For the first time in months, Avery Kane Deveraux put her work on hold and decided to take a much-needed day off. Shawn had been insistent, practically dragging her out of her office to attend a wedding menu tasting. He had been handling most of the wedding planning, but today he wanted her to be involved—and Avery hoped this would be a chance to reconnect.
The tasting was held at an upscale restaurant near their chosen venue, its interior an elegant blend of rustic charm and modern sophistication. A private table awaited them, adorned with sample platters of hors d’oeuvres, entrées, and desserts.
“You’ve been running yourself into the ground,” Shawn said as they settled in. “Today is about us. No emails, no calls, just food and wedding plans.”
Avery smiled, though the weight of her recent stress lingered in the back of her mind. “Thank you for making me do this,” she admitted. “I needed it more than I realized.”
“You’re welcome,” Shawn replied with a grin. “Now, let’s get started. I’m starving.”
As they sampled the dishes, Shawn leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. “I’ve been thinking about something for the wedding,” he said, his tone casual but carrying a hint of excitement.
Avery raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Should I be worried?”
“Not at all,” he said, reaching for her hand across the table. “I was thinking we could write our own vows, but with a twist. Instead of just promising things for the future, we each share one thing about the other that inspired us to fall in love in the first place.”
Avery’s breath hitched, her heart warming at the thought. But almost immediately, a wave of anxiety swept over her. She looked down at her plate, her fingers tightening around her fork.
“What’s wrong?” Shawn asked gently, noticing the change in her demeanor.
“It’s nothing,” Avery said quickly, but her voice betrayed her unease.
“Aves,” he said softly, tilting his head to catch her gaze. “Talk to me.”
She hesitated, then sighed. “It’s just… what if I can’t live up to everything you see in me? What if I fail—at being your wife, at balancing my career and our life together? I don’t want to let you down.”
Shawn’s face softened, and he squeezed her hand. “You could never let me down, Avery. I love you for who you are—not because you’re perfect, but because you’re you.”
Before Avery could respond, Janice arrived, having been invited by Shawn to join them as a surprise. She swept into the room with her usual flair, her eyes immediately zeroing in on Avery’s troubled expression.
“What’s going on here?” Janice asked, sliding into the seat beside Avery.
“Nothing,” Avery said, brushing it off.
“Nothing, my foot,” Janice said, crossing her arms. “I know that look. Spill.”
Avery sighed, glancing between Janice and Shawn. “We were talking about the wedding vows, and I guess I got in my head about it. I just… I want to live up to everything Shawn deserves, but I don’t know if I can.”
Janice let out a laugh, startling both of them. “Aves, you’re ridiculous.”
“Excuse me?” Avery said, frowning.
“You’re already everything Shawn deserves,” Janice said, her tone firm. “The guy’s head over heels for you. He wouldn’t be planning this wedding if he didn’t already think you were the perfect match for him. Stop doubting yourself and start believing in what you’ve built together.”
Avery looked at Shawn, who nodded in agreement. “She’s right, you know. You’re my person, Avery. Always.”
Avery’s chest tightened, but this time it wasn’t from anxiety. It was from the overwhelming love she felt for the people in her life.
“Thanks,” she said softly, glancing at Janice and then Shawn. “I guess I needed to hear that.”
“That’s what we’re here for,” Janice said with a wink, grabbing a fork and sampling a dessert. “Now, let’s focus on the important stuff—like making sure this chocolate mousse makes the cut.”
The mood lightened as the three of them laughed and debated over the menu options. Avery found herself relaxing, enjoying the moment with Shawn and Janice. For the first time in weeks, the weight of work felt manageable, and she allowed herself to look forward to the wedding.
“Okay,” Shawn said, tapping his fork against his glass. “Final vote: braised short ribs or herb-crusted salmon?”
“Short ribs,” Janice said immediately.
“Salmon,” Avery countered with a grin.
Shawn groaned, throwing his hands in the air. “Great. Now I’m stuck as the tie-breaker.”
They all laughed, the tension from earlier forgotten.
As they wrapped up the tasting, Avery’s phone buzzed on the table. She glanced at it, her heart skipping a beat when she saw the caller ID: Private Investigator.
She hesitated, not wanting to break the moment, but Shawn noticed her expression. “It’s work, isn’t it?”
“Sort of,” Avery admitted.
“Take it,” he said gently. “We’re almost done here, anyway.”
Avery nodded, stepping away from the table to answer the call.
“This is Avery,” she said, her voice steady.
“Ms. Deveraux,” the investigator said. “We’ve identified the source of the corporate sabotage. You’re not going to like it.”
Her heart sank. “Who is it?”
There was a pause on the other end before the investigator replied, his voice grim. “It’s someone on your board. I’ll send you the full report, but I suggest you tread carefully.”