Liv said, “I don’t want you to move to New York.”
Tristan’s grin faded. Nate shifted from one booted foot to the other, confusion clouding his gorgeous green eyes.
Liv hastily said, “If you did, we’d still be on opposite coasts.”
“Wait . . . What is it that you want?” Tristan cautiously asked.
With a smile, Liv told them, “I want to stay in Bayfront. This is my home and I love it here. I want to form my own band and be the yacht club’s in-house performer. I want to be on that stage every night—or close to that. I want to be surrounded by my friends and the ocean. Mostly . . . I want you. Both of you. Right here with me.”
Nate swept her into his strong arms and held her tightly. She kissed him. A long, passionate kiss—and Liv didn’t give a damn who saw. When Nate released her, Tristan embraced her and she let his kiss sear her the way Nate’s had. If they set the rumor mill on fire, who the hell cared?
This three-way love affair had been a long, long time in the making. And Liv had a niggling suspicion everyone in Bayfront already knew that.
Epilogue
“Wow.” Liv whispered the word on a stream of air.
“Good Lord,” Fallon murmured.
“Shh,” Sylvia quietly chastised. Then added, “But, yeah. Holy shit.”
Liv stood in her designated spot at the altar, which was positioned on the second-story terrace of the mansion Nick shared with Hunter and Roxy. The enormous Sterling Silver and white rose bouquets—some standing, some in tall floor vases—were pure perfection. As were all the decorations and the dozens of blazing candles in hurricane glasses.
But nothing compared to Chloe as she appeared at the top of the curving staircase in a dress that deserved its own Oscar.
Her blond hair was swept up in an intricate style, a glittery tiara nestled in the silky strands. Chloe’s face was beautifully made up and even though she clearly tried to maintain her composure, her Gilmore Girls “Sookie” dimples couldn’t be contained.
And the gown . . .
“All those gems are real,” Sylvia privately added.
The strapless bodice was comprised of shimmering silver lace with scalloped edges and accented with small amethysts and diamonds. It stretched along her flat stomach and her shapely hips before flaring into a full, glamorous skirt of silvery feathers that sparkled as vibrantly as the bejeweled bodice. The train was a good eight feet long and trailed fantastically behind Chloe as she slowly made her way down the stairs.
The guests were riveted. Liv didn’t have to take her eyes from the bride to know that the groom was equally entranced.
How could he not be?
Chloe was a vision no future bride ever wanted to compete with.
She approached the aisle runner and Hunter was there to escort her. Quite dashing, as usual. As were all the groomsmen in their white tuxedoes with silver satin vests and matching ascots. A nice complement to Liv’s and Fallon’s one-shouldered slim lavender satin gowns, with glimmering silver appliques flowing from the outer swell of their right breasts, over their bellies, and down the left side of the material that pooled at their feet—the overlay Ruby had incorporated.
Sylvia wore a silver dress, also satin, with a similar applique, though with the addition of amethyst accents.
Hunter placed Chloe’s hand in John’s. John looked so deep in awe, Liv wasn’t quite sure he was ever going to recover.
The officiant cleared his throat twice. John was still hypnotized by his bride. Liv shared a smile with Nate and Tristan. And felt the emotions crash in on her again.
As the sun was setting, the sky awash with purple and fuchsia, the ceremony got underway. Rings and vows were exchanged. Tears ensued. And then John was kissing Chloe and the guests were clapping and whistling. As was the bridal party.
Following the procession up the aisle and the endless photographs, a small group of best friends gathered on the terrace overlooking the grounds before they joined the reception.
Wisteria trees in full bloom covered the lush green, manicured grass. The delicately sculpted topiary was trimmed with more wisteria and calla lilies. The outer borders were lined with oaks and the Spanish moss Georgia-native Chloe loved. In the distance, the ocean reflected the colors still lingering on the horizon as the sun sank below it and the sultry breeze carried with it a rich floral aroma infused with the warm, salty scent of summer.
When all of her friends had their glasses of champagne in hand, Liv raised hers. “Here’s to the most beautiful wedding I have ever seen, the most beautiful bride, the most generous and adoring groom, and the most perfect match ever made in heaven.”
“Here, here,” Nate said.
They all clinked rims and sipped.