Sandy: Vested Interest #7

by Melanie Moreland

  “Yes.”

  “Excellent. I’ll look into it.”

  “Van looked very happy.”

  “I think he is. Liv suits him—and he adores her and Mouse.”

  “I agree.”

  Quiet stretched again for a moment. “Do you see that for us one day, Sandy?”

  I wasn’t surprised by the question. I had seen it lurking in his eyes all day.

  “I would like to think so. One day.”

  “In the not too distant future.”

  I patted his chest. “How about we see how it goes when I meet Gina and Warren tomorrow and the next little while settles for us? You might change your mind.”

  I gasped as he rolled, hovering over me. “Not a chance. I see the next phase of my life, Sandy. A new place. More traveling. Dancing. Time on the boat. All with you.”

  I traced my finger down his cheek.

  “My kids will like you. Given time, I think they will love you. They want me happy, and you do that for me. I have no worries about their acceptance of us.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  “I am. Tomorrow is going to be fine, and the next chapter in my life is going to be great. As long as you’re with me, it will be.” He pressed a kiss to my mouth. “So, are you? Are you with me, Sandy?”

  I met his warm green gaze. I could see it all. The next years unfolding, our lives entwining. It wouldn’t always be easy, but I knew with Jordan, it would be worth it. He was right. Everyone was right. I deserved to be happy.

  “I’m with you. I love you,” I whispered.

  A smile broke out on his face and he kissed me. It was a kiss of new beginnings, promises made, and a future that was bright. “Thank you.” He kissed me again. “I love you, my darling.”

  His words filled my chest with happiness. “Then let’s start living, Jordan.”

  He touched his forehead to mine.

  “I’m with you.”

  The next day, I waited at the house, nervous. I had been unsure about meeting Jordan’s children in the home he shared with his wife, but in the end, we agreed it was best to meet them where they would be comfortable. Jordan had gone to pick them up, and I stayed behind to prepare a light lunch. He had texted to say they would arrive soon.

  I laid out the sandwiches and switched on the coffee. It felt a little odd to be in his kitchen, but not uncomfortable. It looked very different with so many things gone. I didn’t feel as if I was intruding in Anna’s space, especially since Jordan had told me that he had used the kitchen more than she did. He enjoyed cooking more than Anna had.

  I heard the sound of the car arriving, the doors opening, and footsteps coming up the steps. I wiped my hands on my slacks and touched my hair, making sure it was in place. I wanted, at least, to make a good first impression.

  Jordan walked in, followed by Gina and Warren. Jordan smiled at me, setting down the suitcases and shrugging off his coat. He kissed my cheek, murmuring in my ear. “It’s fine, my darling. Relax.”

  Then he turned and made the introductions. “Gina and Warren, this is Sandy. Sandy, these are my children.”

  I smiled and held out my hand, hoping it wasn’t shaking. Gina looked like Anna, slender with light brown hair and brown eyes. Her expression was warm and open, and she ignored my hand and gave me a hug.

  “Lovely to meet you,” she said.

  Warren was cooler, his handshake firm as he nodded and stepped back. “Sandy.”

  I smiled, not surprised. Jordan had warned me Warren might be more reticent.

  “He took Anna’s death hard,” he explained to me. “He isn’t upset about me moving on, he’s just not…” His voice trailed off.

  “Thrilled,” I finished for him.

  He lifted one shoulder. “My son has trouble forming attachments. He was especially close to Anna. Give him a little time—he’ll warm up.”

  Warren stood beside Jordan, a younger version, with the same build and eye color. He wasn’t unfriendly, but I could sense his apprehension. There was nothing I could do to help him, except allow him to get to know me and come to terms with the relationship Jordan and I had. I had no plans on letting Jordan go. I only hoped Warren would warm to me.

  “I have a late lunch ready,” I offered. “You must be tired.”

  Gina wrapped her arm around mine as we walked to the kitchen. “Dad is going to take us and show us the condo later.”

  “It’s lovely. I think your father will be happy there.”

  She squeezed my arm, her voice low. “I think he’s happy now.”

  I laughed, liking her very much. There was a warmth to her that reminded me of Jordan. An openness in her expression and manner. I recalled Anna being more reserved, which meant Warren probably took after her. She was always kind and friendly, but she held herself back, unlike Jordan who seemed to encompass everyone around him with his friendliness. I would let Warren warm up in his own time.

  “I’m glad you think so,” I responded.

  “Warren will come around.”

  I side-eyed her, trying not to laugh at her wink.

  “My brother is a bit slower, but he’ll get there. I think you’re good for my dad. He’ll see that.”

  I reached for the coffee. “I hope so.”

  Lunch helped. Warren relaxed and asked me a lot of questions. He was fascinated with BAM and the work they did.

  “Dad always talks about them. They treat him very well.”

  “They treat everyone well.”

  “They’re huge in the land market. Real estate development. Their company is associated with excellence even out in Alberta.”

  I nodded. They had various dealings in other provinces, although Bentley preferred to stay close to home. “I am very proud to work for them.”

  “As am I,” Jordan offered.

  “And you look after all of them?” Warren asked.

  I laughed. “In a manner of speaking, yes.”

  Jordan spoke up. “Bentley often says Sandy is the glue that holds the place together.” He smiled at me indulgently. “I would have to agree.” He lowered his voice. “She looks after me very well.”

  Warren studied us wordlessly, then smiled, looking very much like Jordan. His voice was surprisingly light and teasing when he spoke.

  “Spoken like a man in love, Dad.”

  Jordan smiled so widely, his eyes crinkled. He reached over and squeezed my hand. “I suppose I am.”

  Warren laughed, taking a sip of his coffee. Gina winked at me, as if to say, “Told you so.”

  I was so flustered, I blushed. Jordan laughed and kissed my hand.

  I stood. “I should go and let you get at it.”

  I was surprised and shocked when both Warren and Gina shook their heads. “Stay,” Gina urged.

  “Many hands, light work, Dad always says,” Warren stated. “Besides, we want to get to know you.”

  And right then, I knew it would be okay.

  “I would love to.”

  Jordan smiled, his gaze taking us all in.

  “Perfect.”

  The following June

  Sandy

  The sun glinted, catching the light on the water outside the window. The day was lovely, warm, and perfect. I shut my eyes again and focused on the soothing sound of Chopin playing through the speakers. In the background, I heard the murmurings of happiness from my girls as they waited for me to finish. My stomach was full of butterflies—both nervous and excited.

  “Almost done,” Cami assured me.

  I laughed. “It’s fine. We have plenty of time.”

  Becca placed another glass of champagne on the table beside me. “We have another bottle, too.”

  I smiled. “It’s delicious.”

  Emmy laughed from her spot on the sofa. “Bentley sent it. Only the best for his Sandy.”

  Cami came around in front of me, tucking in a strand of my hair, patting another part.

  She spun my chair, so I faced the mirror. “I think we’re done.”
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br />   I gasped as I took in the elaborate style she had made with my hair. A beautiful French braid, intricately laced with deep green ribbons to match my sash, with glittering beads and glossy pearls tucked into the braid. Tiny speckles of glitter shone under the lights, highlighting the white of my hair. Perfectly placed tendrils touched my neck.

  I clasped her hand. “Cami, it’s perfect.”

  She beamed at me, suiting the pet name Aiden had given her of “his Sunshine.” When she smiled, it was as if the sunshine had emerged from behind a cloud, brightening everything around her.

  “I’m glad you like it.”

  All my girls gathered around me. I looked at their youthful beauty reflected in the mirror. Emmy’s unique bohemian looks, Cami’s striking coloring, Dee’s sedate prettiness—all different and all lovely. Becca was the girl next door, appealing and sweet. Liv was curvy and warm with her golden hair and lovely eyes. Katy had become another one of my girls, and she was a classic beauty with her dark hair and vivid blue eyes.

  And the best part, they were all equally as beautiful inside.

  Cami lifted her phone. “Group selfie!”

  We pressed close, and she snapped several pictures of us all.

  I lifted my glass. “To my girls. Thank you for being with me today.”

  They all lifted their glasses, sipped, and moved to the various sofas placed in the room. Standing, I reached into my bag and began handing them each a small box.

  “My gift to you. I know you are all sitting for the ceremony, but I consider you all my attendants.”

  I laughed at their eagerness to open their gifts. Each girl wore a shade of green—they ranged from a soft mint to a rich, warm forest—each suiting the wearer. Cami had designed all their dresses, and mine, and their husbands all wore ties to match. They would be in all the family photos, because the bottom line was—they were my family.

  Their squeals of delight made me smile. I’d given them each a necklace, designed for them, by the same woman who had designed my ring. The necklace was an infinity symbol and contained a diamond and an emerald to represent today and engraved with the date. The boys were each getting a set of cuff links from Jordan in the same design. It was our gift to them.

  There were hugs, some tears, and lots of laughs as I helped fasten the necklaces around their necks.

  “You are all so beautiful,” I said, holding my hands in front of me. “All my girls.”

  That prompted another round of hugs.

  Wiping her eyes, Cami clapped her hands. “Time to get you into your dress!”

  I slipped behind the screen, and Cami helped me step into the dress, fastening the hidden zipper, fluffing the skirt, and ensuring the sash was perfect.

  I stood and looked in the mirror, eyeing myself critically. Cami had done a wonderful job. My dress was a soft silver-gray lace, straight at the neck and ending at the knee. It was cinched in at the waist with a deep green sash that matched my pretty shoes. The back was a deep cowl, the lace shimmering as it gathered low off my shoulders, showing off my neck and the line of my spine. It was daring, sexy, and I felt like a million bucks in it. Jordan would love it. He told me often enough how much he loved my long legs. He also enjoyed kissing his way down my spine. The dress might drive him to distraction.

  I grinned at my reflection. Perfect.

  I stepped out, pleased at the girls’ reactions.

  “Oh Sandy!” Emmy clasped her hands at her chest. “That dress—Cami! It’s gorgeous!”

  “You’re beautiful,” Dee whispered.

  Liv grinned. “What a knockout.”

  “Reid is going to cry.”

  “So is Richard. He is such a sap at weddings.”

  Cami dabbed her eyes. “Jordan is going to drag you away and have his wicked way with you. I outdid myself.”

  There was a knock on the door, and I turned my head. “Come in.”

  Gina entered, carrying a box. She stopped when she saw me. “Oh, Sandy, you are stunning!”

  I twirled and she laughed. “My dad is gonna go crazy!”

  I smiled at the woman I considered both an adopted daughter and my friend. Jordan had been correct. We became friends the day we met, and our bond had only grown stronger. She was accepting and gracious about my relationship with Jordan, pleased to see her father happy. Warren had taken a while to warm up to me. He had been polite but cool when we met, but seeing me with his father, he had accepted me, and we’d grown closer They both called me Sandy, but I was Nan to Gina’s children.

  “You look beautiful yourself.”

  She wore a green dress as well, although hers was loose and flowy. No one had been more surprised than she was to discover she was pregnant a few months ago. Now at six months, she was well rounded. She was also exhausted and had begged off the earlier luncheon with the girls.

  She chuckled as she set down the flowers. “I feel fat.”

  She greeted the girls, exchanging hugs. I had already given her the necklace last night, and it sparkled at her throat.

  “You are pregnant, not fat. And you’re glowing.”

  She smiled, rubbing her hand along the swell of her stomach. “I’m in good company today.”

  I had to laugh. There were a few pregnant guests today. My boys and their families were all growing. I knew about Emmy, but I had noticed another guest only sipping at her champagne, not really drinking it. I didn’t say anything, knowing it was her news to share when she was ready.

  I sat down, reaching for my shoes. I held one up, admiring the touch of sparkle on the strap and toes. They were a deep green, matching the sash at my waist and the ribbons woven into my hair.

  I looked in the mirror, pleased with what I saw. I turned my head side to side, admiring the intricate braiding. I reached for my earrings, but Gina’s voice stopped me. “Dad asked me to give you this.”

  I turned, looking at the small box she offered me. I accepted it, unfolding the small note that was attached.

  The sky is blue, the venue borrowed,

  The day is perfect, and I am old.

  Now, in this box, if I may be so bold,

  Is your something new.

  I may suck at poetry,

  But I ask that you do

  Marry me today, my darling.

  Jordan.

  I opened the lid, smiling and crying at the same time. Jordan always made me laugh with his humor.

  Nestled in ivory satin was a set of lovely emerald earrings. Elegant and beautiful, they matched the design of my engagement ring. I hadn’t wanted a ring, thinking I was too old to be “engaged,” but Jordan had surprised me with this ring one day. A classic emerald cut stone, with smaller emeralds and diamonds on the band, it was exquisite. Our wedding bands echoed the design, and now I had earrings to match.

  I met the girls’ curious stares and showed the earrings to them.

  “They are lovely,” Gina enthused. “I always wondered, why emeralds?”

  “They remind me of your father’s eyes,” I admitted. “I never had a favorite stone before.”

  She threw her arms around me. “I am so glad he has you.”

  I hugged her back. “Thank you.”

  She pulled away, grinning. “I think your grandbaby is happy too.”

  I laughed, laying my hand on her stomach, feeling the pushing of a foot or a hand. I was excited about this baby—about all the babies. Jordan and I would be surrounded by little ones for years to come.

  There was another knock, and Colin came in, stopping when he saw me.

  “Nan,” he breathed out. “You are gorgeous.”

  “You clean up pretty well yourself.”

  “Everyone is here, the boys are in their places, the chaplain is ready, and Jordan is anxious.” He lifted one eyebrow. “What about you?”

  With a final glance in the mirror, I picked up my bouquet and the extra roses I had requested.

  “Ready.”

  The girls stood. “That’s our cue,” Emmy said. There was a f
lurry of hugs, kisses, and a few tears, then they left.

  Gina smiled. “I’ll see you at the altar.”

  She would stand beside me, and Warren would be beside Jordan. We were keeping that part simple.

  I turned to Colin. He grinned and tugged his sleeves, showing me his cuff links. “We all loved them.”

  “Good.”

  He stepped forward. “I want today to be perfect for you, Nan. I want you to be happy.”

  “I am,” I assured him. “And today has already been amazing. Now, I get to marry Jordan, so it will be perfect.”

  He kissed my cheek, then crooked his arm. “Let’s do this.”

  The music played softly, the small gathering in front of me all friends and people I considered family. We were getting married in a beautiful ballroom where we often danced on the weekends. Situated by the waterfront, it was romantic and beautiful, with huge crystal chandeliers that glittered and sparkled in the sunset. The wooden floor was polished to a high gloss and the walls draped in yards of gleaming satin. It was set up for the ceremony on one side, and after we were married, we had space for a catered dinner and dancing on the other end. It was elegant, simple, and everything we wanted for our day.

  Then I had a surprise for Jordan waiting.

  The aisle was wide, a thick runner under my feet, and strewn with flowers. There were seven rows of chairs and on the left-hand side of each row were the men I thought of as my sons.

  They had all wanted to give me away, even calling me into the boardroom to present their arguments.

  Bentley’s was short and succinct. “She was mine, first.”

  Maddox insisted he would be the best dressed for the occasion.

  Aiden had a PowerPoint ready, which mysteriously failed to work.

  Reid never got to give his thoughts since Aiden chased him out of the office, yelling that he’d been sabotaged. All Reid managed to get out was “She loves me best!”

  Richard sent a text.

  It should be me, just so you don’t have to choose between the BAM boys.