She opened her eyes and pools of tears threatened to emerge. Peter didn't have the heart to hurt her ever again. His other half deserved better as she said, "Elizabeth?"
John then asked, "And Matthew? Who is he and what does he do?"
She turned to stare at John. Peter saw how his brother's face was white as their mom said, "Matthew hasn’t opened up to my return yet. From what I understand, he performs as Matt Kilroy."
“The singer is my brother!” Vicki scooted closer to Colt. "Is that why you had to tell us now? You didn't want to start the new year with two families?"
“He doesn’t want his stage name to be revealed as a Morgan.” Their mom shook her head and wiped her face. At least tears hadn't emerged, so Peter could breathe as his mother said, "We're all one family. All six of you are my children with your father, and for better or worse, you all need each other too."
Peter then stood and stormed to the door. The room went absolutely silent.
He summoned his maid. "Caro, bring Elizabeth Morgan to the study. She was the pregnant lady with my mother earlier."
No one said anything as he retook his seat. The room remained silent. He placed his hand on Belle's shoulder and asked, "What?"
His sister smiled and asked, "Is that all? Are you okay with this?"
"Belle's going to marry me. I'm happy for Mom that she has all of us and a home she returned too."
His mother then teared up. Peter's heart stilled. He hadn't wanted to hurt her. He held his breath as Belle squeezed his hand.
A moment later, Caro knocked on the door and then opened it. His mother stood and opened her arms to hug the young woman with blonde hair. The woman hugged her and didn't stare at any of them. The rest of them stood.
When their mom was done, she turned around and fluffed the woman's hair. "Peter, John, Victoria, this is your sister, Elizabeth Morgan."
Peter hugged Belle. He had his family. Mom had hers. He kissed Belle's check and then said, "Elizabeth, you're invited to our wedding."
“Okay.” The woman's eyes were wide as she held their mom. "Thank you."
Chapter Twenty Eight
Belle twirled in her Vera Wang silhouette silk bridal gown and checked her veil. This was perfect. The violin solo played as all the guests were seated. Her father beamed in the mirror behind her until she turned around.
She stared at her father's blue eyes and tried not to cry as he said, "Belle, you look beautiful."
Truly she had never thought she'd get married. She wrapped her arms around him as the music cued. Peter's sister's walked down the aisle, but Belle hardly looked. She swayed on her feet.
"Thank you, Dad."
"This whirlwind romance of yours is surprising. I can't believe you want to plan two weddings."
"This is just for family. The bigger one, next Christmas, is for Peter and his business."
He patted her arm as she tried to steady herself. "I don't want to lose my little girl."
She turned to stare at him. Any moment now, she would marry Peter, the man of her dreams. Her heart raced.
"Don't think of it that way. Think about how you are getting a son."
Her father whispered, "Your husband-to-be commands the entire room just by standing, sweetheart. I'll be fine as long as you are happy."
Em, the bridesmaid, now stood at the altar. Any moment it would be her turn. No one was here to steal her day from her, and her shoulders weren't so tense. She nodded her head.
"I am. Does Sophie have Mom's picture?"
Her father squeezed her hand as "Here Comes the Bride" began to play. She took a step forward as her father said, "Yes. They are both happy for you."
He hadn't moved. She tugged his arm. "That's our cue, Dad."
The ushers threw open the door as her father said, "Are you sure? Now's the last chance."
Her gaze landed on Peter's eyes immediately. Nothing would stop her now. She took a giant step and tugged her father.
"Walk me down the aisle."
He stayed in step, but whispered, "Happy Valentine's, sweetheart."
Peter seemed to want major events on holidays. A light bubble was inside her stomach and butterflies emerged as she drew closer to him. As his hands shook her father's, and he placed them on her back, goose bumps grew everywhere. This was all that mattered. With him, she had her chance to live happily ever after.
The End
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For some, joining the FBI is a long-term goal. For billionaire John Morgan, joining the Bureau is a stepping stone to proving his father is culpable for his sister’s death. After his estranged father dies, John is forced to return home and face the ghosts of his past. That proves to be more difficult than he could have ever imagined.
Alice Collins lives a peaceful life. As a farmer’s daughter, she knows what it’s like to work hard for what you want. After losing her best friend under inexplicable circumstances, her world viewpoint shifted until her small town sensibilities convinced her to attend Mr. Morgan’s funeral.
Soon, the past and the present collide and Alice is caught in the crosshairs. John comes to her aid, complicating matters for both of them.
Can a handsome billionaire on a vendetta truly fall for a small town girl or does he have something else in mind? Can a small town girl, if she gives her heart to him, ever fit of the House of Morgan?
Drama seems to follow Victoria Morgan everywhere, but she’s determined to mend her past and reclaim what was so cruelly taken from her.
Colt Collins moved on after the affair that left him heartbroken. After finding the child he bore with his ex, and serving in the US Marines, he builds a new life with his daughter on the family farm. Now, set to marry a woman he knows he can trust, he comes face-to-face with the love that abandoned him and their daughter many years ago.
When Victoria returns to town to attend her father’s funeral, the truth about what happened to her daughter is revealed, leaving Victoria willing to do anything to be in her child’s life again, even if that brings her face-to-face with the man she hurt so long ago.
Is there forgiveness after all the lies, pain, and betrayal? Can the love Colt and Victoria once shared be rekindled? Will this family torn apart by a cruel act be reunited?
Heir to a billion-dollar fortune, Peter Morgan yields a power few can deny, but behind the strong, confidant fa?ade lies a broken man. For years he’s grappled with feelings of abandonment and pain. He’s always believed his dead father was to blame for his mother’s abandonment and now struggles to trust women. But, despite his mistrust, his ego is still large enough to bet against them. When he hatches a bet with his brother, the last thing he expects is for that bet to change his life and his heart.