Veiled Gems (Diamond Knot Dreams Book 1) Read online

  Had he read her mind? Or was he going to break it to her gently that he planned to leave following the boutique’s grand opening?

  “That sounds nice.” Lila swallowed hard. “I’d like that. I always look forward to spending a bit of unhurried time with you.”

  “OK, then. It’s set. We’ve worked hard around here today. Everything looks perfect for the opening.” He scanned the room, noting the sea of papers that swam over her desk. “Except for in here. We’ll keep the door closed so no one catches a glimpse of this tornado.”

  “Good idea.”

  “I have a few things remaining on the punch-out list but I can easily finish those in the morning. For now, I’m heading home to shower and change. Is it OK if I pick you up at your apartment in an hour?”

  “That will work.” She’d have to hurry, but she could manage to be ready by then. Anticipation tangoed with dread in her belly. “I’ll be waiting for you.”

  ****

  “Is your steak done the way you like it?” Morgan asked, his gaze dark and smoky as he settled back in his chair that evening at the lakefront restaurant. Candlelight flickered over him, enhancing his looks to that of a Greek statue. Lila thought she’d never seen a man quite as handsome.

  “It’s just perfect. And these asparagus spears coupled with creamy au gratin potatoes…they’re both heavenly. This dinner—the entire evening here with you—is a treat. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. I feel the same, Lila. Exactly the same as you seem to. I’ve been looking forward to this… time spent with you that doesn’t involve wiring, paint, plaster, or copious notes. An evening spent alone with you.”

  The eatery was one of the nicest, most upscale establishments in the Clover Cove area and came as a lovely surprise to Lila. The thought that Morgan had taken such care to make the evening special pleased her beyond measure and warmed her to the core. As she’d readied for the date she worried she might be overdressed in the flowing rayon skirt and cream-colored silk blouse coupled with strappy sandals and pearl earrings. But Morgan had arrived wearing a suit and tie. He looked more polished and handsome than she’d ever seen him, in a cobalt shirt and pressed pants. So her worries proved unfounded.

  At least the worries concerning her wardrobe choice.

  Morgan had yet to hint at what he’d mentioned earlier—that he had things to say to her. Important things.

  Lila’s belly flip-flopped. What could they be?

  “I’ve wondered about something since I first spoke with you months ago, but I’ve never asked.” Morgan speared a bite of lobster tail as he spoke. “Why did you choose Diamond Knot Dreams as the name of your bridal boutique?”

  “I chose Diamond Knot Dreams because in my research while planning the business, I learned that a diamond knot is a special type of lanyard. It’s strong and virtually unbreakable even under extreme pressure.” Lila gazed out along the riverfront, sighing as rivulets of water glistened beneath the moonlight. “I’d like to think the weddings I help to plan will each prove the test of time…to be just as strong and enduring as a diamond knot.”

  “That’s thoughtful…and admirable.” Morgan studied her through the flickering candlelight. “And I’m not surprised that you’d give the business name such thought. I noticed you’ve done that with every aspect of this project. I thought I was in tune to details, but you…you get the gold medal in that arena.”

  “That’s because I plan to do things right…to run an honorable business built on hard work and strong principles. Our feelings are the same on that count, Morgan, though you’ve made it clear that you think wedding celebrations are all fluff—”

  “Not all fluff,” he interjected.

  “OK…mostly fluff.” Lila chuckled softly. “And you’re certainly entitled to your opinion, but I believe that celebrating marriage vows by honoring the sacred promise between husband and wife with a measure of festivities is a positive and fitting thing. Not all weddings have to be over-the-top as far as expense goes. Hattie’s is a perfect example of that. Her wedding to Anthony will be simple, and I tend to prefer that sort of celebration. But I’ve made a commitment to give each of my clients what they ask for…what they want…whether or not I share their particular tastes. Don’t you do the same with your business and your renovation projects?”

  “I do. I suppose I never thought of it that way. I just assumed…” Morgan sighed and set his fork on the tabletop. “Seems I’ve assumed way too much for my own good. I’ve judged you wrongly in that department, and I’m humbled.”

  “Acknowledging our shortcomings is just one more step along the path.”

  “The path God has planned?”

  “Yes.”

  “In that case…” Morgan reached for her hand and twined his fingers with hers as he lifted his gaze to capture hers. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about that, Lila…about what God has in store for me. And for us.”

  “Us?”

  “Yes. And I’ve come to a decision.” He hesitated only a moment before plowing ahead, his voice gruff yet tender. “I’m not returning to Nashville after the boutique’s grand opening this weekend. There’s too much for me here…my brother, a sister-in-law, my niece and nephew. And most importantly—you.”

  Lila’s heart took flight. This…yes. This was perfect.

  She drew a breath and cleared the lump from her throat. “That’s a huge change, the big city of Nashville to small-town Clover Cove. Morgan, are you sure?”

  “I love you, Lila, and I believe coming here to Clover Cove and meeting you, being together with you, is all a part of God’s plan for my life, for our life...as one. Do you feel the same?”

  “I do.” Tears pooled in her eyes. Her throat tightened. Love filled her chest so full she could barely breathe. “Yes.”

  “Then will you take this?” He delved into his pocket and drew out a ring. The diamond, a modest yet elegant princess cut in a delicate white-gold band, shimmered brilliantly in the candlelight filtering over their table. “Will you accept it as our promise to each other to take our time now to get to know one another better? To plan for a future with God’s direction? To care for one another with love as strong and enduring as a diamond knot?”

  “I will, Morgan…I do.” Lila gasped as she cupped a hand to her mouth. Tears filled her eyes, refracting the many facets of the diamond to a rainbow. She’d never seen anything so lovely…so perfect. “It’s beautiful.”

  “Only the best for you, sweet Lila.” Carefully, he slipped the ring on her finger. He sealed their promise by sheltering her hand in his and planting a gentle kiss along the tip of each finger. “I came to Clover Cove to renovate a building. Somehow along the way, I fell madly in love with you, Lila Brooks.”

  “And I went in search of a dream and somehow that dream led me to you. I love you, Morgan Holt.” Lila leaned into his kiss. She sighed as he dipped his head to claim her lips. The gentle touch was everything she imagined it might be…a promise of everything yet to come.

  “Together, we’re strong as a diamond knot,” Morgan murmured. “Forever and always.”

  ***Author’s Note***

  If you’ve enjoyed this story and would like to spend a little more time with the Cutler family: Hattie and Anthony, Wyatt and Kami, Reese and Peyton, Gunnar and Maddie, Dillon and Brynn…then please check out the Wildflowers and Wishes Series, a four-book prequel to the Diamond Knot Dreams Series. You’re in for a delightful visit to cozy Clover Cove, where the Cutlers are sure to welcome you with open arms. So sit back, relax, and stay a spell. You’ll be glad you did!

  Wildflowers and Wishes Series:

  Daffodils and Danger

  Freesia and Faith

  Lilies and Lies

  Evergreens and Angels

  Mary Manners is a country girl at heart who has spent a lifetime exploring her joy of writing. She has two sons and a daughter, as well as three beautiful grandchildren. She currently lives along the sunny shores of Jacksonville Beach with her husb
and Tim.

  A former teacher and intermediate school principal, Mary spent three decades sharing her love of learning with students from kindergarten through middle grades. While growing up in Chicago, Mary worked her way through a variety of jobs including paper girl, figure skating instructor, pizza chef, and nanny. Many of these enriching and challenging experiences led to adventures that add a touch of humor to her stories. Mary loves long sunrise runs, ocean sunsets, and flavored coffee.

  Connect with Mary at her website: www.MaryMannersRomance.com. “Like” her author page on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.

  More Titles by Mary Manners

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  Beyond the Storm (Honeysuckle Cove #2)

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  Showered by Love (Honeysuckle Cove #4)

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  Sweet Tea and Summer Dreams (Honeysuckle Cove #6)

  Honeysuckle Cove Collection #1 (Print – Books 1-6)

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  A Tender Season (Diamond Knot Dreams Prequel)

  Veiled Gems (Diamond Knot Dreams #1) Coming soon

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  Love at Christmas Inn: Collection 1

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  Christmas Novellas

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  Sweet Treats Bakery: 4-in-1 Anthology

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  Stolen Miracles

  Miracles and Dreams

  Willow Lake Series

  Whispers at Willow Lake

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  Wildflowers and Wished Series

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