Harper's Fortune

by F. C. Clark

  ‘Let’s go back inside… You’re soaking. I would rather you be a different kind of wet, and remain healthy.’ He smirks.

  ‘Oi – what am I going to do with you?’ I run my hands through his wet hair and kiss him. I have never felt such love for him as I do tonight.

  We run back to the house, battling against the rain.

  Luke takes my hand, walks me towards the fire, and begins to remove my wet clothes. I watch him as he slips his T-shirt over his head and slides his jogging trousers down his strong thighs.

  ‘Luke Sutton, commando!’

  ‘Easy access.’ His best Sutton smile appears.

  ‘I can see that.’

  He pushes my wet hair back from my face, and draws me close.

  ‘I will never let you go… You need to hang on for the ride of your life.’

  ‘Back at you.’ My eyes lock with his. I know the ride will challenge us both.

  Luke guides me to the rug and places himself between my legs. His lips gently skim my stomach and move up towards my breasts. His tongue circles my nipples.

  ‘I could do this all night.’ He says sharing his lips between each breast.

  ‘You can, every night.’ I draw my lips inwards as my body begins to respond to his simple, yet effective technique.

  I open my eyes. ‘Luke, promise you’ll never stop this.’ He moves to my face. ‘I mean, needing me.’ I run my hands through his damp hair, drawing him closer.

  ‘I will always need you – you’re going to be my wife.’ His hand slides between my thighs as his fingers dip inside my sex. My breathing hitches. He grips my leg, allowing himself more space. ‘You have every part of me, Kate. I have never been this exposed to anyone.’

  Oh God. A single tear rolls down my cheek. His dark eyes gleam with happiness, and we both understand our lives from this moment will never be the same. Mr and Mrs Sutton.

  Afterwards, we lie in front of the fire, wrapped in each other’s arms, the duvet keeping us warm.

  ‘I can’t believe you’ve asked me to marry you.’ I roll onto my stomach and look at my ring, touching and twisting it with my fingers. ‘Did you ask my dad?’

  Luke props himself up on his elbow.

  ‘A while ago.’

  ‘A while ago! How long have you been planning this?’

  ‘I ordered your car a few months ago. Once I got the number plate, tonight seemed the perfect time to ask you, and the rain just added to the scene. Though waiting for your car to arrive was pissing me off.’

  ‘Romantic at heart! I never saw this coming… I mean, I couldn’t imagine life without you, but this…’ I look at my ring and hold it up, the light from the fire gleams across the stone. ‘It’s beautiful.’

  He takes my hand and kisses my finger.

  ‘It’s a perfect fit. This means we’re forever, Kate.’

  I believe his words.

  I laugh. ‘Do you know what you’ve let yourself in for?’

  ‘Our lives will be challenging, I know that, Kate Harper… Or should I say Kate Sutton?’

  I giggle.

  ‘That sounds odd. Can I suggest something? I know I’m a bit ahead of myself.’

  ‘Of course.’ He gently sweeps the damp hair from my face.

  ‘Venice… Can we get married in Venice? Something small, just us, with our families and friends?’

  ‘Where it began.’

  In the morning, I stir to find Luke watching me. My stomach somersaults, remembering last night and the proposal.

  ‘Good morning, husband-to-be.’

  ‘Hello, my beautiful wife-to-be… Did you sleep well?’

  ‘No nightmares.’ My arms stretch high above my head. ‘Let’s stay here forever.’

  ‘We can come here every weekend, but I would like to get some more furniture, although this has been fun.’

  ‘It has. Back to basics, no fuss or frills.’ I roll to my side. ‘I do have a lot of ideas.’

  ‘Good – decorating and a wedding to plan… you’ll be very busy, Kate Harper – or should I say Kate Sutton.’

  ‘I’m not a Sutton yet. You’ve slept on the idea, it’s not too late to change your mind.’

  Luke’s strong arms seize me. ‘Not a chance; you said yes! No going back.’ He kisses me while one hand pins my arms above my head. His lips move to my neck, making me laugh. What a joy: Mr Playful Sutton is with me this morning.

  ‘You need to keep this fob in your purse or bag. It activates the push button start.’

  ‘Why don’t they have a key?’ I sit in the driver’s seat of my beautiful new black Bentley.

  ‘Because they don’t.’ He looks at me, exasperated by my question. ‘Push the button, Kate.’ I do as instructed, and the car starts. ‘As you can see, here are the lights, indicator and windscreen wipers.’ He leans across me. ‘In the centre is your touchscreen satnav: the car will automatically pick up your Bluetooth so you can call your fiancé.’ I smile. ‘The car has an eight-channel and an eight-speaker sound system with a fifteen gig storage facility. You can use your iPhone, or discs; it’s your choice. This car has a V8 engine: it’s quick, so, watch your right foot.’ He looks at me, realising he’s lost me.

  My hands move to the sun visor. I pull it down and lift the flap. ‘Nice mirror.’

  Luke shakes his head. ‘Have you listened to anything I’ve said?’

  ‘Yeah… Push the start button, I can call my hot fiancé and play music… Of course, there’s a fab mirror and a cup holder… Looks like I’m good to go.’ I step out of the car and link my arms around his neck. ‘I love it; I’m just overwhelmed.’

  ‘A sexy car for my sexy fiancée.’ He delivers a cheeky kiss. ‘Time to leave – do you have everything you need?’

  ‘I’ll have to follow you.’

  ‘We’ll take your car. Thomas will pick up the Range Rover tomorrow.’

  ‘Oh… Never short of an order, are you?’

  The car runs smoothly. Most of the time, Luke is a businessman, but this is my favourite Luke, when he’s perfectly relaxed. Weirdly, watching him drive is a huge turn-on… Is there no hope for me?

  ‘I need to call Mum and Dad when I get home. I feel bad I haven’t told them or Harry. Did Mum and Dad expect you to ask me last night?’ I gaze across at him.

  He places a hand on my leg. ‘No. I never told your dad when I’d ask you, only that it would be soon.’

  ‘And your parents?’

  ‘My mum asked me at Harry’s wedding; she sensed there was something on my mind. To be honest, she was more surprised I hadn’t done it sooner.’

  ‘She has a point; you did take your time.’ I laugh. ‘Are you still happy with the idea of Venice? It’s just that I really don’t want a massive wedding like Harry’s.’

  ‘Simple… I love the idea. The only stipulation I have is the date – sooner rather than later. It seems pointless to wait.’

  ‘Me too, but I do want our closest people there if that’s not too much trouble. I’m guessing the hotel will be pretty pricey?’

  ‘The cost is irrelevant.’

  ‘Anyway, changing the subject, I’ve been thinking about my future, and making notes in my beautiful Christmas gift.’

  ‘Not content with your mother’s empire?’

  ‘Kate Harper’ and ‘empire’ in the same sentence – not funny!

  ‘No. I would rather you run it. But you know that! OK, so, I know what I want to do.’ I hold open my pink notepad.

  Luke’s eyes flit from the road to my writing. ‘Harper Jones?’ he says uncertainly. ‘Enlighten me.’

  ‘Mr Jones’s fashion collection; remember the sketches I told you about?’

  ‘In his store room.’

  ‘Yeah. On my last day at the tailor’s, he showed me his hidden books. I’ve told you how amazing they we
re. Anyway, I mentioned that if I had the money we could bring his drawings to life – Harper Jones. I was joking, but now we can: I have the money.’

  Luke remains poker-faced.

  ‘Is that something Mr Jones wants?’

  I shut my pink book. ‘Honestly, I’m not sure – I’d need to talk to him first. I spoke to him just before Christmas, and I think it would be fun. You know how talented he is. Not only that, but I also thought about asking others to join. I’ll need all the help I can get.’

  ‘Others?’

  ‘Maria.’

  ‘Kate, you’ve only worked with her for a day… That could be a risky choice.’

  ‘No. I think I could work well with her. I met her for lunch before Christmas – she hates her new job and loves a challenge. She would be perfect – and Valerie.’

  Luke looks at me. ‘Valerie!’

  ‘She’s an amazing stylist. Look, it’s an idea, that’s all. I’m going to invite Mr Jones over for dinner tomorrow – are you OK with that? Not the dinner, but my idea. I know it’s a long way from ever being a reality, but I need your support and advice.’

  Luke scratches his jaw. ‘Of course I’ll support you… But any new business is tough and it takes a lot of time and patience.’

  ‘I need something to get stuck into, something that’s mine… Nothing to do with you, or Russia.’

  He grins. ‘Me?’

  ‘I don’t need space from you – well, maybe I do.’ I chew the inside of my lip.

  ‘Space… How much space are you talking about?’ He squeezes my fingers.

  ‘You’re missing the point. I don’t need space as in being far away from you, but space to figure out what I want to do with my life. You have your empire. I want to do something too. To come home at night and talk about our lives. The only time we had that was my first – and last – day at Hudson Bay Interiors. I kind of want that back.’

  ‘Fair point. OK, Run with your vision, soon-to-be Mrs Sutton.’

  ‘Bloody hell, my stomach flips when you say that… I’m still in shock – as usual you knock me on my arse.’

  ‘You know I love your arse.’

  ‘We just got home. OK, Mum, that’s fine.’ I walk into Luke’s office, holding the phone away from my ear. ‘See you soon.’ Luke looks up from his desk.

  ‘Are we having visitors?’

  I move to join him.

  ‘She wants to come over and congratulate us in person. You must have heard her excitement. Why don’t you ask your mum and dad too… Two birds, one stone?’

  Luke turns his chair and grabs my hips, pulling me onto his lap. He strokes my hair as his lips meet mine, kissing me with purpose.

  He breaks free. ‘I’ll call them.’ He seems preoccupied.

  ‘What’s up, Sutton?’

  ‘It scares me that you read me too well, baby.’ His eyes gleam. He does love that I can see him, the real Luke Sutton.

  ‘Bet your arse I do.’

  ‘Back to reality now.’

  ‘Reality is crap! Thank you for Sandbanks – it was the best. Just us was perfect.’

  ‘For the first time in a very long time I haven’t thought about Sutton Global.’

  My eyes narrow. ‘You always think about work, it’s in you.’

  ‘I was in you for the past week.’ His smile gets me every time.

  ‘Oi.’ I tap his arm.

  ‘Kate, I’ve never had that.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘A reason to not think about work. It feels good.’

  ‘Oh.’ I wasn’t expecting that.

  ‘It’s made me realise that I need to balance you and work.’

  ‘Good. I was thinking the same. You need more free time to spend with me – maybe Sutton Global needs a shake-up… Drop Iceman Sutton and thaw a bit. Take cheeky days off – live a little.’

  ‘Iceman!’ He laughs.

  ‘Hot iceman.’

  ‘God, I love your mouth.’

  ‘Good, because I intend to do rude things with it later.’ I place my hands on his chest.

  ‘I’ll call my parents and finish up here.’

  I head to the door.

  ‘But you’re all mine once they’ve gone, Harper.’

  I laugh. ‘All part of my plan, Sutton.’ I think I’m starting to control his world!

  God, it feels good to be home. My back hits the bed; I lie there staring at my sparkly ring. Shit – I’m going to be Luke’s wife! I roll onto my stomach, grab my mobile and call Harry.

  She answers immediately.

  ‘Hello, is that Mrs Leclair?’ I chuckle.

  ‘Yes it is, how may I help my fab sister?’ Harry says.

  ‘Guess what? Your sister will soon be Mrs Kate Sutton!’

  I hold the phone away from my ear.

  ‘Holy fucking hell! Oh my God…’ The words are followed by screams and then silence.

  ‘Harry… Harry… Harriet Harper, are you crying?’

  ‘Yes.’

  My tears begin to flow too.

  ‘I miss you. I would rather have told you in person, but there was no way I was going to wait for you to get back from your honeymoon.’

  ‘Oh my God, no way. How did Mum and Dad take the news?’

  ‘Pleased – I hope. They’re coming over for a drink to celebrate.’

  ‘I’m so happy for you both. I know what Luke can be like, but, Christ, he adores you, and that’s good enough for me.’

  ‘I couldn’t be without him.’ Never.

  ‘Big kiss to you.’

  ‘Back at you, babe. How’s Raymond?’

  ‘Lovely, he’s working on a portrait… of me.’

  ‘Naked?’ I ask in jest.

  ‘No comment!’

  I can’t help but laugh. ‘Are you kidding me? Is he really painting a naked picture of you? Seriously, this is taking painting by numbers to a whole new level.’

  ‘Maybe.’ Harry laughs. ‘Don’t tell anyone.’

  ‘Don’t worry, I won’t… Harry, I can’t believe you. I take it you’re not going to put it above the fireplace in London?’

  ‘No way; I’ll leave it here in France.’

  ‘Safest place. I’d better go. I want to call the others and spread the news. I’ll see you next week. Love you.’

  ‘Love you too.’

  I shake my head at the thought of Raymond painting my sister – naked! A vision I need to eradicate from my mind – quickly.

  Kiki is relatively happy about the news, which surprises me, and of course practical Molly knew it was looming. The only person left to call is Barney.

  He answers instantly. ‘Is that my favourite Harper girl? Happy New Year, you gorgeous creature.’

  ‘It is, but I have to inform you, I’ll soon be your favourite Sutton girl.’

  ‘Well, fuck me gently, about fucking time. I tell you what, babe, if he didn’t get down on one knee soon, I was going to do it for him… Now there’s a thought – on my knees for the Sutton boy… Anyway, back to you and the best news I’ve heard all year.’

  ‘Barney – it’s New Year’s Day.’ I laugh.

  ‘Well, it’s not much of a challenge then, is it? I’m so happy for you – right, we’re out celebrating. You name the place.’

  ‘Soon! I have to go to New York in a couple of days: I’ve got a meeting with the Coopers – what a treat.’

  ‘Now lover boy has put a ring on your finger, you can tell her to shove it up her arse… Look who’s no good for him now, stupid bitch.’

  ‘I wish I could take you to the boardroom. Who am I kidding? I mention the word “boardroom” and I melt… I hate this, Barney, it’s just not me. I would sooner serve the bloody coffee.’

  ‘Well, tough fucking luck – you make sure you dress to kill. Kate, you�
��re not bloody stupid, so don’t let them make you feel that way.’

  ‘Thanks, Barney. So, what else have you been up to?’

  ‘Not a lot. Your mum has been feeding me. I went to a party last night.’

  ‘How’s my house?’

  ‘Still standing and rent-free.’

  ‘It’s yours, I promised you.’

  ‘I know, babe… but…’

  ‘No buts… I can afford it. Look, I have to go. So I’ll see you in about five days.’

  ‘OK, babe. Big congrats to you and lover boy.’

  Everyone congregates in the kitchen to congratulate us. Mum and Livy cry, and so does Rosie. Dad looks lost; he should be used to it, though, having walked one daughter down the aisle only a few days ago. He’s quiet for other reasons; I know him too well.

  Mum and Livy are intent on wedding talk: where, time of year and theme. I look across to Luke, feeling grateful that we’ve agreed on a simple affair.

  He moves towards us, placing an arm over Livy’s shoulder. She looks up at him with warmth. ‘Oh darling, Susan and I were talking about the wedding.’

  ‘We’ve already decided what we’d like. I have to say I think my fiancée has made the best decision, as she always does.’

  Mum looks at me.

  I take a sip of champagne. ‘We want a simple day.’

  ‘Venice.’ Luke pulls me into his arms. God, he feels safe and – mine. This has to be my favourite place in the world.

  ‘Venice!’ Livy looks at Mum.

  ‘Simple and romantic,’ I respond quickly. ‘Neither of us want a big wedding like Harry. Honestly, we could go to Gretna Green for all I care!’

  Luke holds my towel as I step out of the bath. I can’t help yawning.

  ‘You look exhausted.’ He kisses the top of my head.

  ‘You’re upsetting my mojo, Mr Sutton. As ever, you drain me… kiss me.’

  Luke gently places his mouth over mine. It’s soft and tender, yet he never loses the power to command my body. His arms loosen, allowing my towel to fall. We stand together, naked. Luke stops kissing me and scoops me up in his arms and carries me to our room, placing me in the middle of the bed.