Love Takes Time Read Online Free

her shoulders. “Nonsense.” He looked her over again. “It just so happens that I require a date for this evening. How fast can you change clothes?”
    Hope bloomed in Alyssa’s heart. “But Daddy said—”
    â€œI’ll have a talk with Alfred. I’m sure I can get him to change his mind.”
    â€œDo you really think so?”
    Sterling’s chest swelled with confidence. “I’m a pretty persuasive guy. It’s served me well in business.”
    â€œYeah, but—”
    â€œTrust me.”
    He winked and again Alyssa was charmed by his uncharacteristic playful side. “Okay,” she said backing away. “I’ll go change.” She turned and raced off to her room. The only dress she had in her closet suitable for a wedding was the frilly number her father bought her for Easter. She frowned at the excessive lace, but quickly showered and shimmied into the dress in what had to be an Olympic record.
    A couple of brush strokes through her hair, a ribbon and she was out the door. As she rushed to grab one of the white, wooden lawn chairs she took in the final staging for the ceremony and felt as if she had been cast into a glorious dream. White and pink flowers were strewn as far as the eye could see while a live orchestra played as if they were introducing her to the crowd.
    No sooner had she found a seat on the groom’s side, than someone handed her a folded letter. She suspected it was from her father before she even opened it.
    And she was right.
    Â 
    Be on your best behavior.
    â€”Dad
    Â 
    Alyssa smiled and folded the letter. Sterling had pulled off a miracle and she would be eternally grateful.
    A handsome Jonas took his place before the preacher, looking happy and nervous. The processional music started up and everyone turned in their seats in time to see the first bridesmaid and groomsman march down the aisle.
    Of course, Alyssa’s heart didn’t start pounding until Quentin appeared, escorting a blushing Maria. Alyssa pretended not to notice the subtle signs of the beautiful Latina flirting with her future husband. Q spotted Alyssa in the crowd and winked.
    In that moment, if she had died, she would have left this world the happiest girl alive.
    I will marry you one day, Quentin Dwayne Hinton. I will.
    Sterling was the next Hinton to walk down the aisle. When he, too, spotted her in her silly Easter dress, he smiled and gave her the thumbs-up. She smiled and mouthed the words thank you.
    The wedding march began and everyone rose to their feet when the bride marched down the aisle on the arm of her friend Isaiah Washington. She was six months pregnant and glowed like the sun. When everyone returned to their seats, they all waited in anticipation for the “I do’s.”
    This time, neither the bride nor groom stopped the wedding. Precisely twenty minutes later, the minister introduced Mr. and Mrs. Hinton to the wedding guests.
    The fairy-tale wedding wasn’t over for Alyssa. To her surprise, Q offered his arm for her first dance. Being in his arms was like a dream come true and it took everything she had not to make a fool of herself.
    â€œAh, I still stand by my earlier assessment,” he said. “One day, you will break men’s hearts. I just pray I won’t be one of them.”
    She was sure her entire body turned beet-red and it was a wonder that she didn’t trip all over his feet.
    However, when the song ended, Quentin disappeared to sweep another woman off her feet.
    â€œMay I?” Sterling asked.
    â€œYes, you may.” Alyssa glided into his arms and soon discovered he was as good a dancer as his younger brother. “Thank you for talking my dad into letting me attend.”
    â€œOh, think nothing of it. What else are friends for?”
    She smiled, feeling for the first time that she was his friend and not just some servant’s daughter. Alas the dance ended too quickly and Sterling