Heirly Ever After, Vernon, Magan [best thriller novels to read .txt] 📗

I wouldn’t make the same mistake again.

Even though when the preacher proclaimed, “You may kiss the bride,” my gaze went directly to his. He didn’t flinch away, just stared back until people were standing and clapping as the couple embraced. Even with everyone there between us, there was still that magnetic pull. That energy.

Everything I was never going to have again.

I swallowed my heart into my chest as I followed my sister and Lord Gavin out of the room and then descended into the giant white tent filled with dozens of golden round tables. Each setting was more beautiful than the last with its ivory place settings and pink and yellow rose centerpieces.

If I could have taken out my sketchbook right there and immortalized it, I would have.

But then Gavin spoke, and my thoughts broke apart.

“Jacob, I thought that was you in the back,” he said. “I thought you’d be halfway back to Scotland by now.”

Wide-eyed, I stared at the sexy Scotsman, edging toward us with his hands in the pockets of his suit coat. That gold tie he wore after he first called me his girlfriend called to me like a beacon.

And it was easier to stare at than meeting his gaze now that we didn’t have some hundred guests between us.

Jacob snorted. “Well, I would have, but I wanted to give you and your bride a wedding present first.”

I stiffened, keeping my focus on his chest, not his face.

Not his face, dammit, or I would cave in.

Natalie seemed just as confused by his arrival and words. “Oh? You know you didn’t need to bring anything.”

“Ah, well, this one I needed to.” Jacob pulled some folded documents out of his suit coat, handing them to her.

My sister took them with shaking hands as I watched her eyes bounce from the papers to her new husband. “This…Jacob…when…wha…?”

I’d never heard my sister speechless, but she stood wide-eyed, handing the papers to Gavin.

My heart sank into my stomach.

Had he talked to a solicitor? Were the documents some sort of official claim?

“Jacob, are you serious about this? I didn’t think you’d actually agree,” Gavin asked, clearing his throat.

Wait, what? I finally looked up to see the glistening in his eyes. Agree to what?

“Ah. I talked to my great-grandfather, and he said to do the right thing.” Jacob let out a breath as if trying to control his emotions. “The Webleys will now own MacWebley Manor as well. It’s our hope that the new Lady of Webley will use her historian expertise to help restore the manor and legacy to its former glory. Once the MacWebleys get back on their feet—and we will—management of the properties will be handled by both families.”

My sister was nodding even before he finished. She let out a low breath. “Wow…this is a lot.”

Gavin took a step forward. “I never expected you to make this sacrifice, Jacob. You nor your great-grandfather. You don’t have to do any of this. I would be happy to lend you the funds to—”

“No,” Jacob snapped, then more calmly, he said, “No, thank you. I want to do it this way. It’s the best thing for us.” His bleary eyes meeting mine. “All of us.”

“Why?” I asked, surprised I could even form a word at this point.

He took a step closer, nodding as he took us in. “The truth is, I fell in love.”

I gasped, unable to control the now rapid beating of my heart.

Jacob stopped, his gaze on Gavin. “With you.”

Gavin took a step back, blinking hard. “With me?”

Natalie snickered.

Jacob laughed, shaking his head. “No. No. I mean yes, you. All of you. Your family. Our family. I grew up resenting all of you, thinking every single one hated us MacWebleys. But then you all welcomed me. If grudgingly.” At this, Gavin’s lips twitched. “You didn’t treat me like the odd duck. You could have kicked me out on my arse right away, but you didn’t.”

My ears rang as I took in all he was saying, trying to control the rapid beating of my heart as I took in his words.

“I came here, not knowing what exactly I was going to do, just that I wanted to reclaim the MacWebley name, take the manor, or whatever else I could. But then I realized I didn’t need to take away anything. I just had to welcome more family into my life. If you’d have me.”

Gavin stood there, his stoic face not showing anything. Then he stepped forward and clasped Jacob on the shoulder. “Well, there’s no going back now, cousin.”

Jacob clasped him back. “No, there’s not.”

Natalie caught my gaze and nodded her head toward Jacob before nudging Gavin in the side. “We can all get together later and talk over details of uniting our families, but for now I think maybe we should greet our guests.”

Natalie and Gavin went away arm and arm to greet the rows of people slowly making their way down the green path, drinks in their hands and curious expressions on their faces.

Jacob and I were left standing alone by an ice sculpture that I watched dripping slightly in the afternoon sun. But even as I got lost in the methodical drips, it couldn’t compare to the man in front of me.

The man I was now sure I was falling in love with.

He slowly turned toward me, my breath catching in my throat as those bright green eyes locked on mine. “Madison. I should have never lied to you. From the moment I met you, I knew there was something different, and it wasn’t until I almost fucking lost you and everything else…”

I sucked in a breath, trying to keep my whole body from shaking.

Jacob closed the space between us. “You have every reason to be pissed at me. And I know it’ll take a lot of making up on my part to win your trust back, but I want to try. No more secrets. No lies. I want it to be real with you.”

My voice cracked when I