by Jenna Brandt
“Mom, we don’t have to talk about my chubby days,” Ethan admonished, his own cheeks turning red from embarrassment.
“Oh, I love hearing about you as a child. It sounds like you were the cutest little guy ever,” Nicole said with a twinkle in her eyes.
Ethan wasn’t sure if Nicole was being serious or if she was teasing him, and not knowing made him feel off-kilter. He was usually good at figuring out a woman’s motives for saying or doing something. He, however, hadn’t been able to quite figure out what made Nicole behave the way she did. She was like a mystery he wanted to solve, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t figure out the clues to solve the case.
The group made their way into the formal dining room where everyone took seats around the large, antique wooden table. Two servants emerged, carrying plates of food. They made their way around the table, placing the sandwiches, and tortellini and arugula salad on each plate. A third servant went around and poured everyone drinks.
“So, how did you two meet?” Ethan’s mother asked before taking a drink of her tea.
“I would have thought Dad would have told you,” Ethan stated, his head tilting to the side as he wondered whether she really didn’t know or if it was a test.
“He gave me the broad strokes, but I figured you both could fill me in on the details. Those are the best parts after all.”
“It’s actually a funny story,” Nicole piped in. “I’m raising money to save the lighthouse on Angel Island, so I was going door to door, asking if anyone would be willing to help the cause. Ethan mistook me for a housekeeper and let me through the gate. Boy was he disappointed when he found out I wasn’t there to clean up after him,” she said with a chuckle. “I left him with a flyer, hoping he might change his mind about helping. Later, he called me up and asked me to meet for coffee.”
“How romantic,” Gavin stated sarcastically. “He mistook you for the help. Sounds about right where my brother is concerned. He’s always had a thing for the working class.”
“That’s right, I am from the working class. My grandfather was the Angel Island Light Keeper for all of his adult life, my father was a fisherman after the lighthouse got shut down, and I’m a teacher’s aide at the local elementary school. I’m proud of where I come from,” Nicole declared, pushing her shoulders back and raising her chin in defiance.
Every time Ethan didn’t think he could respect Nicole more, she did something to prove him wrong. The way she just stood up to his brother made him realize he picked the right woman to marry, even if it was only temporary.
“You should be proud, young lady. It sounds like your parents did an excellent job of raising you. Though it may not show at the moment, I tried to instill the same values in my own children,” Ethan’s father stated, giving withering stares to both his sons.
The rest of the meal passed with pleasant conversation. By the end, Ethan was certain Nicole had won over his parents’ approval; that was until his father gave him a look that made him fill with dread.
“Ethan, we need to talk privately. Come with me into the study,” his father said, standing up from the table.
Knowing he didn’t have a choice, Ethan did the same. He followed his father down the hall and entered the study, taking a seat across from his father.
“What’s going on, Dad?”
“We need to talk about Nicole.”
“What? You don’t approve? I gave you her information before we came, so I know she must have passed your initial probing or you wouldn’t have had me bring her here.”
“That’s true. I had my private investigator look into her background. Not only was she telling the truth about her family, he also didn’t turn up anything questionable about her past. She meets the standards I laid out for you.”
“What’s the problem then?”
“She’s not the problem, you are. I watched you with her tonight. I’ve seen you when you have feelings for a girl, and though you’re trying to put on a good show, you’re not romantically interested in Nicole.”
Ethan didn’t like his father trying to tell him how he felt. Even though it was early and Ethan wasn’t sure how he felt about Nicole, to say he didn’t feel anything romantic was wrong. He was attracted to her. Given time, it could turn into something more, considering they would be spending a lot of time together over the next six months. He hadn’t planned on it, but he wasn’t opposed to the idea if it should happen.
“You shouldn’t make assumptions about my relationship with Nicole. Despite what you think, you don’t know everything, Dad.”
“I know you, and I know when you’re faking something.”
“Well, you can think what you want, but it’s not going to change my mind. She’s the woman I’m going to marry. Besides, do you think some random daughter of one of your friends would be a better romantic candidate than a woman I picked?”
“I suppose that’s true. There’s a better chance of this working if you pick the woman. I just want to find a way to make you better, but I don’t want to sacrifice your happiness to do it.”
A few days ago, Ethan would have thought this forced marriage would never allow him to be happy. After spending some time with Nicole, however, he realized it wouldn’t to be the worst thing in the world. He enjoyed spending time with her far more than he did Tinley. He also felt better about himself and his life when he was around her than he ever did around his ex.
“I’m realizing that what I thought was happiness a few weeks ago wasn’t really that. It was more in line with what you feel when you’re addicted to something. I don’t want that anymore.”
“I’m glad to hear that, Ethan, and if Nicole has helped you to see that in any way, then I approve of your marriage.” His father opened his desk drawer and pulled out a black velvet ring box. He handed it over to Ethan who opened it.
“This is Grandmother’s ring,” Ethan stated with surprise as he stared down at the giant solitaire diamond surrounded by emeralds. “I can’t believe you’re giving me this for Nicole, considering we’ve only known each other a few weeks.”
“If I’ve learned one thing in life, time is relative, my son. Sometimes, a few minutes can feel like a lifetime, and other times, hours can feel like minutes. I knew the moment I met your mother she was the one for me, and we met on a crowded subway when I was going through my rebellious phase as a teen. She helped me shape up really quickly, and I hope Nicole can do the same thing for you.”
“Thank you for this,” Ethan said, snapping the ring box shut. “She seems like the type of woman who will appreciate a vintage ring.”
They exited the study and made their way back into the formal living room where the rest of the family was waiting along with Nicole.
Ethan made his way over to her side and placed his arm around her shoulders.
“I hope everything went well,” Nicole whispered with a hint of concern in her voice.
“It went better than I expected,” he whispered back, then dropping his arm, he turned to face her, adding, “In fact, it went so well, I don’t want to wait to do this.”
He pulled the ring box from his pants pocket, got down on one knee, and opened it to reveal the ring inside. “Will you marry me, Nicole Hutton?”
Nodding her head, she said, “Yes,” then put out her hand to him so he could slip the ring on her finger.
He stood up and pulled her into an embrace. Looking down into her eyes, he debated whether he should kiss her, but realized if he didn’t, it would look odd to his family.
His mouth came down and gently pressed against hers. The kiss was brief, but from the moment their lips touched, a shot of electricity moved through him like a bolt of lightning. If he hadn’t been sure before, he was certain now there was something between him and his future wife. A part of him hoped they got a chance to explore it together.
Nicole glanced down at the engagement ring on her left hand and imagined the wedding band that was going to join it in just a few hours. After discus
sing it, Ethan convinced her there was no point in waiting to get married. They signed the pre-nup, along with the private agreement between them, and let her soon-to-be mother-in-law get to planning.
She was only too eager to help Nicole plan the wedding as only a billionaire’s wife could do. She pulled together an amazing production in less than twenty-four hours without leaking a single piece to the public.
It helped that they were using the garden in the back of the Winthrop estate. The place was already immaculately landscaped with gorgeous flowers, tall shade trees, and a large wooden gazebo. In addition, Vicky had called in her personal florist. He had sprays delivered that would be put on either side of the gazebo, along with a bouquet for Nicole, boutonnieres for the men, and a corsage for herself. She also had her personal stylist bring a selection of wedding dresses from which Nicole could pick. Though all of the dresses were much more modern and formal than Nicole would have preferred, she appreciated the thoughtful gesture. She settled on a form-fitting white, floor-length gown and a pair of matching white pumps.
Ethan’s mother’s makeup artist and hairstylist came. They glammed them both up, just in time for the wedding photographer to take pictures of the couple and the family together.
Ethan’s parents called in a favor and had their friend, who was a local judge, come over to preside over the ceremony, putting the final piece of the wedding in place.
Classical music played over the speakers in the backyard, cueing Nicole to make her way down the aisle. Ethan was standing at the end, smiling in his black tuxedo. His father and brother were standing next to him, and Vicky was on the other side in a navy-blue knee-length cocktail dress.
She reached Ethan’s side and let him take her hands in his. He leaned forward and whispered, “You look beautiful in the dress you picked. I meant to tell you that earlier, but we were so busy taking photos, I didn’t have a chance.”
Warmth spread through her at the compliment and she said in return, “You look pretty handsome in that tux yourself.”
They turned to face the judge, allowing him to start. “Ethan and Nicole, today you come together as individuals, but you will leave here as husband and wife. First, let us start with the vows. Please repeat after me: I, Ethan, take you Nicole, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, from this day forward until death parts us.”
Ethan repeated the vows, followed by Nicole’s recitation. Though everything was being done the way it should, it felt clinical, like they were checking off a list. Nicole knew it was what she agreed to, but it still left her wanting more from it. She pushed the unwelcome disappointment from her mind, focusing on the next part of the ceremony.
“Now, it is time for the exchanging of rings. Ethan, as you place this ring on the finger of Nicole, please repeat after me: With this ring, I thee wed.”
Ethan did as he was directed, and then Nicole did the same after him.
“By the authority vested in me by the State of Massachusetts, I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the judge stated, closing the book in his hands.
Ethan leaned over and placed a kiss on Nicole’s lips, sealing their marriage. The kiss brought the same attraction that it did the night before, and for a moment, she was able to focus on how good it felt rather than everything else around her. Their mouths parted, causing Nicole to realize she didn’t want it to end, but the deed was done.
As they hugged Ethan’s parents goodbye and explained their plans to travel back to the island, Nicole tried to push away the sadness that was forming in her heart. She didn’t want to feel regret over her decision to marry Ethan the way she had.
By the time they boarded the jet though, it was too late. The melancholy had taken hold, leaving Nicole in a sullen mood.
As they took seats in the movie theater, Ethan inquired, “What’s wrong? I’ve noticed you’ve steadily gotten quieter and more distant since the wedding ceremony concluded.”
“It’s nothing,” Nicole stated, not sure if she wanted to share what was wrong with her.
“You can tell me, you know. I don’t expect you to fake anything when it’s just the two of us.”
Nicole pressed her lips together and debated whether to tell him why she was upset. Would he understand? He had both his parents at their wedding, so could he get why she felt so alone? If she was going to make this marriage work, she needed to be honest with her husband.
“I just wish my parents could’ve been here, or at the very least, I could have been married at the lighthouse like they were, and my grandparents were before them.”
“Why didn’t you tell me about that before?” Ethan said with shock. “If you had told me, maybe we could have worked it out somehow.”
“Everything happened so fast, plus we needed to keep it quiet so your family could release the news at the right time. There was no way we would have been able to keep it a secret if we did it there.”
Ethan wrapped his arm around Nicole’s shoulders. “Look, I’m sorry that you didn’t get your dream wedding. I know this isn’t what you imagined for yourself, but I promise, I’m going to be a good husband to you.”
“Thank you,” Nicole whispered, “I can tell you really mean it.”
“So, we finished Splash coming here. What’s next on the John Candy movie list?”
“Spaceballs. It’s a Mel Brooks’ classic, and might be one of the funniest movies ever made.”
“Well, now we have to watch it. After the long weekend, we both could use a good laugh.”
“Agreed,” Nicole said, settling back into Ethan’s arms, ready to let the laughter cascade over her for the rest of the flight.
Chapter 5
The final box was in the house, and Ethan joined Nicole on the couch.
“I had no idea you would be bringing so much stuff,” Ethan said with a grin. “You sure made me work hard today. I won’t need to go downstairs to the gym for a week.”
“I didn’t bring everything,” Nicole defended. “Just my clothes and necessities.”
“What do you plan to do with your house while you’re living here?”
“I’ll probably just let it sit locked up. If I try to rent it out, it’ll just raise too many questions. We’re still waiting on the word from your family to go public with our marriage.”
“Thanks for being patient about that. My dad just wants to get everything in place. He’s worried if we don’t announce it the right way, it might make things worse.”
“Hey, this isn’t my circus, so you do whatever you need to do. As long as I get the money to save the lighthouse by the end of the month, you’re not going to hear me complain.”
“So, what type of take-out do you like,” Ethan stated, standing up and heading over to the kitchen counter. He opened the drawer and pulled out a stack of menus.
Nicole joined him and shook her head. “How can you order take-out in a kitchen like this? It’s made for cooking. How about I make something for us?”
“I would say that would be great, but I don’t have a lick of food in the house.”
“You can’t be serious,” Nicole stated, heading over to the fridge. She opened it up and let out a small gasp. “You weren’t kidding.”
Ethan came up behind her and placed his hand on her shoulder. “I couldn’t risk going to the grocery store, have someone recognizing me, and the place doesn’t deliver.”
Nicole’s face scrunched up for a moment before she shook her head. “Nope, I’m not buying it. The delivery guys could have recognized you too, but it didn’t stop you from ordering in. I think you don’t know how to cook.”
“That’s a lofty accusation,” Ethan defended. “You don’t know my past well enough to assume that.”
“Look, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Most men don’t know how to cook, and considering your upbringing, it’s not surprising you’re one of them. What billionaire’s son has to cook f
or himself?”
Ethan pressed his lips together and crossed his arms. “I don’t want to get into this, but your assumption is wrong. Let’s just leave it at that.”
“Oh, no you don’t,” she said, reaching out and stopping him from leaving. “If I’m wrong, tell me why.”
“My mom mentioned I was a pudgy kid. That’s true. I’ve always loved to eat, so, sometimes I would sneak into the kitchen and help the chef cook. I got good enough he would sometimes let me make the meal, but then my parents found out, and got mad. Told me I couldn’t go into the kitchen anymore because I was getting in the way. I think it was more because of my weight. My parents didn’t want me around food all the time.”
“That’s awful,” Nicole stated with a frown. “They shouldn’t have made you feel bad about food like that.”
“It’s not their fault. They were trying to help me. I’ve always battled with liking food too much. On top of it, I’m a stress-eater, so I turn to food when I get upset or feel pressure.”
“I had no idea,” Nicole sympathized, squeezing his arm. “I’ve been around you almost non-stop the past few days, and I never would have guessed it.”
“I’ve worked on controlling the cravings. Most of the time I have it under control, though it never goes away completely. For a time, I wanted to open a couple of restaurants with some of the money from my trust fund. My parents didn’t think it was a good idea for me to be around food like that.”
“If you are passionate about it, and you can manage the cravings, I don’t see what the problem is.”
“I agree, but it was easier to just let it go rather than fight about it.”
“I don’t think you should’ve given up that easily on your dream. You should push for what you want.”
“Like you do with the lighthouse?” Ethan probed. “Why is that place so important to you? I mean, I get your parents and grandparents were married there, but is there more to the story?”