The Bride by Mona Ingram

Author:Mona Ingram
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: New Adult Contemporary Romance HEA, Beach Vacation Wedding Hawaii, Love triangle Second Chances, Inspirational Clean & Wholesome, Women’s Fiction Christmas, Sweet romance series
Publisher: Mona Ingram
Published: 2018-09-03T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

NICK ENTERED HIS RENTAL house from the beach, dropped his gear bag beside the door and let out a long, slow breath. All the way down the beach he could feel Summer’s gaze on his back; he’d wanted to turn around, but was afraid she’d see the longing in his eyes.

He walked into the kitchen and memories of Claire assailed him. They’d stayed in this house on their honeymoon and he could feel her presence. But today was different somehow... she seemed happy for him, almost as if she was encouraging him to get to know Summer. During the last few weeks of her life they’d talked openly about everything. With tears in her eyes, she’d told him to find someone else. “Not too soon,” she’d said with a sad smile. “But you have so much love to give Nick; don’t waste it.”

He could see her now. In those last weeks, her face had become gaunt and wasted, her smile remained luminous. She hadn’t relaxed until he agreed that one day he’d find someone. And when he’d finally nodded his agreement, she’d fallen back on her pillow, her breathing shallow but steady. He’d reached for her hand and received a faint squeeze in return. “Whatever happens,” he said, speaking around the lump in his throat, “you’ll always have a place in my heart. I love you.”

She opened her eyes. “I know, Nick. And I love you, too.”

She died two days later. He hadn’t looked at anyone since... until today.

Grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge, he went outside and eased himself into an old Adirondack chair that was tucked into a sheltered spot.

He’d had to look twice when he spotted Summer walking along the sidewalk this morning. She didn’t look anything like the composed businesswoman he’d met in his studio, or the shattered bride he’d caught a glimpse of on her wedding day... or what should have been her wedding day.

He hadn’t thought much about her in the excitement of travelling, but the moment he saw her this morning, something came alive in him. Dark circles under her eyes showed the strain she’d been under and his protective instincts came to the fore. He hadn’t known what had happened to make her call off the wedding, but he ached to shield her from any further unpleasantness.

He drank deeply from the water bottle. Summer was still fragile, that much was clear. Learning her story, he couldn’t blame her. In the space of a heartbeat, she’d been betrayed in the cruelest way possible. He hadn’t been kidding when he said he would have punched the guy out... or at least he would have tried. The man had no morals and didn’t deserve her. No doubt she’d come to the same conclusion, but nobody could receive such an emotional blow and be unchanged.

His heart had been thudding in his chest when he invited her to go snorkeling. She’d seemed interested, and he was ready an hour before the agreed time, but forced himself to wait before walking down the beach toward her condo.

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