“Can we wear them for the party?” Lottie asked her mom.
Everyone turned to Sarah. Mae had noticed that Sarah was very loving and down-to-earth, but she also was always dressed impeccably and kept her house spotless. She wouldn’t want her family wearing goofy T-shirts, some of which would make no sense to an outsider, for a fancy dinner party.
“It’s all right,” Mae started. “We can wear them another day.”
“Of course we’re wearing them for the party,” Sarah said, smiling kindly at Mae. “Let’s go get changed; the guests will be here soon.”
Slade directed Mae out one of the rear patio doors. There was a large outdoor tent set up outside with a buffet all ready. Mae could see heating elements under some of the food and other food containers on ice. “Wow. Your mom is ready for a party.”
He tugged her close. “I’m only ready for you.” His voice dropped huskily. “I love you, Mae. Thank you for agreeing to marry me.”
Mae laughed and cupped his jaw with one hand, her T-shirt balled in her other fist. “I love you, Slade. Thank you for asking.”
The kiss they shared pushed everything else from her mind.
When they heard laughter and throats clearing, they broke apart. Mae looked sheepishly around at a crowd of people she didn’t know. “Wow, the guests must’ve come early,” she murmured.
“Everybody’s actually late,” Jex said from behind them.
Mae laughed. “You try kissing him and you’d lose track of time too.”
Jex pulled a face. “I’ll take your word for it.” He winked and strode off to greet some people.
“Slade,” several of the group called out.
He waved but stayed close to Mae.
Mae held up her shirt. “Shall I go change?”
Slade took it from her and tugged it over her head. Mae shrugged into the sleeves and laughed as the baggier T-shirt covered the top of her dress, but with a pink T-shirt and a red polka-dot dress, she looked ridiculous. She was meeting all of Slade’s close friends and family. Kit would be appalled.
“I can’t wear it like this,” she protested.
Slade kissed her softly and said, “You look perfect. I love you.” Then he took her hand and turned to start greeting people.
Mae caught Sarah’s eye and pointed to her outfit. Sarah smiled and gave her a thumbs-up, looking classy and yet approachable in her t-shirt paired with a fitted blue skirt. Mae’s last fear disappeared. Slade’s family not only accepted her; they embraced her, quirky T-shirts and all.
Slade squeezed her waist and grinned proudly at her as he introduced her to someone—she thought she heard “Senator” somewhere in the title. She realized she should be intimidated, but the distinguished-looking man had a large smile for her, and she shook his hand with her own smile in place. Slade was by her side. She could handle anything with his arm around her.
I hope you loved Mae and Slade’s story. I had so much fun writing it. My husband told me I giggled as I wrote. I patterned sweet Lottie after my darling niece, Lexi Lynn, who brings so much light and love to our family.
Kit’s story is also delightful and nonstop fun. Her Prince Charming Boss will be out soon, followed by Slade’s brother Preston’s story in the next Georgia Patriots Romance.
Thank you so much for reading and all of the unreal support. I love my fans!
Hugs,
Cami
About the Author
Cami is a part-time author, part-time exercise consultant, part-time housekeeper, full-time wife, and overtime mother of four adorable boys. Sleep and relaxation are fond memories. She’s never been happier.
Join Cami’s VIP list to find out about special deals, giveaways and new releases and receive a free copy of Rescued by Love: Park City Firefighter Romance by clicking here.
Read on for a short excerpt of Cami’s latest Texas Titans Romance and the start of the Quinn Family Romance, The Devoted Groom: Quinn Family Romance.
Happy reading!
cami@camichecketts.com
www.camichecketts.com
Excerpt - The Devoted Groom
Bree reached the ten-foot wooden door and squared her shoulders. Raising a hand to knock, she jumped when the door swung open. “Balls of pelican poop!” She put a hand to her chest. “Sorry, you scared me!”
Ryder Quinn stood on the threshold, holding a towheaded little boy in one arm and smiling at her as if she were a circus performer.
Bree took a step back. He was bigger than she’d envisioned. At least six four, and every line of his body was defined. She prayed he was as kind as everyone claimed, otherwise the sheer strength of him was a huge warning flag to her.
She took a deep breath and forced a smile, fluffing her hair before sticking her hand out. “Bree Stevens.” That sounded professional, right? Not like she was barely out of college and not sure how to present herself?
Ryder’s eyes swept over her. She’d heard he was sought after by many women but he never gave anyone a second look. The speculation was he still mourned his wife. It was hard to blame the women for trying though. His blue eyes were framed with long, brown lashes. His face was sculpted and shadowed by a trimmed beard a few shades darker than his short sandy-blond hair. His lips were almost as incredible as his eyes, a slightly-bowed upper lip with a fuller lower lip. She could imagine the women fought for the sheer hope of tasting those incredible lips.
Those lips she was staring at turned up, and he shifted the little boy higher as he offered his hand to Bree. “Welcome.” It was just one word, two syllables. How could he draw it out and make it all warm and appetizing? As if he were welcoming her to be part of his life, to privileges and blessings she’d never dreamed of.
Snap out of it. She tried for a professional smile and put her hand in his. Wowie, wow, wow! His warm and slightly rough palm felt so manly and perfect against hers she wanted to just hold on. His gaze sharpened on her as if he felt the same connection that was racing through her. For some insane reason she felt like this man would protect her rather than objectify her. She had to remind herself that she didn’t know him and she needed to tread carefully.
“Ryder Quinn,” he murmured.
Bree pulled her hand back and chuckled uneasily. “I know who you are.” She put her usual sass in the syllables. She’d acquired a lot of sass and some decent fighting skills to keep her mostly safe in foster care, rough schools, and college.
He smiled deeper, and she tilted to the side, needing something to lean on. Unfortunately, there was nothing, and her heels had her tilting even further. She would’ve fallen into the flower bed if Ryder hadn’t grabbed her with his free hand and steadied her.
“You okay?” He arched an eyebrow, clearly thinking she was a bit unstable.
Be professional. Be professional. Bree smoothed down her silky floral shirt and blue pencil skirt. “Yes, thank you.” She focused on the adorable boy in Ryder’s arms. “And who is this handsome little man?”
Find The Devoted Groom here.
Also by Cami Checketts
Quinn Family Romance
The Devoted Groom
The Conflicted Warrior
The Gentle Patriot
The Tough Warrior
Her Too-Perfect Boss
Her Forbidden Bodyguard
Hawk Brothers Romance
The Determined Groom
The Stealth Warrior
Her Billionaire Boss Fake Fiance
Risking it All
Navy Seal Romance
The Protective Warrior
The Captivating Warrior
The Stealth Warrior
Texas Titan Romance
The Fearless Groom
The Trustworthy Groom
The Beastly Groom
The Determined Groom
The Devoted Groom
Billionaire Beach Romance
Caribbean Rescue
Cozumel Escape
Cancun Getaway
Trusting the Billionaire
How to Kiss a Billionaire
Onboard for Love
Shadows in the Curtain
Billionaire Bride Pact Romance
The Resilient One
The Feisty One
The Independent One
The Protective One
The Faithful One
The Daring One
Park City Firefighter Romance
Rescued by Love
Reluctant Rescue
Stone Cold Sparks
Snowed-In for Christmas
Echo Ridge Romance
Christmas Makeover
Last of the Gentlemen
My Best Man’s Wedding
Change of Plans
Counterfeit Date
Snow Valley
Full Court Devotion: Christmas in Snow Valley
A Touch of Love: Summer in Snow Valley
Running from the Cowboy: Spring in Snow Valley
Romancing the Singer: Return to Snow Valley
Fighting for Love: Return to Snow Valley
Other Books by Cami
The Loyal Patriot: Georgia Patriots Romance
Seeking Mr. Debonair: Jane Austen Pact
Seeking Mr. Dependable: Jane Austen Pact
Saving Sycamore Bay
How to Design Love
Oh, Come On, Be Faithful
Protect This
Blog This
Redeem This
The Broken Path
Dead Running
Dying to Run
Fourth of July
Love & Loss
Love & Lies
Cami’s Collections
Cami’s Military Collection
Billionaire Beach Romance Collection
Billionaire Bride Pact Collection
Billionaire Romance Sampler
Echo Ridge Romance Collection
Texas Titans Romance Collection
Snow Valley Collection
Christmas Romance Collection