Heavenly Angel Read Online Free PDF Page A

her. Charity made her way up the steps, giving her a sneaky thumbs-up and a wink before she also turned to face the congregation. The volume of the processional increased slightly, and the wedding guests stood as Charity’s husband, Justin, led Grace in her gorgeous gown to the doorway.
    She glanced at Grace’s men, tears coming to her own eyes at the sight of the undisguised adoration on their faces. She was not surprised when Jack quickly reached up a hand to wipe away a stray tear. Grace was so beautiful she should bring tears to their eyes. Teresa wiped her own tears, watching Grace’s radiant face as she moved down the aisle on Justin’s arm.
    Teresa looked out on the congregation and caught the smile Angel directed to her. She smiled back and sent a prayer heavenward that someday she would have love like Grace had for her men and she would no longer let fear rule her life.
    After the ceremony, all the well-wishers crowded forward to congratulate Grace and Jack. Teresa was standing with Charity when she felt a warm hand slide around her waist. She knew immediately who it was.
    Leaning into her a little, Angel whispered, “Jack asked me to shoot video of the binding ceremony. May I give you a lift over to the mansion?” He took advantage of the opportunity to nuzzle her neck a little with his nose, and she heard him inhale. She didn’t realize she’d closed her eyes until she opened them and caught Grace and Charity grinning at her.
    “I—um. I don’t know. Grace, do you need me for anything? Should I go on over?” She wanted to kick herself. He was a man, she was a grown woman, and she had nothing to be ashamed of if they were attracted to each other.
    “It would be a good idea for everyone participating to get over there quickly, so the other guests don’t have to wait very long for us. Why don’t you go ahead with Angel?” Grace whispered to her.
    Teresa let Angel lead her by the hand back up the aisle of the church. Once outside, he turned to look at her as they walked. “Sorry if I embarrassed you back there. You’re gorgeous in your gown, and I couldn’t resist temptation. I like your hair like that.” He fingered a chunky ringlet that fell to her shoulder. Her hair was rolled and finger-styled then pinned up artfully on her head. She wore roses in her hair at the crown that matched the deep red roses of her bouquet.
    “You’re looking handsome yourself. Thank you for offering me a ride.” She smiled up at him.
    He drove them to the Victorian mansion and helped her carefully up the back stairs that led straight to the second story. The other specially invited guests arrived, and soon Grace and her men came up the stairs.
    Teresa allowed the tears to flow during this much more intimate ceremony, especially when Jack, Ethan, and Adam knelt in turn to pledge themselves to her and Ethan and Adam received the rings. Without drawing any attention to her, Angel pressed his clean white handkerchief into Teresa’s hand. She smiled at him gratefully and blotted her cheeks.
    Later, during the reception, Grace surprised Teresa with a live floral bouquet. “I wanted you to have this but knew you’d never do battle for it like some of these gals would.” Grace hugged her then turned Teresa in Angel’s direction and whispered, “Seize the day, baby!” She pushed her in Angel’s direction.
    Her responsibilities as a bridesmaid were finished, and Grace was releasing her to Angel, that much was clear. Angel smiled broadly when he saw her headed his way, her nose in the bouquet Grace gave her.
    “What have you got there, beautiful?” he asked, smirking.
    “Grace tells me I won the bouquet toss. Isn’t it lovely?” she replied.
    He dipped his nose to it and nodded, but his eyes stayed on her. “Let’s put it with your purse and my coat at the table, and then I’ll make good on those dance lessons.”
    He led her to the dimmest corner of the dance floor, and without making a big show of it, taught