Chapter Forty-Nine

CHAPTER FORTY-NINE

J azz was convinced that Serena Allen Donavan was an angel on earth, because no one else would have been able to coordinate an entire wedding, including a wedding dress for the bride and a tuxedo for the groom, along with a giant tented wedding reception, in just a few hours.

Yet here Jazz stood, looking at herself in the full-length mirror, and oohing and aahing over the beautiful sight before her. The off-white sleeveless dress was perfect for her small stature and slender body. The beaded V neckline and princess-cut lace bodice emphasized what curves she had, and the short train didn’t overwhelm her petite frame.

Serena had shown her dozens of dresses, and this had been the second one she’d seen. None of the others had come close. Her shoes were the same color and gave her a couple of inches of added height. The only jewelry besides the beautiful diamond on her hand was the heart locket around her neck, which looked perfect with her dress.

She’d used a minimum of makeup, just a touch of mascara to lengthen her lashes, a hint of bronze and purple to make her brown eyes look smoky, and a reddish coral for her lips. Since her cheeks were flushed with excitement, added color was not needed.

“Oh, Jazz, you look spectacular.”

Whirling, she grinned at Serena. “Thanks to you. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all of this.”

“I’m thrilled you guys are doing this here. We haven’t had a wedding in our little chapel in years.”

Serena had pointed out the family chapel the first day Jazz had arrived. She’d explained that though her family preferred to worship in Appleton because of the larger congregation, when the winter weather prevented them from traveling, they worshiped at the chapel.

“I should have asked if I could help clean it or?—”

“Not necessary. We take turns cleaning it each week. It’s just sitting there, waiting for people to fill it.”

At that thought, a hint of sadness dimmed her smile. If she had waited until later, she could have had her entire OZ family here. Even though she wanted to marry Xavier as soon as possible, she couldn’t help but feel guilty that she was leaving them out.

“What’s wrong?”

“I was just wishing everyone could be here.”

“Nonsense. They’re all thrilled for you. Like you said earlier, we’ll have a big party when everyone is together again.”

She knew Serena was right. When she had talked to Ash this morning, she had heard the happiness in his voice when she’d told him she and Xavier were getting married today.

“You’re right.” Jazz gestured to the pale peach gown Serena was wearing. “You look lovely, by the way. Thank you for being my matron of honor.”

“I can’t think of anything I’d rather do. You and Xavier are going to be so happy.”

Tears misted Serena’s eyes, and Jazz felt a tug at her heart. As much as Serena tried to pretend everything was fine with her, Jazz knew her heart was still broken over Sean’s desertion and his request for a divorce. She remembered when they’d gotten married and how incredibly happy they had both been. How could something so right turn out so wrong?

She made a vow, right then and there, that no matter what, she and Xavier would not allow that to happen to them. She didn’t care if they had to hogtie each other to stay together. This was forever for both of them.

Serena glanced at her watch. “Okay, bride-to-be. We need to go. You ready?”

Ready to marry the man of her dreams? Oh yes, she most definitely was.

The sound of romantic music coming from the sanctuary sent goose bumps across Jazz’s skin. Serena had steered her toward this little room to wait while all the guests were seated. It melted her heart to know that Serena’s entire family would be in attendance. Only hours ago, they had fought alongside them, not only to protect their families, but to protect her, too. And now, they were shifting gears and coming together for a wedding. Life really was full of surprises.

Should she have checked out the church beforehand? She’d been so busy picking out a wedding dress and getting ready for the ceremony, she hadn’t even considered all the things that most people expected in a wedding. Should she have picked some flowers for a bouquet, or maybe put out some candles or something? She’d been to elaborate weddings before, as well as simple ones. From what she remembered, they’d all looked like a lot of prep work went into creating the perfect setting. Maybe she shouldn’t have rushed this.

The knock on the door pulled her from her worried thoughts. Figuring it was Serena letting her know it was time to walk down the aisle, Jazz drew in a shaky breath and called out, “Come in.”

The door opened, and there stood Asher Drake, decked out in a black tuxedo.

“Ash! You’re here? How?”

His eyes twinkling, Ash came toward her. “You think I’m going to let two of my best operatives get married without me being here?”

She gasped. “Does that mean…”

“That everyone is here? Of course they are. Do you know how long we’ve been waiting for you two to finally realize how crazy you are about each other?”

With a soft little cry, Jazz hugged her boss as hard as she could. She could not believe her OZ family had come all this way to be with her and Xavier on their wedding day.

“I was wondering if I could have the honor of walking you down the aisle.”

The lump in her throat was so large, it took every bit of her breath to squeeze out the words, “That would make me so happy.”

“Oh, before I forget. Serena wanted me to give this to you.” He held out a bouquet of white, pink, and red roses. It was the most beautiful bouquet she’d ever seen.

Taking it from Ash’s hand, she sniffed the flowers and felt a peace all the way to her soul. This day could not be any more perfect.

“I think they’re ready for us,” Ash said.

He held out his arm, and Jazz put her hand on it. Her heart was double-timing at the sheer excitement of what was about to happen. They walked out into a small lobby and then to the double doors that led to the sanctuary. Knowing that Xavier was inside, waiting for her, was the best feeling in the world.

Stopping at the door, as she waited for the music to begin, Jazz looked up at the man who meant the world to her and had given her so much. “Ash, I don’t think I’ve ever said this, but thank you for allowing me to be a part of OZ. It’s been the best part of my life.”

Though Asher Drake had a tendency to look stern most of the time, a rare smile brightened his face, and his eyes were filled with affection. “You’re family, Jazz. We love you. You know that, right?”

She gave him a dazzling smile, and then looking around the crowded room, she gasped at the abundance of flowers everywhere—draped over the pews, sitting in baskets, hanging from the ceiling, and lining the aisle. The soft, floral fragrance permeated the room.

Serena’s family filled both sides of the aisles. When she had first arrived in Francine, Jazz had worried whether she would fit in. Other than OZ, she had been alone for so long. But they had welcomed her into the fold as if she were one of their own, and she knew she couldn’t look at them as just Serena’s family anymore. They were her family, too.

At the front, Serena stood to the side of the altar. Also standing there, looking absolutely gorgeous in an ice-blue gown, was Eve. Beside her was Olivia, who looked lovely in a light green gown. And Jules stood to her left, beautiful in a light blue gown. Her OZ sisters were here for her.

On the other side of the altar were Gideon and Liam, both in tuxedos. And beside them…

Jazz gasped. “Hawke is here.”

“Of course,” Ash said. “He wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

She had talked to Hawke several times on the phone but hadn’t seen him since before he’d been injured. He looked wonderful, and she couldn’t wait to hug him.

Her eyes shifted to the front of the altar, where the hottest, most gorgeous man she’d ever known was staring directly at her as if she was his world.

Her heart filled to the brim with happiness, Jazz took the first step to her bright, beautiful future. No matter what life had in store for them, she knew without a doubt that with Xavier by her side, nothing could keep them from their happy ending.