?” she asked, leaning her hip against the counter.

              Pule grinned and crossed his arms over his chest. “You’re Wren’s little sister. I should have known. You have the same look around the eyes and mouth. You’re taller and darker than her though. I bet she’s happy to have you in town,” he said, relaxing. He loved Wren like a sister. His brother Kam had practically adopted her into the family.

              Posey’s face lit up and she nodded her head. “Wren got me this job. When I’m not working here I’m helping her out with Jackie on days she works at the restaurant.”

              Pule nodded his head and looked pointedly at the cupcakes. He needed to get ready for work and didn’t have too much time to chat. “That’s great. So how much do I owe you?” he asked.

              Posey bit her lip and hurried to the case, lifting out a red velvet cupcake and a lemon cupcake, slipping them into a bakery bag. She told him how much he owed and he decided it wasn’t worth it to make a big deal out of getting the wrong cupcakes. He gave her his debit card and waited for his receipt as she had to try a few times to figure out the machine. He bit his lip as he fought the urge to reach over the counter and do it himself.

              “Here you go, Pule,” she said, handing him the receipt. “Sorry about that.”

              Pule nodded with a smile and turned to leave. “Have a good one,” he called out and hurried outside. He pulled the lemon cupcake out of the bag and took a bite as he searched for his keys.

              He smiled at the tart burst of flavor and decided to forgive Posey for messing up his order. He slipped behind the wheel and promptly forgot all about the strange girl as he hurried home.