Unbroken (25 page)

Britney smiled back, her heart near to bursting with the love she felt for the man standing before her.
  “It’s Miss Ellison, actually.  Or at least it will be soon,” she said softly.  “And regarding the hockey lesson, I know it is,” she continued, gazing into his glorious green eyes.  “But I have a feeling it’s going to be worth every single penny.”

Reentering the lobby a few minutes later, Britney saw Ian standing with the pretty brunette who’d accompanied Jake to the fundraiser.  Oh no!  She’d completely forgotten about her.

“Come, let me introduce you to Melinda,” Jake said.  With his hand at her waist, h
e guided her to where Melinda and Ian stood.

Catching Ian’s eye, Britney
smiled and tipped her head in the slightest of nods.  Ian winked in return, a smile curving his own lips into an upward arc.

“Britney, I woul
d like you to meet my good friend, Melinda Eldridge-Hinckley,” Jake said as they reached the pair.

Good friend
, the two words were like music to her ears.  But then Britney’s eyes widened in surprise as she realized what else he’d said.  “Eldridge?”

“Melinda is Bruce’
s sister,” Jake explained.  “Melinda, this is Britney.”

“Hello, Britney,” she said, extending her hand.

“Melinda’s in town on business,” Jake said, as she and Britney shook hands.  “In fact, the only reason she agreed to accompany me tonight was to make her husband jealous,” he added with a playful grin.

Melinda shook her head and rolled her eyes
.  “Matthew doesn’t get jealous,” she said, with a smile directed toward Britney.  “He knows how much I adore him.” 

Britney returned her smile.  She liked Melinda already.

“Besides, he and Jake go way back.  They used to be teammates in Dallas.”

“Now he’s the enemy,” Jake teased.  “But only during the playoffs.”

“Melinda and I were just discussing that very thing,” Ian said with a chuckle.  “Matthew H
inckley is a hell of a defenseman,” he continued, turning to Britney.  “We could use him on the Blades.”

“Oh no,” Melinda said, holding up her hand.  “We just built a new house in Dallas and I’m no
t ready to move again just yet,” she continued, causing them all to laugh.

Later that evening, in the privacy of Jake’s luxurious condo, he and Britney set about making up for lost time in the comfort of his bed.  They whispered their love for one another time and again as they made love long into the night, until they were both exhausted and utterly
satiated.  It was a magical night and one that neither of them would ever forget.  It was the beginning of their future.

Standing
at the open window, Britney smiled to herself as she toyed idly with the enormous ring that hung from the thin gold chain around her neck, watching the last of the late afternoon sun slowly disappear behind the Sawtooth Mountains.  It was only when a light knock sounded at the door that she tore her gaze from the breathtaking sight.  Tucking Jake’s Stanley Cup ring into the bodice of her gown, she turned to the door.  “Come in.”

“Hey,” Tyler said as he opened the door and stepped into the room.  “It’s just about show
time.”

She turned from the window to face him, the smile lingering on her face.  “I’m ready.”

Tyler stood motionless for a moment, his eyes sweeping her from top to bottom.  When he spoke there was a slight tremble in his voice.  “Britney, you look…”  He faltered.  Shaking his head, he tried again.  “You look…so beautiful.”

“Tyler Riggins, don’t you dare make me cry,” she replied
with a smile, though her own voice was trembling as she felt the sudden sting of tears welling up in her eyes.

He smiled
then and walked toward her.  “Alright, I won’t.  I promise,” he said as he came to stand directly in front of her. “But you do look amazing, Brit, really.”

“Thanks, Ty.”
  Although she and Jake were about to become husband and wife, there was no question that Tyler would always be an important part of her life.  “Oh, I have something for you,” she said, walking over to the nearby table.

“Oh yeah?”

Turning around, she held out her hand.  “Here,” she said. “I think it’s time I gave this back to you.”  His Super Bowl ring rested in the palm of her hand.  “You were right, Ty.  Anything
is
possible.”

“I’m glad, Britney.  I really am,” he replied
softly, taking the ring and placing it in his jacket pocket.

“Me too.” 
It hadn’t been easy, but she’d finally been able to let go of the past.  And now, the only thing that mattered to her was the future,
her
future with the man she loved.

“So
, are you sure you want to do this?” Tyler asked tongue in cheek, extending his elbow.  “I could help you sneak out the back if you want to make a run for it.”

Britney wrinkled her nose at him.  “Thanks,
but no thanks.  I’m not going anywhere but straight down the aisle.”

“Well alright then,” Tyler said with a grin as Britney tucked her hand into the crook of his
arm.  “Let’s get this show on the road.”

Moving out into the small foyer, Britney smiled fondly at Ruby and Rachel.  In their matching, pale-pink flower girl dresses, they looked absolutely adorable.

“Ready girls?” Tyler asked.

They both nodded
excitedly, holding their small wicker baskets filled with rose petals out in front of them.

A moment later, the sound of Mendelssohn’s Wedding March filled the air and the large double doors leading into the chapel were pulled open.
  Walking past their small assemblage of wedding guests, all family and close friends, Britney smiled warmly at the people who meant so much to her and Jake, but her main focus was on the man waiting for her at the opposite end of the aisle. 

As Jake watched Britney walk
down the aisle on Tyler’s arm, he knew that he’d never seen anyone or anything for that matter as beautiful as she was.  In her billowing white gown of silk and lace Britney looked like a fairy tale princess come to life.  Standing at the front of the small mountain chapel, he felt like the luckiest man alive.

Minutes later, as they stood facing each other
, reciting the vows that would join them together as husband and wife, Britney knew without a doubt that she was the luckiest woman alive.

Dear Reader,

Thank you so much for reading Unbroken.  Though I have written several historical romance novels, this was
my first attempt at writing a contemporary romance novel, and I truly hope that you enjoyed the story.  As always, I would love to hear any thoughts that you might have.  If you have a moment, please leave a review or send me a message (or both) at
[email protected]
.  As I continue to write,
I will constantly work to improve and constructive criticism is always greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Jennifer McNare