by Fiona Murphy
“Yes, Alex.” I don’t argue. He slaps my ass as I turn to walk away. The sting feels delicious and Alex is smiling broadly when he walks me back to Marley. His instructions are clear, whatever it takes, the cost isn’t a concern. I’m annoyed he hands his card to Marley instead of me.
Marley is so excited it’s hard not to be, too, even though I’ve always hated shopping for clothes. The first dress place doesn’t have anything even slightly appealing. With the short time limit we have the owner suggests a particular shop and once there, I’m in heaven. It’s a store for plus size and the gowns are of all kinds, not just wedding dresses. Still, there are several dresses that would make excellent wedding dresses. I’ve never been a fussy person and when I find it, I’m in love. I hope Alex will forgive me for it not being the typical dress. It’s the color of blush, with my light complexion, it suits me. The dress is a corset type, there is a champagne silver lace top to it with a large ruffled skirt. Shockingly, it fits perfectly, and then I hear the shop assistant murmuring. Oscar de la Renta, no fucking way is all I can think.
Marley laughs, “No way, Grace, don’t even think of it. It’s gorgeous and you look beautiful in it. This is why Alex gave me the card and not you. Go get changed, we have to go find someone willing to make a cake in only four days.”
When the assistant is ringing us up, she shares her sister is a brand new cake maker and would love to have the chance to make a cake for Marley’s family. It’s how the woman put it, Marley’s family, not me, makes it clear their family is very well-known in Palm Beach. Feeling my stomach twist at what it means, I follow Marley into the cake shop. The woman had apparently gotten a warning because she is waiting with samples and books. Her excitement is clear, and before long Marley and I have sampled some wonderful cake and picked my favorite of vanilla bean on the bottom with passion fruit on top. The icing is a lightly sweet vanilla buttercream, the pattern is quilted around with pretty tea roses on top. The woman promises to deliver it herself on the morning of the wedding.
I’m begging to be let out of the car and go back to hospital and Marley finally gives in. The florist will be tomorrow. Why would I need a florist is the thought swirling in my mind, but I let it go when I see Alex.
Marley reports the dress has been picked and is in her car and Alex will love it. Alex only nods before he drags me out of the hospital. He seems so light and happy.
“I love you, I’m not going to lie. I fell in love with you before I knew everything I was getting, and now I know I have perfect instincts. My father told me what you said. He also apologized and told me he was proud of my choice in you. The will wasn’t nearly as painful as I thought it would be. It’s pretty straightforward, the money is going into another family trust and payouts are even on a monthly basis to everyone, including Priscilla. He won’t payout anything to his ex-wives, I tried, but he refused to budge on it. You have made many people happy today, sweetheart.”
Resting my head against the window, my attention is only on him. “I’m glad, but the only person I wanted to make happy was you.”
“I know, and I appreciate what you said and did. My father wouldn’t have done it without the promise of being cut off entirely. I’m proud of you for seeing it and calling him on it. Not enough people in his world have called him on his bullshit. While I doubt he’ll completely change, I think his very real brush with death and seeing how it could all play out might be the nudge he needs.”
Alex’s happiness as we fill out the paperwork for the license is so evident I’m full of joy.
Chapter Twelve
The next day, Alex goes to the hospital without me. I’m content knowing his father will behave from now on. Finishing breakfast, Marley is insistent about going to the florist. I’m almost back to the room I’ve been sharing with Alex to retrieve my purse when Priscilla stops me. I hadn’t realized she’d followed me from the dining room.
“You know you aren’t good enough for this family, don’t you? Alex might marry you but he’ll end up just as miserable with you as he was with his ex-wife. You can wipe that smug look off of your fat face.”
Her vicious words stun me, for a moment I can only stare at her in shock. Then I meet her eyes and the pain is evident. “Priscilla, I’m sorry you believe you’re in love with Alex, but I love him and he loves me. Nothing you say or do is going to change that or prevent us from getting married. I hope someday you’ll realize what you feel is hero worship of a very good man and let it go so you can find someone and be happy.”
Now, she’s the one who’s shocked. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. I hate you and I hope you choke to death and die!” The words are shrill as she turns and runs down the hall.
I run my hands through my hair, her words linger. I’m sad for the poor girl. There had been a way she watched Alex this morning I wondered about, and now she had confirmed my thoughts. I’m not surprised, although I think it will end her crush sooner if Alex talks to her, I can’t imagine how mortifying it would be for Priscilla. It also wouldn’t be easy for Alex, either. With a shrug, I let the words roll off. Finally, after months of doubting and questioning, it had been those ugly words which had made it all come home and click. Alex loves me, it doesn’t matter I’m not a size six and not as beautiful as what he could ever have. He wants me, and I know he loves me completely. Whether Priscilla knows it or not, she just made my every doubt disappear.
As we’re driving back to the house after a painfully long session with the florist, I ask her about Priscilla.
“Damn, she went after you?”
“So, it’s well known she thinks she’s in love with Alex?”
“Kind of, Martha and I figured it out a few years ago. Alex has no idea though, if you want, I can have Martha talk to her. She likes Martha most out of everyone. Don’t let her get to you, Priscilla enjoys being miserable. If it wasn’t Alex it would be some other guy she couldn’t have. Lorraine didn’t pay enough attention to her, she was always too busy trying to make Dad happy. Priscilla was often pushed to the side in favor of Milo and Mary, once Lorraine had them.”
“That sounds sad.”
“Yeah, yeah, poor little rich girl. We’ve all had to deal with being ignored by one or both of our parents for huge chunks of time. Priscilla miserable is her version of happy. I’ll have Martha talk to her and tell her to behave herself.”
“Thanks, Marley.”
“No worries, after all you’ve done for our family this is nothing.”
The next morning, I wake up to find Priscilla and Lorraine have left and gone home to New York. Alex is surprised but shrugs. I say nothing, I’m just relieved.
The next few days fly by. All of his brothers and sisters are extremely welcoming and before I know it, they are asking me for advice like they do with Alex. It’s a little overwhelming, but it feels good to know I’m now apparently a part of this mixed and loud clan. Everyone is excited about the wedding, and the night before, it feels like a party. There is a sense of relief as only hours after the ceremony Alex’s father will be going into surgery. Tomorrow won’t quite be a celebratory mood as a normal wedding; there is still the slightest fear among the family the surgery will go smoothly.
I’m a little nervous when the day comes. I haven’t been back to the hospital or talked to Alex’s father since I gave him the ultimatum. Alex doesn’t talk about the visits and I don’t ask. All I need to know is he seems lighter with every passing day. I don’t know if it’s because of the ceremony or his father and I don’t care.
Alex had laughed off Marley’s attempts at separating us last night. I only shook my head and followed Alex into the bedroom. I can’t take my eyes off him as he gets out of bed and goes into the bathroom.
There is a pounding on the door and Marley opens it. “Come on, Grace, put the robe on and let’s go. Alex, she’ll see you at the hospital in an hour and a half.”
Marley tosses the robe at me, and I look at Alex. He just laughs. I shrug, put on the robe a
nd follow Marley from the room with a sigh.
The next hour feels like torture as I’m buffed to a fine shine and my hair is nearly pulled out by the roots by Marley and Mary. Martha and Mina only look on with grins as they chatter about me and keep up a running commentary. Then, I’m finally stuffed into the dress. When Marley pushes me in front of the mirror with a look of triumph, I gasp. Holy shit, I’m gorgeous. The thought is there without the slightest bit of ego, Marley and Mary know their stuff. My hair is pulled back and jeweled pins are used to hold it in. I have absolutely no doubt they are all real. The makeup had been light so I’m surprised my skin looks flawless. My eyes look bigger and brighter and my lips are lined perfectly with just the faintest color.
I’m so glad I didn’t get out of buying this dress, because it looks amazing on me. Even though it hadn’t been in a bridal salon with all the other things, it looks like a perfect wedding dress.
Mary is so happy she’s actually clapping, Mina and Martha clap too. “Oh, Marley, she looks perfect. Do you think Alex will cry?”
“No way, he’s not going to cry, but I do think I’ll get the trip to Venice I’ve been hinting at for my birthday.” Marley says smugly.
Their chatter has me smiling. We make it to the hospital in record time, Marley can’t wait for Alex’s reaction. The chapel is tucked away in a corner of the floor. Even though I’ve never seen it, I’m pretty sure it’s had a complete transformation. I remember the florist taking careful note as I had talked about my favorite flowers being tea roses. The room looks like it has exploded in tea roses in every color. Although the lighting is dim, there are candles along the wall. Alex’s father is in a wheelchair beside him. When he sees me, his smile is smug. My eyes come off him when I feel Alex’s eyes on me.
There weren’t any tears, but I’m sure Marley will be in Venice on her birthday this year. Even though it’s a small chapel, a local judge is marrying us and the ceremony is over quickly. The kiss feels like it lasts longer than the ceremony. When Alex finally lets me go, I’m bright with happiness. His family rushes forward and everyone hugs me. In a small corner, the cake is set up and a photographer I hadn’t even noticed is waiting to take pictures. After what feels like forever, but I’m sure is only twenty minutes, Alex and I are enjoying the cake and the chatter.
It isn’t long, however, before it’s time for Alex’s father to be prepped for his surgery in an hour. He had been a silent witness, rarely saying anything. When he’s being wheeled away, he smiles at me. Alex comes back and tells me his father wants to see me.
He’s back in his bed, in the bright light of his room he looks tired. I don’t say anything, waiting for him. With a look of sly knowing, he shakes his head. “Alex picked out a woman fitting for him. I told him what you said and he laughed and said you were right.”
I only smile, his taunt of telling Alex didn’t bother me in the slightest, I was sure he would. “Of course, because god forbid you change because you realized you made a mistake. No, only the threat of Alex lost to you was going to bring about your turnaround.”
His laughter is loud, “And you said Alex was intelligent. I can’t wait to see the grandchildren you two will give me.”
“Well, you’re going to have to take better care of yourself because it will be at least two years and not a day sooner. I want some more time to enjoy my husband before the bed gets crowded with children on a Sunday morning.”
“Thank you for giving me my son back, Grace.”
“Andrew, you always had your son. I just made it so that you both knew it. I’ll see you in a few hours.”
Two weeks later
A slap lands on my ass and I moan, “Up, baby if we don’t leave soon, we’ll be back in Chicago late and your inner clock will be all messed up for work on Monday.”
“Alex, I thought the whole point in having your own plane means you leave on your schedule. Come back to bed.” His eyes darken as I pull off the sheet. His father had made his jet available for Alex’s exclusive use for the honeymoon. I don’t want to leave. The last week has been a perfect dream. We’re on a private island in Greece, and per Alex’s orders, there had been very little clothing. We are now both lightly sun-kissed. He looks gorgeous all tanned. I want to taste his chest again.
“Damn it, Grace.” They’re his last words for another few hours.
Alex has finally managed to get us on the plane, and after a short late lunch, we’re cuddling on the bed. My hand keeps straying under his shirt, he catches it and holds it. “Grace, I’ve been thinking.”
“Okay.” I’m drowsy.
“I want you to stay on at the company, but if you don’t want to, if it’s not going to make you happy, then you can quit.” He’s tense beneath me.
“I’m not going anywhere. What makes me happy is being with you. I can see now it was a knee-jerk reaction that just kept going.”
“But what about wanting to carve out your own little piece for yourself?”
“That was the Grace who didn’t realize I already have my own little piece of heaven, with you. Work and accomplishments will never replace the hours and time we have together. I love you and I love the company and I’ll stay. Well, for the next few years. Once we have kids I’m going to turn into one of the boring stay at home helicopter moms.”
“I’m not going to lie and say I’m not relieved you won’t be leaving. The best part of my day is seeing you in the office. As for a boring helicopter mom, not going to happen. You could never be boring and hovering, we’re going to have too many to hover over all of them all the time.”
“Hmm, how many are we going to have?”
“I think six sounds like a good number.”
“Six?” I swallow wrong and start coughing.
“Grace, I come from a big family. I loved it growing up. I want to give our kids that.”
“Fine, like I’m really going to object, as I’m going to love working on getting pregnant every time.”
“Always a silver lining.”
“My silver lining is you.”
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Next page is the blurb for my newest coming March 2018
His on Demand
To achieve my goals, I’ll do anything, even put up with an asshole like Leandros Kaplan. Four years, five tops and I’ll have enough money saved to fulfill my dreams of writing full time. I know lying to him to get the job is crazy and stupid. It’s as crazy and stupid as the requirement for his new assistant to be married. I’m not married, and I’m not like his past assistants, the ones who dropped sexual innuendo daily and then would hand him their underwear when he asked for reports. I’m a freaking virgin at thirty-one.
I swear I never thought I would fall for him, it doesn’t matter that he’s a gorgeous Greek god billionaire, he’s also a jerk who takes pride in being ruthless and cold-blooded. He’s so out of my league we don’t even play the same game. He’s into dating double zero models. There’s no way he would ever be interested in a plus size like me.
When he finds out I lied I’m not surprised he wants his pound of flesh, I’m surprised he wants it in the form of my flesh, naked for him. The retribution he demands is me, whenever, however, he wants my body. I’ll give it to him, everything he demands. He doesn’t want my heart or tears,
only I can’t stop giving him both, and it’s slowly tearing me apart. Can he ever forgive me for lying or will that one lie be the end of us?
His Under Contract
Holly
As a kid with a Marine for a father, and a doormat stay-at-home mother, I didn’t have huge aspirations for my future. Maybe a teacher—working with kids, and then enjoying a summer break. However, I didn’t think I would end up a housekeeper scrubbing floors. It doesn’t matter if the floors are in a million-plus dollar condo, in one of Chicago’s most exclusive addresses. I’m still on my hands and knees for one of the most obnoxious assholes I’ve ever met. The jerk believes his own press as one of the biggest rainmakers in Chicago. A lawyer specializing in business and sports contracts, Ethan Bishop is sought after in the boardroom and the bedroom. While even his sister thinks he’s best taken in small doses, she offers me a job I can’t refuse, not if I don’t want to go back to my parents with my tail between my legs. I need this job, and it’s not like it’s forever, just until I’m not on the edge of poverty. Let him be the unrepentant manwhore who didn’t do repeats. It’s better for him not to be at home, so close that my stupid body goes nuts when I even think of him. It’s better this way, because he could never want me. I’m a plus size not a size two model he’s used to having. I’m safe, it doesn’t matter how badly I want him, he doesn’t want me. Does he?
Ethan
In my world, the stakes are high, million dollar high, so no, I’m not nice. I don’t say please or thank you and I never apologize. If you have a problem with that, it’s your problem not mine. I didn’t make partner at one of the biggest law firms in Chicago at only thirty-two with my winning personality. I’m on top because I make money for my clients, whether it’s a high stakes takeover, or a player getting paid every dime he’s worth. My clients come out on top. I have worked hard for the life I have, the million-dollar condo, the Ferrari in the garage, and the hottest woman on my arm and in my bed. So, if my bitch of a new housekeeper wants to look down on me, like I give a fuck. My one weakness, my little sister parked me with a housekeeper who is far from perfect. Okay, she has the cooking and the cleaning down. But damn, does she have an attitude and a mouth on her that smiles even when she’s insulting me. It’s a good thing she isn’t my type, or I would make her pay the best way possible. At least, I’m trying to tell my cock she’s not my type, only the asshole has had his own idea since he saw her. It won’t last long though, it never wants any woman for long. When she offers herself to me, it’s with a contract where I hold all the control, all I have to do is sign.