Priceless(74)

Richard and Ben stood next to Mack and Tony, looking handsome in their tuxes, though Ben had a slightly wary expression, as if he were all too aware that his days as a bachelor were likely to be short-lived now that Mack was about to be married.

Only a brief ceremony stood between Beth and the future she’d never anticipated on that long-ago day in the hospital cafeteria when Mack Carlton had walked into her life. A ceremony and a honeymoon, she thought, her blood suddenly humming.

The honeymoon had required a major concession on her part. Because neither of them had wanted to delay getting married until after the official football season ended in January, the honeymoon was built around the team’s upcoming road trip, a week in San Francisco, followed by a week in St. Louis. Beth had bought a book on the finer points of football and ten scientific journals to read during the games.

The rest of the time she had other plans for Mack. It hardly mattered what city they were in. She didn’t intend to leave the hotel suite until an hour before game time.

She met Mack’s gaze and held back a smug grin. Something told her if she played her cards right, they might even miss the kickoff.