Model Attraction (14 page)

Chapter 16

A
ustin turned onto the street where his parents lived, exhausted from a whirlwind trip to New York. This time he had only stayed two days, knowing he needed to be back in the office this morning at 6 a.m. Returning very late last night, he'd barely slept before his alarm clock started blaring. To say he was tired would be an understatement. It didn't help knowing Janna was planning to leave the country soon.

The closer it got to October 15, the more anxious Austin got. Janna wanted to get to Milan a few weeks early in order to get settled before the assignment started. Now that she was more excited about the idea of going to Milan and working with Phoenix, he was a wreck, and she hadn't even left the country yet.

Austin walked into his parents' home, feeling as if he'd been dragged through a minefield, his thoughts weighing him down. He had to get himself together. Distracted by his relationship issues, he wasn't on top of his game at work and those around him were noticing.

“Austin, is that you?” his father called from somewhere in the back of the house.

“Yeah, it's me.” He stuffed his keys into his pockets and headed to where his father's voice came from. He stopped short at the door to their home office. “What's going on? I got your voice message.”

“Come in, son,” his mother said, looking as if she hadn't slept in days. Fear gripped him immediately seeing her that way, his father hovering nearby.

“Is everything okay?” Austin slid one of the guest chairs from next to the desk over to the sofa where his parents were sitting. “What's happened?” Every horrible thought conceivable ran rampant through his mind. He couldn't take any more bad news. At work, they had lost a bid on a project that they'd thought for sure they'd won, and then one of their computer servers crashed.

“Now can you tell me what's going on?” his father asked Sheila and then turned his attention to Austin. “She's been acting strange for the last couple of days, claiming that there was something she needed to tell you.”

“What is it, Mom?”

She handed him a white, letter-sized envelope. He glanced at the information on the front of it. His breath hitched and a sudden tingling on the back of his neck sent his pulse raising.

The envelope, addressed to him, had their old Edison, New Jersey, address. But it was the sender's information that had his heartbeat galloping. Then he noticed the postmark.

Janna's letter.

A sick feeling churned in his gut when he turned the envelope over and saw it had been opened. He didn't speak. He didn't ask his parents the question that he already thought he knew the answer to. Instead, he pulled the letter out, and his hands shook slightly at the sight of a faded red lip print on the outside.

Janna. She used to always wear a tinted lip-gloss while they were dating, strawberry flavored. She must have kissed the letter after folding it.

Austin's chest tightened with emotion. He unfolded the letter and read:

Dear Austin,

By the time you get this letter I'll be in Milan. I know you're wondering why. It's a long story that I can't wait to tell you about.

Since you're on the cruise with your family, I couldn't reach you. Hope it was fun and I can't wait to hear about it.

I'm sorry I couldn't tell you about Milan before I made my decision. Everything happened so fast, but I have a modeling opportunity. It's exciting and scary at the same time. I had to leave immediately; otherwise I would have waited and talked to you first. I don't have a telephone number for where I'll be, but here is my new manager's number in New York. His name is Nelson. I'm not sure how long it'll take to get a telephone in Milan, but call him to reach me.

I don't have time to write all of the details about the modeling job, but when you call me, I'll tell you everything.

I love you so much. Please don't be disappointed in me. I know we have plans to marry in a few years. I can't wait to marry you, but I had to give modeling a shot in the meantime.

This might sound selfish, but can you come to Milan with me? I know you have already decided on a college, but maybe you can start here and finish in the US. I can send you the money for the move with my first check. Don't say no. Think about it.

I already miss you and I haven't even left yet. Please call me when you get this letter.

I love you,

Janna

Austin refolded the letter and stuffed it back into the envelope. He blew out the breath that he'd been holding while reading it.

“Where did this come from?” he finally asked his parents, his voice calmer than he felt.

“I had it,” his mother said, wiping her eyes.

Austin didn't know how long he sat there staring at her, anger quickly building.

“
You
had the letter?” he yelled, catching everyone off guard.

“Hey! Lower your tone, young man. You can be upset, but I won't have you raising your voice at your mother,” Patrick said.

“How could you? How could you not give me this? You knew how I felt about her! You knew better than anyone.” He leaped up, the letter in his hand.

“Sheila, why didn't you give him the letter?”

She dabbed at the tears that were rolling down her cheeks faster than she could catch them. Austin was having a hard time feeling sympathy for her. A mix of shock, hurt and anger rolled into one raged through his veins.

“I didn't find it right away. I'm not sure how long it was at the house in New Jersey, but I found it in a magazine about a month after Janna left.”

“And why didn't you give it to Austin when you found it?”

“At the time, I thought I was doing what was best for both of you.” Her teary eyes watched Austin. She cried harder and Austin hated to see his mother like this, but he couldn't believe she had done this to him. “When I saw that Janna wanted you to come to Milan with her... I had to intervene.”

“What?”

“Austin, honey, I absolutely adore Janna. Always have. But I couldn't let you both throw away your lives for a high school crush.”

“It was more than that!” Austin yelled but caught sight of his father's warning glare. He remained quiet until he could rein in his temper. “I loved Janna with everything in me. And yes, I probably would have given up my scholarships to be with her. Withholding this letter was not your call. You had no right.”

“I had every right,” she said through gritted teeth and stood slowly. “You are my son and at the time you were just a child.”

“I was old enough to make my own decisions.”

“You were still
my
child. Your father and I have always wanted what was best for you boys. You had a promising future ahead of you with multiple scholarships. I couldn't let you throw that away.”

“I can't believe it.” He paced the length of the room. Janna had been telling the truth about the letter.
God, all this time.
His mind flashed back to how he'd treated her when they ran into each other at the bakery...and then at the fundraiser.

He glanced at the envelope in his hand. She had loved him. She really did love him and she'd wanted to marry him.

Patrick walked over and laid his hand on Austin's shoulder. “There are times when good people make bad decisions.”

In his head, Austin knew that, but in his heart, he wasn't trying to hear it.

When his mother walked over, he said, “Thanks for finally giving me the letter. It clears up some things.”

“Honey, I'm so sorry. I hope that you can one day find it in your heart to forgive me.”

Austin accepted the hug she gave him, but he had to get out of there. He couldn't breathe.

“I have to go.” He headed to the door.

“Maybe you shouldn't leave like this.” His father caught up to him. “Where are you going?”

“I...I'm not sure. I just...” He stopped and turned to his father, knowing exactly what he had to do. “I'm going back to New York.”

Austin rushed home to throw a few things in a bag, including the velvet box that had been traveling back and forth with him over the past few weeks. He didn't pack much. All he wanted was to get to Janna. He caught the first flight out.

It was almost 10 p.m. when he arrived at her apartment. He dug out the keys that she'd given him, but before he could unlock the door, it swung open.

Janna gasped, her hand hovering over her chest. “You scared me. Austin, what are you doing here? I thought you were back in Atlanta.”

Austin noticed her luggage sitting just inside the door. “I forgot something.”

She tilted her head and frowned. “What'd you forget?”

“You. I forgot you.” He stepped to her and before she could utter a word, he braced her face between his hands and devoured her lips. There was no way he could continue living without seeing her on a regular basis. And there was no way in hell he was letting her leave him again.

He slowly lifted his head and stared into dazed eyes.

“Wow. That was nice.” Janna swiped her tongue across her upper lip.

He grinned and kissed her again before finally pulling away. He stepped into the apartment and nodded to the luggage.

“Where are you going? I thought you didn't leave for your shoot in Chicago for another couple of days.”

“That was the plan, but I forgot something, too.”

“What do you mean?”

“I was on my way to Atlanta. When you were here this weekend, I forgot to tell you that I can't live without you. If it means breaking my contract, giving up Milan and even modeling, I'm prepared to do that. I want the life I have always dreamed of...with you.”

* * *

A slow smile spread across Austin's mouth at her words and Janna couldn't stop the grin from covering her lips. She couldn't believe he was there and she'd finally said what she should have said months ago.

“Come with me.” Austin held her hand and led her to the living room. He didn't stop until they were in front of the windows.

She glanced out into the dark, lights bouncing off nearby buildings. Not knowing what she was supposed to be looking at, she turned back to Austin.

“What am I...” She stopped speaking and placed her hands over her mouth when Austin went down on one knee.

“I have loved you since you were sixteen and though I thought I would be doing this way before now—officially—I can't go another day without asking...will you marry me?”

Tears blurred her vision and she bobbed her head up and down like a bobblehead toy.

“Yes! Oh, yes, I will definitely marry you!” She lunged into his arms, almost toppling them both over.

Austin laughed and placed the gorgeous diamond on her finger. Standing, he said, “There's one condition.”

“Anything.”

“You have to marry me within the next three weeks.”

Janna's eyebrows creased with confusion. “I'd be willing to do it right now, but what happens in three weeks?”

“I want us to be married before we go to Milan.”

For a moment, she was too stunned to speak, afraid she hadn't heard him correctly.

“Wha—
We
?”

Austin chuckled and pulled her into his arms. “Yes, we.”

He told her about the letter and the conversation with his parents. Janna's heart hurt for his mother. She knew how close Sheila and Austin were and prayed that he could forgive her. Had Janna been in his mother's shoes, she might have done the same thing.

“Baby, I hate that so many situations kept us apart,” Austin said, caressing her cheek. “I need you to know that I love you more than I ever thought I could love another human being.”

“Oh, Austin, I love you, too, but are you sure you can go with me?”

“The first time you asked me to go with you ten years ago, the decision was taken out of my hands before I even knew about the invite. There is no way I'm going to pass up another opportunity. Besides, from now on, I'm going wherever my wife goes.”

Epilogue

Two and a half weeks later

J
anna giggled as Austin grabbed her hand and pulled her across the backyard to his workshop. They were getting married the next day and her sisters had insisted on keeping her and Austin apart the night before the ceremony. Supposedly it would make the wedding night that much more special. As far as Janna was concerned, every night with him was special.

Once she and Austin were safely inside, he locked the door and pulled her into his arms.

“That wasn't as hard as I thought it would be,” he murmured against her lips. “Your sisters have been guarding you like you're some type of princess or something.”

“Didn't I tell you? I am a princess.”

“Yeah, sure,” he mumbled against her neck. His soft kisses sent goose bumps traveling down her arms.

Squirming under his touch, Janna said, “Phoenix is considered the queen of the big screen. So as her daughter, that automatically makes me a princess.”

Austin slowly lifted his head and met Janna's gaze. She knew what he was thinking. She was claiming Phoenix as her mother.

“She'll never be my mama, but she is my mother. I can finally say that without bile rising up in my throat.” She chuckled and walked over to the sofa.

“Well, that's progress. I guess planning the wedding with her, you've had a chance to get to know her better.” Austin sat next to her and Janna's gaze zoned in on the small, beautifully wrapped box he set on the coffee table.

“Yeah, she's actually pretty cool. As a matter of fact, she reminds me of myself. Scary, huh?” They both laughed. “I'm dying to know what's in the box.”

“Something for you.”

She rubbed her hands together and then accepted the box from him. “You know I love surprises.” She quickly ripped off the paper and lifted the lid, surprised to see a set of keys.

“Hmm, what are these to?” she asked excitedly. She already had keys to his home.

“When thinking about a wedding gift for my future wife, I had the hardest time finding something for the person who has everything.”

“Austin, you didn't have to get me anything. Marrying you is all I need.”

“You might think differently when I tell you what those keys are to.”

“Okay, tell me!”

“Those will open the doors to your first Precious Home building for kids who have aged out of foster care.” He handed her a portfolio of photos. “I'm thinking we can turn the space into a homelike environment, where each youth will have their own bedroom and bath suite.”

“Oh, Austin.” She sat stunned as she went through the portfolio, looking at pictures of the empty building, as well as the area around the home. The three-story brick mansion was perfect for what she had in mind for the nonprofit.

“Once we're done with the renovations, the space will include a large eat-in kitchen and a TV room. Oh, and it's located in Edison. I know you said you wanted to start with three buildings, one there, one in New York and one in Atlanta. Well, you can scratch one off your list.”

“This is...this is too much.”

“Nothing is too much for my future wife.”

She glanced up and the love she saw brimming in his eyes almost made her cry. There were days when she still couldn't believe she was marrying the only man she'd ever loved.

“I can hardly wait to be your wife.”

* * *

The next day, Janna stood in the full-length mirror, awed by the beauty of her custom-made wedding gown. Sure, she had modeled hundreds of dresses in her lifetime, but as far as she was concerned, none were exquisite as hers. The bodice, adorned with Swarovski crystals, had an empire waist that flared out into a full, heavily beaded lace skirt.

Butterflies fluttered around in her stomach. She still couldn't believe she was marrying Austin. When Phoenix had insisted on helping with the preparations, she had told her that she didn't need a big wedding and a gorgeous gown to marry Austin. Had he been interested, she would have been just as happy marrying him in jeans and a T-shirt in Vegas. He wasn't having that. They'd both agreed that neither of them wanted anything huge, but Austin insisted that she get the wedding she'd dreamed about as a teen.

Janna turned from the mirror, smiling at how quickly they'd been able to pull their wedding together. Their mothers and her sisters were determined to make this a special day for her and Austin. As an A-list actress, Phoenix had a long reach when it came to everything from caterers to entertainment. Janna was still a little hesitant about letting her get too close, but Phoenix had proven that she wasn't trying to replace Mama Adel. She just wanted to have Janna in her life in any capacity that Janna was willing to allow.

The wedding was being held in Nash and Iris's backyard. Their new home was perfect since it offered the seclusion Janna wanted. But even with tons of security, the paparazzi were still hanging out by the front gates in hopes of getting photos of the festivities.

“Okay, it's time.” Macy rushed into the guest room that Janna was using, followed by Iris, Tania and Mama Adel. Her sisters and niece looked perfect in their slate-gray bridesmaid dresses.

“Sweetheart, you look absolutely stunning,” her mother said, gripping Janna's hands, her smile as warm as usual. “I would say that I hope Austin knows what he's getting, but I have a feeling he does. Though I regret not taking your feelings for him more seriously years ago, I know that God's timing is always best. He brought you two back together once you both had accomplished your individual goals, and I know your union will be all the more blessed.”

Tears pricked the backs of Janna's eyes as she struggled to keep them at bay. She had always thought that her mother was one of the wisest people she'd ever known.

“Thank you, Mama, for loving me and supporting my dreams. Though I'm not saying that our love wouldn't have eventually gotten Austin and me to this point, you might be right about one thing. I know that by us going our separate ways and pursuing our dreams, we're able to bring so much more to our marriage.” She accepted the hug from her mother and whispered in her ear, “Thank you for your unconditional love.”

Mama Adel gave her a squeeze before releasing her. “I can't believe my baby is getting married,” she sobbed.

“Aw, Mama, don't start,” Macy said, wrapping her arm around their mother's shoulders. “You're going to have Janna crying and then—”

“Too late,” Iris said as she snatched up some tissue and started dabbing at Janna's eyes, careful not to ruin her makeup. “I knew I shouldn't have let her come in here.”

Janna laughed through her tears as Iris fussed over her.

“Come on, Grandma,” Tania said, “let's go and find your seat.”

“Okay, it's time.” Phoenix hurried into the room, followed by Patrick Reynolds, who was walking Janna down the aisle. “You look absolutely gorgeous,” Phoenix said.

“Thank you.” Janna accepted a hug from her. “And thank you for everything you've done to make this happen in such a short amount of time.”

“It was the least I could do. Thank you for letting me be a part of your special day. It means everything to me.” Phoenix squeezed her hand, looking as if she were going to start crying.

“Okay, let's get this show on the road.” Macy gently moved Phoenix away, knowing that tears were about to start again.

“Are you ready, sweetheart?” Mr. Reynolds asked.

“Yes.” Janna looped her arm through his, feeling a little giddy that she was about to get the father she had always yearned for. “Thank you for walking me down the aisle.”

“The pleasure is all mine.” He placed a kiss on her cheek and guided her out of the room.

* * *

Austin glanced around the enormous backyard, taking in all of the decor and flowers. Everything had turned out even better than he expected. He and Janna hadn't given their families much notice, but they'd pulled everything together in record time. And while they planned the wedding, he took care of things at his office. He would remain CFO of Reynolds Development, but most of his work would be done remotely with the help of his financial team.

Austin shook a few of their guests' hands as he made his way down the makeshift aisle. Even though he and Janna had both agreed that they only wanted immediate family and close friends in attendance, they'd had a hard time keeping the guest list to a hundred people. They would have a big reception and invite everyone they knew after they returned from Milan, to celebrate their first anniversary.

He stopped at the front row of chairs, where his mother was sitting.

“Hey, Mom.” Austin sat in his father's seat for a moment. “How's it going?”

“Everything is incredible. I can't believe how quickly they were able to transform the yard.” She looked up and patted his cheek. “Are you ready for your big day?”

“Definitely.” He grinned, still pinching himself that this was really happening. A few days after he'd proposed to Janna, he and his mother had made amends. He might have been hurt by her actions, but he understood why she'd felt she had to withhold the letter. He also realized later that seeing the letter gave him the push needed to do what he should have done sooner—ask Janna to marry him.

His mother squeezed his hand. “I am so happy for you and Janna. I wish you both many, many wonderful years together.”

“Thanks, Mom. Thanks for everything.” He kissed her on the cheek. “I love you.”

“I love you, too, son. And feel free to start working on my grandkids right away.”

Austin laughed and stood. “I'll keep that in mind.”

“All right, you ready to do this, man?” Malcolm, his best man, clapped him on the shoulder.

“More than ready.”

They walked up to the wedding arbor and got in place.

“It's showtime,” his brother said next to him.

As soon as the music started, the wedding party marched in. Of course the kids stole the show. Macy and Derek's son, Jason, pulled a decorated white wagon down the aisle. In the wagon were his one-year-old sister, Amber, who was the flower girl, and Iris and Nash's twin boys, Stephen and Trevon, the ring bearers. Before Austin knew it, it was time for Janna's entry.

Despite Mama Adel's objection, Janna had chosen the song “I'll Always Love You” by Taylor Dayne instead of the wedding march as her processional.

Austin readied himself when the music started, but nothing could prepare him for the vision of loveliness who stepped out of the house. Words could not describe the emotions welling up inside him at the sight of her.

“You all right, bro?” Malcolm nudged him, humor in his voice. “I'll brace myself to catch you just in case you faint.”

Austin shook his head and smiled. Not even Malcolm could rattle him today. It felt as if he had waited a lifetime for this moment, and he couldn't wait to make Janna his wife. Happy that the ceremony would be short and sweet, he was looking forward to getting her alone and out of that dress.

Fifteen minutes later, the minister said, “You may now kiss the bride.”

Austin stepped forward and cupped her face within his hands, staring into her eyes. When he lowered his head and touched her lips with his, it was as if he had come home. Their life had come full circle and she was finally his. He kissed with everything in him and she matched him stroke for stroke. He was so caught up in the moment, he would have forgotten they had an audience until cheers and whistles went up around them.

He lifted his head and smiled at his beautiful wife. “I will always love you.”

“And I'll always love you.”

* * * * *

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