“One of my yoga students and her husband. You’ll love them.” She giggled, making him a little worried about who exactly she’d invited to dinner.
Emily had picked up teaching a couple classes a week. She’d told him about the attack, and they’d talked over the pros and cons of her returning to work there—with her deciding she’d rather have less stress than a PT position but still help people feel good in their bodies.
The counselor had helped her work through the trauma of facing Roger in court. She was determined not to let him steal her happiness, and she enjoyed teaching yoga. Cody worked his schedule around hers. She’d blossomed even more since her return. At least once a day, he thanked his lucky stars that he’d married such an amazing woman.
Mark yelled hello from the front door. It didn’t matter that Xavier and Emily were living like newlyweds these days; he still didn’t knock.
“We’re back here,” Emily called.
Xavier loved the way his best friend and his wife had gelled. Emily was all about making their family bigger and having their home open and welcoming. She made people feel important.
Mark came in, his hand on the small of his date’s back. He introduced her as Jenni, and everyone said hello. Emily offered them a tray of cheese and crackers.
The doorbell rang. Emily glanced at the clock, “I’ll get it.” She hurried to remove her apron and darted for the entryway.
Mark placed a piece of provolone on a cracker. “Do you know these guys?”
Xavier shook his head.
“It’s so wonderful you could make it.” Emily’s voice proceeded her into the room. She entered, a funny smile on her face. “And this is my family.” She moved to the side to reveal a smaller woman with gray hair and a large smile. Behind her stood Mr. Maxwell, owner of Sunlight Records.
Mark dropped the cracker and cheese and his jaw.
Emily introduced Mark to the man who had the power to crush his career. “And you know Mark Johnson. This is his lovely date, Jenni.”
Stunned, Xavier blurted the first thing that came to mind as he pumped the man’s hand. “I had no idea you lived in Moose Creek.”
He laughed. “My wife grew up here. I couldn’t get her to leave if I promised her a private island.”
Mrs. Maxwell elbowed him. “You did, remember?” She wore a pair of leopard-print leggings and a black shirt that hung off one shoulder.
His eyes twinkled. “And you said no.”
She shook her head. “I love my mountains.”
“How …?” Mark stumbled turning to Emily. “How do you know them?”
Mr. Maxwell chuckled, answering for her. “It was the video.”
Xavier’s face burned. “I’m never going to live that down.” Someone had filmed him singing in the park for Emily and posted it on the city web page.
His wife stepped in. “I told him I knew Emily. I took her yoga class at the PT center in town. He asked to meet you, so I invited us over for dinner.” She cupped her hand around her mouth. “I don’t cook.”
“I like working with people who have their priorities straight.” Maxwell’s eyes fell on Cody, who slipped his hand in Xavier’s. “You’ve got a lovely family. Let’s set up a time to go over what you’ve got.”
Xavier’s head spun with the possibilities. “I-I’d like that.”
“He’d love it,” threw out Mark, making them all laugh.
Xavier put his arm around Emily. Tonight was her night—even if she’d done this for him. “But tonight’s not about business. Emily’s made something delicious.” He kissed her temple and whispered, “Thank you.”
She shrugged—like it was no big deal to get a studio owner to come to dinner. “It’s a night for announcements too.”
Xavier glanced at Mark. Just how close where he and Jenni? “Yeah?”
“What announcement?” asked Mark. If he was trying to throw them off, he wasn’t very good at it.
“I think Cody has something to say.” She ruffled his hair, and he looked up at her with a grin bigger than the sunrise.
“Now?” he asked.
“Now,” she confirmed.
He threw his arms open and shouted, “I’m going to be a big brother!”
Xavier’s arms went numb.
Mark hooted. Jenni clapped. Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell whooped and hugged.
Emily turned to put her hands on Xavier’s chest. She tipped her chin up and gazed into his eyes. “You look a little surprised.”
He brushed his hand over her cheek. “A lot.”
She giggled. Her cheeks turned pink.
He smiled and kissed her once and then once again. “I hope it’s a girl and she’s as beautiful as you.”
“I want a brother.” Cody folded his arms and pouted, making the adults laugh.
Emily kissed Xavier once more. “If not, we can always try again.”
He liked the sound of that. Once he’d opened his heart to Emily, he found that there was so much room inside of him to love—more than he’d ever thought possible. And when he gave it to her, it came back to him tenfold. He’d forever be in her debt. And he hoped that never changed.
Want to read more arranged marriage stories? How about arranging matches for billionaires? :)
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Read on to discover more sweet romances from
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Billionaire Marriage Brokers
The Academic Bride
The Organized Bride
The Professional Bride
The Country Bride
The Protective Groom
The Resilient Bride
The Athletic Groom
The Corporate Groom
Marrying Miss Kringle
Lux
Frost
Robyn
Fake Fiancee For Christmas
His Wedding Date Fake Fiancee
Her Totally Hot Forbidden Fake Fiance
MyHeartChannel Romances
EverDayLove!
The Great Christmas Contest
Christmas Magic
Billionaire Bachelor Cove
Her Beast of a Billionaire Boss
Her Awkward Blind Date with the Billionaire
Her Marriage Pact with the Billionaire
Dating Mr. Baseball
Delay of Game
Caught Looking
Intentional Walk
Heavy Hitter
Texas Titans Romances
The Miracle Groom
The Warrior Groom
The Guardian Groom
The Devout Groom
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The Snow Valley Series
Welcome to Snow Valley, Montana, where romance is always in season.
Blue Christmas
Love in Light and Shadow
Romancing Her Husband
Wedding Fever
One Date Deal
His Wedding Date Fake Fiancee
Echo Ridge Romances
For a small town in Up-state New York, Echo Ridge has a great big heart.
The Candy Counter Heiress
The Lion, the Witch, and the Library
A Brand New Second Chance
While You Were Skiing
A Brandnew Ball Game
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Echo Ridge Romance Collection
The Destination Billionaire Romance Series
Beautiful locations, handsome heroes, and romance.
The Reclusive Billionaire
Royal Distraction
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Sports Romance Collection
Billionaire Romance Series Sampler
Billionaire Marriage Brokers Brides Collection
About the Author
Lucy McConnell has always been a reader and a writer. She writes fantasy, clean romance, Christian romance, historical fiction, and cookbooks under the name Christina Dymock.
When she’s not writing, you can find her volunteering at the elementary school or the church; shuttling kids to baseball, soccer, basketball, or rodeo, depending on the time of year; skiing with her family; wake boarding; cycling; or curled up with a good book.
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