Only Her Smokejumper Firefighter - Cami Checketts Page 0,7

alter her view on life. Sadly, it had convinced her she’d never be with the one man she wanted.

As if he sensed her gaze, his eyes snapped from the beautiful woman standing next to him to focus on her. Even from across the crowded wedding party, the intensity of those blue eyes zinged through her. When the longing she felt was reflected in his eyes, she hurried forward, wanting nothing more than to be in his arms again.

Almost instantly, that longing she’d seen in him turned to a blip of anger and then a cool appraisal. His gaze swept over her as if she was just another woman and then he turned back to the blonde at his side.

Mavyn froze. Those pesky nerves returned full force. She studied his handsome face, his strong jawline, knowing there was a slight dimple in his left cheek when she made him laugh. Sadly, she hadn’t seen him or made him laugh in over four months.

“Come on, beautiful girl,” Grams urged at her side. She’d forgotten that the vivacious matron of the family hadn’t left her. “There he is. If my grandsons aren’t the most handsome men on the planet, then I don’t know my way around the kitchen.” Grams laughed to herself. “Lucky girl, you get to fight for the heart of the last single one.”

Mavyn stopped walking and shook her head. Ren hadn’t so much as glanced back her direction and seemed intent on his conversation. “I can’t do this, Grams. I’m sorry.”

Grams shook her head. “Oh, no, you don’t. I’ve got a sixth sense about these things. You and Ren are going to talk, you’re going to apologize, and you’re going to dance. You owe him at least that much.”

Mavyn took a steadying breath, wondering how Grams knew she’d injured her grandson and how the lady could be so forgiving yet so insistent. She let Grams drag her across the room, dodging various couples who were dancing without a care. No one seemed to notice that Mavyn was about to combust. The three beautiful brides glowed next to their handsome grooms and many people called greetings to Grams, but it was near impossible for Mavyn to focus on anyone but Ren. He filled up the room with his confident, impressive bearing. But there was humility and light in Ren that made him more appealing than his handsome face and strong build.

They finally reached him and the blonde he was talking to turned their way with a smile. “Hi, Grams.”

Ren’s entire body was coiled as if he was ready to rush into a fire at any moment. He focused on Mavyn and the power of those blue eyes made her sway on her heels. She’d stayed strong for four months and hadn’t allowed herself to track him down and beg him to forgive her and hold her again, but she had no idea how she was going to stay strong tonight. She couldn’t dance with him. If he touched her, she’d be a goner.

“Ashley,” Grams said. “The weddings are perfect. No one could’ve done this better than you.”

“Thank you, Grams.” Ashley blushed prettily and looked to Ren.

He smiled at her as well. “Grams is right. You rolled with every nightmare the weather threw at you and made this the perfect day for Iris, Hope, and Meredith. Thank you.”

The woman’s sweet smile grew. Mavyn grew increasingly sick inside. This innocent-looking, gorgeous lady was obviously the impressive wedding planner. She seemed like the perfect fit for someone like Ren. Mavyn was about to turn and run.

“Excuse us,” Grams said loudly, “but we need to steal Ren from you.”

“Oh? Okay.” Ashley waved to all of them and walked off. What kind of woman could walk away from Ren Chadwick? Hot shame licked at her. Mavyn had not only walked away—she’d ditched him and ran. She wanted to hang her head and beg for his forgiveness.

“Well.” Grams looked between the two of them. “I won’t give a big speech, but I’ll just say I can feel the sparks leaping between you two. Give this a chance and you might be as happy as me and my Henry were. Good luck.”

She shoved Mavyn. On her three-inch heels, Mavyn toppled forward and against Ren’s very solid, very inviting chest. His arms instinctively wrapped around her to steady her.

She should never have left these arms.

Grams cackled behind them. “Dang, I’m good. I’ll be here all week.” Then she scurried away.

Ren stared down at Mavyn and for the briefest moment,