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Chapter 13
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2024-10-29 19:42:56
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The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 14
Salvatore. Salvatore would be content to sit on this beach with Alexa all afternoon if his stomach would stop its growling. She leaned over to him and smiled. “What’s for dinner?” “Well, I gave Gloria the rest of the day off, so I was thinking we could whip something up together.” A spark lit in Alexa’s eyes, and he felt compelled to lean toward her. “That’s a great idea! I’d love to cook with you.” Before he had time to gather his wits after his daydream, she was on her feet and grabbing his arm. “Okay, but remember, you’re the expert, and I’m just here for assistance.” “I’ll take it.” She shuffled up the stairs and onto the porch. Dusk was in full swing, but her golden hair was shining in the dim evening light. Salvatore leaned back against the kitchen counter as she familiarized herself with the space. Occasionally, he would point out a cabinet or drawer where she could find what she was looking for, but she’d made herself at home, and he was content to watch her. “Here,”
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 15
Another long week had passed in the office, and Alexa was ready for the weekend. She and Salvatore corresponded by e-mail while at work, since it was readily available. She’d playfully used “Business Proposal” as the subject line for their current conversation that had been running for a week now. She read his latest e-mail and smiled. Miss Black, are you ready for our dinner tonight? He knew she’d been impatiently waiting for the date all week, so she coyly replied, I’ll bring the business proposal. A few minutes later, his response left her flushed. I’ll bring mine. Salvatore said he had a surprise date for her tonight, and after the long week she’d had, she was ready to see him. He’d made small remarks to his impending proposal all week, but he’d yet to actually propose. The suspense was thrilling. It was difficult to find time to see each other during the work week. They both made the most of the business hours so they could leave work at the office and enjoy the evenings. S
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 16
Roman stepped out of the busy kitchen to congratulate the newly engaged couple, and strangers offered well wishes as Alexa and Salvatore made their way from the restaurant later that night. A few reporters tried to ambush them at the door, but Salvatore’s bodyguard, Clayton, was quick to intercept them. Back in the quiet car with Salvatore, Alexa couldn’t contain her happiness as a single tear slid down her cheek, hidden by the darkness surrounding them. “Salvatore, I’m really glad we’re doing this together. I know a lot of times marriages don’t work out, and that scares me. But I think we have something special. I’ve been praying about where God is leading me, and I think this is where He’s guiding me—to you.” Salvatore grasped her left hand, adorned with the symbol of their commitment to each other, and rubbed his thumb over the diamonds. “I’ve been praying too. I’ve felt a peace about our relationship, and I know it’s because this is the time God chose for us. Now, it’s our turn
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Salvatore. Salvatore watched Alexa as she greeted patrons entering the gala and wondered how he’d gotten so lucky. Dressed in a black evening gown that shimmered blue and silver in the light, Alexa was a vision of sophistication. She smiled and shook hands with Theodore Cain, a middle-aged man who owned Talaus, Inc., a company that produced medical devices. Salvatore had met Theodore Cain once before at a similar charity function, and the man was known for his generous donations. His mere presence meant this night might be a success for Alexa’s charity. The Seattle Pregnancy Test and Planning Center was growing by leaps and bounds, according to the details he’d gone over with Alexa while planning the gala this week. Her dedication to this cause was admirable, and he couldn’t deny she was making a huge impact in the area. Located next to the regional hospital, the center provided free testing, exams, and treatment for expecting mothers. Aside from the medical services, the teachin
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The weekend after the gala, Salvatore was out of town for a business meeting in Chicago. Now that planning the gala was behind her, Alexa could focus on planning their wedding.Alexa texted Salvatore from the back seat of a black sedan as James drove her to pick up Lorie and Irene. They had an appointment with an exclusive wedding dress designer at ten in the morning and a meeting with the caterer at two in the afternoon.After the gala on Saturday, Alexa had attended Salvatore’s church with him, and she’d been pleased with her visit. The service was enlightening, the members were welcoming, and she’d felt a connection to the place immediately. It was a weight off her shoulders knowing their dilemma about which church to attend was settled. She loved her church, but she could see herself becoming an active member in Salvatore’s church as well.After the service, they’d driven back to Salvatore’s house for lunch where she’d had a wonderful idea.“Do you think we could have the wedding
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SalvatoreSalvatore tapped his fingernail against his cuff link and continued to pace. It was his wedding day, a day he hadn’t been certain would come until recently.Aiden’s scowl grew deeper from the chair where he was sprawled in the room that had been designated for the groom’s side of the bridal party.Salvatore took a deep breath and placed his hands in his pockets to still his nervous tapping. He wasn’t sure why Aiden was here. Alexa’s brother had done nothing but cause her grief for the last two months, and Salvatore was having a difficult time reconciling with his future brother-in-law.He could guess that Aiden had only agreed to attend and be part of the wedding party to keep an eye on Alexa. Salvatore wasn’t naïve enough to turn his back on his potential enemy, and he’d wondered if he should adopt Aiden’s tactic of keeping your enemies close.Granted, he’d never made himself a threat to Aiden. Salvatore didn’t necessarily care to become buddies with Alexa’s brother after t
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 20
Alexa closed her eyes and felt the fresh morning breeze off the coast of Italy. Salvatore had chosen the perfect location for their week-long honeymoon. The private villa just south of Naples was the perfect hideaway. The coast was much different from the shores in Seattle or Bainbridge Island, but the changes fascinated her. The white-capped waves that crashed along the jagged cliffs had lulled her to sleep each night, and the terrace where she read her devotionals in the mornings provided the perfect view of the Mediterranean Sea. Alexa had awoken with the sun each morning on their vacation. Jetlag and the changes in her schedule were distracting enough to send her stirring at an earlier hour than Salvatore, so she used the time to study Scripture. She and Salvatore had taken a few journeys into the nearby towns, and although they had no neighbors to observe, she knew the villages were waking with the dawn. Pulling her blanket tighter around her shoulders, she stared at the pass
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Salvatore Salvatore pulled Alexa closer in the back seat of the car as Clayton drove. Their flight had landed only a few minutes ago at Bradford, Inc.’s private hanger at the airport. Alexa had slept for most of the flight, and Salvatore was exhausted as well. They’d filled their honeymoon with adventures he would remember for the rest of his life. His brother, Eric, had been the one to push Salvatore out of his comfort zone before he died. When his brother was gone, he’d lost the will to have fun. Now, it seemed, Salvatore had a new friend to make memories with… for the rest of his life. Alexa held his hand as she looked out at the dreary day. Soft rain pelted the window, and her expression was one of exhaustion. “It feels strange being back home. It was only a week in Italy, but—” “But we’re coming home to a new life—together,” Salvatore finished the thought. “Exactly.” The car pulled up at Alexa’s condo, and she waited for Clayton to open the door for her. “I’ll call you
Last Updated : 2024-10-29
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The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 117
NOAH Camille glanced over both shoulders as if checking to make sure the coast was clear before extending both hands, palms up, toward Sprite. “Take your pick, pretty lady.” One hand offered an apple and the other a sugar cube. Noah wasn’t sure who liked treat time the most, his girlfriend or the horse. Dixie circled Camille’s legs, begging for attention. He’d just watched from the tailgate as Camille rode Sprite through the pasture by the stable. “Sugar. Always a good choice.” Camille waited for the blue roan to finish the treats before nuzzling noses with the big softie. It’d been a week since Noah was released from the hospital, and he was still getting used to needing help completing small tasks. The bandages were cumbersome and needed to be changed often. Not to mention small things like showering and putting on pants had become a chore. Camille spent every moment she could helping him. He didn’t mind it when she helped, but it was an unspoken truth that any “help” from his b
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 116
“There’s a lot you don’t know about Nathan, but none of it excuses what he did,” Bonnie said. Bonnie went with Camille to her house to change clothes and pack a bag of extras, in case Noah stayed at the hospital overnight. She planned on staying there until he came home. She’d called Anita and rounded up some things she needed too. Now, Camille and her mom were back on the road, and they had a lot to talk about. “Nathan was adopted when he was four years old,” Bonnie began. “He was neglected as a child, and he had a handful of health problems that had never been treated. By the time he was taken from his parents, he was malnourished, dehydrated, and had several broken bones and bruises.” Camille turned away from her mother. She wasn’t sure if she’d ever heard this story before, but her heart told her she hadn’t. “Your grandparents didn’t have any children, but they had been in touch with the local foster care system and were contacted when Nathan was still recovering. They adopted
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 115
Her foot rested heavy on the accelerator as she drove from Cody to Blackwater. Anger and betrayal built within her with every mile that passed beneath her tires. Twisting her hands on the steering wheel, she ached for a distraction. Something to calm the storm of her emotions. How could Nathan do something so horrible? She called Jenny and let the ringing in her car speakers drown out the roiling in her ears. “Hey. What’s up?” “Noah is in the hospital in Cody. A bear attacked him this morning.” “What?” Jenny screamed. “Is he okay?” Camille’s voice shook. “He is now. It looked so bad after it happened, though. It clawed his leg up good.” Rustling sounded on Jenny’s end of the line. “Do I need to come?” “No,” Camille assured her. “He’s doing okay. They stitched him up and he’s conscious now, but he lost a lot of blood. He’ll be in quite a bit of pain while it heals.” “I can’t imagine.” “They were cleaning up a dozen cows that were shot last night when the bear attacked.” Camill
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 114
She couldn’t lose him. Not again, and not like this. Camille raked her hands through Noah’s hair while his head lay in her lap. She was trying to be brave. It wouldn’t do either of them any good to break apart right now. Noah needed her to stay alert and strong for him. “I’m glad you’re here.” His words were faint, but she’d heard him. Whatever reason he had for breaking up with her didn’t matter now. A tear slid down her face as she prayed. “Lord, please lay Your hand on Noah. Help us get him to the help he needs in time. Help me to be strong. Help us.” Her words cracked at the end, and she squeezed her eyes closed. “Please, Lord. I don’t want to lose him.” Tears burned her eyes when she opened them. He was lying still—too still. She looked to Lucas. “I think he’s unconscious!” Lucas held the injured leg stationary. “Almost there.” She turned and stretched her neck to see the main house over the next rise. The red-and-white ambulance was parked in front. The paramedics carefu
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 113
NOAH Noah tried to hold his ground, but the bear was running toward him now. He lowered the phone from his ear and yelled, “Micah!” He took two steps backward on instinct. He wasn’t running, but he was pretty sure it was the better option right now. On the third step back, his heel snagged on a fallen branch. He fell backward, arms flailing, and his phone went soaring through the air. “Micah!” Noah couldn’t take his eyes off the advancing predator to see if his brother was coming to help, but he prayed he’d yelled loud enough to be heard over the running tractor. The bear slowed as it approached Noah lying on his back. The fall had knocked the wind out of him, but he wasn’t breathing anyway. The bear’s large paw lifted and swiped down faster than any animal that large should’ve been able to move. Noah cried out once more as the claws sliced across his thigh. “Micah!” A boom filled the air, followed by another, and the bear jerked backward and fell onto its side. Noah could hear
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 112
NOAHNoah drove through the gates at Blackwater Ranch in a daze. His shift at the fire station had started the morning after he’d gone to Camille’s, and it had been a long two days.His shifts were always tiring, but this time he hadn’t been able to sleep or eat like he should to keep his energy up. Losing Camille felt like a constant, nagging hunger. His insides were empty, but he couldn’t get filled.He’d been praying, but no answers had come. Was he supposed to fix this on his own or wait for the Lord to show him how to mend his broken heart?He topped the slight hill before the main house, and a sinking feeling hit him in the chest. There weren’t any trucks parked out front. It was breakfast time. Everyone should’ve been there.Noah hastily parked by the door and ran inside, forgetting to take off his shoes.“Mom. Dad,” Noah hollered into the empty dining room.His mom stepped out of the kitchen and wiped her hands on her apron. “They’re all out,” his mom said in a shaky voice.“W
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 111
NOAHNoah closed Camille’s door behind him, but it didn’t block out her sobs. He couldn’t move his feet to walk away from her just yet. What had he done? He’d made things worse with Nathan tonight, and then… this.Remembering the look on Camille’s face had his gut twisting. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt her. He’d been given the chance to be happy again, and it had all been taken away too soon.Anger built in his chest as he sat on the small step on her front porch. There was a roaring in his ears, but he could still hear Camille’s wails behind him.He wanted to go back inside and hold her and tell her they would make it through anything together.But he couldn’t do that when it was probably a lie. How could he save his family and keep Camille in his life? It was too much to hope. He’d been allowed to enjoy the best times of his life with her, and the stretches of time in between were just filler.Sitting alone in the dark night outside her door, he hung his head and prayed.
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 110
Camille leaned closer to the screen of her laptop and squinted. “Those might work,” she mumbled to herself. The boots on her screen resembled the ones Noah and his brothers wore around the ranch, but finding the female equivalent had proven to be a challenge. Plus, ordering shoes online was always hit or miss. She ran the heart pendant of her necklace back and forth along the chain as she added the boots to the shopping cart.She’d wised up with the wide-brimmed cowboy hat already, and good boots were a must at this point if she planned to keep working with Noah around the ranch on her days off.A knock sounded at her door, and Camille jumped in her seat, bumping her knees on the desk. “Oww.” So much for assessing the stranger at her door before revealing she was at home.She pushed away from the desk and padded over to the door in her bare feet. Peering through the peephole, she saw Noah standing on her doorstep with his hands in the front pockets of his jeans.Camille fumbled with t
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 109
NOAHCamille’s parents’ house was a log and brick monstrosity with wooden columns along the front side thicker than Noah had ever seen. Two stories of walls and windows stretched into a double-decker garage on one side. A twenty-foot-tall statue of angels and cherubs sat imposing in the grassy area along the circular drive.He’d put off coming here for long enough, but it was time to talk. If Nathan wasn’t home, he’d just sit in his truck and wait for him.Noah had always felt small when he came here. The size of the place dwarfed anything around it except the mountains. He knew from days past when he would visit Camille that there was a heated pool in the back along with a fire pit, an outdoor grilling area, and a guest house.The old truck door groaned and creaked as it closed behind him, and Noah threw his cowboy hat back into the cab through the open window. There wasn’t any sense in stirring the pot. His boots thudded loudly against the sturdy boards of the porch as he approached
