Read Online Blissfully Taken (Blissful, #4) by Red Phoenix - Free Book Online Page A

her.
    Jenny recognized the box. When she was
a little girl she often played with her mother’s jewelry, but this
one was one piece she was not allowed to touch. “Oh,
Mama…”
    “ It was the first piece of
jewelry your father gave me. I’ve always loved it and now I want
you to have it.”
    “ I can’t. Doda meant this
for you.”
    “ I talked to your father
and he is in agreement. We both want you to have it. I wish we
could give you more, darling. But times have been tough for your
father the last few years. Just know this is given in
love.”
    Jenny opened the box in awed reverence
and looked at the diamond encrusted sapphire. It was delicate and
stunning. She took it out and handed it to her mother. Jenny closed
her eyes as her mother clasped the necklace around her.
    “ Yes, it finishes the
look,” her mother said proudly, standing back and smiling. “You
look so beautiful, Jenny. I don’t think I have seen you this happy
since you were a little girl.”
    “ I am Mama. I love Dan
more than I can say.”
    “ I had my doubts about his
character being Ryan’s best friend, but his little surprise with
the dress…well, I can’t help seeing a bit of your father in
him.”
    Jenny held back the tears as she
hugged her mom. “It means the world to me that you can accept this
wedding…him.”
    “ I don’t understand why
you are rushing it, but knowing how I felt about your father when
we first met, I believe time doesn’t matter when it’s
right.”
    “ Thank you,
Mama.”
    “ Darling, your happiness
is my only concern.” Her mother hugged her one last time, being
exceedingly careful not to mess her dress and hair. It was a long
drive to the mountains, and although it was sunny in the city, the
higher they went the cloudier the skies became. Jenny became
concerned that the weather might ruin their wedding plans. This is why outdoor weddings in the winter aren’t
done! she scolded herself.
    She was grateful when they
made it to the wedding site and saw that everyone else had arrived.
Her father helped her out of the car and held out his arm. Jenny
took it gratefully, walking beside her father bursting with joy as
she gazed over the small gathering. She instantly recognized her
future in-laws and Rose, but noticed a taller version of Dan
standing next to a lanky blonde. She had to assume it was his
brother Marcus because the guy looked just like Dan except for the
dark hair .
    Jenny’s eyes naturally gravitated to
her future husband. He was dangerously handsome in his tux, making
her quiver inside. When he turned to face her and his whole face
lit up, Jenny almost broke ranks and ran to him. It took great
effort for her to remain by her father’s side.
    As she approached, Jenny tried to
imagine what Dan was seeing - her long dark hair styled in lose
ringlets, her stunning coat hugging the curves he loved so well,
and the hint of her leather boots peeking out with each step. But
he wasn’t looking at any of those things; his eyes were locked on
hers.
    Dan stepped back as she came up beside
him, giving her an unobstructed view of the person standing behind
him. Jenny froze, unable to breathe.
    Ryan nodded and said nonchalantly,
“Hey, Jenny.”
    She was grateful for her father’s
supportive arm when her knees almost gave out. “Ryan, you’re…here.”
Tears unwillingly formed.
    He walked over to her, shaking his
head. “No crying. I’ll leave if you do.”
    She quickly wiped her eyes and smiled.
However, her bottom lip quivered from the effort. “I didn’t
think…”
    “ Do you mind if I stand in
as your maid of honor?” Ryan asked with a teasing smirk. “I heard
you were lacking one.”
    “ Really, Ryan? I…” a tear
fell down her cheek.
    “ No crying, remember?” he
said sternly. She nodded and bit her bottom lip to stop it from
quivering.
    “ Let us proceed,” stated
an unfamiliar voice. Jenny looked up saw the young pastor from the
local mountain church was ready with his bible